Chamomile hair benefits: Why this ingredient will dominate the market

Chamomile hair benefits have found a new, fertile land to grow. Hair care product consumers have always demanded convenient treatments that make their hair look great. But a shift has happened in recent years: more and more, users are demanding both natural ingredients and natural-looking hair. This outlook has become part of a sustainable wellness movement that is increasingly driving demand: according to a 2019 CGS survey, nearly 70% of respondents said that sustainability is important to them when making a purchase. Chamomile hair lightening stands out as the natural solution to dyeing, lightening hair color in a progressive and organic way and proving all the chamomile hair benefits that have been known and used for thousands of years. 

These new consumer trends and sensibilities (including the rise of health-conscious consumers), present an immense opportunity for the beauty industry, as figures show the hair care industry is booming: TechNavio data anticipates a 3% growth in the size of the global hair care market up to 2023, while revenue from the sale of hair products on the US market is expected to reach $13 billion by 2022. However, only brands that adapt to new consumer demands regarding inclusivity, sustainability and a natural approach will remain relevant. Using chamomile hair benefits in the right formulations can trigger success in developing new hair care products that target these new sensibilities. 

Why jump on the natural and wellness bandwagon through chamomile hair lightening

As an answer to consumer demands, moisturizing and botanical/herbal solutions are becoming mainstream in the hair care industry. In fact, there are at least four trends and facts that confirm the natural and wellness approach is the way to advance: 

1. Both big and indie hair care brands are opting for natural ingredients, including those taking advantage of chamomile hair benefits. By August 2019, 45% of the top 10 hair care ingredient claims worldwide included some reference to natural ingredients. 

2. Botanical and herbal solutions have proven to be the most popular ingredient claims for hair care products in Indonesia, a traditionally Muslim country. This demonstrates that many different consumer profiles are opting for natural formulas, and both women with covered and uncovered heads are requesting beautiful and healthy hair. In this context, brands must adopt inclusivity policies that take into account and appreciate all these profiles. 

3. The hair care industry is now using ingredients commonly found in facial skincare products. This includes the use of essential oils, derived from many types of plants and common not only on skin applications but also across a number of products including natural and alternative medicine. According to numbers published by Statista, the market value of essential oils worldwide is growing to about $27 billion by 2022.

4. Vegan trends have become mainstream, with many consumers looking for certified vegan solutions. Plant-based and cruelty-free products, such as claiming traditional chamomile hair benefits, are appealing to health-conscious consumers across many demographics.

Combining these facts with the rise of eCommerce, hair care brands have an opportunity to grab consumers’ attention and build relevance in a new space in the market.

Chamomile hair benefits: A natural and healthy solution

People have used Chamomilla recutita, native to Europe, in traditional medicine for centuries as a diuretic, antispasmodic, digestive aid, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, ocular decongestant, and emmenagogue. The herb’s composition, rich in flavonoids, coumarins, and essential oils, has also made it effective in many cosmetic applications, including treatments for sensitive or irritated skin, antimicrobial activity, and wound healing.

The chamomile hair lightening effects have also been known and used historically, and Google searches such as “Is chamomile good for hair?” or “What happens if you put chamomile in your hair?” confirm this popular knowledge. In fact, chamomile has become the natural alternative to hair dyeing thanks to its lightening properties. Research by Matkar NM. (2000) confirmed that at least 5% of chamomile or an equivalent amount of extract produces a brightening and lightening effect on hair.

Thus, taking advantage of chamomile hair benefits for developing new, sustainable products provides an answer for companies looking to target health and environmentally-conscious consumers looking for natural hair treatment alternatives.