Christine Hall, Estée Lauder Companies’ VP of Hair Care R&D, points to biotechnology and a proactive approach to scalp ageing as key drivers for the sector. Hall, who leads R&D for Aveda and Bumble & Bumble, highlights that the industry is moving towards greater inclusivity for all hair types and textures, a trend she expects to accelerate.
Biotechnology is enabling the creation of new molecules and ingredients. Fermentation, for instance, now produces sustainable versions of common ingredients like butylene glycol. It also yields compounds with direct benefits for hair and scalp, such as Aspergillus ferment for hair strengthening or Lactobacillus ferment for scalp soothing, as seen in Aveda’s Botanical Repair and Scalp Solutions lines.
Beyond scientific advancement, Hall foresees scalp ageing prevention becoming a significant consumer focus by 2030. She advocates for a preventative approach, akin to facial skincare, where consumers protect their scalp from oxidative stress, particularly from sun exposure. This preventative care aims to address changes that can affect hair density and texture before they become apparent issues.
The push for personalisation is also ongoing. While current offerings involve product variations like Aveda's Botanical Repair Light and Rich, Hall anticipates a future where bespoke formulations are manufactured on demand, a challenge large corporations like Estée Lauder are best positioned to meet.
