Human Hair Extension Market Size, Share & COVID-19 Impact Analysis, By Type (Clip-in Hair Extension, Fusion & Pre-Bonded Hair Extension, Tape-in Hair Extension, and Others), By Application (Female and Male), By Sales Channel (Online Channel and Offline Channel), and Regional Forecast, 2022-2029

The global human hair extension market size was valued at USD 3.71 billion in 2021. The market is projected to grow from USD 4.06 billion in 2022 to USD 7.63 billion by 2029, exhibiting a CAGR of 9.44% during the forecast period. The global COVID-19 pandemic has been unprecedented and staggering, with experiencing lower-than-anticipated-anticipated demand across all regions compared to pre-pandemic levels. Based on our analysis, the global market exhibited a decline of 19.53% in 2020 as compared to 2019.

Human hair extensions can be styled using hot tools (straightened or curled), dyed for a darker color, washed, and can be treated just the way a user would treat his/her natural hair. On the contrary, synthetic hair extensions are typically sensitive to the sun and are difficult to blend or style with the user’s natural hair. Furthermore, synthetic hair wigs and extensions have a shorter lifespan, while their human hair counterparts can last up to a year or longer if maintained well. Various studies suggest that consumers typically prefer human hair to their synthetic hair extensions owing to installation (heat)-related challenges associated with the latter.

COVID-19 IMPACT

Significant Decline in Product Demand due to COVID-19 Pandemic

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the product demand worldwide has been bifold, most notably throughout 2020. Not only were international raw material suppliers across countries unable to operate owing to shipping and quarantines in 2020, but also the few vendors who shipped the raw materials to the western markets, including the U.S., gouged prices, making it challenging for industry participants to sell their products without increasing the final price. Such massive disruptions in supply chain operations caused by the COVID-19 crisis are negatively impacting the growth rate of the global market and are likely to slow down the growth of this industry in the near term. Trade tensions and trade protectionism between China and Australia & the U.S. or other trading partners is a major concern that is expected to hamper product sales across these countries in the near term. Governments are likely to employ the trade protectionism strategy/policy in the near term to mitigate social tensions or any discontent caused by the COVID-19 pandemic on social inequalities and employment.

Numerous market participants have stepped up their efforts to achieve a greater brand reputation amid the COVID-19 crisis. For instance, Mayvenn, a U.S.-based company, launched the #SaveTheSalon campaign during the first half of 2020. As part of the campaign, the company intended to raise money to offer financial assistance to Black hairstylists in the U.S. As per the plan, every USD 1 million was to help 2,000 Black hairstylists in the country. This move (campaign) highlights the growing prominence of Black-owned hair salons and barbershops in the U.S. and the need for brands to commit to social responsibility to gain brand recognition and achieve brand reputation.

LATEST TRENDS

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Increasing Adoption of Vietnamese Hair across North American Markets to Favor Asian Raw Material Suppliers

The increasing popularity of Vietnamese hair across North American markets, most notably in the U.S., is likely to encourage new raw material suppliers’ entry into Asia. Vietnamese hair is typically sourced from villagers residing in high mountains where their hair quality is unaffected by sunlight. Vietnamese hair suppliers usually source hair from women aged 18-25 to supply strong and healthy hair worldwide.

Vietnamese women have long straight hair and maintain an effective hair care routine. They rarely dye their hair and don’t use chemical-based shampoos. Most women in Vietnam shampoo and maintain their hair using natural products such as locust, rice water, herbs, or leaves. Prospective industry player’s companies can market Vietnamese hair by highlighting the hair care routine in Vietnam.

DRIVING FACTORS

Rising Prevalence of Hair Disorders Coupled with Rapidly Aging Population to Fuel Product Demand

According to the American Hair Loss Association (AHLA), male pattern baldness (MPB) is a major hair-related issue worldwide, affecting approximately 25% of men with hereditary male pattern baldness before the age of 21. The AHLA also states that 66% of men will have experienced hair loss to some degree by the age of 35 and will have experienced thinning hair before the age of 50. According to the U.S. Census Bureau report published in 2017 & revised in 2020, the share of individuals aged 65 and older will increase from 15% in 2016 to roughly 25% by 2060. A rapidly aging population also highlights the rising prevalence of hair disorders in the U.S., as is the case in the global industry, which, in turn, will boost the product demand in the forthcoming years.  

