The hair styling products market has experienced slow growth in recent years, and sales of hair spray, as well as other products such as gels and mousses, is projected to reach $14 billion in 2004. The market is influenced both by new product launches, as well as the shifting preferences of U.S. consumers.

Hair spray, which until 2000 was the leading segment in the market, has seen sales slide since that time. Older women show the greatest tendency to use hair spray, and their increasing numbers should help bolster sales in the near term. However, younger women, teens and men, who are becoming increasingly interested in their appearance, report a far greater usage of gel, mousse and similar products.

The hair styling products market has experienced slow growth in recent years, and sales of hair spray, as well as other products such as gels and mousses, is projected to reach $14 billion in 2004. The market is influenced both by new product launches, as well as the shifting preferences of U.S. consumers.

Hair spray, which until 2000 was the leading segment in the market, has seen sales slide since that time. Older women show the greatest tendency to use hair spray, and their increasing numbers should help bolster sales in the near term. However, younger women, teens and men, who are becoming increasingly interested in their appearance, report a far greater usage of gel, mousse and similar products.

In addition, almost no hairstyle is out of favor these days. That means a plethora of products designed to address a specific styling need. Styling products have been introduced for brunette hair, curly hair, frizzy hair, straight hair, and just about everything in between. Manufacturers also are paying increasing attention to ethnic consumers. Both major manufacturers and smaller players are targeting black consumers, and they are beginning to show increased interest in Hispanics, who comprise the fastest-growing ethnic group.

Using the latest consumer research, market size data and trend analysis, this report provides vital new insight into the current state of the industry and its prospects, covering market drivers, market segmentation, the supply structure, distribution, advertising and promotion and sales forecasts.

Mintel’s findings offer you a unique means of tailoring your marketing to real demand, both tactically and strategically, helping you to avoid market pitfalls, to discover sector opportunities and to achieve the best possible results.