Hair Relaxers - Global Strategic Business Report

The global market for Hair Relaxers was valued at US$698.6 Million in 2024 and is projected to reach US$824.2 Million by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 2.8% from 2024 to 2030. This comprehensive report provides an in-depth analysis of market trends, drivers, and forecasts, helping you make informed business decisions. The report includes the most recent global tariff developments and how they impact the Hair Relaxers market.

Global Hair Relaxers Market - Key Trends & Drivers Summarized

Why Do Hair Relaxers Remain in Demand Despite Changing Beauty Trends?

Hair relaxers are chemical formulations used to straighten tightly coiled or curly hair textures by altering the protein structure of hair strands. These products remain widely used in several regions, especially among consumers with afro-textured or highly curled hair, who seek longer-lasting hair manageability. Relaxers are applied in salons and at home to reduce frizz, ease combing, and achieve a smoother appearance that can last for several weeks.

Although natural hair movements have influenced consumer habits in recent years, hair relaxers still serve a significant segment of the beauty market. The demand is particularly steady in professional salon services where customized, controlled applications are preferred. In many cases, relaxers are used as part of broader styling routines, which include trimming, blow-drying, and protective hairstyling. Their usage persists among consumers who prioritize low-maintenance straight hairstyles or wish to alternate between natural and chemically treated hair.

How Are Product Formulations and Application Methods Evolving?

Formulations have shifted away from traditional high-alkaline bases such as sodium hydroxide, toward milder alternatives including guanidine hydroxide and ammonium thioglycolate. These newer compounds are designed to reduce scalp irritation, breakage, and over-processing while maintaining effectiveness. Manufacturers are also incorporating conditioning agents, oils, and protein complexes to strengthen hair during and after the chemical process.

No-lye relaxers and sensitive scalp variants are increasingly common in both retail and professional formats. Kit-based products designed for home application now include pre-treatment, neutralizing, and post-relaxing components to support proper usage. Salons are emphasizing the importance of application timing, strand testing, and aftercare regimens to minimize long-term damage. These advancements are gradually improving consumer confidence in chemical straightening, especially among experienced users.

Where Is Usage Concentrated and What Segments Are Leading Sales?

Hair relaxers are most commonly used in Africa, North America, and parts of the Caribbean and Latin America. In sub-Saharan Africa, urban salons and informal beauty businesses maintain steady demand for relaxer services. In the United States and UK, demand continues among specific ethnic demographics with textured hair types, although market size has become more concentrated due to the rise in natural hair care products.

Retail sales are strongest in value-sized kits and multi-application packs targeted toward regular users. Professional-grade relaxers dominate in salons where stylists select strength levels based on hair texture and condition. Online sales are rising as consumers seek convenience and access to branded products, particularly in markets without local distribution. Demand for aftercare products such as deep conditioners, neutralizing shampoos, and strengthening treatments is growing in parallel with relaxer use.

What Is Driving Growth in the Hair Relaxers Market?

Growth in the hair relaxers market is driven by several factors related to product diversification, regional styling preferences, and professional service continuity. Advances in low-irritation chemical systems and conditioning-based formulations are supporting continued use among experienced users. Steady demand in salons, particularly in urban African and Afro-Caribbean markets, is driving repeat purchases of professional products. Growth is also supported by improved retail packaging, expansion of home-use kits, and sustained consumer preference for manageable straight hairstyles in specific demographic groups. As new product formats emerge and aftercare solutions expand, hair relaxers remain a relevant category in texture-specific hair care.

Scope of the Report

The report analyzes the Hair Relaxers market, presented in terms of market value (USD). The analysis covers the key segments and geographic regions outlined below:

• Segments: Distribution Channel (Supermarkets / Hypermarkets, Convenience Stores, Online Distribution Channel, Other Distribution Channels).
• Geographic Regions/Countries: World; United States; Canada; Japan; China; Europe (France; Germany; Italy; United Kingdom; Spain; Russia; and Rest of Europe); Asia-Pacific (Australia; India; South Korea; and Rest of Asia-Pacific); Latin America (Argentina; Brazil; Mexico; and Rest of Latin America); Middle East (Iran; Israel; Saudi Arabia; United Arab Emirates; and Rest of Middle East); and Africa.

