The hair care products industry in Europe is characterized by its dynamic market, driven by innovation and changing consumer preferences. Companies range from established multinationals like Unilever and L'Oréal to niche brands offering organic or tech-enhanced solutions. Spanning shampoos, conditioners, treatments, and styling products, the sector continually evolves due to trends such as sustainability and clean beauty. Emerging markets are gaining traction, particularly in eco-friendly products, while online retailing is reshaping how consumers shop for hair care items. The industry's future is interwoven with digital engagement and a growing appetite for personalized solutions that meet individual hair needs.

This article highlights 15 notable hair care products investors across Europe, ranging from venture capital firms to private equity entities. Among them are globally recognized brands like Unilever and significant venture firms like Venrex. These investors, headquartered in locations from London to Paris, vary in size, with several managing substantial portfolios. With funding activity peaking in 2024, they exemplify the industry's robust dynamics, injecting capital into innovative brands, both established and emerging, that cater to the burgeoning hair care market.

Top 15 Hair Care Products Investors in Europe

1. Crowdcube

• Website: crowdcube.com
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
• Founded year: 2010
• Headcount: 51-200
• Number of deals in 2024: 3
• LinkedIn: crowdcube-limited

Crowdcube is a London-based crowdfunding platform founded in 2010 that enables startups and SMEs to raise capital through equity investments. The platform connects businesses with potential investors, facilitating the funding process while promoting diversity and inclusion within its workforce. Notably, Crowdcube has been involved in several transactions relevant to the hair care products industry, including Faith in Nature, which raised $973,163 in July 2023, and Ruka, which raised $1,238,529 in November 2022. These transactions highlight Crowdcube's active role in supporting companies that produce hair care products, making them a significant player in this market.

2. L'Oréal

• Website: loreal.com
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Paris, Île-De-France, France
• Founded year: 1909
• Headcount: 10001+
• Number of deals in 2024: 4
• LinkedIn: lor%c3%a9al

L'Oréal S.A. is a prominent cosmetics manufacturer based in Paris, Île-De-France, France, founded in 1909. The company specializes in a wide range of personal care products, including skin care, make-up, hair care, and perfumes. L'Oréal has a strong commitment to innovation and sustainability in its operations. Notably, L'Oréal has made several strategic acquisitions in the hair care sector, including Redken in 1993, Matrix Essentials in 2000, and Garnier International in 1965. These acquisitions have allowed L'Oréal to enhance its portfolio in the hair care market, catering to both individual consumers and businesses in the beauty industry. In 2024, L'Oréal has continued to be active, with four investments, further solidifying its position as a leader in the beauty and hair care sectors.

3. Unilever Ventures

• Website: unileverventures.com
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
• Founded year: 2002
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 9
• LinkedIn: unileverventures

Unilever Ventures is a corporate venture capital firm based in London, England, founded in 2002. They specialize in investing in emerging brands and technologies, particularly within the beauty and wellness sectors. Unilever Ventures aims to empower entrepreneurs with innovative ideas to build strong consumer brands by providing capital and leveraging Unilever's extensive network. Notably, they have invested in SACHAJUAN, a brand recognized for its premium hair care products, and have made significant investments in Plum, which has raised multiple rounds of funding, indicating a strong interest in beauty-related startups. Additionally, their recent investment in Arata, which focuses on natural personal care products, further highlights their commitment to the beauty and wellness industry, including hair care.

4. Bpifrance French Tech Accélération

• Website: bpifrance.com
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Paris, Île-De-France, France
• Founded year: 2015
• Headcount: 1-10
• Number of deals in 2024: 198
• LinkedIn: bpifrance-french-tech-acc%c3%a9l%c3%a9ration

Bpifrance French Tech Accélération is a venture capital investor based in Paris, Île-De-France, France, founded in 2015. As a public entity and financial institution, Bpifrance supports entrepreneurs and businesses in France and internationally through various services, including direct funding, export credit insurance, and private equity investments. They aim to foster entrepreneurship and innovation through coaching and partnerships, helping businesses navigate growth and international expansion. Notably, Bpifrance has invested in several hair care brands, including WAAM Cosmetics, which raised €1.5 million in its first fundraising round, and La Bouche Rouge Paris, which secured over $11 million in a Series A round. These transactions highlight Bpifrance's active role in the hair care products sector, making them a relevant investor in this industry.

5. Unilever

• Website: unilever.com
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
• Founded year: 1872
• Headcount: 10001+
• LinkedIn: unilever

Unilever PLC is a multinational consumer goods company based in London, England, founded in 1872. The company offers a diverse range of products, including food, beauty, personal care, and cleaning agents, serving consumers globally. Unilever is committed to sustainability and aims to make sustainable living commonplace through its product offerings. In the hair care products sector, Unilever has made significant investments, including the acquisition of Living Proof in December 2016, K18 Hair in December 2023, Tatcha in June 2019, Dermalogica in June 2015, and Murad in July 2015. These acquisitions reflect Unilever's strategy to enhance its portfolio with trendy and premium brands that appeal to a wide range of consumers, particularly in the high-growth hair care market.

