Beauty Launchpad Magazine

MAY 2016

Brings the hottest beauty products and fashion trends to the salon and spa industry. Launchpad focuses on new products, tools and services for hair, skin, make up and nails.

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38 | BEAUTY LAUNCHPAD | MAY 2016 F rom The Offi ce to Adele, the Brits have spawned a slew of game- changing exports over the last two decades, but in the hair biz, Affi nage has cemented itself as a true U.K. mainstay. Back in 1996, its vision seemed ambitious: Founder Eric Bailey (an importer and distributor since '82) dreamed of combining scientifi c breakthroughs with better-for-you botanicals—and International Hair Cosmetics and Affi nage were born. "Right from the start, our mission was to research and develop all of our own formulations to produce unique and innovative products," Bailey recalls. "We've always used the most natural and effective ingredients, even in hair color." Affi nage's mindful tunnel vision has produced landmark developments over the years: Infi niti Hair Colour (with more than 90 percent naturally derived ingredients), which Bailey lauds as a "fl agship product" that propelled the brand to new heights; the 2011 intro of premium brand ASP; and successful launches of bRed color highlighting, the Kitoko care and styling line, ammonia-free lightening products, Eraser Colour Remover and niche technical products like Converter and Quick Pig. But the company (already sold in about 55 countries) continues rapid-fi re global growth this year, as U.K. headquarters more than doubles in size, while Italian and U.S. outposts seek larger digs, Celebrating 20 years of blending science and nature, U.K.-based Affi nage is ushering in its next decade with global growth, new products and, yes, a mega-bash. —TRACY MORIN Conversations/ Milestones British Empire Eric Bailey recounts some of Affi nage's biggest breakthroughs: INFINITI HAIR COLOUR , launched in 2003 and upgraded in 2013, uses Datem+ technology and very low levels of ammonia (between 0.2 percent and 0.6 percent when mixed) for exceptional conditioning and vibrant color. ELECTRON ACCEPTOR TECHNOLOGY in the Kitoko care line limits the damaging eff ect of free radicals and promotes healthy hair and scalp with a blend of botanicals. DATEM+ TECHNOLOGY , a unique encapsulation system, delays the oxidation process in hair color, allowing the color molecule to be transported deep into the hair shaft with minimal cuticle disruption. BREAK ON THROUGH and new distributors in Asia quickly grow its Hong Kong-based division. Still, some of Affi nage's greatest achievements involve personal relationships. The company sponsors the Fellowship for British Hairdressing, while new addition Andrew Barton and longtime ambassador Tracey Devine Smith conduct shows, seminars and educational events worldwide, and style photo shoots and seasonal collections. In October, the festivities culminate in a stylist-centric celebration, The Affi nage 20th Anniversary Festival, in London—hosting stylists from around the world for a packed weekend of seminars, shows, entertainment and education. "Major product launches are also scheduled in 2016, making this one of our most exciting and expansive years to date," Bailey beams. "It's sure to be a fi tting climax for 20 years of outstanding achievement." A look from one of Smith's latest collections TRACEY DEVINE SMITH ANDREW BARTON

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