[{"name":"Haircare and Styling","url":"https:\/\/store.mintel.com\/industries\/beauty-personal-care\/haircare"},{"name":"Winning Innovation Territories","url":"https:\/\/store.mintel.com\/report-type\/winning-innovation-territories"},{"name":"US","url":"https:\/\/store.mintel.com\/markets\/us-market-research"}]
Report
en_GB
Consumers want routines tailored to their exact hair type, texture, porosity, life stage and specific concerns rather than one-size-fits-all products. Growth: +11% Conversations: 294,688 Explore emerging trends and territories within…
US
Haircare and Styling
simple
US Haircare: Winning Innovation Territories 2026
"Explore emerging trends and territories within real consumer behavior, obtaining actionable and predictive direction to drive winning innovation strategies."
Know where to activate now and next within the US Haircare industry and how to win the hearts and minds of consumers
The insights in this report draw on Black Swan Data’s social prediction technology to surface detailed opportunity areas, known as Trend Territories, in the US haircare category, based on using AI to analyze millions of consumer conversations.
How this report helps you and your business:
Discover and prioritize high-potential market opportunities, with 5 key ‘Trend Territories’ poised for consumer growth and innovation spotlighted. Use metrics to determine which opportunities to act on NOW (within 12 months) and which to prepare for NEXT (1-3 years).
Accelerate and refine the innovation process by leveraging unpromoted social media data as an additional lens, alongside an understanding of consumer needs and the existing innovation landscape.
​Support ideation and understand ways to win in the market, with granular detail on the associated factors (themes/benefits/ingredients/products) that drive opportunity areas and offer clear activation points, as well as AI created concepts to inspire innovation and creativity.
Collapse All
Know where to activate now and next within the category and how to win the hearts and minds of consumers
Opportunities in the US Haircare category
US Haircare dataset
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Trend Territory overview: five growing trend territories will shape future brand growth opportunities
#1 Trend Territory: Tailored to Every Strand
Graph 1: growing themes, benefits, products and ingredients associated with the Tailored to Every Strand Trend Territory that are already achieving significant volume of conversations, 2024-26
Graph 2: growing themes, benefits, products and ingredients associated with the High-Impact, Low-Friction Rituals Trend Territory that are already achieving significant volume of conversations, 2024-26
#3 Trend Territory: Futureproofing Hair Health
Graph 3: growing themes, benefits, products and ingredients associated with the Futureproofing Hair Health Trend Territory that are already achieving significant volume of conversations, 2024-26
#4 Trend Territory: Scalp Is the New Skin
Graph 4: growing themes, benefits, products and ingredients associated with the Scalp Is the New Skin Trend Territory that are already achieving significant volume of conversations, 2024-26
#5 Trend Territory: Proof Over Promise
Graph 5: growing themes, benefits, products and ingredients associated with the Proof Over Promise Trend Territory that are already achieving significant volume of conversations, 2024-26
TREND TERRITORY #1 – TAILORED TO EVERY STRAND
Overview
Tailored to Every Strand: key takeaways
From frizz to curls, routines get more targeted
From broad claims to exact-fit routines
Associated themes
Hair specificity moves into sharper focus
Tailored to Every Strand: top 10 associated themes in conversations​
Tailored to Every Strand: top 10 growing associated themes in conversations​
Associated benefits
Custom results need to come without trade-offs
Tailored to Every Strand: top 10 associated benefits in conversations
Tailored to Every Strand: top 10 growing associated benefits in conversations
Associated ingredients
Familiar care gets more tailored in delivery
Tailored to Every Strand: top 10 associated ingredients in conversations​
Tailored to Every Strand: top 10 growing associated ingredients in conversations​
Associated products
Formats adapt to different hair needs and routines
Tailored to Every Strand: top 10 associated products in conversations
Tailored to Every Strand: top 10 growing associated products in conversations
Innovation inspiration
Haircare built for individual complexity
Haircare built for individual complexity – recent global launch examples
Mintel Spark imagines clarifying hydration shampoo for fine hair
High-Impact, Low-Friction Rituals: top 10 associated themes in conversations​
High-Impact, Low-Friction Rituals: top 10 growing associated themes in conversations​
Associated benefits
Efficiency still needs to feel polished
