Innovative Hair Care Solution Developed at Newcastle Helix Aims to Transform Lives with a Personal Touch

In a groundbreaking move combining scientific precision with heartfelt motivation, a new hair care solution from Hexis Lab located in The Biosphere is set to address a pressing issue for many people with textured hair. The inspiration behind this development comes from a deeply personal challenge faced by the Sola Idowu, CEO Hexis Lab’s daughter, Grace, a dedicated UK national swimmer.

Hexis Lab CEO Sola Idowu with daughter Grace

The drive to develop these products stems from Shola's personal experiences, particularly the challenges faced by his daughter, a national swimmer with textured hair. The combination of her rigorous swimming schedule and the difficulty in finding suitable hair care products led Shola to create a solution not only for his daughter but for others with similar needs.

For years, Grace has juggled the demands of intense training—often spending up to 18 hours a week in chlorinated and saltwater pools—with the struggle of managing textured hair, which has been prone to damage. This personal journey sparked a quest to find a tailored solution that would not only benefit Grace but also address a broader need.

Sola Idowu, whose journey from Nigeria to Newcastle has taken in Stanford University and NASA has always approached problems through a scientific lens, applied the same model of understanding and solving complex issues to this hair care challenge.

“We look at the universe as a model, and in the same way, we approached this problem by defining the specific needs and finding the best solution within that context,” he explains.

Hair is categorised into four categories from straight, blonde, European hair, which is called a Type 1, to an African hair, which is tight and coily, which is Type 4.

The research has highlighted that textured hair types, while not necessarily more prone to damage than straight hair, require specialised care to maintain their quality. This insight has led to the development of a product designed to enhance the resilience and appearance of textured hair, particularly addressing the impact of environmental factors and harsh treatments.

The initial rollout of this product will focus on markets in India and Africa, regions with significant populations of individuals with textured hair. The choice to start in India reflects its large market potential and the need for such tailored solutions. The product aims to boost confidence and improve hair quality, offering hope to many who struggle with hair damage and loss.

“This product is more than just a solution; it’s about making a meaningful difference in people’s lives,” said Sola. The positive feedback from trials has been encouraging, with the product already being used by Grace for the past year.

Looking ahead, Sola emphasises the importance of collaboration and continuous improvement. “We are passionate about creating something unique and innovative that will serve our demographic well. Our goal is to ensure that the product not only meets but exceeds the expectations of those who need it most.”

The success of Hexis Lab's products is attributed to collaborations with industry experts, including Professor Bernard Golding from Newcastle University. His expertise in synthetic organic chemistry has been crucial in improving the solubility and functionality of natural ingredients used in Hexis Lab's products.

As the product becomes available online and in India, the commitment to quality and personal touch remains at the heart of this endeavour, promising to transform hair care for many and bring a solution born from genuine care and scientific expertise.