Mintel last reported on the market for hairstyling aids in December 2001. Since then, the market has been increasingly fashion-led, with many of the leading brands bringing out new product formats with additional cosmeceutical claims, to help consumers achieve the latest trends in hairstyles.

Throughout this report, Mintel examines several themes, the most primary being the tie between new product development and new format acceptance, which has led to the decline of more 'traditional' formats such as hairsprays. In addition, the report discusses manufacturers' focus on the youngest consumers, potentially at the expense of the expanding older consumer market, men's growing interest in the category and the continued growth of designer haircare brands available through mass outlets. By investigating these themes, Mintel's report offers you new insight into:

Mintel last reported on the market for hairstyling aids in December 2001. Since then, the market has been increasingly fashion-led, with many of the leading brands bringing out new product formats with additional cosmeceutical claims, to help consumers achieve the latest trends in hairstyles.

Throughout this report, Mintel examines several themes, the most primary being the tie between new product development and new format acceptance, which has led to the decline of more 'traditional' formats such as hairsprays. In addition, the report discusses manufacturers' focus on the youngest consumers, potentially at the expense of the expanding older consumer market, men's growing interest in the category and the continued growth of designer haircare brands available through mass outlets. By investigating these themes, Mintel's report offers you new insight into:

How major brands such as L'Oreal Paris Studio Line, Wella ShockWaves and Alberto VO5 are able to continually update their ranges with new styling products influenced by fashion trends.

The extent to which the press is instrumental in informing consumers about new developments in the styling market

The ways in which styling products are buoyed by new product formats

The driving forces behind a 9% increase in sales of hairstyling products since 1998

The new products that have buoyed styling products to account for 67% of total value sales of hairstyling aids

Consumer perceptions towards hairspray as an outdated format

The extent to which the appeal of styling products is centred on the youth market

Gel as the most important sub-sector within styling products

The importance of men as an important demographic sub-group who have been responsible for growth within the wax and gel sectors.

Why just three major companies dominate the styling products market

Other key brands

The pros and cons of choosing promotions over advertising as the major marketing activity

Muliple grocers as the main retail outlet for hairstyling products yet still fail to unsurp Boots as the largest retailer Grocers maintain dominance

The appeal of Superdrug to younger consumers

Varying consumer bases for product use

Future trends - can the hairstyling needs of the growing group of older consumers be successfully addressed?

This report covers the UK market for styling products and hairsprays. For the purposes of this report, the broad term 'styling products' is used to define all products that are used to style, sculpt or fix the hair. These include mousses, gels, gel sprays, jelly, styling sprays, lotions, gums, glue, paste, mud, clay, waxes, creams, milks, styling water, glosses and hairsprays. Serum or anti-frizz products are excluded, as they are covered in Shampoos and Conditioners - UK, Market Intelligence, May 2003. Given the degree of overlap between product types, segments are classified according to method of delivery, such as mousse, gel, wax, cream and spray.

Following these definitions, this report provides new analysis of:

Market drivers/ Market size and trends/ Market segmentation/ The supply structure/ New product development/ Distribution/ Advertising and promotion/ The consumer - usage and frequency/ The consumer - hair types, usage habits and purchase preferences/ Future trends and sales forecast