When I first began experiencing hair loss as a university student, I found myself frustrated with the lack of accessible, effective solutions for precise scalp analysis and personalised hair care. That personal struggle became the spark that led to the creation of Lushair Scalp Explorer, an AI-powered device that I hope will transform the way people care for their hair and scalp.
My journey started while I was still a student at Zhejiang University in China. Together with two classmates, I began working on an ambitious idea: developing a device that could offer highly accurate diagnostics and tailored recommendations for scalp health. Our academic backgrounds in biology, AI, and engineering came together perfectly for this project, but translating that knowledge into a working device was anything but simple.
After graduating, I moved to Singapore and launched Genpulse, the company behind Lushair. With the support of the Graduate Research Innovation Programme by NUS Enterprise, my team and I embarked on a two-year development process that was as challenging as it was rewarding.
One of our biggest hurdles was sourcing the right data to train our AI algorithms; a diverse set of scalp images was essential for accuracy. Partnering with Hangzhou First People’s Hospital and over 200 salons in China, we gathered more than 22,000 scalp images, which allowed us to fine-tune our technology to deliver results that align with clinical standards.
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In April 2024, we launched Lushair Scalp Explorer in Singapore, and the response has been beyond our expectations. Within two months, we broke into the Asia-Pacific market, received orders from the United States, and achieved over US$10,000 in revenue.
Priced at US$129, the device is available online, allowing users to access a professional-grade scalp analysis experience from the comfort of home. Lushair analyses 16 different metrics in just four seconds, providing insights into follicle density, white hair ratio, damage state, and more.
But my vision for Genpulse extends beyond hair care. We’re now developing diagnostic tools and treatments for other skin conditions, including acne and eczema, with plans to expand into the North American market. I’m inspired by the idea that advanced diagnostics should be accessible to everyone, empowering individuals to take control of their skin health with tailored solutions.
This journey hasn’t been easy, but it’s taught me the power of perseverance and resilience. I often think of Elon Musk’s words, “When something is important enough, you do it even if the odds are not in your favour.” Despite the obstacles, I am committed to bringing Lushair to as many people as possible, inspiring other young innovators along the way.
With Lushair, I want to change the way people approach hair and skin care, making it accessible, personalised, and backed by science. This is just the beginning of what I hope will be a transformative journey for beauty and health care worldwide.
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