Increasing Adoption of Remy Hair Paired with Positive Perceptions toward Indian Hair to Favor Market Expansion

Unlike most non-Remy hair extensions, Remy hair is considered the best quality human hair commercially available as its cuticles are intact. India is considered a major source of Remy hair for many international markets. The presence of Indian companies in international markets highlights the popularity of Indian hair. Indique Hair is a dominant Indian company operating in the U.S. It sources hair from collectors and Indian temples from Southeast Asia and ships to its offices in Boston, U.S. It then ships its products to the U.S. stores and online customers in Canada, Africa, and Western Europe.

The adaptability and versatility of strong and naturally-thick Indian hair make it ideal for producing high-quality products. Remy hair is usually procured from religious sites and is often marketed as ‘organic’ or ‘ethically sourced’ to enhance its appeal internationally. Given the rising concerns regarding the environmental issues of synthetic hair extensions, Remy hair, with its natural/organic image, is likely to witness heightened consumer interest in the forthcoming years.

RESTRAINING FACTORS

Rising Demand for Substitute Products/Procedures Paired to Limit Product Demand

Wigs are the biggest substitutes for human hair extensions. Recent developments in the human hair wigs category indicate the rising popularity of worldwide substitutes for these extensions. For instance, in June 2021, WEAVE, a California-based new lifestyle brand, penetrated the wigs category by launching a line of wigs created by Black women to uplift Black consumers. Furthermore, synthetic materials are more readily available than their natural counterparts.

According to the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery (ISHRS), approximately 182,025 procedures were performed in the U.S./Canada in 2019. Furthermore, the ISHRS estimated that the global hair restoration market increased from USD 4.1 billion in 2016 to USD 4.6 billion in 2019. The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommends using hair extensions only on special occasions as they can pull on the users’ hair and cause permanent hair loss. Such recommendations can affect the degree of optimism among consumers regarding hair extensions.

SEGMENTATION

By Type Analysis

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Rising Consumer Preference for Affordable Products to Trigger Demand for Clip-in Hair Extensions

Based on type, the market is segmented into clip-in hair extension, fusion & pre-bonded hair extension, tape-in hair extension, and others. Clip-in are among the most popular product categories globally. Unlike most other product types, clip-in hair extensions can be easily removed and reused at the user’s convenience without hassles. The simplicity of installation of these extensions increases their preference among users. Tape-in hair extensions are usually lighter than clip-in counterparts on the users’ scalp. This product type is likely to gain heightened consumer interest in the coming years as they are known to lay more naturally on a user’s scalp.

‘Non-commitment’ is likely to emerge as the operative term in the global market in the coming years. From an end-use standpoint, non-commitment translates into the freedom or ability to change the product style or color often. This factor may boost sales across the tape-in and clip-in categories. The concept of non-commitment also helps brands minimize the threat of substitute products as individuals/consumers tend to change their styles or colors by visiting a salon rather than consult a licensed cosmetologist, an expert in skincare, makeup, and beauty products.

By Application Analysis

Increasing Marketing Efforts Targeted at Female Consumers to Encourage Product Innovation

Based on application, female and male categories constitute the market segmentation. The female segment emerged as the largest in 2021. Though most individuals who experience hair loss issues are men, these extensions are yet to witness widespread adoption among men worldwide, principally attributed to the fact that majority of brands have been traditionally marketing their products to female consumers. The multi-billion dollar Hollywood industry offers lucrative opportunities for hair extension brands to exploit the male category in the coming years.

Majority of brands cater to female consumers. Prominent brands are targeting African-American women to stay competitive. Various studies suggest that black consumers prefer hair extensions or other hair products specifically marketed for them. Well-established, and new brands across countries must offer natural products to target both males and females. While Remy hair can be targeted at female consumers, products designed to provide stylish protection to the scalp of those individuals with hair thinning and baldness can be targeted at men while also marketing these products as a better and more stylish option than hats.

By Sales Channel Analysis

Rapidly Evolving E-commerce Platform to Encourage New Players’ Entry into the Online Space

Based on sales channel, the market is segmented into online channel and offline channel. Recent years have witnessed industry participants launch new websites to strengthen their e-commerce presence. For instance, in July 2021, SL Raw Virgin Hair, a U.S.-based hair extension supplier, launched its first e-commerce app for iOS and Android devices. Through the new app, the company enabled access for consumers to purchase its products countrywide.

