Introduction:
“ Love your curly hair and let it be wild. The world needs more curls.” Curly hairs are a blessing for some and blight for many. This is because of the difficulty they face to manage and style, having a hard time finding branded, high quality and good formulated products that are specifically designed for their hair type. The new generation customers are now looking for products that can provide a solution to the problems they are facing. We can see an uptrend in this market and it is growing at a dominant pace. Majority products that are currently into this market contain chemicals that cause damage to hair, leading to dryness, breakage, and split ends. All of this are making it more difficult for consumers to handle their curly hairs. This market is still on an innovative stage and have a great opportunity for businesses to enter.
The haircare industry is witnessing ongoing technological advancements to address the diverse needs and pain points of consumers. One notable brand at the forefront of this innovation is "Curlin" a comprehensive new age professional haircare brand dedicated to addressing the specific challenges faced by individuals with curly hair. By offering a range free of harsh chemicals, Curlin has successfully developed products that are clinically proven to remove frizz, dryness and detangle curls effectively. Their product line includes an array of offerings such as shampoos, conditioners, leave-in creams, masks, scalp tonics, and more, providing holistic solutions for curly hair care.
One of the key components in Curlin's products is OA Omega+. This is a natural yet clinically proven ingredient also known as the “rescue oil”. It plays a vital role in benefiting hair health by delivering essential proteins and nutrients directly to the hair follicles and skin. By nourishing the hair follicles, OA Omega+ helps to reduce frizz instantly by 70% and promote moisture and helps hair to detangle - the 3 core problems with curly and wavy hair type.
Additionally, Curlin products incorporate Amisol Trio, an ingredient renowned for its protective properties and ability to enhance moisture balance in the hair. By forming a protective barrier, Amisol Trio shields the hair strands from environmental stressors, heat damage, and other external factors that can cause dryness and frizz. This innovative ingredient further contributes to the overall effectiveness of Curlin's hair care solutions, ensuring optimal moisture retention and improved hair health.
“Curlin” was incorporated in 2021 by Sumit Karranji, who holds a Master’s degree in Engineering Management from RMIT University, Melbourne. He recently completed a certificate in “Disruptive Strategy & Innovation” from Harvard Business School Online.
Market Opportunity:
The hair care industry in India is experiencing a significant and rapid growth, with its current valuation standing at 19,500 crores rupees. There is a blue ocean to tap the salon service market of Rs. 21,000 crore where curly and wavy treatments are not available at attractive price point like Curlin. Along with the Indian market's demographic advantage, coupled with its open embrace by 700 million Gen-Z and Millennials who follow global trends, the natural hair care market of wavy and curly hair grooming is expected to directly fuel the industry's growth. This growth is also supported by the industry's exposure to global markets and trends. Curlin in India is poised to follow the trend of Curlsmith in the US which was a dedicated omnichannel brand for curly and wavy hair, and recently got acquired at $150 million cash deal by Helen of Troy.
100X.VC thesis:
Curlin’s products have received good response with easy to use hence creating stickiness. All Curlin Products have clinically proven actives that work. 60% of the world population has wavy and curly hair. Sumit is a second time founder with his previous successful exit of an Accel backed startup.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, Curlin presents a compelling investment opportunity in the haircare industry, specifically targeting the underserved market of individuals with curly hair. With a focus on addressing the unique challenges faced by curly hair types.The rapidly growing hair care market in India, coupled with Curlin's strong product offering and the expertise of its founder, Sumit Karranji,who has spent a decade in e-commerce and Omnichannel businesses, positions the company for significant growth potential. With a loyal customer base and a clear value proposition, Curlin is poised to capitalise on the increasing demand for quality hair care solutions tailored to curly hair.