6. Lvmh

• Website: lvmh.com
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Paris, Île-De-France, France
• Founded year: 1987
• Headcount: 10001+
• Number of deals in 2024: 11
• LinkedIn: lvmh

LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton SE is a luxury goods manufacturer and retailer based in Paris, France. Founded in 1987, LVMH operates across various sectors, including fashion, leather goods, wines, spirits, perfumes, cosmetics, watches, and jewelry. The company is known for its exclusive brands that embody craftsmanship and heritage, catering to affluent consumers. LVMH has made several strategic acquisitions in the beauty sector, including Benefit Cosmetics in 1999, Urban Decay in 2000, and Sephora SA in 1997. These acquisitions have allowed LVMH to enhance its portfolio in cosmetics and fragrances, which are closely related to hair care products. Their investment in brands like Benefit and Urban Decay showcases their commitment to the beauty industry, making them a relevant player in the hair care products market as well.

7. Eurazeo

• Website: eurazeo.com
• Type: Private Equity
• Headquarters: Paris, Île-De-France, France
• Founded year: 1969
• Headcount: 201-500
• Number of deals in 2024: 40
• LinkedIn: eurazeo

Eurazeo is a prominent investment management firm based in Paris, specializing in private equity, private debt, and real assets. Founded in 1969, the firm has established a significant presence in the investment management landscape, particularly in Europe. Eurazeo focuses on tailored investment strategies aimed at fostering growth and expansion across various sectors, including technology and healthcare. Notably, Eurazeo has made strategic investments in the hair care products industry, such as leading a Series B funding round for Gisou, a haircare brand co-founded by Negin Mirsalehi, which aims to enhance its wholesale and direct-to-consumer businesses. Additionally, Eurazeo acquired Aroma-Zone, a leading online retailer of essential oils and natural beauty products, further solidifying its footprint in the beauty and hair care market. These transactions highlight Eurazeo's active role in the hair care sector, complementing its broader investment portfolio.

8. Index Ventures

• Website: indexventures.com
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
• Founded year: 1996
• Headcount: 51-200
• Number of deals in 2024: 67
• LinkedIn: index-ventures

Index Ventures is a venture capital firm founded in 1996, based in London, England. The firm invests in innovative startups across various sectors, including technology and healthcare, and has a strong focus on building long-term partnerships with entrepreneurs. Notably, Index Ventures led a $6.5 million Series A funding round for Josh Wood Colour, a London-based hair color company, demonstrating their commitment to the hair care industry. Additionally, they have participated in multiple funding rounds for Glossier, a direct-to-consumer beauty company that offers a range of beauty products, including hair care. Their strategic support and capital provision help entrepreneurs navigate the challenges of growing their businesses, making them a significant player in the beauty and hair care investment landscape.

9. Almi

• Website: almi.se
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
• Founded year: 1994
• Headcount: 201-500
• Number of deals in 2024: 7
• LinkedIn: almi-ab

Almi AB is a financial services company based in Stockholm, Sweden, founded in 1994. It specializes in providing loans, risk capital, and business development support to small and medium-sized enterprises. Almi aims to enhance the growth and competitiveness of these businesses through tailored financial solutions and guidance. Among their notable transactions, Almi has invested in companies such as Minolei Cosmetics, which raised funds in September 2022, and NCP Olfactives, which raised approximately $490,615 in October 2017. These investments highlight Almi's engagement in the beauty and cosmetics sector, including hair care products, showcasing their potential relevance in this industry.

10. Bgf

• Website: bgf.co.uk
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
• Founded year: 2011
• Headcount: 51-200
• Number of deals in 2024: 53
• LinkedIn: bgfinvestments

BGF Investment Management Limited is a venture capital firm based in London, England, founded in 2011. The firm focuses on providing growth funding and value creation support to small and mid-sized businesses in the UK and Ireland. BGF addresses the funding gap in the market through minority investments and extensive support services. Notably, BGF has invested in companies such as Arran Aromatics, which received £2.8 million to enhance its brand development and e-commerce capabilities, and Grace Cole, a bodycare products manufacturer that secured a multimillion-pound investment to expand into new markets. These transactions highlight BGF's engagement in the beauty and personal care sector, which includes hair care products.

11. Cvc

• Website: cvc.com
• Type: Private Equity
• Headquarters: Luxembourg
• Founded year: 2005
• Headcount: 1001-5000
• Number of deals in 2024: 16
• LinkedIn: cvc-capital-partners

CVC Capital Partners is a prominent private equity firm based in Luxembourg, founded in 2005. The firm specializes in private equity, credit, secondaries, and infrastructure, managing approximately €193 billion in assets for over 1000 clients, including pension funds and institutional investors. CVC has made significant investments in various sectors, including beauty and personal care. Notably, they acquired Douglas Holding in 2015, a major player in the beauty retail space, which includes hair care products among its offerings. Additionally, their acquisition of Matas, a Danish retail chain, further emphasizes their involvement in the beauty sector. CVC's investment in Softex Indonesia, a consumer goods company with a focus on personal care products, also highlights their strategic interest in this market. These transactions demonstrate CVC's commitment to supporting growth in the beauty and personal care industry, including hair care products.

