Hair spray still one of the basics

MMR, Feb 25, 2008

NEW YORK -- Hair spray has long been viewed by many women as an essential tool in their beauty care repertoire.

Major suppliers of hair care products are well represented among the top-selling brands, which gives consumers a wide choice in following their styling preferences.

According to data from Information Resources Inc., consumers spent $406 million on hair spray and spritz in supermarkets, chain drug stores and discount stores (excluding Wal-Mart Stores Inc.) for the 52 weeks ended December 30, 2007--an increase of about 3.3%.

The No. 1 brand is Tresemme Tres Two Extra Hold Hair Spray, supplied by Alberto-Culver Co. The brand showed strong growth--25%--in dollar volume for the year.

A key attribute of the Tres Two brand is its humidity-resistant formula, which prevents frizz and keeps flyaway hairs smooth for 24 hours, according to the company. An added bonus is its water-free formula, which goes on dry, giving hair grip and control without stickiness.

Salon Grafix, another top seller in the hair spray category, also had healthy dollar sales growth, at 26%. Its product line consists of shaping hair sprays with a fast-drying formula that the company maintains is suitable for all hairstyles.

Salon Grafix also supplies Freezing Hair Spray for ultimate hold and shine, allowing the user to create dramatic holds and styles, even if hair is difficult to work with.

Procter & Gamble's (P&G's) Pantene Style Pro V Classic Care Hair Spray has also done well with consumers, with a 22% increase in dollar volume. The line is available in flexible-hold and maximum-hold varieties, and is packaged in both aerosol and nonaerosol containers.

P&G also offers Pantene Pro V Restoratives Hair Spray, which provides frizz control. It is available in three versions: anti-humidity, extra-strength serum and ultra-smoothing balm.

P&G's Aussie Instant Freeze Hair has also done well, with dollar volume up 38% for the 52 weeks ended December 30.

Another important supplier in the mass market is Samy Cos. Containing a fast-drying, weightless antifrizz formula, the company's Samy Hair Spray provides ultra hold and high shine and adds extra volume and body without sticky buildup or flaking.

Hair Spray Spritz

                                DOLLAR SALES        UNIT VOLUME
                                 $406.1 mil.        119.3 mil.
                                  ( 3.3%) *          (-1.4%) *

For 52 Weeks                   Percent Change     Percent Change
Ending 12/30/07                      vs.                vs.
                               Prior 12 Months    Prior 12 Months

                                Supermarkets       Supermarkets
                                    -0.9%               -5%
                                 Drug Stores        Drug Stores
                                     4.1%               0.1%

                                   Dollar              Unit
Top Brands                        Sales **          Volume ***

 1. Tresemme Tres Two            $32.3 mil.          9.4 mil.
 2. Suave                         25.2 mil.         13.9 mil.
 3. Sebastian Shaper              20.6 mil.          1.5 mil.
 4. Salon Grafix                  18.3 mil.          4.4 mil.
 5. Dove                          15.2 mil.          5.5 mil.
 6. Garnier Fructis Style         13.3 mil.          3.9 mil.
 7. Rave                          12.9 mil.          5.9 mil.
 8. Sebastian Shap. Plus          10.9 mil.          0.8 mil.
 9. Aquanet                       10.8 mil.          4.8 mil.
10. Alberto Consort               10.2 mil.          2.9 mil.

* Total of supermarkets, drugstores and discount stores excluding
Wal-Mart Stores Inc.

Source: Information Resources Inc.