International launches in Styling

Mintel’s latest global hair care report concludes that in order to stand out, brands should look beyond general hydrating and damage repair claims, and should offer more specialised products. Examples over the past year include products for those aged over 70, for Afro hair, for hair in transition and scalp care for wig wearers.  Meanwhile, for colour cosmetics, the popularity of the no-makeup look continues to be on-trend, with consumers seeking skin care-based formulas to boost radiance. Our UK research reveals high interest in technology aiding the shopping experience, such as augmented reality (AR) and chatbots, but despite innovations in digital technology usage of these technologies remains low. Brands can do more to make these tools more accessible. Bringing AR to more stores could be one way; alternatively brands could raise awareness of chatbots, which may be getting lost on social media and brand websites. 

Dual-ended lip coat that transforms the colour

The Lirikos Marine Energy line is inspired by the secret of the sea’s energy and features Marine Elixir, a remedy found in the sea to optimise skin condition with marine plants and micro-organisms, said to moisturise, soothe and restore. It includes Lip Blending Magic Gel. This dual-ended product controls the lip shades for customised lip colour with two shades of magic lip gels: Yellow changes the lip colour into a warm tone; and Blue changes the colour into a cool tone. The two shades of transparent oil base are enriched with salicornia europaea seed oil to turn lips moist and glittery when used as top coat.

Hair spray cuts air-drying time in half

In the USA, IGK provides hairstyling for the modern generation. The company has a team of four stylists from various parts of the globe and vastly different backgrounds, unified in the vision to create products designed to fit the lives and needs of the client and hairstylist. Included in the range of products is No More Blow High Speed Air Dry Spray. This spray is designed to cut air-drying time in half while protecting against frizz, bending, breakage, heat and UV rays. Featuring Advanced Flash Cooling technology and a blend of lightweight, invisible starches, this conditioning and colour safe product is said to absorb moisture to help hair air dry up to 46% faster, providing looks with minimal straight, wavy, curly, coiled and tightly coiled; it is vegan, cruelty-free, and formulated without gluten, parabens, sulphates (SLS or SLES), petrolatum or mineral oil.

Turban pride

Inspired by the emergence of specialised hair care products for Hijab-wearing women, Happily Unmarried in India has launched a range for another religious group who cover their hair, Sikh men. Ustraa Turban Pride is formulated for turbaned hair and is said to help long and uncut hair stay strong. It includes: a shampoo to strengthen hair from the roots, prevent breakage, heal scalp infections etc., conditioner, and hair serum with nourishing avocado oil. The concept can also expand to other countries with large Sikh communities such as the UK and Canada.

* Global new products database