Incorporating SPFs into hair care formulations is becoming increasingly common these days, with many marketers pointing to the fact that this can fight environmental pressures such as UV rays, which can often lead to aged hair.
But more recently manufacturers have started to come up with hair care products containing specific ingredients that help fight the visible signs of ageing in hair.
Earlier this year Croda became the first company to launch an anti-ageing ingredient for the hair care market with its Keratec IFP ingredient and it has been incorporated into several hair care formulations now available on the market.
Likewise the France-based Ales Group launched the Phytodensium range at the end of last month. It is said to be the first complete line incorporating an anti-aging shampoo and an anti-ageing serum, which has been developed using the key ingredient Gatuline Age-Defense, specifically formulated to tackle the problems associated with hair in individuals aged 30-plus.
Looking at the Mintel GNPD, a wide range of other hair care products have also been launched, targeting different aspects of hair ageing. The lauches include L'Oreal's Elseve Regenium Re-Densifying Anti-Ageing Shampoo. The key Regenium ingredient is claimed to re-vitalise the capillary fibres and penetrate hair, leaving it enriched.
Another product which has a similar claims is Carita le Cheveu's Anti-Age Capillaire Hair Treatment. A course of ten treatments is said to fight signs of ageing over a five week period. At €74 it is also firmly placed in the premium category range.
Another offering specifically targeting signs of ageing in hair is Alterna's Caviar Rapid Repair Spray. This is also a hair styling product, incorporating an anti-age control complex into its formulation, as well as vitamins, essential oils and microsilicones.
The number of hair care products incorporating SPFs into the formulation are numerous, but recent additions to the Mintel database have included Serum de Soie Sublimateur Hair Serum, Simple Colour Protect Shampoo and Conditioner, together with Label M Hairspray.
Although there is no estimate for the value of the anti-ageing hair care market, it is safe to say that it is set to become a rapidly growing niche in the near future. Putting it into context against the phenomenal growth of the global anti-ageing skin care market, Euromonitor estimated this market to be valued at $9.9 billion in 2004, a rise of 16 per cent on the previous year's figure.
This range of products is from a selection contained on Mintel's Global New Products Database.