The $2.2 billion U.S. professional salon hair care market was affected by recession and increasing brand diversion, resulting in the lowest rate of growth in two decades, 2.8% from 2001 and 2003, according to the “Salon Hair Care USA 2003” study by Kline & Company, Little Falls, NJ. Consumers have budget constraints as well and have increased time between salon visits. During the first half of 2004, 45% of all new launches were specialty hair care products and styling aids. However, divers...