SEOUL — Professor Lee Hae-shin of the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) has launched a new functional hair spray designed to combat hair loss while enhancing volume — the latest innovation in his ongoing work with polyphenol-based hair care products.
The new product, Gravity Hair Lifting Shot, was introduced on April 15 at a press conference held at a traditional Korean hanok in Jung-gu, Seoul. Developed by Lee’s startup, Polyphenol Factory, the spray is formulated with an upgraded version of the patented ingredient Liftmax 308 and is designed to offer both volume and protection for thinning hair.
Professor Lee, known for his previous success in developing dye-free shampoos that color hair using the natural browning process of apples, has built a reputation for merging scientific research with everyday personal care needs. His earlier product, a polyphenol-based dye shampoo, became a commercial hit, recording hundreds of millions of won in sales after being transferred to a private firm.
In August 2023, Lee founded Polyphenol Factory to retain control over his innovations and commercialize them independently. That same year, he launched Gravity, a hair loss prevention shampoo using Liftmax 308, a polyphenol-rich compound that supports hair structure and resists oxidative damage. The shampoo has since achieved cumulative sales of 18.8 billion won in less than a year.
According to a company spokesperson, Gravity is projected to generate 70 to 80 billion won in sales this year, with distribution already expanding to Japan and planned entry into the U.S., Southeast Asia, and the UAE.
Building on the success of the shampoo, the newly released Gravity Hair Lifting Shot reimagines Liftmax 308 in a mist form. The spray not only enhances root volume — reportedly lasting up to 48 hours with one use — but also provides heat protection by forming a durable protein-binding shield, inspired by the natural resilience of ancient tree bark.
In clinical trials involving 30 individuals with hair loss, the spray showed a 60.95% average improvement in symptoms over a two-week period.
“Many people battling hair loss fall into the trap of using styling products that end up damaging their scalp and hair,” said Professor Lee. “We wanted to create a long-term solution that supports both scalp health and styling needs.”
At the launch event, KAIST Chair Kim Myung-ja highlighted the importance of scientific innovation in solving everyday problems, urging continued support for Gravity and similar initiatives.
With over 110,000 hours dedicated to researching polyphenols — ten times the amount proposed by the famed “10,000-hour rule” for expertise — Professor Lee’s commitment to advancing hair care science is proving to be both deeply personal and commercially successful.
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