With people becoming more aware about hair and scalp health, the hair care sector is booming with profit. In this time, starting a hair care brand can be exciting and rewarding.
However, launching a brand in this competitive space isn’t as simple as creating a shampoo and just slapping on a pretty label. There are various challenges and hurdles along the way that can ruin your startup before it even sees the light of the day.
So, to ensure your hair care brand’s success, here, we’ve listed the top 5 common startup mistakes you should avoid while launching your hair care brand!
1. Not Defining a Clear Niche or Target Market
One of the biggest missteps new brand founders make is trying to appeal to everyone. They often create generic hair care lines with broad messaging like “for all hair types”. Although this inclusivity is important, being too vague can make your hair care brand forgettable.
These days, the beauty market is packed with multiple brands. That’s why, to stand yourself apart, your products should serve a clear purpose, whether it’s curly hair, dry scalp, colour-treated strands, or hair loss.
The Fix:
To fix this, you need to start by identifying your ideal customer. Are they Gen Z consumers with natural curls or professionals looking for easy routines? Based on the answers, you should create detailed customer personas and build your brand identity, formulations, and marketing strategy.
2. Underestimating Product Formulation and Testing
Some founders rush the product development process and rely on basic DIY recipes to create formulas. They often skip thorough testing or choose a private label hair care product manufacturers without customising the formulas.
As we all know, hair care is a results-driven category. So, if your shampoo doesn’t cleanse well, or your conditioner leaves hair greasy or dry, customers won’t give it a second chance. Moreover, if you have poor formulations, it may lead to irritation, allergic reactions, or damaged hair, causing your brand to get negative reviews.
The Fix:
To fix it, you must work with a licensed cosmetic chemist or reputable hair care lab. Invest in proper R&D (Research & Development), and don’t save money on safety and stability testing. Conduct trials with a small group of testers from your target audience to gather feedback and refine your formulas.
3. Ignoring Branding and Packaging Strategy
Many new brands invest heavily in product development and end up ignoring branding and packaging while starting a hair care business. They use off-the-shelf designs or unoriginal logos that fail to communicate the brand’s unique personality.
Your branding and packaging are your first impression, and your products’ aesthetics and storytelling can drive consumer interest.
The Fix:
To deal with this, you need to create a strong brand story and visual identity before launching your skincare brand. Think about your brand values, tone of voice, and design elements that will connect with your audience. Work with a designer to create a custom logo and invest in packaging that’s both functional and visually appealing.
Also, consider eco-friendly packaging in skincare while launching your brand since consumers today are increasingly drawn to eco-friendly, recyclable, or refillable packaging.
4. Not Understanding Compliance and Legal Requirements
Skipping over regulatory details like ingredient restrictions, labelling rules, or cosmetic safety testing is a dangerous mistake that will cost you a lot.
Hair care products are classified as cosmetics in most regions, and hence, they must comply with strict regulations. If you fail to comply with those regulations, you might have to pay fines or, worse, shut down your brand.
The Fix:
If you want to avoid those risks, you need to research the cosmetic regulations in your country and regions you plan to sell in. Consult with a regulatory expert or lawyer early in the process to ensure compliance across the board.
5. Poor Marketing and Launch Strategy
Even if you’ve made amazing products and done beautiful branding, your brand will flop if no one knows about it. So, you should not assume that products will sell themselves without preparing a marketing strategy.
With so many hair care brands on the market, you need to actively promote your brand and connect with your ideal customer in meaningful ways. These days, organic reach on social media is limited, and relying solely on Instagram posts or word-of-mouth isn’t enough.
The Fix:
To fix this, you can create a strategic launch plan 3-6 months before your official release. Consider:
- Building a pre-launch email list with a waitlist or early access.
- Teasing product visuals and behind-the-scenes content on social media.
- Partnering with micro-influencers in your niche.
- Offering samples to beauty bloggers and YouTubers for reviews.
- Running targeted ads on platforms like Meta, TikTok, or Google.
Bonus Tip: Not Listening to Customer Feedback
Once you launch, your customers are your best source of insight. If you ignore their reviews, fail to address complaints, or refuse to adapt, it may stall your brand’s growth.
That’s why you should always remember to collect feedback and use it to fix your products and brand experience. You should also consider conducting post-purchase surveys, social media polls, and direct customer outreach to stay in tune with your audience.
Final Thoughts
The “how to launch a hair care brand” steps are more than just creating a shampoo and launching it in the market. It’s about solving a real problem for a specific audience—with products that work, branding that resonates, and a strategy that drives growth.
By avoiding these five common mistakes, you can position your hair care brand for long-term success in this profitable yet competitive industry.
FAQs
Q. How can I avoid poor product formulation mistakes?
Ans. To avoid poor product formulation mistakes, you need to work with experienced cosmetic chemists and prioritise product testing. Avoid rushing to market with untested formulas, as poor quality or harmful ingredients can damage both hair and your brand’s reputation.
Q. How does poor marketing strategy affect a new hair care brand?
Ans. Without a solid marketing plan, even great products can go unnoticed. Many new brands fail due to limited visibility, unclear messaging, or not leveraging digital platforms like Instagram, TikTok, or influencer partnerships effectively.
Q. What if I don’t have a big budget for branding right away?
Ans. You don’t need to break the bank, but your branding should feel intentional. A clear message, consistent design, and understanding your brand voice can set you apart from the start, even on a small budget.