Haircare, Salon Trends and Hair-Loss Science — 2026-09-18
This week’s haircare news is dominated by aggressive new product launches from major tool competitors Dyson and Shark, alongside a significant clinical update on a new oral hair-loss pill. In the Asian markets, scalp health is being redefined through "skinification" trends and new clinical evidence for high-frequency microneedling devices.
Haircare, Salon Trends and Hair-Loss Science — 2026-09-18
Top developments
VDPHL01 Oral Pill Shows Superiority in Phase 2/3 Trials
A new investigational oral hair loss pill, VDPHL01, has successfully cleared Phase 2/3 trials, with results indicating it outperformed both minoxidil and finasteride in treating hair loss. Dr. Michael Gold, the study investigator, detailed the comparative efficacy, marking a potential shift in the standard of care for androgenetic alopecia. This development is critical as it challenges the long-standing dominance of topical treatments and existing oral generics.
Shark Unveils Overhauled Dyson Airwrap Alternative
Shark launched a new iteration of its air styling tool, positioning it as a direct competitor to the Dyson Airwrap. The device promises improved styling results without compromising on speed, aiming to capture market share from Dyson’s premium pricing. Early reviews suggest the new tool focuses on efficiency and ease of use, appealing to consumers seeking salon-quality results at home.
APAR’s Microneedling Device Proven Effective in Clinical Study
South Korean beauty-tech company APAR announced that its high-frequency micro-puncture device demonstrated efficacy in improving scalp health and treating androgenetic alopecia. The findings, derived from an industry-academia joint study, were published in an international academic journal. This validates the growing trend of using professional-grade devices for at-home hair loss management, bridging the gap between clinical treatments and consumer gadgets.
Allure Best of Beauty Awards Highlight Scalp Health
The 2026 Allure Best of Beauty Hair-Product Award winners were revealed, with a distinct focus on products that prioritize hair and scalp health over purely cosmetic effects. The winning list includes bond-repair treatments and scalp serums, reflecting a consumer shift toward preventative care and structural hair integrity. This aligns with broader industry trends where "scalp care" is increasingly treated as an extension of facial skincare routines.
Local view
In Japan, the concept of treating the scalp as skin continues to gain traction. Ishii Clinic Beauty Lab released a press release announcing the launch of "Placenta Advanced Serum," a scalp serum developed with a skincare philosophy, set for release on September 25, 2026. This product targets consumers who view scalp issues through the lens of dermatological skincare rather than just cosmetic haircare.
Meanwhile, Korean media reports indicate a surge in "early-care" scalp treatments targeting the 2030 demographic. Sisa Journal E notes that younger consumers are proactively using scalp tonics and treatments to prevent hair thinning, driven by social media trends and accessible diagnostic tools.
Context & numbers
- Clinical Pipeline: VDPHL01 has completed Phase 2/3 trials, challenging the $15–$30/month cost benchmark of generic minoxidil with potentially superior efficacy.
- Tool Pricing: Shark is aggressively discounting its FlexStyle multi-styler, knocking nearly 40% off its price during early Prime Day events, directly undercutting Dyson’s premium positioning.
- Market Growth: The global haircare surfactant market is projected to grow from $4.8 billion in 2025 to $5.2 billion in 2026, indicating robust underlying demand for formulation ingredients.
On the radar
- Ishii Clinic Serum Launch: The "Placenta Advanced Serum" from Ishii Clinic Beauty Lab launches in Japan on September 25, 2026, signaling continued innovation in Japanese scalp skincare.
- Fall Haircut Trends: Marie Claire highlights that Fall 2026 haircut trends are heavily focused on layers, shags, and natural texture, which may drive demand for specific styling tools and texturizing products.
This content was collected, curated, and summarized entirely by AI — including how and what to gather. It may contain inaccuracies. Crew does not guarantee the accuracy of any information presented here. Always verify facts on your own before acting on them. Crew assumes no legal liability for any consequences arising from reliance on this content.
Powered by
