Hair Care Preparations

Hair care encompasses the overall maintenance of the health and hygiene of hair. Rising consumer income and
changing lifestyle drive growth in the hair care market. The hair care market was estimated at $66 billion in 2010,
and is expected to increase going forward. Growth in this market is mainly driven by the ageing population in
western countries, supported by rising consumer income and changing lifestyle in developing nations.
As competition intensifies, major companies are launching superior products. Increasing consumer preference for
the use of natural products is forcing major companies to change their R&D strategies. More than 1,500 patents
are filed every year in this segment.

Consistent Patent Filing Activity in the Last Six Years

Patent filing has constantly increased from 2009 to 2014, with the highest number of filing reported in 2013. The
United States dominated the research space, with approximately 14,470 patents, followed by Europe. A total of
14,472 patent applications have been filed via the PCT route.

Patent filing trend

Geographical distribution of Patents

US
2408

14470

2457

Europe
1864

6465

1886

Japan

5144

1506

China

3588

Canada

2770

Korea

2526

355

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

Other

Countries

14472

Note: Filing data for 2013 and 2014 are not complete as all patent applications are not yet published
Large companies operating in this segment include LOral, Henkel, Kao Corp, Procter and Gamble, and Unilever. In
terms of patent filings in the last five years, LOral leads the space, with 975 patent applications, followed by
Henkel.

The US and Europe dominate the research space with approximately 30% and 13% of overall patents filed,
respectively, over last six years. High number of patent filings in the US can be attributed to strong domestic
market for hair care products, owing to the increasing use of salon services.

Top Companies are Focusing on Different Aspects of Hair Care Preparations

To tap this lucrative market, several companies such as LOral, Henkel, Kao Corp, Procter and Gamble and
Unilever have entered the segment. In terms of patents, LOral leads with 975 patents filed in the last five years
followed by Henkel.

Company

LOral

Henkel

Number of Patents
Key Focus Areas
filed (2008 onwards)

975

Hair care composition along with products for

dyeing and/or conditioning of hair

509

Preparations containing conditioners and

dyes for hair

312

Developing products for dyeing and

conditioning of hair. The company is also
working on products for cleaning of hair

180

Cosmetic and toilet preparations, followed by

preparations for dyeing and conditioning of
hair

154

Compositions of treatment for hair and scalp

Kao Corp

Procter and Gamble

Unilever
Source: Aranca analysis based on Thomson Innovation Data

Future Research to Focus on Hair Treatment Techniques

The global hair care market comprises hair colorants, conditioners, styling agents and shampoos. The global sale of
the hair care market was $66 billion in 2010, and is expected to rise with developments in western and BRICS

economies. Companies are working on advanced research and technologies to bring superior products into the
market to tap this lucrative opportunity of global expansion.
Our analysis shows that future research in this area will be focused on the preparations for hair weaving, hair
straightening, hair bleaching, hair oil, anti-dandruff shampoo, and peptide-containing products for hair growth.
Some of the specific solutions will include:

Hair dyeing and/or conditioning (hair dyes are used for colouring hair, whereas conditioners are used for
softening of hair)

Permanent hair weaving or hair straightening composition

Hair cleaning composition (e.g. shampoo with antidandruff components, active herbal ingredients and
peptides for strengthening of hair roots)