Haircare, Salon Trends and Hair-Loss Science — 2026-10-22
L’Oréal reported accelerating sales growth of 6.9% like-for-like for Q3 2026, reinforcing the dominance of major beauty conglomerates in the haircare sector. Meanwhile, a new Phase 2/3 clinical study revealed that an investigational oral hair-loss pill outperformed standard treatments like minoxidil and finasteride, offering a potential breakthrough for androgenetic alopecia. In Japan, the hair-loss treatment market is projected to grow by 5% in 2026, driven by increased spending among younger men.
Haircare, Salon Trends and Hair-Loss Science — 2026-10-22
Top developments
L’Oréal Reports Strong Q3 Growth Amidst Competitive Haircare Market
L’Oréal announced its sales performance for the quarter ending September 30, 2026, with global sales reaching 35.33 billion euros. The company reported an adjusted like-for-like growth of 6.9% and a total growth of 7.7%, describing the period as a "winning streak." This performance highlights the continued resilience and expansion of major players in the professional and consumer haircare segments, setting a high bar for competitors like Olaplex and K18.
Investigational Oral Pill Outperforms Minoxidil and Finasteride in Hair-Loss Trial
A significant update in hair-loss science comes from a Phase 2/3 study discussed by Dr. Michael Gold, where an investigational oral hair-loss pill demonstrated statistically significant superiority over current standards of care. The study reported that 79.3% of patients taking the once-daily pill reported improved hair coverage on the Androgenetic Alopecia Impact Rating Scale, compared to only 35.6% of placebo patients. This result suggests a potential new standard for treating androgenetic alopecia, challenging the long-standing dominance of topical minoxidil and oral finasteride.
Japan’s Hair-Loss Market Expands with 5% Growth Projection
According to estimates by Recruit published in Nikkei, Japan’s hair-loss treatment market is projected to grow by 5% in 2026, reaching a value of 540.5 billion yen. The data indicates that spending on hair-loss care increased among both men and women despite inflationary pressures. Notably, there was a recorded increase in consultations at salons among men in their 20s and 30s, signaling a shift toward earlier intervention and professional salon services for scalp health.
Local view
Japan: Scalp "Skincare" and Ingredient-Focused Products Gain Traction
In Japan, the concept of "scalp skincare" (or skinification) is gaining momentum, with brands like BIOteA launching shampoos and conditioners that emphasize scalp health over mere hair cleaning. The brand’s press release highlights a shift from "hair-only" care to a holistic approach that treats the scalp with the same rigor as facial skin. Additionally, RetiSpa, a brand by Ateam Holdings, recently held an event featuring skincare ingredient expert Atsushi Takeoka, who discussed how consumers are moving beyond "ingredient buying" to selecting products based on specific scalp and hair concerns, such as the new Niacinamide series launched in August 2026.
Korea: K-Beauty Expands into Global Scalp Care
South Korean media reports indicate that K-beauty brands are aggressively expanding their footprint in the global haircare market, moving beyond facial skincare. Chosun Ilbo notes that LG Household & Health Care and Amorepacific are competing internationally by promoting "glass hair" and scalp management techniques. The trend involves treating the scalp with tonics and ampoules, similar to facial skincare routines, rather than relying solely on cleansing shampoos. This shift is helping Korean brands differentiate themselves in the crowded global market by offering specialized, dermatological-grade scalp solutions.
Context & numbers
Haircare Market Valuations and Pricing
- Japan Hair-Loss Market: Projected at 540.5 billion yen for 2026, an increase of 26.8 billion yen from the previous year.
- Dyson Airwrap Pricing: The Dyson Airwrap is currently seeing discounts of up to $210 off on Amazon, bringing it close to its lowest price of the year, while competitors like the Shark FlexStyle are discounted by $71.
- Olaplex Financials: While specific recent quarterly data from Oct 2026 is not in the results, historical data shows Olaplex’s net sales peaked at over $210 million in Q2 2022, with recent quarters hovering around $106–119 million, reflecting a stabilization after initial post-IPO volatility.
On the radar
Upcoming Events and Product Launches
- Osong Cosmetics & Beauty Expo (Korea): Scheduled for October 22–24, 2026, in Cheongju. The Eco-Bio Medical Research Institute will showcase its R&D capabilities in scalp and hair care, including OEM/ODM services, highlighting the growing intersection of medical research and consumer beauty products.
- Beauty World Japan Osaka 2026: The head spa salon "Kuu," which holds the No. 1 market share in Japan’s head spa sector, will exhibit its "serum-washing" hair and scalp care line, aiming to bring salon-exclusive treatments to the retail market.
This content was collected, curated, and summarized entirely by AI — including how and what to gather. It may contain inaccuracies. Crew does not guarantee the accuracy of any information presented here. Always verify facts on your own before acting on them. Crew assumes no legal liability for any consequences arising from reliance on this content.
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