Estetica Export has asked some prominent distributors around the world for their market analysis and a first-hand comment on the state of the hair & beauty industry.
Part 2 of this ongoing feature involves a group of 6 entrepreneurs who have a long experience in distribution and in some cases are also manufacturers of professional hair product manufacturers.
Here is our topic of conversation:
What are the most significant new trends in our industry and is there any particular innovation which is specific to your region or country of business?
Waldemar Kotecki, founder of Fale Loki Koki, one of the most important Polish distributors of professional hair products:
“We offer professional solutions for the hairdressing industry including cosmetics, equipment and education. Because of the specific nature of our business, we do not anticipate any major upheaval in the market. However, we have noticed a growing significance being placed on safe and predictable business relations between suppliers, salon owners and distributors. It is possible that a new trend in the industry may emerge soon, as alternative models of cooperation between solution providers and salons, such as subscription-based services, equipment leasing, and an increased focus on online education”.
Haysam Eid, Manager Director at EIDEAL in Dubai (UAE), identifies a number of important trends:
“Sustainability: There is an increasing trend towards sustainable and eco-friendly beauty products, packaging, and practices. Many beauty brands are now offering eco-friendly packaging and ingredients that are kind to the environment and free of harmful chemicals.
Personalization: Personalized beauty products and services are becoming increasingly popular, with many brands offering customised skincare and hair care products tailored to individual needs and preferences.
Clean beauty: Consumers are becoming more conscious of the ingredients in their beauty products and are opting for clean and natural alternatives. This trend has led to an increase in clean beauty products that are free from harmful chemicals and synthetic fragrances.
Technology: Advancements in technology have led to the development of innovative beauty products and services, such as augmented reality makeup try-on tools and virtual consultations with beauty professionals.
Inclusivity: The beauty industry is becoming more inclusive, with brands offering a wider range of products to cater to diverse skin tones, hair textures, and gender identities.
Regarding any peculiar innovation specific to our region, it depends on the specific location. For instance, in the Middle East, Halal beauty products are becoming increasingly popular due to an adherence to Islamic laws. These are just an example of location-specific beauty trends and innovations”.
Tarek Samir, Founder and Chairman of First Cosmetics, from Cairo, Egypt adds:
“Natural and organic products: consumers are becoming increasingly aware of the harmful chemicals that can be found in traditional cosmetics and are seeking out natural and organic alternatives”.
Jeff Alford, CEO of CBON Group, a major distributor of hair & beauty products in Canada and the USA, reports one particular situation affecting North America:
“The huge growth of independent hairdressers in Canada and the USA has resulted in the reduction of the number of salons with multiple people working for one buying decision maker, and this has become a large challenge for the distribution companies that serve them.
As far as innovation, we are seeing all professionals looking at the new revenue streams (for example learning to use skills to offer additional services to their clients, for example lash extensions/micro blading etc)”.
Ofer Mor, CEO at Gidon Cosmetics a leading marketer, manufacturer, importer and distributor of products, tools and furniture for the haircare, cosmetics & beauty industries in Israel, comments:
“In terms of innovation in cosmetics, we we’re seeing an increase in “hair cosmetics” – treatments that used to be for the body or even part of a medicinal procedure are now being used to treat hair. We can see a trend of hair deep cleansing and chelating. Not just caring about the hair’s appearance, but also its long-term health. We are also seeing the introduction of new technology to the market – more high-tech tools and AI to support the work of the hairdresser. Recent colour mixing and weighing equipment uses simple technology combined with AI to improve the quality of in-salon services. We also see hair fashion trends targeting specific groups of people, as opposed to a “one look fits all” approach.
Another voice from Europe, Antonin Landolfi Director of Business Operations at Bleu Libellule, France, that has just joined our panel, says:
“In the past years, we have witnessed the blossoming of self-conscious products with clean formulation. Today, the cause has gone wider, because not only the products have to be safe, they also have to be good for the planet – at each step of the chain: Recycled and recyclable packs, environmentally friendly production, green transportation, zero carbon storage…”
And he also add a comment about last week topic” Why is our industry so resilient?
“Yes, we see some kind of resilience in our industry. Health, Politics, Economics… we face new challenges every day, yet hair keeps growing. Which somehow pushes us to relentlessly innovate and reinvent the hairdressing universe.”
