According to a new Spate report, "the fastest growing hair services are scalp spas and hair microneedling," both of which target overall hair wellness via the scalp, particularly thinning and loss. As previously reported, "how to grow hair faster" and "why is my hair falling out" are two leading hair-related online queries. Let's break down these trends.
Consumers' Awareness of Scalp Health on the Rise
"Ninety-eight percent of respondents agree that healthy-looking and -feeling hair begins with the health of the scalp," noted a 2023 report from The Benchmarking Company.
The report added, "According to 99% of those surveyed, she believes that hair health can be impacted by stress, nutrition and underlying health issues. She recognizes that scalp health is a critical component of having a healthy-looking head of hair."
It's perhaps no surprise, then, that hair microneedling and scalp spas are trending.
Hair Microneedling Stimulates Growth
Hair microneedling creates minor scalp injuries using a skin roller in the service of encouraging healthier scalp skin and hair, similar to how the technique is used in skin care.
A 2013 study reported that use of Minoxidil alongside a dermaroller treatment enhanced hair growth stimulation, compared to the medication alone. In particular, the technique was found to work well for those experiencing androgenetic alopecia, a progressive hair loss condition.
The authors concluded, "Microneedling is a safe and a promising tool in hair stimulation and also is useful to treat hair loss refractory to Minoxidil therapy.
Per Spate, hair microneedling searches have jumped nearly 60% year-over-year, driven by queries for hair growth.
The firm notes that, although consumers are accustomed to microneedling in the skin care realm, there is still a desire for proof when it comes to hair.
Scalp Spas for Care & Detoxing
The more than 150% year-over-year jump in online searches and more than 29% quarterly increase in TikTok views related scalp spas also reflects interest in a healthy scalp, though for different reasons.
Per Spate, interest in pro services is mirrored in the consumer product space, with scalp care SKUs enjoying a 286% jump in average weekly views over the last year.
Hashtags related to the trend highlight an interest in goals, such as #scalpdetox, as well as formats and practices such as, #scalptreatment, #scalpscrubbing, #scalpoiling and scalp serums, the latter of which have seen a 34.2% jump in Google searches year-over-year.