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Aussies spend up on body beautiful

Sarah Stowe

How much would you spend on looking good? Australians are tipped to spend a staggering $6.99 billion on making the most of their looks in 2011-12, which equates to $313 per person.

According to analysts at IbisWorld, this is an increase of 18.8 percent from the $5.88 billion spent in 2010-11, with cosmetic procedures the fastest growing segment of the beauty spend. However the traditional hair and beauty salons still get the bulk of our beauty spend.

While some Australians are relatively low maintenance, getting by with a semi-regular haircut and little else, IbisWorld general manager (Australia), Karen Dobie said a growing number — particularly older females — are indulging in weekly sessions for facials, hair removal and personal training as well as regular cosmetic procedures to preserve their looks.

“Older Australians have greater financial security and freedom, so they can afford to splash out on a greater range of products and procedures,” Dobie said. “In 2011, 62,000 Australians underwent surgical cosmetic procedures, while another 68,000 indulged in non-surgical procedures. These numbers have been growing significantly year on year, a trend IbisWorld expects to continue.” ‘

Hair and beauty businesses

IbisWorld expects more than $3.79 billion will be spent on these services in 2011-12, an increase of 2.3 percent on last year. Women account for 61 percent of the dollar spend, men just 39 percent.

“General haircutting and styling remains the biggest earner for the industry. However new treatment options, such as chemical straightening, have resulted in an increase in spending on additional styling services,” Dobie said.

Beautician and day spa services such as manicures, pedicures and massage therapy, are also boosting the industry.

Some of the franchises in this market: Blow Dry Bar, Brazilian Beauty, Brazilian Butterfly, Ella Bache, Essential Beauty, Franck Provost, Hairhouse Warehouse, John Brennan, Just Cuts, Lattouf Hair and Day Spa, Toni & Guy.

Gyms and fitness

Although Australians are looking for cost-effective ways to keep trim, industry revenue is expected to increase by 2.4 percent this year, with a predicted $1.67 billion spend on gyms and fitness training.

“Group fitness classes, which have a broad appeal, are expected to continue to be a firm favourite, while the demand for personal trainers is also forecast to continue as busy lifestyles and increased disposable incomes have consumers opting for convenient and flexible exercise options,” Dobie added.

Some of the franchises in this market: 24/7 Jetts Fitness, Anytime Fitness, Contours, Snap Fitness, Step into Life.

Cosmetic procedures

Non-invasive cosmetic treatments are attracting more clients with a 25 percent increase on last year. “The popularity of cosmetic procedures is being driven by the convenience of ‘lunch hour’ treatments, which require little or no downtime,” Dobie said. “Since many such treatments are not permanent, such as Botox and fillers, more women are willing to give them a go.”

Men are also beginning to turn to non-invasive cosmetic treatments, with laser rejuvenation and permanent hair reduction treatments the most popular procedures.

Some of the franchises in this market: 24/7 Jetts Fitness, Anytime Fitness, Contours, Snap Fitness.

Cosmetic procedures

Non-invasive cosmetic treatments are attracting more clients with a 25 percent increase on last year. “The popularity of cosmetic procedures is being driven by the convenience of ‘lunch hour’ treatments, which require little or no downtime,” Dobie said. “Since many such treatments are not permanent, such as Botox and fillers, more women are willing to give them a go.”

Men are also beginning to turn to non-invasive cosmetic treatments, with laser rejuvenation and permanent hair reduction treatments the most popular procedures.

Franchises: Meei Clinic

Find out more about the IbisWorld reports here.