The $1 billion dollar hair coloring market is currently in decline, down 7.3% from $1.1 billion in 2003, due to a combination of product over-saturation, stiff competition between a few manufacturers, and lack of notable innovation to attract consumers’ attention.

However, the men’s coloring segment of the market, the only one to see increases between 2002 and 2004, is benefiting from building interest among men towards personal care and youthful appearance. Of the three top major manufacturers, Combe, Inc. is the only one to see sales and share gains over the review period, indicating the potential power of the men’s market. Furthermore, the growing tendency for teens to experiment with hairstyles and appearance has potential to infuse sales into the market. The staggering sales increases of youth-oriented company Garnier indicates this potential.

The $1 billion dollar hair coloring market is currently in decline, down 7.3% from $1.1 billion in 2003, due to a combination of product over-saturation, stiff competition between a few manufacturers, and lack of notable innovation to attract consumers’ attention.

However, the men’s coloring segment of the market, the only one to see increases between 2002 and 2004, is benefiting from building interest among men towards personal care and youthful appearance. Of the three top major manufacturers, Combe, Inc. is the only one to see sales and share gains over the review period, indicating the potential power of the men’s market. Furthermore, the growing tendency for teens to experiment with hairstyles and appearance has potential to infuse sales into the market. The staggering sales increases of youth-oriented company Garnier indicates this potential.

In this report, Mintel analyzes the hypothesis that innovation and catering to burgeoning consumer groups interested in hair coloring will breathe some life into the market. A thorough analysis of the hair coloring market includes an evaluation of top concerns and priorities when choosing products, a breakdown of preferences by demographic characteristics, and statistics of purchasing location and frequency. A five-year market forecast estimates the future of hair coloring sales, with a statistical forecast of market performance and an outline of demographic and product trends.

This report includes all-over hair coloring and highlighting products for use at home. Included are permanent color products (those that do not wash out) as well as temporary rinses and semi-permanent color (both of which fade after a certain number of washings). Also included are hair bleaches and lighteners, which do not really color as much as remove color from the hair, and highlighting kits, which are used to accent overall hair color. Not included are tinted or glitter hair spray or “hair mascara” wands that are used to apply temporary color accents.