Hair product trends for 2008

Hairdressing never stands still - and 2008 will be no exception. But what type of products will be hitting our salons in the coming 12 months? Here's what the experts think... Lois Aspinall, marketing manager, Clynol "Women want sexy, voluminous hair with so much shine that it gives a mirror-like reflection. Our customers are over the grungy, just-got-of-bed look. They want hair that makes a statement, and 2008 will see an array of products to help them do just that. It's going to be a big year for shine sprays and serums. We are also seeing an increased demand for dual-action products, so we are creating multi-purpose products such as sprays that give shine and hold." Jane Barnett, hair and scalp specialist for Kérastase "The product trends for 2008 will move towards people being more aware of their scalp and how important it is to have a healthy, balanced scalp to ensure beautiful hair. We don't always get a balanced diet, drink enough water or get the right amount of sleep which can affect our scalp, and ultimately our hair, plus external aggressors such as free radicals, pollution, and air conditioning take their toll. For these reasons I think we will see a bigger consumer interest in specific products for scalp needs." Anya Haarhoff, marketing manager, L'Oréal Professionnel "For 2008, natural is a key theme. From haircare products with organic and botanical ingredients to products infused with a cocktail of vitamins, healthy hair is a priority. This trend continues through to colour and there is a move towards subtle, gentle shades seeing a tendency towards minimalism and coolness. Look forward to a year of healthy, glossy, and beautiful hair." Terry Sierocki, CEO, Sabre "Frizzy, unkempt hair is something customers are keen to tackle and banish for good this year. A number of our brands are launching products that will create either permanent smooth hair or provide moisture for those really tortured locks. Men's grooming is exploding in 2008 and you'll see a big move towards this in product innovations." Anthony Mascolo, international creative director, TIGI "In recent years, there has been a huge growth in the men's hairdressing market. We've found that both in the UK and globally men are increasingly interested in their appearance and image. In general, we've found that the contemporary male wants to have a low-maintenance look, but that doesn't mean that he is afraid to use products, so I predict men's styling and finishing products will be big news for 2008." Jackie Pike, group product manager - customer brands, Wella Professionals "In 2008, hair will be natural, shiny and healthy. Colour will be a key part to any cut and there will be hints of subtle tones of cool blondes right through to deep brunettes and vibrant reds. Popular finishing products for 2008 will be those that give a perfect and groomed result, but still enhance colour like gloss sprays, heat and colour protection products. Care products are again all about adding moisture and conditioning properties into the hair cuticle to give that luminous end result. Shampoos, conditioners and treatments will all have the same end result - beautiful, vibrant colour and perfectly conditioned locks."