In the salon, color services are the axis service that attracts all other services and retail sales. So when the 2011 U.S. Professional Salon Haircolor Study shows color product sales grew by an impressive 3.5 percent and color services by 3.7 percent, that paints a positive picture for the professional salon industry.

The study, released by Professional Consultants & Resources, is the only in-depth study published on the 2011 U.S. salon haircolor market and it provides valuable research for marketers, distributors, salon chains and associated industries.

Results showed that at $730 million, haircolor is the largest, fast-growing category of salon products. As the economy emerges from recession and regional pockets of good economy emerge, haircolor is projected to grow even ore rapidly over the next five years. Growth is attributed to increased salon visits, as new haircolor and styles drive the growth of demi/semi permanents, permanents, lighteners and refreshers.  Haircolor service revenues grew by 3.7 percent, as salon client visits increased and new haircolor services for gray-coverage and fashion color grew.

“A major surprise is that Sally Beauty’s ION and other brands experienced dramatic growth, making Sally the fourth largest haircolor marketer, right behind L’Oreal, P&G and Goldwell,” says Cyrus Bulsara, president of Professional Consultants and Resources.

Major findings detailed in the study include:

• Haircolor grew robustly in spite of a weak economy and is projected to grow to mid-single digits by 2016.

• Salon distribution realignments have ended and all salon haircolor companies are in growth mode.

• Demi/semi permanents grew at higher rates than permanents, indicating a new shift and changing trend.

• Cremes and gels now completely outsell liquid haircolor in the United States—a major paradigm shift.

• L’Oreal remained the traditional category leader with Matrix, Redken, L’Oreal Technique and Professionnel.

• P&G followed closely and continues its full-service growth for its Clairol, Wella, and Sebastian divisions.

• Goldwell/KPSS ranked third.

• New color category entrants, including Salon ION, Paul Mitchell, Joico and TIGI, continued to gain market share.

• Emerging haircolor companies, including Keune, IT&LY, Davines, Alfaparf, Pravana and Aloxxi, also grew, taking market share.

• The study discusses the newest haircolor, cut and style trends (the Bob, Mop, Pob, Hollywood Glam, Peek-a-boo) from top U.S. master colorists from across the U.S. and their market impact on color.

• Simple cut and color services, multi-chromatic face-framing highlights and solid color continued to be popular.

• The study also identifies future haircolor products needed by master colorists, leading salons and chains.

For purchasing information, pricing or questions regarding the 2011 Professional Salon Industry Haircolor Study, please contact Cyrus Bulsara at cbulsara@augustmail.com or visit www.proconsultants.us