From Injury to $35M Hair Extension Brand: The Journey of Victoria Lynch

From Injury to $35M Hair Extension Brand: The Journey of Victoria Lynch

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Victoria Lynch, founder of the global hair extension brand Remi Cachet, discovered her passion for hairstyling as a teenager in the UK. By age 14, she was braiding synthetic hair and running a home salon with a six-month waiting list. While working part-time in a factory, she continued to develop her hairstyling skills until a traffic accident at 18 caused injuries to her lower spine, prompting her to reconsider her career path.

Despite the injury, Lynch returned to work quickly but found standing for long periods challenging. Encouraged by people who wanted to learn from her, she pursued professional qualifications in hairdressing and launched her first hair extension brand, Additional Lengths, in 2003 using her savings. At a time when extensions were less popular, she targeted everyday consumers, focusing on affordability and quality within her local community. Growth relied heavily on word-of-mouth marketing.

Over the next decade, Additional Lengths gained traction with both consumers and professionals, creating mixed market signals. Recognizing a need for a distinct brand aimed at professionals, Lynch introduced Remi Cachet in 2013. This new line, designed “by a professional, directly for a professional,” quickly became the UK’s leading trade brand in hair extensions.

Lynch used the existing distribution network of Additional Lengths to support Remi Cachet’s launch but maintained a separate brand identity to appeal specifically to industry experts. Once again, growth was driven by personal connections and word-of-mouth. The brand’s reputation led to expansion efforts, including a high-profile U.S. launch in January 2025, with products featured on celebrities such as Ellie Goulding and Kim Kardashian. Today, Remi Cachet reports $35 million in sales.

Despite challenges like tariffs affecting U.S. expansion, Lynch plans to focus on global growth, targeting accessible markets for quick wins. Remarkably, Lynch only recently hired her first sales team, attributing success to product quality and relationship-building rather than traditional sales strategies.

Lynch emphasized the importance of a strong foundation beyond social media, stating the brand’s longevity depends on trust and service within the professional community. She aims for Remi Cachet to achieve global recognition as a respected leader in hair extensions.

This story is part of the Women Entrepreneur® series, highlighting female business leaders’ journeys and achievements.