We're proud to introduce Malene Kjærulff Espersen - hairdresser, salon owner, and one of the inspiring women we're honoured to call a Meishai Ambassador.

Ask her what beauty means to her, and she doesn't hesitate: a feeling of ease from within. It's the same idea she brings to every chair in her salon. 

That instinct started early. Her grandmother ran her own hair salon on Strøget in Aarhus back in the 1950s, supporting her husband through university with what she earned there. Watching her, Malene learned that beauty, creativity and independence could live in the same hands.

Since 2025, she's run her own salon, Kjærulff-Espersen, in the heart of Aalborg. Her philosophy hasn't changed since her earliest years in the trade: less is more. She'd rather guide a client toward what suits them than push a single look.

We spoke to this inspiring woman about her story and how to keep your hair healthy through summer. Get tips and insight from an inspiring voice in the hair industry.

What is beauty to you?
Beauty to me is a feeling of ease from within. I think when we feel at ease in our mind and body, it reflects in our outer appearance.

What made you become a hairdresser - was it a moment or a feeling that drew you in that direction?
The women in my family have been a huge source of inspiration. Especially my grandmothers. They both had jobs during a period in our history when women typically stayed home, and especially my paternal grandmother - she ran a hair salon on Strøget in Aarhus and actually supported my grandfather and herself while he studied at university. Pretty impressive, I think, for the 1950s.

Beyond that, beauty, theatre, film and creativity have always come naturally to me, and with my grandmother in mind, it felt like a natural step to try my hand at a job in the creative world.

How do you work with hair today?
I want to respect the hair's natural character. That goes for both the cuts I do in the salon and the hair colour.

I've never been a "crazy colour" hairdresser - not even during my apprenticeship. "Less is more" is my approach, and it's something I still try to hold on to.

I also try to be a guide for my clients. How can I best give them guidance on maintaining their hair colour, or tips on how to style their new haircut in the best way.

How do you take care of your hair during the summer - both for yourself and your clients? Do you have any advice?
Oh yes, I feel like I have plenty of those. I often recommend that my clients adapt to the seasons.

In summer, I want them to think about their hair the same way they think about skincare. What does your skin need, or what do you do differently in summer? You should take care of your hair the same way.

Heat and UV protection is a must-have. And it can easily fit in your beach bag along with a good wet brush. And if you're up for it, bring an oil or serum too, then you're well covered.

What is your favourite product from Meishai - and why?
Yes, and speaking of serum, I LOVE Meishai's serum. It's in my beach bag (also for my daughter's hair). It's lovely and super handy to bring along on trips — the only downside is probably that I wish it were a little bigger!

In my everyday work at the salon, I love that I can use it, and also Meishai's Heat Protection, on the whole family. They're both versatile and incredibly easy to use.

What inspires you - both within and outside the hairdressing profession?
After a few years in the industry, I think I've actually gotten better at finding inspiration in nature, but also in the city - buildings, structures, colours and combinations.

My colleagues and I don't always approach things the same way, and I love that. That's where I find great inspiration, and it makes room for creativity.

I also follow a lot of talented international stylists on social media. There, I pick out some of their techniques and methods, which I try to bring into my own everyday work - and pass on to my colleagues, so we can see if we can use them, adapt them to us, and maybe make them our own.

What trends or shifts are you noticing right now in the way we see hair and beauty?
The trends I'm seeing in my salon at the moment are either "less is more" or "full throttle" - but natural, either way.

The big common thread I see, whether it's hair colour or cuts, is that people have really become willing to style their hair, both with products and with styling tools - and different tools too.

It's really cool that there isn't just one look you can or should go with. You can style it however you want, whenever you want, making your hairstyle more personal. Being able to personalise my clients' hair is such a great task. It creates a sense of uniqueness.

If you could give your younger self advice about hair, beauty, and skincare — what would it be?
"Less is more," haha. And find products for either hair or makeup with as clean an ingredient list as possible!! And the products that work for your friend might not work for you - because we're not all the same. Otherwise, just play around with it and see what works for you and what makes you feel most comfortable.

That's probably the most important advice I'd give my younger self.