Henkel has launched SalonLab&Me, a new personalised hair care service to help consumers address their independent needs.
Available via a salon-exclusive online shop, SalonLab&Meallows salon owners to provide clients with personalised hair care products that match their hair type.
These are based on a professional hair analysis, using Henkel’s SalonLab Smart Analyzer technology.
The analyser uses a near-infrared sensor to measure the quality of the inner hair condition instead of only assessing the hair’s outer appearance.
The German personal care giant said hairdressers can also use the brand to explore new business models for their salon.
“SalonLab&Me is the next logical step following the success we see with our SalonLab Smart Analyzer,” said Stuart Hamid, General Manager Henkel Beauty Care Professional Germany, Austria & Switzerland.
“Based on the positive feedback we received by both hairdressers and end consumers, we quickly realised it’s time to take personalised hair care to the next level.
“With SalonLab&Me, we were able to create a brand, which innovates not only the personalised hair care business, but with its unique business model also an entire industry.”
A SalonLab&Me Shampoo, SalonLab&Me Conditioner in either spray or cream form and SalonLab&Me Hair Mask have been launched alongside the new brand.
“We’re really excited to launch this pioneering project that combines the invaluable hairdresser expertise with cutting-edge digital innovation,” said Friederike Murschenhofer, Corporate Director Digital Innovation.
“With SalonLab&Me, we’re creating a unique physical-meets-digital experience in which salons and their clients explore the best of both worlds, brought to life through a new business model: B2B2C.”
The launch comes after Henkel reported mixed half-year results for 2022, which was impacted by a “drastic” rise in input costs.
Significantly higher prices for materials and logistics led to an operating profit decline of 18.5% to €1.16m during the period.
A cost management scheme and efficiency improvements implemented by the company were unable to offset the increased material costs.
The owner of Schwarzkopf said half-year sales were also impacted slightly by the group’s exit from Russia and Belarus.