Technology conglomerate Dyson have announced their commitment of half a billion pounds (that’s almost 900 million AUD) to hair and beauty innovation, in a four-year investment that will facilitate the opening of new hair research labs and the development of 20 new products in this space.

Dyson has been innovating in hair care and styling for six years, since the brand launched the Dyson Supersonic™ hair dryer, culminating a decade of research into the hair’s structure, airflow dynamics and the effect of thermal, mechanical and chemical damage. They’ve since revolutionised the market with launches such as the Dyson Airwrap™multi-styler and Dyson Corrale™ straightener, with further launches to come.

As well as launching new innovations, Dyson will also release the results of the company’s most comprehensive hair research study, to gain new insights into hair types, styling behaviours and perceptions of hair types and hair health around the world.

Comprehensive research and engineering take place at Dyson’s four Technology Campuses, where 6,000 engineers and scientists have access to hundreds of laboratories for rigorous testing, in the pursuit of truly understanding hair and healthier ways to style it. Machinery that includes scanning electron microscopes, thermal cameras and airflow laser smoke machines help engineers better understand the impact of hair damage, global hair types and the effects of high-speed airflow within these studies.

Understanding consumer habits is paramount to Dyson, leading the brand to create one of the largest global hair studies, which investigates hair health, hair perceptions and habits, and attitudes towards hair styling across 23 markets, including Australia, by studying 23,000 people. Gaining specific insights into different hair types is a crucial focus going forward, as Dyson continues to diversify its technology offering.

“This research and understanding informs our engineering decisions and empowers engineers to build machines that offers better styles backed by science, delivering healthy, stylish hair every day, no matter the hair type,” the brand said.

Key findings in Dyson’s ongoing research so far give insights into forms of damage and how to achieve healthy hair, as well as hair styling and care routines, especially as they have manifested through changing routines in the pandemic and as consumers have returned to more regular schedules.

“Dandruff, hair loss and greying hair are not forms of damage, but scalp and hair growth concerns,” said Rob Smith, Dyson Senior Principal Hair. “Hair damage refers to the breakdown of the hair cuticle and cortex, which can lead to your hair looking frizzy, dull, or snapping off. The best way to achieve healthy hair is through prevention and minimising exposure to causes of damage. This includes extreme heat which makes hair weaker and more susceptible to breakage and split ends.”

“How often you cleanse your hair depends on your hair type, level of activity and environment,” Rob added. “Over-cleansing can be very damaging, stripping the scalp of natural oils while leaving hair dry. Generally, the greasier your hair or scalp is, the more often you can consider cleansing your hair. Straight hair may feel limp more easily due to oil build-up, while waves, curls and coils absorb oil and require less washing. Be gentle to your scalp, and use shampoos suited for your hair type. Be mindful to consider the pollution levels in your environment and wash off pollution from hair too, as a combination of pollution and ultraviolet elements can cause increased levels of hair damage.”

Dyson will continue to invest in this important research as it presents new tools, innovations and important insights in this new phase for the brand.

For more information visit www.dyson.com.au

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