Entrepreneurs
Jitendra Sharma: Crafting Success in the Haircare Industry with Hair Originals
Hair Originals, a company located in Gurugram and established by Jitendra Sharma, has created waves in the dynamic beauty and personal care industry by collecting a large $30 million in investment following its remarkable debut on the renowned business reality show, Shark Tank India. Hair Originals, which specialises in human hair extensions and wigs, fills a distinct niche in the market, and the new investment round is a major endorsement of its creative strategy.
Jitendra Sharma, the visionary founder of Hair Originals, sees the funding not just as a financial boost but as an acknowledgment of the distinctiveness of the product offering—human hair extensions. The start-up plans to leverage this capital infusion to enhance its supply chain and production capabilities, ensuring seamless operations to meet the growing demand for its products. Additionally, the funds will be instrumental in undertaking extensive marketing initiatives, particularly focused on educating individuals dealing with hair loss.
One notable aspect of Hair Originals’ vision is its tech-driven approach. Coming from a tech background, Jitendra Sharma envisions utilizing a portion of the funding to delve into cutting-edge technologies such as Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), and Artificial Intelligence (AI). The goal is to enable customers to visualize the outcome, allowing them to see how different hair extensions would look on them. This tech-driven approach aligns with the start-up’s commitment to innovation and providing a unique and personalized experience to its customers.
Operating in approximately 20 cities across India, Hair Originals has ambitious expansion plans. Over the next 15 months, the start-up aims to extend its reach to 50 cities, with a revenue target of Rs 100 crore. Emphasizing the move towards digital transformation, Jitendra Sharma envisions making the entire process of choosing, purchasing, and installing hair extensions seamless and online. The startup currently offers two main product categories—Do-It-Yourself (DIY) hair extensions available on its online store and permanent hair extensions that require professional assistance at a salon or from a stylist.
To facilitate nationwide accessibility, Hair Originals is actively partnering with salons in various cities. This strategic collaboration ensures that consumers from any corner of India can purchase products and benefit from free installations. The start-up’s commitment to convenience and inclusivity is evident in its efforts to democratize access to high-quality haircare products and services.
Highlighting the sourcing and manufacturing aspects of the business, Jitendra Sharma sheds light on the company’s practice of sourcing hair primarily from the southern part of India, particularly from temples. Manufacturing initially began in Indore and expanded to Gurgaon, with plans to venture into smaller cities in the pipeline. This approach aligns with the start-up’s mission to create a sustainable and ethical supply chain.
Looking ahead, Hair Originals has its sights set on global expansion, with plans to launch its business in the United States. This strategic move underscores the start-up’s ambition to become a significant player in the international haircare market. With Jitendra Sharma at the helm, Hair Originals is not just a business; it is a mission to redefine beauty standards and empower individuals through innovative and accessible haircare solutions.