Summary

The global hair care market proved resilient despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, with consumer focus on personal hygiene driving 20% growth in 2020 to $80 billion. Demand for hair care products was influenced by new trends, with significant spikes in home hair color sales during closed periods; a +32.6% jump was observed for a few months in 2020.

The French market, meanwhile, faced stagnation, but witnessed +9% year-on-year growth in hair color sales in 2020. Natural and organic products have gained considerably in popularity, with sales in this segment recording significant growth and almost 58% of French women buying organic cosmetics or hygiene products, up from 33%. Large multinational groups dominate the market, and traditional supermarkets remain the preferred distribution channel, with over 50% of French consumers opting to buy from hypermarkets and supermarkets. Online sales, on the other hand, have not gained in importance, even though e-commerce is considered essential for product accessibility. Price sensitivity remains a concern, particularly for organic products, with 63% of French women indicating that it is an obstacle to purchase.

Exports of French hair care products rose by +13%, with Germany remaining France's main trading partner. The number of employees and companies in the hair care sector has evolved, with a 6.1% increase in the number of companies, despite a 5.9% decrease in the number of employees. The sector's regulatory environment is rigorously defined from manufacturing to distribution, guaranteeing product safety and conformity.

Market trends

The French hair care market is a mature, evolving landscape characterized by fluctuating consumer preferences and the resulting changes in demand patterns. In recent years, the industry has seen a significant movement towards organic and natural hair care products, driven by changes in consumer habits and heightened consumer awareness. As men have changed their hair care habits, the traditional structure of demand has diverged, leading to a broader range of products for men. Key figures indicating these trends suggest a steady increase in sales in segments such as natural and organic offerings, with a particularly sharp peak during periods of containment during the Covid-19 pandemic. Sales of hair coloring products, for example, soared by over 30% during the months of containment alone, during the temporary closure of professional hair salons.

Interestingly, while women predominantly use a varied range of shampoos suited to different hair types (over 50% use the main shampoo types), men use less varied products, often favoring shampoos for normal hair. Consumer research also highlights the growing popularity of organic products, with over half of all participants reporting having used organic hair products. This rise is in line with the general trend in the sector, where organic-labeled cosmetics and personal care products have seen spectacular sales growth, ranging from 100% to 150% in one year. Furthermore, general hair care consumption habits reveal four major concerns among the population: hair loss, hair thinning, dandruff and damaged hair. Addressing these concerns remains a key focus for companies, driving product innovation and differentiation.

Although the overall size of the market in the country appears to be contracting slightly, with sales down 2-3% year-on-year, some market sectors are showing resilience and even robust growth. This illustrates a market where specific consumer needs and niche segments are increasingly shaping demand. In terms of changing male preferences and demand for organic hair care products, the statistics point to a gradual but perceptible evolution. While traditional anti-dandruff solutions are losing popularity due to declining use, increasing sales of products for damaged hair and the need for strengthening reveal a shift in male grooming trends towards more specialized hair care solutions.

As a result, while the hair care market as a whole is struggling to maintain widespread growth, demand in niche segments - particularly around natural and organic products, hair care products and beauty products for men - is on the rise

In the sprawling landscape of the hair care market, a few colossal entities stand as pillars, shaping trends, innovations and consumer preferences on a global scale. These titans not only dominate the shelves and online spaces, but also drive the industry forward with their extensive product ranges and strong brand recognition.

  • L'Oréal, Garnier and Head & Shoulders: The behemoths of beauty and personal care** At the pinnacle of the industry is L'Oréal, a name synonymous with beauty and personal care. The influence of L'Oréal, with its extensive portfolio of hair care products, is further amplified by its sub-brands, such as the hugely popular Elsève, which has carved out a significant market share in the shampoo and hair care segment. Following closely in L'Oréal's footsteps, Garnier's Ultra Doux secures its reputation with a series of nourishing products that address different hair types and concerns. Whether it's the infusion of monoi oil for luxurious hydration or its organic offerings, Garnier remains at the forefront of consumers' minds. Head & Shoulders, primarily known for its action on dandruff and scalp health issues, has moved beyond its medicinal roots to integrate a broader range of hair care solutions. Their commitment to effectiveness and affordability continues to position them favorably with the most demanding customers.
  • Procter & Gamble and Unilever: The guardians of everyday hair care** Procter & Gamble, which offers a whole range of consumer goods, plays an important role in the hair care market thanks to its influential Head & Shoulders brand. This iconic brand offers not only therapeutic solutions for common scalp problems, but also a range of hair care products that meet everyday needs. Unilever enters the sector with a diverse set of brands under its umbrella, including well-known names such as Dove and TRESemmé, catering to different market segments from affordable to high-end, sharing space with the likes of L'Oréal and P&G.
  • Johnson & Johnson: the family-focused innovator** Johnson & Johnson is perhaps best known for its gentle care products suitable for younger consumers, but it also offers a variety of hair care solutions aimed at the whole family. Its commitment to safety and trust continues to resonate in multi-generational households.
  • Henkel: the unsung power** Henkel may not be as well known in the consumer sector, but it occupies a strong position in the hair care industry thanks to its professional products and hair care products
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  • Number of pages : 30 pages
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  • Last update : 22/02/2024
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Summary and extracts

