Matrix was established in 1980 after Arnie Miller sold his previous beauty company, Ardell, which had become well known for false eyelashes and professional beauty products.1

Miller believed that professional hairstylists required more than just quality products; they also needed education, inspiration, and business support. Rather than competing primarily in retail stores, Matrix focused on serving professional salons directly.1

From its inception, the company’s mission has been to help salon professionals grow their businesses while delivering consistent, innovative hair solutions.1

In 2000, Matrix became part of L’Oréal, joining its Professional Products Division.1

Since the acquisition, Matrix has expanded internationally while maintaining its salon-first philosophy. L’Oréal’s research capabilities have enabled the brand to develop advanced hair colour technologies and treatment systems used by professional stylists globally.1

Matrix’s current philosophy centres on several key pillars:1

• All Hair Types. All Humans.
• Inclusive beauty
• Professional education
• Innovation
• Accessibility
• Sustainability
• Supporting salon businesses

The company collaborates with thousands of hairstylists worldwide to develop products suitable for diverse hair textures, colours, patterns, and treatment needs.1

Hair Care

Matrix offers shampoos, conditioners, masks, oils, serums, and leave-in treatments designed for various hair concerns, including dry, damaged, colour-treated, curly, blonde, frizzy, fine, and weak hair.1

Popular collections include:

• Food For Soft
• Instacure
• Instacure Build-A-Bond
• Mega Sleek
• So Silver
• Brass Off
• Glow Mania
• High Amplify
• Miracle Creator
• A Curl Can Dream1

Professional Hair Color

Matrix is particularly recognised in salons for its professional colouring systems, which are formulated for professional use and support permanent, demi-permanent, and lightening services.1 These include:

• SoColor
• Color Sync
• SoColor Sync
• Light Master
• Toners
• Developers
• Bond-protecting color systems

Styling Products

The brand also produces a range of styling products, such as hair sprays, mousses, heat protectants, texture sprays, curl creams, smoothing products, volumizers, and finishing sprays.

Matrix invests significantly in research and development through L’Oréal’s scientific laboratories. Recent innovations include bond-building hair repair technologies, sulfate-free formulations, hair colour protection systems, citric acid strengthening technology, and inclusive product testing across diverse hair textures.1

The brand’s Hair Diversity Matrix framework classifies hair by colour level, pigment, diameter, and pattern to help ensure that products and education address a wide range of hair types.2

Matrix has announced initiatives to reduce its environmental impact, including increased use of recycled plastics, cleaner product formulations, reduced packaging waste, more sustainable manufacturing practices, and a lower environmental footprint across product lines.3

Education has always been a core component of the Matrix brand. The company provides professional salon education, hair colour certification, cutting techniques, styling workshops, online learning platforms, and business development resources for salon owners.1 Thousands of hairstylists participate in Matrix educational programmes each year.1

Matrix products are available through professional salons, licensed beauty supply stores, official online retailers, e-commerce platforms, and beauty distributors. The brand operates across North America, Europe, Asia, Latin America, the Middle East, and other international markets.1

Matrix emphasises three core values:1

• Inclusive — welcoming every stylist, salon, business model, and hair type.
• Uncomplicated — creating easy-to-use professional products and techniques.
• Uplifting — supporting confidence, creativity, and success within the salon community.

Some of Matrix’s best-known collections include:1

• Food For Soft
• Instacure
• Instacure Build-A-Bond
• SoColor
• Color Sync
• Brass Off
• So Silver
• Mega Sleek
• High Amplify
• A Curl Can Dream
• Glow Mania
• Miracle Creator
• Total Results (legacy line)

According to Matrix, its mission is to empower hairstylists with accessible education, innovative products, and community support so they can grow their skills and businesses while delivering high-quality results to clients.1

More than four decades after its founding, Matrix remains one of the world’s leading professional salon brands. Its reputation is built on professional education, reliable hair colour systems, inclusive product development, and a continued commitment to supporting hairstylists. As part of the L’Oréal Professional Products Division, Matrix continues to expand its portfolio with new technologies while maintaining its original salon-focused vision.1

1. Empowering Stylists with Quality Hair Products | Matrix
2. Matrix Introduces Hair Diversity Matrix to Ensure All Its Products Work Across All Hair Types
3. About Us | Matrix