Key Insights:

• Market Growth: Understand the significant growth trajectory of the Supermarkets / Hypermarkets segment, which is expected to reach US$333.9 Million by 2030 with a CAGR of a 2.0%. The Convenience Stores segment is also set to grow at 3.7% CAGR over the analysis period.
• Regional Analysis: Gain insights into the U.S. market, valued at $190.3 Million in 2024, and China, forecasted to grow at an impressive 5.2% CAGR to reach $158.7 Million by 2030. Discover growth trends in other key regions, including Japan, Canada, Germany, and the Asia-Pacific.

Why You Should Buy This Report:

• Detailed Market Analysis: Access a thorough analysis of the Global Hair Relaxers Market, covering all major geographic regions and market segments.
• Competitive Insights: Get an overview of the competitive landscape, including the market presence of major players across different geographies.
• Future Trends and Drivers: Understand the key trends and drivers shaping the future of the Global Hair Relaxers Market.
• Actionable Insights: Benefit from actionable insights that can help you identify new revenue opportunities and make strategic business decisions.

Key Questions Answered:

• How is the Global Hair Relaxers Market expected to evolve by 2030?
• What are the main drivers and restraints affecting the market?
• Which market segments will grow the most over the forecast period?
• How will market shares for different regions and segments change by 2030?
• Who are the leading players in the market, and what are their prospects?

Report Features:

• Comprehensive Market Data: Independent analysis of annual sales and market forecasts in US$ Million from 2024 to 2030.
• In-Depth Regional Analysis: Detailed insights into key markets, including the U.S., China, Japan, Canada, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East, and Africa.
• Company Profiles: Coverage of players such as African Pride (Strength of Nature), Avlon Industries Inc., Bigen (Hoyu Co., Ltd.), Cadiveu Professional, Carson Life and more.
• Complimentary Updates: Receive free report updates for one year to keep you informed of the latest market developments.

Some of the 48 companies featured in this Hair Relaxers market report include:

• African Pride (Strength of Nature)
• Avlon Industries Inc.
• Bigen (Hoyu Co., Ltd.)
• Cadiveu Professional
• Carson Life
• Creme of Nature (Revlon)
• Dark and Lovely (L’Oréal)
• Dr. Miracle’s
• Dudley Beauty Corp., LLC
• Godrej Consumer Products Ltd.
• Hawaiian Silky (AFAM Concept Inc.)
• House of Cheatham Inc.
• Johnson Products Co., Inc.
• Kaneka Corporation
• Luster Products Inc.
• Namasté Laboratories LLC
• Revlon Inc.
• SoftSheen-Carson (L’Oréal)
• Unilever PLC
• Vitale Pro (AFAM Concept Inc.)

This edition integrates the latest global trade and economic shifts into comprehensive market analysis. Key updates include:

• Tariff and Trade Impact: Insights into global tariff negotiations across 180+ countries, with analysis of supply chain turbulence, sourcing disruptions, and geographic realignment. Special focus on 2025 as a pivotal year for trade tensions, including updated perspectives on the Trump-era tariffs.
• Adjusted Forecasts and Analytics: Revised global and regional market forecasts through 2030, incorporating tariff effects, economic uncertainty, and structural changes in globalization. Includes historical analysis from 2015 to 2023.
• Strategic Market Dynamics: Evaluation of revised market prospects, regional outlooks, and key economic indicators such as population and urbanization trends.
• Innovation & Technology Trends: Latest developments in product and process innovation, emerging technologies, and key industry drivers shaping the competitive landscape.
• Competitive Intelligence: Updated global market share estimates for 2025 (E), competitive positioning of major players (Strong/Active/Niche/Trivial), and refined focus on leading global brands and core players.
• Expert Insight & Commentary: Strategic analysis from economists, trade experts, and domain specialists to contextualize market shifts and identify emerging opportunities.