Hair Care Products Industry Overview

Hair care products are a big business
By Shalleen Mayes Hair care products are a huge opportunity for retailers, generating 5-40% of revenue for salons. In a hair care products industry overview, you'll find hair care products fall into several categories, such as shampoos, conditioners, hairspray and gels. The ethnic hair care product category includes straighteners, relaxers and hair dressing products. Don't forget about the tools of the trade: hair dryers, flat irons, curling irons, hot rollers, combs and brushes.

There's a big distinction in public perception between high-quality salon hair care products and those on the supermarket shelves. On one end, there's Paul Mitchell and Nexxus, and on the other there's Salon Selectives, Aussie and Suave, differing in price and quality. Marketing and attractive packaging make all the difference in consumer perception.

When looking at the hair care industry, there are a few points to keep in mind:

1. Realize the hair care market is a huge industry mainly geared toward women, with the exception of hair loss products targeted to men.

2. Although there is limited oversight from the government, they do not regulate the hair care industry the same as foods and drugs.

3. Expect hair care products to continue to thrive with developments in technology and changing hairstyles.

Get hair product information from government as well as business councils

The Food and Drug Administration provides oversight of the cosmetic industry, including hair care products. Note that while personal care manufacturers do not need prior approval of their products from the FDA, special rules apply and they must follow the Federal Food, Drug & Cosmetic Act (FD & C Act) as well as the Fair Packaging and Labeling Act (FPLA). Other organizations also represent the industry and help to navigate these rules and laws that apply.
Try:  The Independent Cosmetics Manufacturers and Distributors offers support for hair product manufacturers and distributing channels. Personal Care Products Council represents hair care manufacturers and distributors. The Food and Drug Administration offers guidance to manufacturers in the area of cosmetics and personal products.

Rely on hair product manufacturers to fulfill a vital role

Hair product manufacturers, who can formulate, package and help market the hair care products are major players in the hair care industry. Hair care manufacturers are often located around the world, and can handle multiple functions for the hair care industry to simplify the development of new products. Many have in-house laboratories to perform necessary testing of products before they enter the consumer market.
Try:  Mansfield King can make hair care products according to the customer specifications, as well as the bottling. Mariposa Labs formulates, manufacturers and packages products for hair product companies.

Get supplies from wholesale hair care distributors

The hair product distributors are wholesalers that sell to the retail outlets or the salons who use the professional hair care products as well as sell to their customers. Some wholesale companies sell direct to consumers, such as Sally Beauty Supply.
Try:  Sally Beauty Supply is a leader in hair care products, offering wholesale pricing to salon professionals and discounts to consumers. Choice Beauty Supply is a leading supplier of African-American hair products including Epitomi, Vitali and Intrasilk, among others. Professional hair salons can stock up on necessities at Marlo Beauty Supply.

• Small salons sometimes mark down professional-quality hair care products to grocery store prices to make room for redesigned products from their best-selling lines.