Myavana, a company specializing in AI-driven personalized hair care, has successfully secured $5.9 million in seed funding led by Ulta Beauty’s Digital Innovation Fund. This funding will help enhance Myavana’s HairAI technology, which utilizes microscopic hair analysis along with advanced algorithms to effectively “decode the intricacies” of hair texture, type, and condition.
Through this detailed analysis, HairAI offers consumers immediate product recommendations tailored to their specific hair care needs. “A person’s hair is as unique as their fingerprint, and we’ve unlocked powerful, personalized insights with our AI platform,” states Myavana CEO and founder, Candace Victoria Mitchell.
With the slogan, “Your hair is as unique as your fingerprint,” Myavana’s system also identifies toxins and minerals within the body, potentially allowing for early detection of chronic illnesses, stress indicators, and dietary recommendations. “Hair is the longest record of your body’s health, providing up to a decade of information about a person’s health and needs,” comments Mitchell. She expresses gratitude to the investors who recognize the long-term potential of this innovative approach and share the mission of transforming the hair industry to create personalized consumer experiences.
Disrupting Conventional Hair Typing
The company has introduced the Unique Hair ID, a significant advancement to the traditional hair typing system. This new system encompasses over 972 different hair type combinations, providing a broader and more inclusive representation of diverse customer hair profiles globally.
Myavana’s offerings include the proprietary HairSI Strand Analysis Kit, which features tailored hair care plans aimed at addressing individual hair health challenges and goals. Founded in beta in 2012 by Candace Mitchell, Myavana has been focused on researching and developing exclusive hair care technology that analyzes hair strands alongside various product variables.
To date, Myavana has raised $6.2 million since its inception.
In collaboration with strategic retail partners, Myavana’s recommendation intelligence assists retail enterprises, such as Ulta and Unilever, in promoting personalized hair product purchases through its HairRI API integrations. The company has also partnered with the US-based National Black-Owned Beauty Supply Association and BrainTrust Founders Studio to launch a “Retail Innovation Academy,” which aims to distribute personalized HairAI technology and guidance through beauty supply stores worldwide.
B2B Collaborations
Myavana Labs has analyzed over two billion hair strands, making it the “world’s largest database of textured hair care data.” The company collaborates with hair product manufacturers to support research and development initiatives for product creation and enhance marketing strategies.
The HairCl database serves as a valuable resource for product manufacturers and ingredient suppliers seeking market research and consumer insights to improve their offerings.
Additionally, Myavana’s new HairScope and Pro+ software extends its HairAI technology to stylists, providing in-salon hair and scalp analysis that assists stylists in crafting personalized healthy hair care plans for their clients. Myavana has partnered with expert cosmetologist Robin D. Groover, founder of Too Groovy Hair Salons, to launch a “Salon Success Academy” designed to “innovate and elevate” the client experience using technology.
Advancing “Techturized” Beauty
Myavana celebrated its 12th anniversary by hosting its inaugural Techturized Beauty Tech Summit on June 15 at the Georgia Tech Klaus Advanced Computing Building in the US. The Summit featured an AR experience and interactive product demonstrations across every segment of the hair industry. Industry leaders from Groove Global, Braintrust Founders Studio, UPS, and others convened to explore opportunities for retailers, manufacturers, distributors, salons, and consumers alike.
Veterans of the beauty industry, including Robin Groover, Melissa Hibbert, Claire Sulmers, and Mimi Johnson, examined the transformative potential of technology in shaping the future of hair, beauty, wellness, retail, and fashion.
Global social impact leader La’Kerri Jackson shared insights on Myavana’s economic empowerment initiatives, including the opening of its first retail store in Uganda to enhance product distribution channels throughout Africa.
Furthermore, the company highlighted its efforts to create new career opportunities for women in STEM through its Beauty Tech Fellowship Program. Myavana also announced a new brand ambassador, singer and songwriter Serayah, who will play a key role in building the brand community via Myavana’s mobile app.
In summary, Myavana secures $5.9 million in seed funding for AI-driven hair analysis technology, emphasizing its commitment to revolutionizing the hair care industry.
