2026
9
UK Shaving and Hair Removal Products Market Report 2026
2026-02-10T18:07:16+00:00
REPCD498440_36F0_4436_8984_4036F0A43687
2995
191031
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Report
en_GB
Although only 7% of UK adults who remove body/facial hair bought a premium product in the last 12 months, 74% of UK razor buyers say they are open to trading…
UK
Shaving and Hair Removal
simple

UK Shaving and Hair Removal Products Market Report 2026

"Opportunities exist for shaving and hair removal brands to meet diverse needs, enhance product design, and link products to holistic beauty and grooming routines."

Shiyan Zering, Senior Beauty and Personal Care Analyst

Shiyan Zering, Senior Beauty and Personal Care Analyst

Although only 7% of UK adults who remove body/facial hair bought a premium product in the last 12 months, 74% of UK razor buyers say they are open to trading up. This gap between low premium purchase levels and high openness suggests premium growth is being held back less by unclear benefits. Brands can convert this willingness into action by making premium options worthwhile.

Private label’s rapid expansion is a threat to category value, as the share of hair removal launches accounted for by private label has increased, and retailers are launching razor cartridges compatible with branded products. This means branded products face intense price pressure at a time when consumers remain highly value‑driven. Brands must give consumers clear, defensible reasons to stay with branded options, through features that private label cannot easily imitate.

A significant opportunity lies in the innovation of format and texture for shaving preparations. As consumers seek sensory experiences that mimic spa treatments at home, there is untapped potential in developing sophisticated, skincare-hybrid formulations.

This report looks at the following areas:

  • The impact of economic pressures on shaving and hair removal purchasing behaviours
  • Evolving usage trends in body and facial hair removal among men and women
  • Popular methods of at-home hair removal, and factors that drive trading up in the razor segment
  • Motivations and barriers to facial hair removal
  • How to address the needs of diverse consumers, including those with textured hair and older consumers
  • The impact of beauty and grooming trends on hair removal

Market Definitions

This Report examines the UK market for men’s and women’s shaving and hair removal products. The following home-use products are included in the scope of the Report:

  • Wet shave hardware, including disposable razors, shaving systems and replacement blades for wet shaving to be used by both men and women.
  • Electric and battery shavers (including epilators). Electric shavers, such as Remington Microscreen and Braun CoolTec, are also referred to as electric hardware. Beard or hair trimmers are not included, however. Women’s electric shavers, such as Philips Ladyshave, as well as epilators, are also covered under electric hardware. All-over body hair removers, such as Philips Bodygroom, are also included.
  • Shaving preparations, which include products such as gels, foams, creams, lotions and oils that are used to lubricate prior to wet shaving. Such products may be targeted at both men and women.
  • Depilatory products and bleaches, which include depilatory creams and lotions, waxing and sugaring products for home use. Bleaches such as Jolen that lighten excess dark hair, eg facial hair, are also included.
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  1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

    • What you need to know
    • The outlook for shaving and hair removal
    • Opportunities
    • Inclusivity can drive better growth by recruiting more users to the category
    • Hair removal is an important step in makeup and skincare routines…
    • …presenting opportunities to widen brand reach with cross-category NPD and product bundles
    • Premiumise hair removal with tech‑led personalisation
  2. THE MARKET

    • Snapshot – market size and forecast
    • Leverage any uptick in consumer confidence to unlock premium trade‑up potential
    • Graph 1: the financial confidence index, 2017-25
    • Price sensitivity drives consumers away from professional treatments
    • Key demographic groups that will impact the market
    • Take learnings from cross-category innovation to recruit new users to the category
    • Capitalise on AI to boost sales
    • Plan for modest growth
    • Market size and forecast of shaving and hair removal products
    • Graph 2: market size and forecast for shaving and hair removal products, 2019-30
    • NPD cycles have tightened…
    • Graph 3: new product launches in the beauty and personal care category accounted for by shaving & depilatories, 2021-25
    • …so focus innovation where demand is strongest
    • Private label launch activity saw an uptick in 2025
    • Mid-tier brands under pressure as value players gain ground
    • From DTC to omnichannel: respond to subscription slowdown
  3. THE CONSUMER

    • How shaving and hair removal routines are evolving
    • Multi-zone body hair removal behaviour is on the rise
    • Men’s grooming saw a surge in activity in 2025
    • Target men’s precision needs with area-specific kits
    • Capitalise on beauty rituals
    • Streamline wet shaving to divert engagement toward dry shaving
    • The impact of brand loyalty and premiumisation
    • Mid-priced brands dominate the category
    • Balance innovation with accessibility to win switchers
    • Use quality to compete with established men’s brands
    • Prevent cannibalisation with co-branded prep and aftercare products
    • Premium brands fall short in capturing older consumers…
    • …creating opportunity to expand premium’s reach
    • Opportunities to design with end users in mind
    • Design for more-diverse hair needs
    • Leverage sports-performance-enhancing positioning to attract active consumers
    • Build community to break hormonal hair stigmas
    • Turn male grooming tools into lifestyle accessories
    • The rise of skin health priorities and expectations
    • Consumers are willing to invest for the sake of their skin
    • Ride the K Beauty wave with innovative ingredients
    • Align hair removal benefits with longevity trends
    • Reframe facial hair removal as a beauty performance booster
    • Address sensitive skin needs with acne-friendly innovation
  4. PRODUCT, INNOVATION AND MARKETING

    • Improve the functional design of shaving products
    • Win by pairing eco innovation with bold, unrestricted education
    • Transform shaving into a mindful, multi-sensory ritual
    • Shaving preparations go premium with trending scents
    • Emerging solid formats gain momentum and signal a shift in shaving prep NPD
    • Graph 4: format/texture landscape for shaving preparations, 2025
    • Create dual-action shaving prep with solid formats
    • Champion healthy male representation
    • Harness trends to set brands apart in the category
  5. APPENDIX

    • Supplementary data
    • Population estimates
    • Census 2021: ethnic group population data
    • Report scope and definitions
    • Market definition
    • The market
    • Forecast methodology
    • Forecast methodology – fan chart
    • Market size and forecast: at constant and current prices
    • Market forecast: prediction intervals
    • Market segmentation
    • Market share
    • Channels to market
    • The consumer
    • Consumer research questions
    • Consumer research methodology – EMEA
    • Repertoire analysis methodology
    • Other data source methodologies
    • Advision advertising spend data
    • Mintel Spark
    • Nielsen Ad Intel coverage
    • Abbreviations

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