The hair care market has suffered mixed fortunes over the last couple of years, with some categories flourishing, whereas others have stagnated or even fallen.

The hair styling and colourant markets have been through a particularly torrid time. Unlike many cosmetics categories, the problems began well before the current economic downturn, with the rot setting in before 2007, and sales slumping in subsequent years.

The problem is that both categories are perceived as luxuries that are crossed off a shopping list before a host of other products.

The hair care market has suffered mixed fortunes over the last couple of years, with some categories flourishing, whereas others have stagnated or even fallen.

The hair styling and colourant markets have been through a particularly torrid time. Unlike many cosmetics categories, the problems began well before the current economic downturn, with the rot setting in before 2007, and sales slumping in subsequent years.

The problem is that both categories are perceived as luxuries that are crossed off a shopping list before a host of other products.

The saving grace for colourants has been the recession. More than half of European women colour their hair, and many have economised on salon visits by turning to home colourants. As a result, sales started to pick up in 2009.

European FMCG reports - now new and improved!

In response to increased demand and client feedback, Mintel European FMCG reports now cover more market sectors on a Pan-European scale and are enhanced with even more consumer and market analysis. In 2010, we will publish more than 60 reports across five key FMCG categories, providing insight into the major European markets including the UK, Germany, France, Italy and Spain.

All you need to know about your market

Each title explores a specific sector on a Pan-European scale and helps you stay on top of market sizes, shares and forecasts, consumer trends, brand news and product innovation.

How we do it

Using Mintel’s Global New Products Database (GNPD), the reports look at new product development trends and launches in Europe including country, product and claim comparison. In addition, the new reports provide market size and share information,allowing cross-market analysis and forecasts. Consumer research has been enhanced with TGI Europe and Toluna data.