U.S. Hair Extension Market Size, Share & COVID-19 Impact Analysis, By Type (Synthetic Hair Extension, Human Hair Extension, and Animal Hair Extension), End-User (Male and Female), 2023-2030

The U.S. hair extension market size was valued at USD 2.08 billion in 2022 and is projected to grow from USD 2.26 billion in 2023 to USD 3.93 billion by 2030 at a CAGR of 8.22% during the 2023-2030 forecast period.

Remy hair is procured from religious sites and often marketed as ‘organic’ or ‘ethically sourced’ to enhance its appeal in the U.S. Given the rising concerns regarding the environmental issues associated with synthetic weaves, Remy hair, with its natural/organic image, is likely to witness heightened consumer interest in the forthcoming years. Moreover, rapidly evolving fashion trends and a growing focus on targeting the metrosexual male population are likely to encourage international artificial hair integration brands to penetrate the U.S. market in the future. This factor will also contribute to an elevated product demand. Furthermore, increasing consumer awareness and positive perception of weaves is expected to propel the growth of the U.S. hair extension market.

Prospective wig manufacturers are likely to offer free samples and grooming products to their clients to stay competitive in the U.S. wig and extension market. It is also imperative for brands to offer a wide variety of product categories, including tapes, ponytails, and clips, to compete with major industry participants in the U.S. and the global market.

COVID-19 IMPACT

U.S. Market Suffered During COVID-19 Pandemic Due to Closure of Salons

The COVID-19 pandemic affected various markets, including hair extension, with varying degrees of intensity and at different stages of the value chain. The market is now reworking its current models to navigate the effects of the pandemic. This will require dedicated efforts from manufacturers on the lines of innovation and technology upgradation.

As salons are the key distribution channels for artificial hair integrations, the closure of these sales channels had a direct and negative influence on their revenues. As salons are increasingly launching online stores and delivering beauty products at home, it is important for brands to focus on service innovation over the forecast period. As the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak is less intense across international markets than it was in 2020, the U.S. market is likely to recover to match its pre-pandemic revenue figures in the coming years.

U.S. HAIR EXTENSION MARKET TRENDS

Rising Demand for Vietnamese Hair to Highlight Need for Manufacturers to Procure Their Raw Materials from Asian Countries

Vietnamese hair is typically sourced from villagers dwelling in high mountains where their hair quality remains unaffected by sunlight. Moreover, women in Vietnam typically have long, straight hair and maintain an effective hair care routine. They seldom use dyes and do not use chemical-based shampoos. The majority of Vietnamese women shampoo and maintain their hair using natural products, such as rice water, locust, leaves, or herbs.

DRIVING FACTORS

Increasing Use of Remy Hair Paired with High Consumer Interest in Indian Hair to Drive Market Growth

Remy hair is often considered the best quality of human hair that is commercially available, as the cuticles in this type of hair remain intact, unlike most of non-remy weaves. India is a key supplier of this type of hair for markets across the world, including the U.S. Many Indian companies have a notable presence in the U.S., which is increasing the acceptance of Indian hair in artificial hair integrations in the country. For instance, Indique Hair is a prominent Indian firm working in the U.S. The company purchases its raw materials from Indian temples and collectors present across Southeast Asia and brings its stock back to its offices in Boston. After that, it supplies its offerings to various stores across the U.S. and online customers present in international markets, such as Western Europe, Africa, and Canada. The presence of companies, such as Indique Hair and Great Lengths Universal Hair Extensions, is likely to boost new players’ entry into the remy space, given their increasing demand across international markets.

Rising Prevalence of Hair Disorders and Rapidly Aging Population to Fuel Product Demand

Over the last decade, most consumers have been using artificial hair integration products to hide their hair-related damages and other issues. According to a report by the U.S. Census Bureau published in 2017 and revised in 2020, the share of individuals aged 65 and older is predicted to increase from 15% in 2016 to roughly 25% by 2060. A rapidly ageing population also highlights the rising prevalence of hair disorders in the U.S., which, in turn, is driving the demand for artificial hair extensions. Hence, the growing prevalence of hair disorders among consumers will elevate the demand for artificial hair integration products globally, including in the U.S., in the coming years.

