Skin's not going to have the monopoly on minimalism for much longer.
Gone are the days when hair and skin routines were two different, sacred rituals, never to meet. Now, with consumer preferences and fluency in beauty evolving, lines are being re-drawn: goodbye, hair vs. skin, hello, mine vs. yours.
The skinification of hair and growing popularity of scalp care has led to a shift in how we view our beauty routines. Skin care is no stranger to condition-focused solutions, particularly to those who've grappled with conditions like acne. Now though, this approach has taken to hair and scalp: more personalized solutions depending on hair type and different scalp care for those with dandruff or other scalp conditions.
Custom formulation brands have also empowered consumers and pros alike, being able to tailor products more carefully to their goals. The expectation is that this area will only continue to get more sophisticated, especially with the rise of AI to help with ingredient and product recommendations, as well as inventory management on the logistics side.
The Holistic Approach: Beauty That's More Than Skin-Deep
A greater emphasis on full-body wellness for full-body beauty has made sleep health and nutrition greater players when it comes to taking care of our skin and hair, with what's being good for the goose, oftentimes also being good for the gander.
The supplement market has boomed in recent years and shows no signs of slowing down. This popularity has led to innovations in how we support our nutrition, with supplements no longer being limited to the traditional pill format. Now, we have gummies, ready-to-drink beverages and even sweet treats like cookie dough and chocolate.
Green: The Perfect Shade for Skin and Hair
Skin, hair and scalp are trying to build trust with consumers who prioritize sustainability with ingredients that are non-toxic and ethically sourced, and packaging that won't pile up in a landfill for the next century in favor of products that can be refilled or packaging that can be recycled.
Similarly, salons and spas taking conscious steps to conserve energy and water, and who use whatever social currency (or literal currency) they may have to foster a sense of community and support sustainable legislation have found success appealing to loyal, like-minded consumers.
The Enduring Demand for Longevity
The pursuit of longevity is almost as old as aging itself, and when it comes to our skin and hair, we absolutely aren't cutting corners. Consumers are looking for clinically-backed, regenerative solutions to remedy the loss of collagen and hair; a demand that brands like KeraCell are rising to meet.
Tough Competition
The flood of skin and hair products can make joint hair x skin products more appealing, easing tension when it comes to use and the strain on consumer wallets. However, even when it comes to products that will work for both skin and hair, there are so many products that brands are struggling to distinguish themselves, making it more difficult to parse out what will actually work.
Clients will need their hair and skin pros for guidance now more than ever.