1 Market overview

1.1 Introducing and defining the hair care market

Hair care covers all products designed to soothe, cleanse and care for the scalp and hair.

Examples include shampoos, conditioners, masks and oils, gels, lacquers, mousse and colorants. More broadly, it is part of the hair care market , which includes hair accessories (styling, blow-drying, dyes, etc.).

The hair care market is dominated by leading multinationals, leaving little room for new entrants. So, despite the general trend towards stagnation, certain market segments are standing out. Indeed, changing consumer habits among men and an ever-increasing demand for organic and natural products are driving manufacturers to diversify their offering. In addition, 2022 will see the rise of solid hair care products, which are gradually finding their way onto the shelves.

For the hair care giants, the challenge remains to adapt to the changing tastes and habits of consumers, who are increasingly looking for natural, effective products for specific needs.

1.2 Key figures for a booming global market

Size of the global hair care market World, ****-****, $ billions Trefis

According to Grand View Research, the global hair care market was estimated to be worth $**.* billion in ****. The market has been growing steadily for several years and is expected to continue doing so, with an annual growth rate of *.*% to ...

1.3 Key figures for a shrinking French market

The personal care and beauty products market is struggling to reinvent itself, and has been stagnating for some years. After a period of growth between **** and ****, when the market grew by +*.*% in * years, it lost -*.*% of its value over the period ****-**** before experiencing slight growth in ****. [***] Since then, the ...

1.4 Foreign trade

Foreign trade in hair care products France, ****-****, millions of dollars Source: ****

Between **** and ****, exports of hair care products were rather stagnant, rising from $***.* million to $*** million, while imports increased at a steady pace.

In ****, however, exports began a period of increase, with +**% in just one year, in line with the ...

2 Demand analysis

2.1 French consumer habits

Over the last few years, cosmetics consumption habits have been evolving, changing the dynamics of the market. Indeed, the importance of make-up is declining in favor of a more sober beauty routine. The trend today is to go natural, or at least to look natural. By ****, hair care will account for ...

2.2 Increasing demand for hair care products

Hair care products are among the most popular in the hygiene and beauty sector. In ****, Elsève's Hyaluron Repulp range topped the list of best launches. The brand achieved sales of *.* million euros in hyper and supermarkets in ****. Despite the arrival of make-up products in the rankings, hair care products continue ...

2.3 Natural and organic products are becoming increasingly popular

More and more consumers are turning to natural and organic products to care for their hair. In ****, there will be *.* million more buyers of organic beauty care products than in ****, and more and more French people are interested in this segment.

Growing demand for natural products France, ****, in Source: LSA-conso *survey ...

3 Market structure

3.1 A market dominated by major groups

The market is largely dominated by large multinational groups such as L'Oréal, Garnier and Head & Shoulders.

The infographic below shows the market shares of the main shampoo and hair care brands in France in ****, as well as their evolution compared to ****.

It can be seen that the market shares of ...

3.2 Traditional supermarkets are still France's preferred distribution channel

Distribution is still clearly dominated by hypermarkets

Where to buy hair and body care products France, ****, % of total Source: ****

This chart shows the major distribution channels for hair care product purchases in France in ****.

More thanone French surveyedout of two make their purchases in large and medium-sized retailers, i.e. hypermarkets ...

3.3 Employees and companies

The hair care segment is included in NAF code **.**Z: Manufacture of perfumes and toiletries, which includes the manufacture of :

perfumes and toilet waters ; beauty and make-up products ; sun protection and tanning preparations; manicure and pedicure preparations; shampoos, hairsprays, preparations for waving or straightening hair; toothpastes and oral hygiene products, including ...

