My Journey with AI-Driven Personalised Hair Care: How Myavana is Revolutionising the Black Hair Industry

As a Black woman with locs, my hair journey has always been deeply personal and, at times, challenging. The beauty and complexity of Black hair, with its diverse textures and needs, have often been misunderstood or overlooked by mainstream hair care industries. This is why the emergence of AI-driven personalised hair care, primarily through companies like Myavana, is revolutionary.

The Power of AI in Hair Care

Myavana, founded by Candace Victoria Mitchell, has harnessed the power of artificial intelligence to create HairAI. This groundbreaking technology uses microscopic hair analysis and advanced algorithms to decode the intricacies of our hair. With this technology, Myavana provides personalised product recommendations tailored to each individual’s unique hair needs. This is not just about finding the right shampoo or conditioner; it’s about understanding the deep-seated science of our hair.

As Candace Mitchell aptly says, “A person’s hair is as unique as their fingerprint.” Myavana’s HairAI system goes beyond the superficial, offering insights that can even reveal toxins and minerals in the body, potentially leading to early detection of chronic illnesses, stress indicators, and diet suggestions. This holistic approach to hair care is something I’ve longed for—a system that recognizes the uniqueness of my hair and its connection to my overall health.

?Disrupting the Conventional Hair Typing System

One of Myavana’s most significant contributions to the hair care industry is its Unique Hair ID, which disrupts the outdated hair typing system. This new identifier considers over 972 hair type combinations, offering a more accurate representation of the diverse range of hair textures found globally. This is particularly important for those with locs, where traditional hair typing often falls short of addressing our specific needs.

?The ability to analyse and categorise hair so precisely opens up new avenues for personalised care that were previously unattainable. Myavana’s commitment to diversity in hair care is a testament to the importance of having the right individuals—people who truly understand the complexity of Black hair—involved in creating the algorithms that drive these technologies.

Challenges and Triumphs in the Black Hair Industry

The Black hair care industry is a powerhouse, with a net worth estimated in the billions. However, the potential for even greater economic impact is undeniable. The recent $5.9 million seed round, now valued at $50M, led by Ulta Beauty’s Digital Innovation Fund for Myavana, is a clear indication of the growing recognition of this market’s value. Yet, this success has not come without challenges, particularly for Black women entrepreneurs who often face significant barriers in securing venture capital funding.

As I discuss in my book, She Disrupts: A Black Woman’s Journey in STEM and AI Industries, the challenges Black women face in the tech and business world are multifaceted. From systemic biases to the lack of representation in decision-making spaces, these obstacles can seem insurmountable. However, Myavana’s success story is a powerful example of what is possible when Black women are given the opportunity and resources to innovate.

?The Future of Techturised Beauty

?Myavana’s impact is far-reaching in terms of personal hair care and its collaborations with major retail and beauty industry players. Through partnerships with companies like Ulta and Unilever, Myavana’s HairAI technology is being integrated into retail environments, allowing consumers to make more informed, personalised product choices. The company’s efforts are also extending into salons through its new HairScope and Pro+ software, offering stylists the tools they need to deliver personalised healthy hair care plans to their clients.

Moreover, Myavana’s commitment to social impact is evident in its global initiatives. From opening its first retail store in Uganda to introducing the Beauty Tech Fellowship Program, which opens new career paths for women in STEM, Myavana is transforming the beauty industry and creating new opportunities for economic empowerment.

?A Call for Continued Investment and Innovation

?Myavana's journey reflects a broader trend in the beauty and wellness industries: the growing recognition of the value of AI-driven personalised care. This is particularly significant for Black women, as it represents a shift towards products and services that truly meet our needs, crafted by individuals who understand our experiences.

However, for this progress to continue, more investment is needed. The challenges Black women entrepreneurs face in securing venture capital funding must be addressed head-on. Myavana's success is proof that there is a significant return on investment when we support diverse founders who are innovating in spaces that have long been overlooked.

As we look to the future, I am excited about AI-driven personalised care possibilities for the Black hair industry. There is so much more potential to unlock. With the right support, Black women entrepreneurs will continue to disrupt and redefine industries, just as Myavana does.

In conclusion, Myavana’s journey is more than just a business success story; it’s a beacon of what’s possible when diversity, technology, and innovation intersect. As a Black woman with locs, I am inspired by Myavana’s work and hopeful for the future of personalised hair care. Let’s continue to support and invest in the brilliant minds leading this charge, ensuring that the beauty industry reflects our experiences' richness.

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The future is so bright!

#SheDISRUPTS