Meet Henrik Helm - Refinement over trends

Henrik Helm is one of Copenhagen’s most skilled and intuitive hairdressers and hair stylists — known for his ability to create looks that feel effortless, personal, and quietly confident. 

From his studio in the heart of Copenhagen, HELM by Henrik Helm, Henrik works with a deep respect for individuality. His approach to hair is not about trends or transformations for the sake of change, but about refinement — enhancing what’s already there, and creating hair that works with the person, not against them.

With more than 12 years of experience in the industry, Henrik combines strong technical craftsmanship with a highly observant, human-centered way of working. He listens closely, reads body language, notices style, habits, and energy — and translates all of that into hair that feels authentic and wearable in real life.

Henrik is also a Meishai retailer, a collaboration rooted in shared values: simplicity, performance, and care. Products are chosen with intention, and hair health is always a priority — never an afterthought.

Beyond his skill, Henrik is one of the most warm, generous, and deeply sympathetic person. Being in his chair feels calm, safe, and considered — and it shows in the confidence his clients walk out with.

These values resonate deeply with Meishai, which is why we sat down with Henrik to talk about his craft, his perspective, and the thoughts behind his work.

 

What does beauty mean to you?

Beauty, to me, is something as natural as the way you carry yourself. Remaining authentic to yourself, where beauty treatments are only meant to highlight your natural beauty traits – personality & attitude.

How did you end up becoming a hairdresser – and what was it about the profession that felt right for you?

Oh, that is a wonderful question! I have always had a love for hair and for the feeling that a good hair day gives you. At first, I thought I was going to work with children & adults as a pedagogue. But after having studied at the pedagogue college for about 8 months, I felt that I had not ended up on the right shelf.

I therefore contacted the Hairdressing School in Randers (at that time it was the best hairdressing school due to the high professional level of the teachers) to get a tour. But I only made it to the entrance and could immediately feel in my stomach that this was my shelf. The teacher who showed me around the school only made me fall even more in love with the school and the profession.

I got an apprenticeship in Viborg with Gitte (Latinersalonen), who took a chance on me, even though I was completely green in the field, and gave me space to develop & find the passion for hair that I have today. 12 years later, I now stand with my own salon in Inner Copenhagen.

What can I say… the profession is tough, but beautiful at the same time. Going to the hairdresser is not just about getting a haircut; it is an experience and time to treat yourself. I fell for the profession in the most beautiful moment, where I saw what beautiful hair can do to a customer’s confidence. Customers walk through the door with their shoulders slumped, looking like one big apology, but walk out the door with their head held high and glowing. That is the feeling I strive to give my customers every day, because the feeling I get afterwards is indescribable.

Winter can be hard on the hair. What is your best advice for maintaining healthy, strong and shiny hair during the cold months?

Oh… I have two pieces of advice.

1. Update your haircare: Winter hair and summer hair do not need the same. Think more moisture in winter and more strengthening and UV protection in summer.
2. Blow-dry your hair before you go out into cold temperatures: Hair does not benefit from being left to air-dry when it is cold outside, as it can cause more damage to the hair than heat from your blow dryer. I personally blow-dry my wet hair before leaving the house, and can only recommend Meishai Heat Protection. GENIUS for cold days!
   #Shiny #Protected #HelpsWithFrizz

Your work is very personal and tailored. How do you approach the process when creating a look that feels genuine and right for the person sitting in the chair?

See, this is one of the questions I often get from my own customers in the chair, and I always answer by asking the question: “What have I done differently compared to your previous hairdresser?” A simple question that gets a simple answer: I listen and I see them.

I use the time from when they enter the door, to when they hang their coat, to when they sit in the waiting area, to when they sit in my chair and I ask, “What would you like today?”, to see who comes in through the door, how they dress and how they style their hair. Every person is different in their own way. But broadly speaking, some people spend a lot of time on their appearance and others do not.

This requires me to create looks where you can have an “off-day” and simply brush your hair through and it still looks nice, but also looks where you spend anywhere from 20–60 minutes styling your hair to complete your look. So what I do to tailor my thought process for each individual customer is: I see & I listen to my customers.

What is your favorite product from Meishai – and why?

SEE, that one is difficult! I love the entire range and that is also the reason why I have chosen to have it on the shelves in my salon.

If we are talking haircare, I am a big fan of Meishai Treatment and wish it could be purchased in a bigger jar Hint Hint.
If we are talking styling, there is no doubt: Meishai Heat Protection! The feeling after a styling is indescribable, with both shine, softness & hold. Chef’s kiss!

 

What – or who – inspires you right now? It can be professional, creative, or something quiet in everyday life.

Copenhagen is a one-of-a-kind city, filled with unique people & their personal style (clothing, makeup & hair). That makes it very easy to get inspired as I move around the city.

If you could give your younger self one piece of advice about beauty, confidence, or craftsmanship – what would it be?

My advice to my younger self would be: FUCK what others think and say. The grass is greenest on your own lawn. You are perfect just the way you are… But ditch the Garnier BB Cream & the gutter fringe – you will thank me later.

Explore more about Henrik Helm at: helmbyhenrikhelm.com