4 Offer analysis

4.1 Offers and prices

The hair care market is characterized by the diversity of the brands present and the variety of products on offer. There are several product categories and sub-categories, as follows (***):

Shampoos: different functions (***). Conditioners: different functions (***), different fragrances. Gels: different operating times, different textures (***). Mousses: adapted to various hair types (***). Masks: different ...

4.2 Price-related issues in the hair care market

Price seems to be the main barrier to buying organic or natural hair shampoos

Determining barriers to the use of organic or natural cosmetics among French women France, ****, % Source: ****

Among the brakes that can affect the purchase of such products, one criterion clearly stands out: price, chosen by **% of respondents.

Among ...

4.3 Supply trends: solid and natural products

The main trend in the hair care market is towards natural products that respect the health of consumers and the environment. Many brands now offer shampoos, treatments and lotions based on natural products. Furthermore, to reduce their environmental impact, many companies are trying to reduce their plastic packaging, which is responsible ...

5 Regulations

5.1 Regulations governing products from manufacture to distribution

Pre-marketing regulations

These are detailed by :

The French National Agency for the Safety of Medicines and Health Products(***); Regulation (***) n°****/**** of the European Parliament and Council of November **, **** on cosmetic products since July **, ****; The French Public Health Code (***).

Before a cosmetic product can be marketed, it must be able to meet ...

5.2 International nomenclature

The Harmonized System is an international nomenclature for product classification. It enables participating countries to classify traded goods on a common basis for customs purposes. At international level,the Harmonized System (***) for the classification of goods is a six-digit code system. [***]

The Harmonized System was introduced in **** and has been adopted ...

6 Positioning the players

6.1 Segmentation

6.2 Study of company websites

Web traffic for the main hair care websites in France France, ****-**** Source: ****

Web traffic for the main generalist hair care websites in France France, ****-**** Source: ****

  • Henkel
  • Johnson & Johnson
  • Vichy
  • NAOS Bioderma
  • La Roche-Posay
  • Caudalie
  • Eau Thermale d'Avène (Pierre Fabre Groupe)
  • Nuoo (Haco)
  • Procter & Gamble
  • Provalliance (Holding)
  • L'Oréal Groupe
  • Eugène Perma
  • Unilever
  • Kérastase (L'Oreal)
  • Garnier (L'Oréal)
  • Leonor Greyl
  • Timoteí (marque Unilever)
  • Head & Shoulders (Procter & Gamble)
  • Dop (L'Oréal)
  • Schwarzkopf (Henkel Groupe)
  • Cristophe Robin
  • Dessange International
  • Frank Provost (Provalliance groupe)
  • Vog Groupe -Tchip

List of charts

  • Size of the global hair care market
  • Weekly use of hair care products
  • Sales of the main capillary segments and year-on-year trends
  • Trends in hair color sales
  • Cosmetics sales by category
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Latest news

Henkel reports 4.2% growth for sales of 21.5 billion euros - 05/03/2024
  • Group sales in Düsseldorf to 2023: €21.5 billion
  • - Group organic growth rate for 2023: 4.2
  • - Consumer business sales in 2023: 10.5 billion euros
  • - Adhesive division sales 2023: 10.8 billion euros
Provalliance, leader in hairdressing, launches in India with Franck Provost - 19/02/2024
  • Provaliance, created in 2008 from the merger of the Franck Provost group with the continental European activities of the American Regis Corp,
  • The group is the world leader in hairdressing with its eighteen brands: Franck Provost, but also Jean Louis David, Saint Algue, Maniatis Paris...
  • The group has achieved sales of €500 million in 2023, and sales under its own name, including those of franchisees, are in the region of €1.5 billion.
  • Provalliance's goal is to open 200 salons in India over the next ten years.
  • Provalliance is present in some 30 countries, with 3,300 locations.
  • The group generates 70% of its sales in France.
  • The group was created in 2008 following the merger of the Franck Provost group and the continental European activities of the American Regis Corp.
  • In 2021, Provalliance was acquired by Belgian fund Core Equity.
  • In the United States, 60% of hairdressers have a status comparable to that of an auto-entrepreneur, while in France, this percentage is 15%-20%.
  • Provalliance owns a network of 250 Bleu Libellule boutiques, which generate 40% of the Group's sales.
  • Provalliance operates and develops NYX boutiques under the L'Oréal brand in France
L'Oréal becomes number one in luxury cosmetics and dethrones Estée Lauder - 11/02/2024
  • 2023: the strongest year of sales growth in 20 years
  • L'Oréal, the world leader in this sector, becomes number one in the prestige skincare, make-up and fragrance segment, sold in department stores and perfumeries. It dethrones the American Estée Lauder(Estée Lauder, Clinique, La Mer, Jo Malone, Frédéric Malle, Tom Ford...).
  • sales of L'Oréal Luxe (Lancôme, Yves Saint Laurent, Biotherm, Armani, Kiehl's, Helena Rubinstein...) rose by 4.5% in 2023 to 14.92 billion).
  • L'Oréal has outperformed the luxury goods market for 13 years
  • Total group sales 41.2 billion euros in 2023 (+ 11%).
  • World leader in fragrances and skincare products.
  • Comeback ofHelena Rubinstein, thebrand founded in the United States in the early 20th century and owned by L'Oréal since 1984
  • In 2023, Helena Rubinstein exceeded one billion euros in sales.
  • Sales have increased 10-fold in ten years.
  • L'Oréal Luxe controls 32% of the prestige products market.
  • Perfumes: 20% growth.
  • Success of "La Vie est Belle", Valentino and Prada licensed fragrances (Paradoxe), Yves Saint Laurent's Libre, second best-selling fragrance for women in Europe.
  • Good start for MYSLF
  • The division dedicated to consumer products (L'Oréal Paris, Garnier, Maybelline...) has overtaken L'Oréal Luxe again

