In 2022, in the United States alone, the global hair care products market was estimated at 91.6 billion dollars. It is expected that by 2030, the volume will increase to 147.49 billion dollars. These products are in demand as they help both women and men maintain hair cleanliness, protect against external damage, moisturise, and impart a healthy shine. This category includes not only shampoos, conditioners, masks, and balms but also various styling products. In this overview, we will discuss the hair care products industry and the methods and advantages of starting a business in the production of such cosmetics.
Understanding Hair Care Needs and Trends
The cosmetic products market offers a vast assortment of hair care products. This is because people have different types of scalp, requiring the right care. There are four types of hair: oily, dry, combination, and normal. Depending on the hair type, the frequency of hair washing and the need for additional care vary.
The hair care product market is growing rapidly due to expanded production and innovations in the field. For example, in May 2019, according to one company’s data, people increasingly paid attention to products that lacked aggressive chemical components and contained more plant-based ingredients. At the same time, there is a trend towards hair care products for coloured hair, both among young people and older individuals.
Preserving the natural beauty and strength of hair is possible by selecting the right care. Common problems resulting from improper care include dryness and hair damage. Once you determine your scalp type, you need to select appropriate products.
— Dry hair: For dry hair, moisturization and stabilisation of the hydrolipidic layer are crucial. Such hair types require moisturising shampoo based on plant extracts. If the product is of high quality, you will notice results after several uses—reduced scalp flakiness and increased volume at the roots.
— Oily hair: The focus here is not only to dry the hair but also to stabilise the production of sebum. Sebum-regulating care products are suitable for this scalp type, as they slow down root pollution with regular use. Moisturising products are not suitable for oily hair, as they stimulate sebum production.
— Normal hair: These hair types require a balance between moisturization and nourishment. Using only moisturising products will quickly lead to hair becoming greasy. Meanwhile, frequent use of nourishing products can dry out the strands.
Today, hair care cosmetics manufacturing is geared towards scientific development. Formulas and ingredients are selected to provide maximum assistance to specific hair types. Customers primarily look at the label to ensure the quality and safety of the composition. In addition to this, brands use various mechanisms to reach a larger audience, allowing them to create products with different beneficial elements. For example, there is the hair “skinification” method, a comprehensive approach to hair and scalp care involving the use of vitamins, antioxidants, minerals, and plant extracts. As you can see, there is a demand for innovative and, most importantly, effective hair care solutions, and brands actively capitalise on this to attract a new target audience.
Studying the Process of Hair Care Cosmetics Manufacturing
Hair care cosmetics manufacturing is impossible without three components: ingredient search, production technology, and quality control.
- Determine the purpose of your hair product. This can be the production of a single product or a set for comprehensive hair care, including shampoo, conditioner, mask, heat protectant spray, and similar items.
- Create prototypes and do not fear mistakes. This is the only way to achieve the desired outcome.
- Optimise your product’s formula through the use of the right ingredients. If you need assistance, do not hesitate to seek help from specialists.
- Choose appropriate production technology. Laboratories and contract manufacturers can also assist with this. The goal is to ultimately obtain the product your audience desires.
- Engage in product quality control to ensure users receive effective hair care products.
Creating high-quality hair care products is a complex process that requires adherence to all stages of the multifaceted process. In addition to this, a team of experts, including chemists and marketers, is involved in the creation, following the standards for manufacturing hair care products. To reach a larger audience, manufacturers prefer to produce not only shampoos but also other hair care products, including conditioners, masks, balms, hair growth oils, heat protectants, and even styling mousses.
Creating Effective Hair Care Cosmetics
When creating a formula in hair care cosmetics manufacturing, it is essential to consider the hair type to select appropriate ingredients. Each component in the formula plays a crucial role in the safety and health of the hair, as well as the regulation of sebum on the scalp. Equally important is the balance between functionality, safety, and sensory experience. Here are some of the ingredients used in creating effective hair cosmetics:
— Oils are necessary for moisturising, softening, and nourishing the hair. Oil-based ingredients such as argan oil, jojoba oil, and coconut oil combat dryness and hair breakage. Oils are added to shampoos, masks, and conditioners. Additionally, some manufacturers introduce a separate product in their hair care line, known as hair oil for the tips, which helps moisturise dry hair ends and give them a shine.
— Proteins play a role in strengthening the hair’s structure, helping to repair damaged strands and maintain their elasticity. Proteins are represented in the form of collagen and keratin and are also components of shampoos, conditioners, masks, and balms.
— Vitamins and antioxidants stimulate hair growth and reduce the occurrence of split ends. Vitamins in cosmetic products help protect the hair from the damaging effects of the environment, such as dry air or excessive humidity, direct sunlight. Vitamin E, C, and panthenol are often added to the formulations.
— Hyaluronic acid is used in almost every product due to its beneficial properties. This ingredient helps retain moisture in the tissues, providing hydration to the hair. When accumulated sufficiently in the hair, hyaluronic acid remains on the surface, creating a protective film that prevents excessive moisture loss from the hair.
— Plant extracts prevent hair loss and strengthen it. For instance, tea tree extract stimulates growth, while aloe vera restores and protects. Plant extracts, such as sage, chamomile, and ivy extract, also have soothing and antiseptic properties.
— Essential oils help prevent hair loss. These include rosemary oil, tea tree oil, lavender oil, and cedarwood oil. They also possess aromatic properties, giving the hair product a delicate scent. Some essential oils can be combined for a comprehensive approach to addressing specific hair concerns.
Packaging and Labelling Strategies for Cosmetic Products
To create a successful hair cosmetics brand, it is essential to follow specific rules. The beauty industry is saturated with various brands and products, and every manufacturer aims for their product to stand out and be in demand among customers. “Not just knowing your niche but achieving recognition within it” is what you should strive for.
Firstly, invest in designing a unique product. Consider the colours, fonts, materials, text, and elements that will be applied to the packaging. It is crucial for the branding to align with the goals of your product line and resonate with the target audience. For example, you can use more “masculine” colours and elements for men’s shampoos and lotions, while women often prefer pastel tones. The packaging should attract customers from store shelves and differentiate you from nearby competitors.
Remember that your brand should have a presence both offline and online. Create a website, social media pages, or collaborate with influencers and bloggers. Your product should appear on customers’ screens more often than your competitors. Share the advantages of choosing your hair care product line, emphasise the quality of each product, and attract a larger audience through promotions or new product launches. Given the abundance of digital content, strive to regularly publish high-quality media materials.
Conclusion
Starting a hair care cosmetics business is challenging but achievable. It is important to adhere to production rules and strategies or hire a qualified manufacturer. Consumer preferences are shifting towards organic and plant-based products, so incorporating extracts and plant oils into your formulations will become a brand feature and help attract more customers. The same applies to brand identity. Strive to use recognizable and appealing colours and elements in your product packaging to stand out among competitors.