12. 3i Group plc

• Website: 3i.com
• Type: Private Equity
• Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
• Founded year: 1945
• Headcount: 201-500
• Number of deals in 2024: 3
• LinkedIn: 3i-group-plc

3i Group plc is a London-based private equity firm founded in 1945, specializing in private equity and infrastructure investments. The firm focuses on providing capital and expertise to mid-market companies, helping them grow sustainably. With a strong international presence and a diverse portfolio, 3i Group aims to create value for its stakeholders through strategic investments. Among their notable transactions, 3i acquired Royal Sanders, a toiletries manufacturer, and a majority stake in Geka, a packaging manufacturer for the cosmetic industry, which aims to expand its operations into South America and Asia. Additionally, their investment in Selective Beauty, a distributor of perfumes and cosmetics, highlights their active role in the beauty sector, which encompasses hair care products. These transactions illustrate 3i Group's commitment to investing in companies that operate within the beauty and personal care industry.

13. Azelis

• Website: azelis.com
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Antwerp, Flanders, Belgium
• Founded year: 2001
• Headcount: 1001-5000
• Number of deals in 2024: 5
• LinkedIn: azelis

Azelis is a corporate investor based in Antwerp, Flanders, Belgium, specializing in the distribution of specialty chemicals and providing innovation services. Founded in 2001, Azelis serves over 63,000 customers across various sectors, including life sciences and industrial applications. Notably, Azelis has made significant strides in the personal care market through strategic acquisitions. In 2017, they acquired Ross Organic, enhancing their resources in the personal care market in the Western US. In 2022, they acquired Eurotrading, further solidifying their presence in the personal care market in Italy. Additionally, their acquisition of Vigon International, a distributor and manufacturer of ingredients for cosmetics, underscores their commitment to the personal care sector. These transactions highlight Azelis's focus on delivering high-quality raw materials and innovative formulations tailored to the personal care and hair care markets.

14. Thg

• Website: thg.com
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Manchester, England, United Kingdom (UK)
• Founded year: 2004
• Headcount: 1001-5000
• Number of deals in 2024: 1
• LinkedIn: thehutgroup

THG plc, founded in 2004 and based in Manchester, England, is a prominent digital e-commerce retailer specializing in beauty and nutrition products. The company operates through its divisions, THG Beauty and THG Nutrition, offering a diverse array of cosmetics and dietary supplements directly to consumers. THG has made significant strides in the beauty sector through strategic acquisitions, including DermStore, a US beauty retailer, and Cult Beauty, a prestige beauty etailer. Notably, THG acquired Grow Gorgeous, a hair care brand, which has seen remarkable growth, indicating THG's commitment to expanding its presence in the hair care market. Additionally, THG Beauty's acquisition of Biossance, known for its sustainable beauty products, further emphasizes its focus on innovation and customer engagement in the beauty industry. With a robust infrastructure and proprietary technology, THG enhances the shopping experience for consumers in the beauty and hair care sectors.

15. Venrex

• Website: venrex.partners
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
• Founded year: 2002
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 11
• LinkedIn: venrex

Venrex is a venture capital firm based in London, England, founded in 2002. The firm specializes in early-stage investments in technology-enabled businesses within consumer industries, providing funding and strategic support to help these businesses grow in competitive markets. Notably, Venrex has participated in significant transactions within the beauty and hair care sectors, including a $6.5M Series A funding round for Josh Wood Colour, a London-based hair color company. This investment highlights their engagement in the hair care products industry. Additionally, Venrex has been involved in funding beauty brands like Charlotte Tilbury Beauty, which, while primarily focused on cosmetics, also intersects with the broader beauty and personal care market. Their diverse portfolio and strategic investments position them as a notable player in the consumer products space, including hair care.

Hair Care Products Insights: Key Investors in Europe

Investor	Headquarter	Size	Founded	Deals 2024
Crowdcube	London, England, United Kingdom (UK)	51-200	2010	3
L'Oréal	Paris, Île-De-France, France	10001+	1909	4
Unilever Ventures	London, England, United Kingdom (UK)	11-50	2002	9
Bpifrance French Tech Accélération	Paris, Île-De-France, France	1-10	2015	198
Unilever	London, England, United Kingdom (UK)	10001+	1872	0
Lvmh	Paris, Île-De-France, France	10001+	1987	11
Eurazeo	Paris, Île-De-France, France	201-500	1969	40
Index Ventures	London, England, United Kingdom (UK)	51-200	1996	67
Almi	Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden	201-500	1994	7
Bgf	London, England, United Kingdom (UK)	51-200	2011	53
Cvc	Luxembourg	1001-5000	2005	16
3i Group plc	London, England, United Kingdom (UK)	201-500	1945	3
Azelis	Antwerp, Flanders, Belgium	1001-5000	2001	5
Thg	Manchester, England, United Kingdom (UK)	1001-5000	2004	1
Venrex	London, England, United Kingdom (UK)	11-50	2002	11

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