The hair care industry is one of the most lucrative businesses associated with private labeling. Humans are considered to be hairless creatures, but the one place where we have a nice amount of hair is our head. We all have hair (at one point or another, anyway), and a great number of us are interested in taking care of that hair, in the best possible way.

For many years, hair care brands were dependent on salons and stylists to spread their products and build their credibility. It was on them to introduce the different brands to their clientele, and to get them to use it, effectively building their brand. Salons were running the risk of their customers simply buying that product somewhere else, thereby losing the sales revenue that would have been generated.

Nowadays, many salons and stylists use the power of private labeling, thus eliminating the “middle man” factor, building their very own brand, and watching it expand over time.

What To Watch For?

So, you want to have your own label of hair care products? That is a great step in the right direction, but, like in all cases, some do it better than others. There are good private labels, and ones which are not as good. Here are some of the key elements you’ll want your hair care label to possess:

Naturalist Philosophy

Many consumers care about the materials they put in their hair. People already know that the FDA is not exactly the final word on harmful products (or lack thereof), and they observe a lot more. They scrutinize, they read labels, they get on-the-spot information online, and they want to know that they are getting top value for their money.

Having a brand which emphasizes the naturalist angle – though not in an obnoxious or buzzword kind of way – is key in boosting sales. Sulfates, artificial fragrances, and artificial colors are words which are becoming synonymous with negative feelings and inferior products.

Essential Oils

Very much akin to the first point, oils are part of what make a product shine – literally and figuratively. Having essential oils in your hair care products means that you will open yourself up to a wider range of clients. There are some individuals who will only buy a hair care product which has a specific oil in it, because of the benefits which that particular oil holds. Be it argan, tea tree, or rosemary – essential oils in a hair care formula are always a good idea, and they can be very beneficial when marketing your brand.

Cruelty Free

Many people (not just vegans) are becoming aware of the fact that animal testing, in the field of cosmetics, is not always a necessity. If you need to do animal testing, it stands to reason that you have a certain fear or doubt of some kind, regarding your product, which needs to be put to the test. Manufacturing a cruelty-free product means that A: more people will want to buy your brand, and B: because there is no testing involved, the manufacturing costs are lower, and are thus more affordable for you, the entrepreneur, as well as your end-user.

Safe for Color

This is one element which could go either way, I feel. It is not a necessity, per se, but it doesn’t hurt. The reason that it is highly recommended your hair care products be safe for color, is due to the fact that many of the consumers out there are women. Sorry, it may not be that politically correct to say, in this metrosexual age we live in, but women are still the number one consumers of hair care products. Furthermore, many women color their hair on a regular basis, and are looking specifically for that “safe for color” label when they are shopping.

Country of Origin

This is also one element which is debatable, I suppose. For many American consumers – regardless of hair care – seeing the “made in USA” label is of great significance. In this day and age, when everyone and everything is being outsourced to foreign countries, people still harbor a soft spot for good, old-fashioned American workmanship, and for the label for which it stands! It is debatable, since no one argues that quality products can be found anywhere in the world. The location of a manufacturer is not as crucial as the product itself. If it is a high quality product, then it will find its market regardless of where it originated.

Conditioners, Shampoos, Gels

There are so many varieties and variations to choose from. Such a wide array of elements, materials, and chemicals are at a manufacturer’s disposal. Design and marketing do go a long way, as well, but when it comes to hair care, it is – first and foremost – about the ingredients. If you want to build a brand that you can stand behind with pride, it should be designed and created in conjunction with a private label company that fits you and your hair-care philosophy in the best possible way.

Conclusion

Private labeling is something which can be tricky. You want to make sure that you are working with a manufacturer who shares you vision, at least to some extent. If your vision includes your own label of hair care products – one which will yield positive results and revenue – then the elements I mentioned above should probably be taken into account. Remember: when you are searching for a private label, you don’t necessarily need your product to be the most expensive or prestigious one on the market. More than anything, you need it to reflect you and your business, pure and simple. When you decide to build a brand, you are effectively putting your name on it, and that means a lot. That is why you should choose to work with a private label company who shares your passion for hair care, and who knows how to manufacture and design products which fit you and your business.