Mai Comb: Innovating Scalp Care with a Unique, Patented Dispensing Comb
The Mai Comb project began as a mission to improve the everyday hair care routine with a comb that would not only detangle but also deliver targeted scalp care. Our client—a seasoned professional with over 30 years of experience in protective styling and hair extensions—came to us with an innovative idea for a simple, squeezable silicone-handled comb with bristles designed to reach deep into the scalp. However, while the initial concept showed promise, it lacked certain features needed to truly stand out in the market. With our expertise in product design and development, we transformed this idea into a multifunctional comb that dispenses scalp-nourishing serums, provides soothing scalp massages, and supports a subscription model with proprietary serum cartridges, fostering an ongoing relationship between the brand and its customers.
Project Scope: Designing a Scalp Care Comb with a Revolutionary Twist
The goal of the Mai Comb project was to create a comb that could go beyond basic detangling by reaching through protective styles—such as wigs and hair extensions—to nourish and exfoliate the scalp. We envisioned a product that would cater to users’ scalp care needs while maintaining ease of use, elegance, and functionality. Our design incorporated a sliding button mechanism that could dispense serums directly to the scalp, replacing the initial squeeze handle with a more controlled and intuitive application. This approach allowed the comb to deliver moisturizing serum, dry shampoo, and other treatments, all while massaging and exfoliating the scalp with gentle, thin bristles.
Client Background: An Expert in Protective Styling and Scalp Care
Our client, a respected trainer in protective styling and hair extensions, understood the unique needs of individuals who rely on wigs and protective hairstyles. With decades of experience, she recognized the importance of scalp health, particularly for people wearing styles that often limit direct access to the scalp. By creating a specialized comb that could reach through these styles, the Mai Comb aimed to fill a gap in the market, offering users a convenient way to care for their scalp and hair health.
Challenges and Solutions: Enhancing Functionality and Marketability
Initially, the Mai Comb design featured a soft silicone handle and four bristles attached via a threaded head. While this design worked, it didn’t fully meet the client’s marketability goals, and early feedback highlighted the need for greater versatility and ease of use. We realized that by making the handle a compartment for replaceable serum canisters, we could offer a far more functional and appealing product. This approach allowed users to easily swap out cartridges for various treatments, transforming the comb into a full scalp-care solution rather than a simple grooming tool.
We also replaced the squeeze handle with a sliding button mechanism, providing a controlled, consistent flow of serum that could reach through wigs and extensions to the scalp. This modification made it easier for users to apply treatments without creating a mess, and it extended the comb’s capabilities to include scalp massage and gentle exfoliation, thanks to rubber-tipped bristles that provide a soothing, scratch-free experience.
Development Process: Iterative Prototyping and Collaborative Serum Formulation
Throughout the development process, we went through several iterations of the Mai Comb design, refining both its form and functionality to ensure optimal performance and user experience. Using 3D printing, we produced prototypes that allowed us to test each modification quickly, gaining valuable insights into the ergonomics, durability, and effectiveness of the dispensing mechanism. These prototypes enabled us to experiment with different bristle designs, handle textures, and dispensing options, ultimately resulting in a balanced, intuitive tool that felt both elegant and effective.
To complement the functionality of the Mai Comb, we collaborated with Dynastsis, a respected cosmetics manufacturer led by the former Vice President of bareMinerals Paris, to develop proprietary serums specifically formulated for scalp health. This partnership allowed us to create a range of treatments that would deliver targeted benefits, such as hydration, scalp soothing, and exfoliation, enhancing the value of the Mai Comb and supporting a subscription-based model that would keep customers engaged with the brand.
Results and Impact: A Market-Ready Product with Lasting Customer Relationships
The Mai Comb has achieved remarkable success as a sophisticated, versatile scalp care tool that meets the unique needs of users with wigs, extensions, and other protective styles. Its final design is elegant and functional, allowing users to apply serums directly to their scalp, enjoy a soothing massage, and improve scalp health—all with a single device. The replaceable cartridge system not only provides convenience but also fosters an ongoing relationship with customers, who can subscribe to receive monthly serum refills tailored to their hair and scalp needs.
After its launch, Mai Comb received glowing reviews from users, who praised its ease of use, comfort, and versatility. Additionally, the product’s successful launch generated $130,000 in seed funding in 2024, enabling the company to scale production and expand its offerings. With four patents awarded for various aspects of the comb’s design, the Mai Comb is well-positioned to maintain a competitive edge in the beauty and scalp-care market, where it is already carving out a loyal customer base.
Additional Highlights: Patents and Subscription-Based Model
The unique design of the Mai Comb has earned four patents, protecting its innovative features and proprietary mechanisms. These patents reflect the product’s originality and position it as a groundbreaking tool in the personal care industry. The replaceable cartridge system also supports a subscription-based business model, allowing customers to regularly receive serum refills and turning the Mai Comb from a one-time purchase into an ongoing investment in their scalp health.
This subscription model not only adds value to the customer experience but also establishes a reliable revenue stream for the business. By focusing on user needs and creating a premium, refillable product, Mai Comb has become more than just a comb—it’s a personalized scalp care experience that evolves with the customer’s needs.
Looking Forward: Expanding Possibilities in Scalp and Hair Care
The success of Mai Comb demonstrates the power of combining functionality, aesthetics, and customer engagement in product design. By listening to customer feedback and focusing on specific needs, we were able to create a product that truly resonates with its target audience. Moving forward, Mai Comb is poised to expand its offerings with new serum formulations and accessories, further enhancing the scalp care experience for its customers.
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