High-Impact, Low-Friction Rituals: top 10 associated benefits in conversations
High-Impact, Low-Friction Rituals: top 10 growing associated benefits in conversations
Associated ingredients
Results driven by trusted ingredients
High-Impact, Low-Friction Rituals: top 10 associated ingredients in conversations​
High-Impact, Low-Friction Rituals: top 10 growing associated ingredients in conversations​
Associated products
Built for quick-touch routines
High-Impact, Low-Friction Rituals: top 10 associated products in conversations
High-Impact, Low-Friction Rituals: top 10 growing associated products in conversations
Innovation inspiration
Convenience-led formats are reshaping everyday haircare rituals
Convenience-led formats are reshaping everyday haircare rituals – recent global launch examples
Mintel Spark imagines a lightweight spray to restore moisture and revive hair
TREND TERRITORY #3 – FUTUREPROOFING HAIR HEALTH
Overview
Futureproofing Hair Health: key takeaways
Protection-to-repair haircare solutions
Prevention becomes the new language of hair repair
Associated themes
Preventative routines and scalp care redefine hair longevity
Futureproofing Hair Health: top 10 associated themes in conversations​
Futureproofing Hair Health: top 10 growing associated themes in conversations​
Associated benefits
Shifting from repair to routine maintenance
Futureproofing Hair Health: top 10 associated benefits in conversations
Futureproofing Hair Health: top 10 growing associated benefits in conversations
Associated ingredients
Blending clinical efficacy with natural cues
Futureproofing Hair Health: top 10 associated ingredients in conversations​
Futureproofing Hair Health: top 10 growing associated ingredients in conversations​
Associated products
Building routines around long-lasting hair and scalp health
Futureproofing Hair Health: top 10 associated products in conversations
Futureproofing Hair Health: top 10 growing associated products in conversations
Innovation inspiration
Repair is a key haircare purchase driver
Repair is a key haircare purchase driver – recent global launch examples
Mintel Spark imagines an intensive moisturizing hair treatment set
TREND TERRITORY #4 – SCALP IS THE NEW SKIN
Overview
Scalp Is the New Skin: key takeaways
Scalp serums target everyday scalp care concerns
Scalp care becomes the foundation of hair health
Associated themes
Building hair health from the scalp up
Scalp Is the New Skin: top 10 associated themes in conversations​
Scalp Is the New Skin: top 10 growing associated themes in conversations​
Associated benefits
Redefining scalp health as everyday balance
Scalp Is the New Skin: top 10 associated benefits in conversations
Scalp Is the New Skin: top 10 growing associated benefits in conversations
Associated ingredients
Applying skin science to scalp health
Scalp Is the New Skin: top 10 associated ingredients in conversations​
Scalp Is the New Skin: top 10 growing associated ingredients in conversations​
Associated products
Embedding scalp care into everyday routines
Scalp Is the New Skin: top 10 associated products in conversations
Scalp Is the New Skin: top 10 growing associated products in conversations
Innovation inspiration
Scalp care is a desired attribute in haircare products
Scalp care is a desired attribute in haircare products – recent global launch examples
Mintel Spark imagines a rosehip, aloe vera and rosemary powered scalp elixir
TREND TERRITORY #5 – PROOF OVER PROMISE
Overview
Proof Over Promise: key takeaways
Performance and transparency shape more considered product choices
Trust is being built through evidence, not assertion
Associated themes
Trust built through proof and transparency
Proof Over Promise: top 10 associated themes in conversations​
Proof Over Promise: top 10 growing associated themes in conversations​
Associated benefits
Proving performance through visible results
Proof Over Promise: top 10 associated benefits in conversations
Proof Over Promise: top 10 growing associated benefits in conversations
Associated ingredients
Where familiarity meets functional proof
Proof Over Promise: top 10 associated ingredients in conversations​
Proof Over Promise: top 10 growing associated ingredients in conversations
Associated products
From defined function to visible proof
Proof Over Promise: top 10 associated products in conversations
Proof Over Promise: top 10 growing associated products in conversations
Innovation inspiration
Science-backed reassurance is gaining traction in haircare
Science-backed reassurance is gaining traction in haircare – recent global launch examples
Mintel Spark imagines a moisturizing anti-dandruff shampoo infused with coffee bean extract
NEXT STEPS
Next steps to building this predictive social intelligence into innovation pipelines
Sitting on top of our data, our solutions work together to meet our customers’ needs for confidence and precision
What is a Trend Territory?
