The over-the-counter (OTC) hair loss market has been subject to pressure from a range of angles, from growing consumer dissatisfaction with the results of the leading minoxidil products (such as Rogaine), to an ever-expanding choice of supplements and other remedies. OTC remedies have a mixed reputation at best, focusing the attention of hair loss sufferers toward prescriptions and hair restoration procedures. In the wake of Americans’ growing fixation on aesthetic surgery and “cure-all” prescriptions, minoxidil-based remedies have suffered serious losses each year between 2000 and 2006. To determine how consumers view the products within the OTC market, as well as how hair loss in general affects consumer behavior and attitudes, Mintel asked consumers a series of penetrating questions, including:

• Are you satisfied or dissatisfied with OTC hair loss remedies?
• What alternative methods for battling hair loss do you use?
• Have you purchased a prescription hair loss remedy in the past twelve months?
• Have you consulted a doctor or pharmacist about hair loss?
• Do you experience loss of confidence, depression, or anxiety due to hair loss?
• Are you loyal to a specific brand of OTC hair loss remedy, and what are your purchase habits for non-FDA-approved, non-pharmaceutical, supplemental products against proven minoxidil products?

Mintel also analyzes the challenges for the future of the market, and takes up the factors that could help turn sales around in the next 5 to 15 years, such as a younger and growing ethnic population (particularly Hispanics) showing potential for greater participation in the market.

The OTC hair loss market is defined as products containing FDA-approved pharmaceutical ingredients, such as minoxidil; vitamin and mineral supplements said to promote hair growth or halt hair loss; shampoos, lotions, serums, and tonics said to promote hair growth or halt hair loss; combination re-growth/hair styling products; and, nutraceutical products formulated specifically for hair growth or hair restoration.

Prescription hair loss products, such as those containing finasteride, are excluded from the market size and sales estimates, but these products are discussed throughout the report. Surgical procedures such as hair transplants and hair grafts, prosthetic hair replacement, and weaves are similarly excluded from sales figures, but are discussed in the report.