Rising consumer preference for personalized over virtual services is a key factor contributing significantly to the growth of the offline channel segment. Moreover, professional hairdressers & salons are the most prominent distributors of all types of human hair extensions worldwide. The offline distribution channel helps consumers learn about product & consumption trends, and manufacturers develop new products based on consumer behavioral patterns.

REGIONAL INSIGHTS

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Based on geography, the global market is categorized into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, South America, and the Middle East & Africa.

North America emerged as the largest market for human hair extension in 2021. U.S. hair extension companies typically partner with only well-established salons to achieve a greater brand reputation. For instance, Perfect Locks LLC, a California-based U.S. hair extension company, only offers distribution opportunities for reputed businesses/salons. Furthermore, the company requires its distributors to retain the Perfect Locks brand.

In recent years, the U.S. witnessed various developments in the product distribution space. For instance, in March 2021, USA Hair, a prominent U.S. beauty supply online company, announced the launch of a broad spectrum of hair products, including hair extensions. The new line of hair extensions is available in a wide variety of color options to suit the needs of various consumer groups. The online shop also announced sizable discounts (up to 17%) on all its products purchased until March 28, 2021. This strategic move (product launch) highlights the rising demand for fashionable products in the U.S. and the need for brands to innovate their product offerings to stay competitive. Hair Visions International is one of the major distributors worldwide.

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Asia Pacific is likely to witness significant growth in the foreseeable future. India is a raw material and finished product supplier to western countries backed by a sizable number of natural hair suppliers, most notably concentrated in Chennai (Tamil Nadu). Shanmuga Hair Products India Pvt. Ltd, one of the leading natural human hair manufacturers & exporters, typically exports a fifth of hair products to the U.S. every year. Italy (Europe) is the company’s biggest consumer/market. The company partners with Hair Luxury, a retail partner in Europe, to sell its products. According to various data sources, Hair Luxury can sell the product for approximately USD 2,000 per kilo, depending on the hair quality. Shanmuga Hair Products India Pvt. Ltd processes approximately 1,000 kgs of hair by hand every month. While the company sells weaves at around USD 500 per kg, its hair extensions are sold to international markets at approximately USD 900 per kg.

KEY INDUSTRY PLAYERS

Global Expansion and Partnership with Internationally Reputed Hairstylists are the Key Strategies Fueling the Human Hair Extension Market Growth

High focus on collaboration and partnership with hairstylists and industry experts are key factors enabling key players to address new market trends and gain a competitive edge to penetrate new markets. Product differentiation will be a key factor driving product sales and impacting market dynamics throughout the forecast period. Recent years have witnessed various developments, notably in the mergers & acquisitions space. For instance, in July 2018, Beauty Industry Group Inc, a Utah-based company, collaborated with GAUGE CAPITAL, a Dallas-based private equity firm, to acquire the assets of HALOCOUTURE, a California-based company

LIST OF KEY COMPANIES PROFILED

• GREAT LENGTHS (Italy)


• Balmain Hair Couture (France)


• Hairdreams Haarhandels GmbH (Austria)


• easihair pro (U.S.)


• Euro So. Cap Srl (Italy)


• Beauty Industry Group Inc. (U.S.)


• Cinderella Hair Extension (U.S.)


• Hairlocs (U.S.)


• KLIX HAIR, INC. (U.S.)


• UltraTress (U.S.)


• Racoon International (U.K.)


• Hair Addictionz (U.S.)


• F.N. LONGLOCKS (U.S.)


• Viva Femina, Inc. (U.S.)


• Femme Extensions (U.S.)

KEY INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS:

June 2021: Mayvenn Inc. opened its first retail shop on Fry Road in the Katy Area, Texas to offer its products to new customers, provide several services to its users and bridge the gap between customers and hairstylists.

July 2018 – Beauty Industry Group Inc., a Utah-based professional hair extensions company, collaborated with GAUGE CAPITAL, a Dallas-based private equity firm, to acquire the assets of HALOCOUTURE, a California-based hair extensions company.  

REPORT COVERAGE

An Infographic Representation of Human Hair Extension Market

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The global human hair extension market report analyzes the market in-depth and highlights crucial aspects such as prominent companies, product types, sales channels, and application usage areas. Besides this, the market research report provides insights into the market trends and highlights significant industry developments. In addition to the aspects mentioned earlier, the report encompasses several factors contributing to the market's growth over recent years.

Report Scope & Segmentation