Stylist Zhou Xiaofeng (right) works on a creation at the L'Oreal Color Trophy show. Provided to China Daily

A Chinese woman dyes her hair 1.9 times per year, while the number in Western countries is 5, according to the China Hair Report released last week.

Co-launched by China Consumers' Association, China Hairdressing and Beauty Association, and the global cosmetics giant L'Oreal, the report says hair coloring is a big sector in the country, and will become much more profitable in the future, especially in the next five years.

"Many Chinese consumers still have a bias against hair dye," says Yan Xiuzhen, president of CHBA.

Some believe it conflicts with traditional healthcare theories, while others fear it might hurt the hair or dry out the scalp, causing flaking skin. "But with the appearance of professional and trustable hair salons, more consumers are becoming sophisticated and will choose to dye," Yan says.

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