The nail color and care market totaled $754 million in 2005 in current prices, declining 9% from sales in 2000 of $830 million, including estimates for Wal-Mart and prestige channels. All sectors covered in this report except for nail implements have suffered losses. Particularly hard hit were the nail polishes, treatments, and accessories segment, which fell some 13% between 2000 and 2005, and the polish remover segment, which lost more than 18% over the review period. Mintel predicts that as these trends continue, the market will either sustain a flat sales level or resume its decline through 2010.

Despite this, the market retains its core customers. Over four in five teenage girls use nail polish, compared to nearly two-thirds of adult women, making teens the main consumer in the market. As such, manufacturers market a range of colors and style that appeal to teenagers’ exploratory natures.

Additionally, the growing ethnic population in the U.S., and their increasing purchasing power, has fueled the expanding cosmetic sector. As such, a few nail color and care manufacturers cater to the specific nail color needs of Hispanics, blacks, and Asians, although not nearly to the degree that they cater to teens, and the general population.

Mintel’s analysis of the nail color and care market finds that attention to innovation, particularly convenience and products with multiple functions, such as beauty and health, and the continued patronage of teens will help decelerate losses, and the market may turn around if retailers expand their ethnic product lines.

This report includes six years of specific sales data, providing a factual and impartial presentation of the market as a whole. Mintel also evaluates the performance of individual sectors in the market, and provides information about the major companies and brands. Using the SPSS forecasting package, Mintel creates a five-year forecast of U.S. retail sales, revealing potential opportunities for growth and product development.

Mintel defines Nail Color and Care as follows:

Nail polishes, treatments, and accessories—enamel (polish, gloss), treatment and accessories (nail strengtheners, top coats, base coats, cuticle care)

Artificial nails—nail tip kits, press-on nails and acrylic nails, nail art

Nail implements—cuticle trimmers, nail clippers, emery boards

Nail polish removers—removers in all forms, bottles, and pre-moistened sponges or pads

This definition does not include any products or services purchased at professional salons/retail outlets.