HairOriginals Company Profile

Background

HairOriginals is a pioneering direct-to-consumer (D2C) brand specializing in 100% natural human hair extensions and wigs. Founded in 2019 by Jitendra Sharma, an IIT Delhi alumnus, the company is committed to providing high-quality, ethically sourced hair solutions that cater to both aesthetic aspirations and medical necessities. HairOriginals aims to revolutionize the hair extensions market by offering premium products that enhance personal style and confidence.

Key Strategic Focus

HairOriginals focuses on:

Product Excellence: Offering a diverse range of hair extensions and wigs made from ethically sourced, real human hair.

Technological Integration: Utilizing AI-driven applications to provide personalized customer experiences and virtual product trials.

Market Expansion: Establishing experience centers and forming strategic partnerships to increase accessibility and brand presence.

Global Outreach: Expanding into international markets, including North America and Europe, to position India as a global leader in human hair products.

Financials and Funding

HairOriginals has successfully secured multiple funding rounds:

Pre-Series A Funding (December 2023): Raised $2.75 million from investors such as Anicut Capital, Kesh Kala Family Office, Lets Venture, Dexter Angels, and JITO Angel Fund.

Series A Funding (February 2025): Secured $5 million co-led by Anicut Growth Fund and 12 Flags Consumer Holdings, with participation from Lenskart co-founder and CEO Peyush Bansal.

The capital is allocated towards:

Expanding "Try at Home" services to 40 cities.

Enhancing research and development capabilities.

Establishing 25–30 company-owned experience centers within the next year.

Pipeline Development

HairOriginals is actively developing:

Experience Centers: Plans to open 25 centers across India by the end of FY2025, with upcoming locations in Pune, Delhi, and Chandigarh.

AI-Enabled Applications: Launched an app offering virtual trials and personalized consultations, aiming to build a community around hair extension products and services.

Technological Platform and Innovation

HairOriginals differentiates itself through:

Proprietary Technologies: Development of an AI-driven virtual trial app, "Magic Mirror," allowing customers to try different hair extension products from home.

Scientific Methodologies: Utilizing advanced AI algorithms for product customization and virtual trials, enhancing customer engagement and satisfaction.

Leadership Team

Jitendra Sharma: Founder and CEO. An IIT Delhi graduate with extensive global experience, Sharma leads the company's strategic vision and operations.

Piyush Wadhwani: Co-Founder and Chief Product Officer. Wadhwani focuses on product development and innovation, driving the company's technological advancements.

Leadership Changes

No recent significant changes or appointments within the company's leadership have been reported.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The global hair extensions and wigs industry was valued at $14 billion in 2023, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12%. The Indian market is emerging, with the potential to become a $1 billion segment.

Competitor Analysis

Key competitors include:

Nish Hair: Focuses on natural hair extensions with a strong online presence.

Indique Hair: Offers premium hair extensions and wigs, emphasizing quality and variety.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

HairOriginals has formed significant partnerships to strengthen its market position:

Naturals Salon: Collaborated to sell products across multiple locations in India, aiming to expand to over 50 Naturals Salon locations.

Geetanjali Salon: Partnered to increase footprint across India, enhancing brand accessibility.

Operational Insights

HairOriginals' strategic considerations include:

Omni-Channel Approach: Combining online sales with physical experience centers to provide comprehensive customer engagement.

Quality Control: Managing the entire value chain from sourcing to sales, ensuring product excellence and competitive pricing.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

HairOriginals aims to:

Expand Retail Presence: Open 40 new stores in the next 16 months across India and globally, targeting a total of 100 outlets, including in Canada and the United States.

Enhance Technological Capabilities: Continue developing AI-driven applications to improve customer experience and product customization.

Strengthen Global Positioning: Leverage India's status as a leading ethical source of human hair to establish a dominant presence in the global market.