RESTRAINING FACTORS

Growing Need for Substitute Procedures and Negative Consumer Perceptions Regarding False Hair to Hamper Market Growth

Wigs are considered the most sought-after substitutes for hair weaves. Recent advancements in the wig space have augmented the use of substitutes for artificial hair integrations in the U.S. According to the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery (ISHRS), around 182,025 surgeries were carried out in Canada/the U.S. in 2019 alone. Additionally, synthetic materials for hair weaves are more readily available compared to their natural/human hair counterparts. The relatively high price of natural/human artificial hair integrations is often due to the unrealistically low prices of synthetic hair weaves. Therefore, the rising demand for substitute products and the high cost of the original product make it challenging for artificial hair integration brands to achieve global expansion, thereby negatively influencing the U.S. hair extension market forecast.

SEGMENTATION

By Type Analysis

High-quality hair Extensions Sourced from Human Hair are Gaining a Dominant Position

Based on type, the market is divided into synthetic, human, and animal. The human hair weaves segment accounted for the largest market share (64.91%) in 2022 and is expected to witness robust growth in the coming years. The adaptability and versatility of strong and naturally thick human hair, most notably in India, make it ideal for the production of high-quality hair products. However, the demand for human and synthetic hair-related products depends on various factors, including product length, price, quality, availability, and colours. Human hair weaves can be styled using hot tools (straightened or curled), dyed into a darker colour, washed, and treated as a person would treat their natural hair.

On the contrary, synthetic extensions are typically sensitive to the sun and difficult to blend or style with the user’s natural hair. According to subject-matter experts and numerous celebrity hairstylists, most artificial hair integrations in the U.S. are made using human hair. Individuals typically prefer human over synthetic hair weaves owing to installation (heat)-related challenges associated with the latter.

By End-User Analysis

Female Segment to Lead End-User Segment Due to Increasing Adoption of Newer Hairstyles 

Based on end-users, the market is categorized into male and female. The female segment accounted for the most significant market share in 2022 and is anticipated to retain its prominent position in the future. The majority of U.S.-based hair weave brands cater to female consumers. Prominent artificial hair integration brands, such as Mayvenn are targeting African-American women to stay competitive in the country. Moreover, increasing consumer demand for hair care products and rising hair loss among female consumers over the age of 30 are driving the segment’s growth.

KEY INDUSTRY PLAYERS

Key Market Players to Focus on R&D Investments and New Product Launch Strategies to Stay Competitive

The U.S. market share is dominated by So.CAP. USA, Shake-N-Go Fashion, Inc., ONYCHair, Cinderella Hair Extension, and Great Lengths S.p.A. These players are focusing on R&D investments and launching new products to address increasing consumer demand and expand their share in this market. The rapidly evolving consumer buying behaviour when it comes to beauty and fashion products is creating growth opportunities for brands. It is expected to encourage new players’ entry into the weaves category in the coming years.

List of Key Companies Profiled In U.S. HAIR EXTENSION MARKET:

• Hidden Crown LLC (U.S.)


• Mayvenn Inc. (U.S.)


• SO.CAP.USA (U.S.)


• ONYC Hair (U.S.)


• EasiHair Pro (U.S.)


• Cinderella Hair Extension (U.S.)


• Klix Hair, Inc. (U.S.)


• Shake-N-Go Fashion, Inc. (U.S.)


• Halocouture Hair Extensions (U.S.)


• Great Lengths S.p.A. (Italy)

KEY INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS:

• October 2022: Rebundle, a U.S.-based hair brand, launched compostable extensions to address the issue of sustainability in the hair industry.


• May 2022: Beauty Industry Group (BIG), a U.S.-based brand, announced that it had acquired the BELLAMI Hair brand. This acquisition was likely to enhance BIG’s consumer footprint and expand to a Direct-to-Stylist (DTS) customer engagement approach across North America.


• March 2021: USA Hair, a U.S.-based company, announced the launch of hair products, including false hair, for the North American market. This new line of products was made available in various colors and sizes according to customer requirements.


• June 2021: Mayvenn Inc. opened its first retail shop at Fry Road in Katy Area, Texas, to offer its false hair products to new customers and provide several services to its users, such as bridging the gap between customers and hair stylists.


• July 2020: EasiHair Pro announced the acquisition of BLNDN Hair Products, a manufacturer of cruelty-free, vegan, paraben-free, and sulfate-free products. The company acquired BLNDN’s hair care products to strengthen its product portfolio.

REPORT COVERAGE

The market research report offers qualitative and quantitative insights into the market. It also offers a detailed analysis of the market size and growth rate for all possible segments. Various key insights presented in the report are an overview of related markets, competitive landscape, recent industry developments, such as mergers & acquisitions, SWOT analysis, regulatory scenario in critical countries, and key trends in this market.