The market for hair salon products has grown by just under 6% to £191 million since the last report was published in 2006. In 2006, the market was benefiting from a trend towards self-indulgence and whilst this trend has held strong, rising fears of a recession are making people a bit more price savvy and this is pushing them to seek out cheaper alternatives. Cheaper salon haircare brands in the mainstream shops are proving strong competition for the salon exclusive products. However the spa concept is beginning to influence the hair salons market as more hairdresser salons offer spa treatments. This is influencing new product development as well as product application. The hairdressing industry is characterised by a high number of independent salons and this continues to hamper market performance owing to limitations of retail space and young staff that lack commercial awareness and experience.

Key themes of the report:

The influence of spa on the hair salons channel

The limitations of independent salons and how it affects sales of hair salon products

Issues in the hair salon industry that impact on the ability of salon staff to sell products

Competition from salon brands in the mass market, and rediscovering the unique selling point (USP) of salon brands