What is currently on your shelves? Are you taking advantage of one of the industry’s biggest trends? According to the 2009 Professional Salon Industry Appliances Study, the overall growth of salon appliances was 6.6 percent—three times the salon industry’s overall growth rate of 1.5 percent for the same timeframe.

“Low softgoods growth is hurting the once vibrant salon industry, but not in the appliances category for the second straight year,” says Cyrus Bulsara, president of Professional Consultants and Resources, which compiled the study. “As a result, many softgoods companies have made a successful leap into hardgoods, as they see highly beneficial synergies in the premium appliance sector.”

Some the study’s key findings:

  • Salon-only appliances grew 4.6 percent, but probeauty gray-market posts much higher growth at 12.6 percent.
  • An important growth factor of the appliance market is the continuing trend to home hair styling during the recession and required styling maintenance of straightened, curled and processed hair styles.
  • New product innovations, higher premium prices and general upgrading to new appliances spur growth.
  • Curling and flat irons grew at 7.6 percent, blow dryers grew 1.8 percent and clippers/trimmers grew 12.3 percent.
  • Gray-market diversion accounts for 26 percent of sales with salon appliance lines, now available at major drug chains, Sephora, Target, Bed, Bath & Beyond and others.
  • The companies leading appliance sales include: Helen of Troy, Conair, CHI, Bio Ionic, Paul Mitchell, T-3 Micro Inc., Cricket, FHI Heat, HAI Elite and GHD.
  • Wahl, Andis, Oster and Forfex are dominant leaders in the clippers/trimmers category.
  • Paul Mitchell, Farouk, Joico and TIGI are leading softgoods marketers that are now offering new appliance entries.

The complete study covers major trends and infl uences and provides growth projections and upcoming marketing needs. A special section reveals sales and shipment market shares for top companies and names more than 95 leading brands. For purchasing information or questions regarding the 2009 Professional Salon Appliances Study, please contact Cyrus Bulsara at cbulsara@augustmail.com or go to proconsultants.us.


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