Think of a Trend Territory as a big-picture view of what consumers are genuinely excited about. Instead of getting lost in thousands of individual online comments, our Innovation Territories algorithm does the hard work for you. It listens to millions of consumer conversations and groups smaller, related topics into larger, more meaningful themes we call Trend Territories.
But it doesn’t stop there. The algorithm is designed to find the signals amongst the noise. It specifically focuses on trends that are either generating a lot of conversation or showing signs of rapid growth. We then analyze each one to rank them by their future potential.
This process gives you a clear and practical roadmap. You’ll see which trends have the momentum to act on right away and which promising ideas you should keep an eye on for future innovation. By looking at conversation volume and growth over the last two years, we provide the expert insight you need to make confident, forward-looking decisions.
£ 3,695(Excl.Tax)
Download today with instant access
Pay via credit card or invoice (net 30 payment terms)
Multiple formats provided
We send a PDF and Powerpoint straight to your inbox. An interactive version of the report is also available on our online platform.
Hair accessories have reached near-universal adoption, with 91% of consumers using at least one; yet growth is not coming from new users. Instead, the category is defined by...
The US shampoo and conditioner market remains deeply embedded in daily life, yet the forces shaping its future are shifting. Nearly universal usage keeps the category resilient, but...
Intentional haircare routines are reshaping the market, rewarding brands that clearly prove how product choice delivers visible hair and scalp health benefits. Carson Kitzmiller, Senior Analyst, Beauty &...
The textured haircare market is in the midst of transformation, driven by demographic change, the rise of new brands and a demand for practical solutions. Brands are shifting...
Self-expression drives 84% of consumers to view hair coloring as a form of personal identity, but ingredient concerns and economic pressures are reshaping buying habits. As many at-home...
Brands that deliver value, clean ingredients, and blended at-home/pro experiences are best positioned to win in a market shaped by discernment and self-expression. Carson Kitzmiller, Senior Analyst, Beauty...
We use Mintel to inform our thinking and reinforce strategy. If you’re presenting new ideas, it’s essential they are underpinned by robust data and evidence, and clearly rooted in fact.
Mintel gives us all that. It’s a great brand and one that is trusted by clients.
Marie Stafford, European Director, The Innovation Group, VML
We utilize Mintel Reports, Trends and Comperemedia to mine for insights across the numerous business verticals that Epsilon serves, such as CPG, automotive, telecom, healthcare/pharma, retail and financial services.
By integrating Mintel insight into new business opportunities, we have been able to gain the competitive edge necessary to advance partnerships with global brands and key business players.
For our organization, it’s about depth and breadth. Having one without the other doesn’t enable success in our business.
Virginia Harvey, Secondary Research Manager, Epsilon
Working in a customer-obsessed organization means that data and insights have to be at our fingertips. Mintel’s reports help us support anecdotes with real quantifiable insights. The summary sections (which I really like) helps save time by giving a birds eye view of the content before spending time combing through the pages.
Our business review discussions are strengthened by the relevancy of the reports to help us better understand our customers. In addition, the customer service received from the team (especially in crunch periods) makes the process of understanding customer behavior even better.
We’ve found it so useful working more closely with Mintel. They helped support our recent flagship event for our top suppliers by providing a really unique viewpoint on the future of online retailing.
Nick Carroll from their Retail Team was also an excellent panelist, sharing useful and actionable consumer insights. We definitely look forward to working with Mintel again on future projects.
Zac Steele, E-Commerce Trading Development Manager, Waitrose & Partners
There is no question that Mintel is the go-to resource for the best quality market research, but I did not think it was an affordable option for Abacus Marketing to consider. As a small marketing agency, we only work with a few new clients each year.
However, we have a very high-end consultative approach to our work, so we really do need a partner like Mintel to provide the big agency experience we are always aiming to deliver. Our clients come from an incredibly diverse range of industry sectors, so we obviously need access to market research reports from a very wide spectrum of marketplaces – and that is precisely what we got.
Stephen Taylor-Brown, Managing Director, Abacus
Need help before you buy?
Our research specialists can answer your questions and recommend the reports that best match your business needs.