Is Brazil the new Korea for hair?

Brazil has always been renowned for being innovative in the beauty sector. Historically, the beauty industry in Brazil accelerates two to three times faster than the national economy. Being the 5th most populated country in the world and with the median age of the Brazilian population at 31.3 years, they have a large, very young population. Since the economic crash which brought about a recession in 2015, the country’s GDP suffered two consecutive contractions in 2015 & 2016. 2017 brought the first GDP growth in 3 years and it continued to rise in the first quarter of 2018. Since the crash private consumption has expanded 2.8% annually, and more than half of Brazilian population has been classed in the ranks of middle class. Still, as a result of the country’s economic downturn, an increasing number of consumers are abandoning higher end brands in search of more affordable options. Personal Care is one of the few categories in which Brazilians are still ‘trading up’.

The Brazilian Beauty & Personal Care market was worth 32.1billion in 2017 with a projection of 33.5 billion of sales in 2018. It is currently the world’s 4th largest beauty market. Beauty is an integral part of daily routine, it is not unusual to take 2-3 showers a day, with consumers using on average 6-7 different brands of hair care in one year. More than 50% of consumers use more than 4 products in their hair every day. Eventually, let’s note that the Brazilian population has one of the most diverse hair profiles in the world, containing every hair type imaginable.

1.Ethnically Diverse

As illustrated above, there’s huge diversity in hair types, with a large percentage of the population having what is classed as ethnic hair (curls, coils, afro).

Despite all of the variety, consumers still want the same things from their hair products: Effective care for healthy looking, beautiful hair.

This is a complete vegan line of styling products with apple vinegar specific for curly/ethnic hair. For curly hair types 5 to 8, this line seals cuticles, reconstructs, intensifies hair shine, controls frizz all while adding definition and hydration. Three products that can be mixed together for different effects to suit the type of curl and they can be used at no/low poo techniques.

2.Curl Love

For the past 18 years Brazilian consumers have been embracing different beauty ideals, not wanting to all look the same, with cookie cutter processed hair that is packed with chemicals. Has such, products for transitioning (the process of going from chemically relaxed hair back to its natural curl) started popping up only as recently as 2016. Millennials are following the global trend of self-acceptance and love by embracing their natural textures.

This nutrition line for curly, ethnic or during transition hair has antioxidants, anti-ageing action, and is growth stimulant, helping to redefine curls and keep them looking naturally defined for longer. The products can be used in Low Poo and Co-Wash techniques. It can also be used by anyone who has chemically treated hair. With avocado oil proteins, omega 3, linoleic acid, amino acids, minerals and vitamins A, B, C, D and E.

3. Blonde Obsession

European Beauty Ideals are still highly coveted. The Brazilian population tend to have warmer and deeper skin tones and Blonde hair is complimentary to their skin and also helps to soften their features. 70 % of Brazilian women have blonde hair but only less than 20% of these are natural blondes. Curl caring colour is a huge demand for the platinum lovers!

This is the first bleaching powder developed for curly/ethnic hair, which redensifies the hair fiber and reduces frizz. Differently from other bleaching powders, it does not disrupt/unweave the definition of curls nor it increases frizz so it is indicated for curly, coily, ethnic hair type 5 to 8 on the above illustration. It treats the damage of hair fiber, filling porous areas, making hair fiber denser and healthier looking.

4. Natural & Conscious Beauty

Brazilians are in general adopting a more natural posture towards their hair care routines. Reducing the amount of chemical procedures and using products without harsh chemicals is a huge trend. However, they never compromise on performance for the sake of going natural.

Moisturising line with antibacterial and antioxidant properties, 100% vegan, natural products which seal the cuticle, adding shine, nourish, hydrate, replenish nutrients and stimulate growth for wavy, curly, coily, ethnic hair. With shea butter, castor oil, vitamin E, minerals, all ingredients are from botanical origin. In the range there is a Shampoo, Conditioner, Thermo-Active Leave-In Treatment, Hydrating Oil, Curl Activator and Masque. The Inoar brand is also part of PETA’s list of "cruelty free" companies.

5. Smoothing & Straight Hair

Straight hair is a beauty standard still being chased. Because of the racial mix in Brazil and resulting texture, anti-frizz & smoothing are important. Women will carry anti frizz & smoothing products in their bag to top up during the day. The country where the Brazilian blow dry was founded has plenty of addicts to the service. Their hair needs recovery whether or not they are still having it done. Going from having straightening procedures in the salon to safe home alternatives is a growing trend, not only due to economic reasons but also as they don’t last as long, they offer the option of less commitment.

