Arey Company Profile

Background

Arey is a Los Angeles-based functional beauty brand founded in 2020 by CEO Allison Conrad and celebrity hairstylist Jay Small. The company specializes in proactive, science-driven solutions targeting aging hair, with a particular emphasis on preventing and slowing the progression of gray hair. Arey's mission is to offer consumers an alternative to traditional hair dye by addressing the root causes of hair aging through innovative products that promote overall hair health.

Key Strategic Focus

Arey's strategic focus centers on developing and marketing products that proactively combat the signs of hair aging. The company's core objectives include:

Product Innovation: Creating formulations that combine internal and external treatments to preserve and restore hair pigment.

Scientific Approach: Utilizing research-backed ingredients to develop effective solutions for gray hair prevention and repigmentation.

Market Expansion: Broadening distribution channels to reach a wider audience seeking alternatives to conventional hair coloring methods.

Financials and Funding

In November 2022, Arey closed an oversubscribed seed funding round, raising $4.15 million—exceeding its initial $2 million target. The round was led by Female Founders Fund and Greycroft. The capital is earmarked for accelerating research and development efforts and expanding distribution channels. Since its inception, Arey has reported a 1,100% year-over-year growth, with its subscription service experiencing a 975% increase, accounting for over 70% of total sales.

Pipeline Development

Arey's product lineup includes:

The System: A combination of a daily supplement ("Not Today, Grey") and a topical serum ("To The Root") designed to work synergistically to slow gray hair growth and promote thicker, fuller hair.

The Duo: A shampoo ("Wash") and conditioner ("Smooth") formulated to restore hair health and reduce the likelihood of increased gray hair growth.

Additional Products: The brand also offers a dry shampoo ("Wait A Sec"), a leave-in conditioner ("Live In Mist"), and a scalp exfoliant ("Scrub"), with plans to introduce a deep conditioner in the near future.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Arey's innovation lies in its holistic approach to hair aging, combining internal supplements with topical treatments. Key proprietary technologies and methodologies include:

Mela-9™ Complex: A patent-pending blend of antioxidants, extracts, and a clinically efficacious peptide designed to promote hair repigmentation and overall health.

Scientific Formulations: Products are developed with input from medical advisors, including internal medicine doctors, dietitians, and chemical engineers, ensuring a science-backed approach to hair care.

Leadership Team

Allison Conrad, Co-Founder & CEO: An entrepreneur inspired by her personal hair journey, leading Arey's strategic vision and growth initiatives.

Jay Small, Co-Founder: A former Paul Mitchell protégé and celebrity hairstylist, contributing his expertise in hair health and product development.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The hair care industry is witnessing a shift towards proactive and science-driven solutions for aging hair. Consumers are increasingly seeking alternatives to traditional hair dyes, focusing on products that address the root causes of hair aging.

Competitor Analysis

Arey's primary competitors include:

Vegamour: Offers plant-based hair wellness products targeting hair thinning and loss.

Heyhair: Provides supplements and topical treatments aimed at improving hair health and reducing hair loss.

Mane: Focuses on hair thickening and volumizing products.

These competitors emphasize natural ingredients and holistic approaches to hair care, aligning with the growing consumer demand for clean and effective solutions.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

In June 2023, Arey partnered with Credo Beauty, marking its retail debut. This collaboration aligns with Arey's commitment to clean beauty standards and expands its reach to consumers seeking science-backed, proactive hair care solutions.

Operational Insights

Arey's direct-to-consumer model, coupled with its subscription service, has been instrumental in its rapid growth. The company's focus on education and transparency about hair aging processes differentiates it from competitors, fostering consumer trust and loyalty.