PUBLISHER: Global Industry Analysts, Inc. | PRODUCT CODE: 1798900
PUBLISHER: Global Industry Analysts, Inc. | PRODUCT CODE: 1798900
Global Hair Relaxers Market to Reach US$824.2 Million by 2030
The global market for Hair Relaxers estimated at US$698.6 Million in the year 2024, is expected to reach US$824.2 Million by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 2.8% over the analysis period 2024-2030. Supermarkets / Hypermarkets, one of the segments analyzed in the report, is expected to record a 2.0% CAGR and reach US$333.9 Million by the end of the analysis period. Growth in the Convenience Stores segment is estimated at 3.7% CAGR over the analysis period.
The U.S. Market is Estimated at US$190.3 Million While China is Forecast to Grow at 5.2% CAGR
The Hair Relaxers market in the U.S. is estimated at US$190.3 Million in the year 2024. China, the world's second largest economy, is forecast to reach a projected market size of US$158.7 Million by the year 2030 trailing a CAGR of 5.2% over the analysis period 2024-2030. Among the other noteworthy geographic markets are Japan and Canada, each forecast to grow at a CAGR of 1.1% and 2.1% respectively over the analysis period. Within Europe, Germany is forecast to grow at approximately 1.5% CAGR.
Global Hair Relaxers Market - Key Trends & Drivers Summarized
Why Do Hair Relaxers Remain in Demand Despite Changing Beauty Trends?
Hair relaxers are chemical formulations used to straighten tightly coiled or curly hair textures by altering the protein structure of hair strands. These products remain widely used in several regions, especially among consumers with afro-textured or highly curled hair, who seek longer-lasting hair manageability. Relaxers are applied in salons and at home to reduce frizz, ease combing, and achieve a smoother appearance that can last for several weeks.
Although natural hair movements have influenced consumer habits in recent years, hair relaxers still serve a significant segment of the beauty market. The demand is particularly steady in professional salon services where customized, controlled applications are preferred. In many cases, relaxers are used as part of broader styling routines, which include trimming, blow-drying, and protective hairstyling. Their usage persists among consumers who prioritize low-maintenance straight hairstyles or wish to alternate between natural and chemically treated hair.
How Are Product Formulations and Application Methods Evolving?
Formulations have shifted away from traditional high-alkaline bases such as sodium hydroxide, toward milder alternatives including guanidine hydroxide and ammonium thioglycolate. These newer compounds are designed to reduce scalp irritation, breakage, and over-processing while maintaining effectiveness. Manufacturers are also incorporating conditioning agents, oils, and protein complexes to strengthen hair during and after the chemical process.
No-lye relaxers and sensitive scalp variants are increasingly common in both retail and professional formats. Kit-based products designed for home application now include pre-treatment, neutralizing, and post-relaxing components to support proper usage. Salons are emphasizing the importance of application timing, strand testing, and aftercare regimens to minimize long-term damage. These advancements are gradually improving consumer confidence in chemical straightening, especially among experienced users.
Where Is Usage Concentrated and What Segments Are Leading Sales?
Hair relaxers are most commonly used in Africa, North America, and parts of the Caribbean and Latin America. In sub-Saharan Africa, urban salons and informal beauty businesses maintain steady demand for relaxer services. In the United States and UK, demand continues among specific ethnic demographics with textured hair types, although market size has become more concentrated due to the rise in natural hair care products.
Retail sales are strongest in value-sized kits and multi-application packs targeted toward regular users. Professional-grade relaxers dominate in salons where stylists select strength levels based on hair texture and condition. Online sales are rising as consumers seek convenience and access to branded products, particularly in markets without local distribution. Demand for aftercare products such as deep conditioners, neutralizing shampoos, and strengthening treatments is growing in parallel with relaxer use.
What Is Driving Growth in the Hair Relaxers Market?
Growth in the hair relaxers market is driven by several factors related to product diversification, regional styling preferences, and professional service continuity. Advances in low-irritation chemical systems and conditioning-based formulations are supporting continued use among experienced users. Steady demand in salons, particularly in urban African and Afro-Caribbean markets, is driving repeat purchases of professional products. Growth is also supported by improved retail packaging, expansion of home-use kits, and sustained consumer preference for manageable straight hairstyles in specific demographic groups. As new product formats emerge and aftercare solutions expand, hair relaxers remain a relevant category in texture-specific hair care.
SCOPE OF STUDY:
The report analyzes the Hair Relaxers market in terms of units by the following Segments, and Geographic Regions/Countries:
Segments:
Distribution Channel (Supermarkets / Hypermarkets, Convenience Stores, Online Distribution Channel, Other Distribution Channels)
Geographic Regions/Countries:
World; United States; Canada; Japan; China; Europe (France; Germany; Italy; United Kingdom; Spain; Russia; and Rest of Europe); Asia-Pacific (Australia; India; South Korea; and Rest of Asia-Pacific); Latin America (Argentina; Brazil; Mexico; and Rest of Latin America); Middle East (Iran; Israel; Saudi Arabia; United Arab Emirates; and Rest of Middle East); and Africa.
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