A big brand announced a new hair longevity serum. Here’s why we’re excited about it.
It’s not the David vs Goliath story you might think it is.
Last week, Sephora announced the 12 brands (including us!) joining the 2026 class of Sephora Accelerate, the retailer’s beauty brand incubator. At the same time, a well known haircare brand (owned by a massive conglomerate in personal care and household goods) announced they’re launching a new scalp serum for hair longevity that addresses hair loss and grays — just like Manuscript Root Water Hair Longevity Scalp Serum. You might think this is another David vs Goliath story, but we’re actually excited to welcome them to our little corner of hair care.
It confirms that we’re doing something right.
Historically, the hair care industry has viewed these two symptoms as separate things with solutions sold in different aisles. Got hair loss? Minoxidil is in aisle 5 with the shampoo and hair treatments. Got grays? You’ll find boxes of hair dye in aisle 6.
For two years, Ye and I have been talking about hair longevity with anyone who’d listen: Hair thinning and graying are two symptoms of aging. Your scalp ages just like the skin on your face. Most people would smile politely, nod and move along.
Now, a big brand is preparing for their biggest launch in years—and it’s based on the same premise upon which we founded Manuscript. That’s confirmation that Ye and I are doing something right.
So, from us to them: Congratulations on your launch! We can’t wait to check it out.
There’s room for all of us in hair care
A few people have asked whether we’re nervous about a huge company launching a similar product. And honestly? We’re not. The beauty industry and hair care market are vast and there’s enough room for all of us.
While there are similarities in what our products do—reduce hair loss and new gray growth—there are significant differences. Our products have very different formulations and vastly different price points. They are targeting the high end, prestige beauty market with a reported price of $120 per bottle. Despite the sticker shock experienced by commenters on Reddit, that price isn’t uncommon in the hair loss space. There are a number of brands selling at more than twice the price.
We could sell Manuscript Root Water Hair Longevity Serum at a high price. We have the honor of partnering with the best in the world—Kolmar Korea, the world’s leading original design manufacturer, and the folks behind many of the K-Beauty products in your bathroom. With their help, we developed a serum that is packed with clinically-studied ingredients and a patented delivery system. That degree of complexity, innovation and technology usually comes with a high price tag. But we plan to offer Root Water for about $30 per bottle. Why? Because we believe that everyone deserves to have great hair, not just people who can afford expensive products.
What’s next for Manuscript?
We’re currently in the middle of testing Root Water Hair Longevity Scalp Serum. This includes making sure it works with our chosen bottle, and doesn’t cause skin irritation. Once those are complete, we’ll start a 3-month study to get real world data (and before and after photos!) to show how well the serum works. Thanks for your patience. We’re in the home stretch and can’t wait to get Manuscript Root Water Hair Longevity Serum into your hands.
Want to be the first to know when Root Water Hair Longevity Serum is available? Join the waitlist at manuscripthair.co. You’ll get first dibs on purchasing it.
Stay tuned for more!
-Nick & Ye