South Africa Hair Care Market - Growth, Trends, COVID-19 Impact, and Forecasts (2022 - 2027)

The South African haircare market is projected to register a CAGR of 5.84% during the forecast period (2022-2027).

The COVID19 crisis has affected the haircare market, as there have been widespread retail and salon store closures in the first quarter of fiscal 2021 which had led to the weakening of sales among various beauty and personal care products in South Africa. ?The haircare market in South Africa registered a moderate increase in growth margin followed by this specific year, as the growth was driven by the DIY trend, due to the closures of shops, the consumers were preferring a lot of hair care products such as hair clippers, hair masks, scalp masks, hair bleach, etc.

Furthermore, the natural hair movement in the region has also contributed significantly to the hair care market growth. The trend of chemical-free products is the primary factor that drove this movement above. ?

Consumers in the country prefer more variety in their hair care products, going from braids to weaves, to chemical treatments, to other drastic style changes. Dry shampoos are expected to revolutionize the hair care industry in South Africa. Caniiy a local but well know brand in the country offers the hair care product for the treatement of itchey and irritated scalps.

Key Market Trends

Increasing Variants in Hair Care Products

Due to the lesser thickness of cuticle found in the South African region, there is a strong demand for products that address curl control (a predominant concern for the ethnic consumer), prevent hair breakage, and control frizz in South Africa. As a result, key players invest in product development in growing application areas, such as innovative hair styling and intensive conditioner products, to meet ethnic (black) consumers’ hair care requirements. Some popular product concepts include sulfate-free shampoos; co-wash products, also known as cleansing conditioners; replenishing masks, oils, and creams; scalp care balms; sprays for curl definition and shine; moisturizing gels; hair polish and freeze control serums; heat protectants; and curl friendly foams. In recent years, the hair care products market has transformed in South Africa due to several acquisitions and mergers, proving the growing importance of the ethnic consumer. Large multinationals, such as Revlon, L’Oréal, and Alberto-Culver, are increasing their stakes in this market by acquiring companies that cater to the unique hair care needs of African consumers.

Growing Preference for Organic Shampoos

There is increased awareness among consumers of the damage caused by the chemicals such as sulfates and parabens, which can often be used in hair care products. As a result, an increasing number of consumers are now looking for clean brands which use natural and organic ingredients. Moreover, shampoos that claim functional benefits, such as anti-pollution, hair growth, dandruff-free, and organically certified, are gaining popularity in the market, occupying the majority of shelf space in retail stores.

Also, it has been observed that many consumers are becoming aware of the harmful effects of chemical ingredients present in various shampoos. This change in the consumer’s preference is likely to lead to high demand for shampoos that are organic in nature. Recently, the Natural hair movement in South Africa has also created awareness among female consumers and has supported the sales of herbal hair care products, especially shampoos and conditioners, in the country.

Competitive Landscape

The South African hair care market is highly competitive, with the presence of numerous global as well as local players. The key players in the market are trying to gain a competitive advantage over other players with high product innovation. Also, the increasing investment in R&D activities by the local players for customized products enabled them to gain traction in the market. A few of those prominent players include L’Oreal SA, Unilever, Procter & Gamble, The Estee Lauder Companies, and Canviiy.

Additional Benefits:

The market estimate (ME) sheet in Excel format
3 months of analyst support