Another record year for L'Oréal - 09/02/2024
  • -Cosmetics market growth in 2023: 8.5
  • - Increase in L'Oréal sales in 2023: 7.6% (published), 11% (comparable data)
  • - L'Oréal sales in 2023: 41.18 billion euros
  • - Number of L'Oréal "billionaire" brands in 2023: 12
  • - Growth of L'Oréal's consumer division in 2023: 8.2
  • - L'Oréal consumer division sales in 2023: Over 15 billion euros
  • - L'Oréal Paris sales in 2023: 7 billion euros
  • - L'Oréal dermatological division sales in 2023: 6.4 billion euros
  • - L'Oréal dermatological division growth in 2023: 25.5
  • - Sales growth for L'Oréal's luxury division in 2023: 2% (organic)
  • - L'Oréal luxury division sales in 2023: 14.9 billion euros
  • - L'Oréal growth in Europe in 2023: 14% (published), including 9.2% in the year-end period
  • - L'Oréal growth in the United States in 2023: 10%.
Superga beauty takes over a Eugène Perma factory - 10/01/2024
  • Superga Beauty acquires the Parchimy industrial site in Reims (Marne) to develop a care subcontracting business.
  • The Eugène Perma group, specialists in hair color and care, was sold on Thursday December 14th by the Paris Commercial Court to a consortium of three companies.
    • Italian company Alfaparf, which distributes hairdressing and beauty products in over 120 countries, is expanding into France, adding brands such as Carmen and Solaris to its portfolio.
    • Naturopera acquires the supermarket retail business with brands such as Pétrole Hahn, Eugène Color, Keranove, Nat&Nove Bio and Biorène.
    • Superga Beauty
  • Eugène Perma was in receivership
  • . The consortium maintains the jobs of 213 employees, i.e. 90% of the current workforce.
Eugène Perma takeover plan by Naturopera - 16/12/2023
  • Naturopera, Superga Beauty and Alfaparf Milano have taken over the Eugène Perma cosmetics group.
  • Of the group's 235 employees, 213 have been taken over.
  • The Eugène Perma group owns several brands: Pétrole Hahn, Eugène Color, Kéranove Naturanove, Loua, Nat&Nove Bio, Biorène and Laurence Dumont Institut.
  • Alfaparf Milano took over the professional hair care division dedicated to hair salons: Eugène Perma Professionnel, Olaplex and Amika.
  • Beauty took over Eugène Perma's industrial site in Reims, bringing the number of its plants in France to seven.
  • The Reims plant is due to be relaunched by Superga Beauty.
  • For the supermarket segment, Naturopera relies on a sales force of forty field representatives.

Companies quoted in this study

This study contains a complete overview of the companies in the market, with the latest figures and news for each company. :

Henkel
Johnson & Johnson
Vichy
NAOS Bioderma
La Roche-Posay
Caudalie
Eau Thermale d'Avène (Pierre Fabre Groupe)
Nuoo (Haco)
Procter & Gamble
Provalliance (Holding)
L'Oréal Groupe
Eugène Perma

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