This Shampoo and Conditioner range is indicated for hair types 1 and 2, ideal for hair that has been straightened by treatment. Formulated with honey, silk protein, ceramides and keratin, it’s paraben free.

6. Fun Packaging

Colourful & Eye Catching seems to be the go to for most hair care brands. With brands like Kanechom launching products with new colourful and humorous packaging, following other famous brands (like Salon Line, Donna and Lola, which was the first to launch its products in fun and bright packaging), this is clearly a growing and popular trend.

The brand released 5 Conditioning Masques in new, bright, colourful and fun packaging!

7. Super Detailed Hair Routines

With Brazilian women focusing so much of their beauty routine on their hair, it’s little wonder that so many brands are now launching products that can be used in the nighttime as well as in the morning or specialized programs that work on a weekly schedule. Brazilian women on average use between 3-5 products each to care for their hair at any one time. A nightly hair routine is not uncommon and becoming increasingly popular.

Multipurpose oil that can be used on day or night to moisturise and boost the effects of any masque. With 12 oils, coconut, argan, shea, macadamia, olive, in addition to other seeds, herbs and fruits, it’s also paraben free. Ultra nourishing, it acts deep in the hair fibre to repair vitality, replenish nutrients and revitalise shine while adding luminosity. During the day it will act as UV protection and detangler, keeping hair soft and shiny. At nighttime it will act as deep treatment to hydrate and nourish the hair and scalp. As a booster it will enhance the properties of the masque when you add a few drops of the Cream-Oil to it.

The capillary schedule or chronogram is a systematized way of taking care of hair following a schedule of treatment divided into three stages:

 Hydration: step that restores water from hair;
 Nutrition: step that restores oils from hair;
 Reconstruction: step that restores the keratin of hair.

The chronogram steps should be done separately (never on the same day) respecting the minimum interval of 48 hours between each one. The schedule can be done on any type of hair. There will be different programs for different hair types.

8. Detox & Scalp Care

The climate and the high levels of pollution mean most Brazilians suffer from oily roots and hair as well as other types of scalp conditions. Not only does their hair and scalp require deep cleansing but also protection from these irritants to maintain their health. Treating hair is no longer enough. Many brands are launching products that also treat the scalp. Either by detoxing or nourishing and stimulating hair growth. Anti-pollution and detoxing treatments are increasing in popularity.

Products that rebalance the microbiotic flora of the scalp are beginning to pop up in Brazil. This anti-dandruff shampoo preserves the scalps natural defenses. Renews scalp cells, softens irritation, reduces sensitivity, itching and flakes. Free of parabens, salt, colour, preservatives and alcohol.

9. Hybrid Haircare

Multi-function products are all the rage! Hybrids are taking over the beauty industry in all areas, and hair is no exception. The time consuming beauty regimes of Brazilian women combined with the economic crash has led to a demand for products that do more, in less time & for less money. Since the market is so ahead in hybrids within a category, more interesting cross category hybrids are now appearing in the market.

10. Long Hair

Healthy, long, strong, shiny hair is ultimate perfection according to Brazilian beauty ideals. Repair, Recovery, Protection, Growth & Scalp Care are huge concerns when caring for longer hair. Many brands dedicate new lines to care for and recover hair length, aid in regrowth and maintain length healthy condition.

Conclusions  Caucasian-like hair is still highly desired in Brazil; women will go to a lot of trouble to have hair that is long, smooth, shiny and soft. Smoothing and shine are both getting faster and more multifunctional. You repair & protect whilst smoothing with a quick and easy product. Your shine product also gives you pollution protection as well as UV filter.  Textured hair is now coming into its own with women embracing and learning to love their natural texture. Transitioning & Curl hair types are being better catered to on the Brazilian market. Mixing with intensifiers, cumulative results and pre-shampoo treatments are more new concepts that are coming to the transitioning & curls market.  The blonde obsession is real and not only is toning becoming more instant with one product instead of a care range, it is also becoming more multi functional. Brazil are quick to introduce color products specifically for curls that don’t further dry out or interrupt the natural curl pattern. Bleaching & toning products specific for curly hair are becoming increasingly popular.  Even with the growing of the multi-use, one-product-does-it-all trend, Brazilian women still like to dedicate a good deal of time on their hair. Highly detailed, scheduled and nighttime hair recovery routines are very much sought out and becoming hugely popular.  Brazil is very good with its hybrid beauty but now those hybrids are becoming more sophisticated. Hybrid hair styling & care products now give a gradual smoothing effect too. Some hybrid products are also going cross category. We particularly like the serum that can be used on the scalp & the face.