In July 2009, Pat Parenty, President, US Brands Professional Products Division at L’Oréal, announced Colin Walsh as the new Vice President/General Manager of Matrix US. Walsh will be responsible for strengthening the brand’s development within the distribution network and building a connection with hairdressers. In addition, he will reinforce Matrix’s position as a company committed to salon success by empowering salon professionals through accessible education and the best affordable products. The Matrix US Senior Management team will now report to Mr. Walsh.

A member of the L'Oreal family since 2000, Walsh has demonstrated inspiring leadership qualities, with dedication to the growth of the salon industry, and stylists’ professional success. Throughout his career, Walsh has gained a unique industry perspective through leadership positions in Sales, Marketing, Product Development and most recently Distribution. His experiences helped build his understanding of the salon business on many levels. Prior to L’Oreal, Colin began his career and developed his experience with Pepsi-Cola North America.

"His diverse background and career successes in brand development, sales and distribution have prepared him well for this exciting new opportunity," says Parenty. "He has a strong passion and knowledge of the salon industry, and a commitment to the hairdresser."

Armed with a combination of passion for success and a vision for innovation, Walsh will continue the mission set out by Matrix founder, Arnie Miller, to empower hairdressers to create, succeed and imagine all that they can be.

Introducing BIOLAGE colorcarethérapie Delicate Care…
The First Sulfate-Free, High Performance, 100% Recyclable Hair Care System For Multi-Processed Hair from the Leading Salon Brand

What do our planet and your multi-processed color-treated hair have in common? Both endure countless daily traumas that leave it weakened, vulnerable and at-risk. With the launch of new colorcarethérapie Delicate Care, a gentle, sulfate-free high-performance and eco-friendly haircare system, BIOLAGE offers a solution for damaged hair and a step towards a solution for the planet.

Structural damage caused during multiple treatments or processes can leave hair particularly susceptible to color fading and environmental trauma.  BIOLAGE colorcarethérapie Delicate Care provides a gentle solution for multi-processed, color-treated hair, ensuring prolonged color vibrancy that will leave hair brilliant and touchably soft. The concentrated, fade-fighting formula features an eco-select antioxidant complex of fair trade super-antioxidant Acai Berry and conditioning Argan Oil from Morocco that rejuvenates hair for a smooth texture and brilliant color–just as nature intended. Never tested on animals and packaged in 100% recyclable materials, colorcarethérapie Delicate Care introduces BIOLAGE’s first organic-certified conditioning oil, a sulfate-free shampoo with rich lather, and paraben- and silicone-free conditioners. The future is greener with BIOLAGE.

The BIOLAGE colorcarethérapie Delicate Care product range includes:

Delicate Care Shampoo ($18.00/10 oz.) – BIOLAGE’s first sulfate-free shampoo provides a rich lather for a gentle yet luxurious experience. The concentrated formula ensures that a little bit goes a long way to preserve hair’s natural lipid balance and color vibrancy. Organic and fair trade Acai berry and Argan oil offer antioxidant protection and a powerful defense against color fading.

Delicate Care Conditioner ($19.00/8.5 oz.) – BIOLAGE’s first paraben- and silicone-free formula lightly conditions and softens hair for silky manageability that is perfect for fine to normal hair types. UV filters ensure color vibrancy while organic and fair trade Acai Berry and Argan Oil offer antioxidant protection and deep conditioning. 

Delicate Care Masque ($20.00/5 oz.) – This indulgent weekly masque offers an intensive dose of deep healing Acai Berry and Argan Oil for soft, silky hair and vibrant color retention.

Delicate Care Organic Certified Oil Treatment ($24.00/1.7 oz.) – BIOLAGE’s first certified organic product, this versatile oil can be used as a rinse out treatment or a leave-in styler for very dry, coarse hair. The only EcoCert-certified organic formula in U.S. professional haircare oil smoothes hair for optimal conditioning and restores moisture and shine for luminous color. Olive oil provide additional conditioning benefits and UV filters enhance color protection.

BIOLAGE colorcarethérapie Delicate Care will be available at salons in September 2009.  To locate a Biolage salon please call 1.800.6.MATRIX or log onto www.biolage.com.  Please note, Biolage professional hair care can only be guaranteed authentic when purchased from authorized retailers.  We request that you do not credit drugstores, “beauty websites” or other unauthorized retailers.  For further information, please contact us using the information below.

MATRIX, the leading professional hair care and hair color company in the United States, is part of L'Oreal USA's Professional Products Division. Founded in 1980, MATRIX is committed to the development of the salon professional and offers a wide range of hair care, hair color and hair texturizing products including: Biolage, Vavoom, Sleek.look, Amplify, Shade Memory, Matrix Men, ColorSync and SoColor. MATRIX professional products are available only in salons.

For additional information, please contact Kim Kulik or Simone Bolotin at ALISON BROD PUBLIC RELATIONS at 212.230.1800,or Natalie Navarre at BIOLAGE PUBLIC RELATIONS at 212.973.5257

Biolage gives anti-aging a boost this fall with the launch of two specialized hair Densifying Treatments designed to reverse and prevent the signs of aging and give hair the nutrients it needs, both in the salon and at home. Not surprisingly, the same ingredients that are good for the body are also good for the hair, so go ahead and indulge in the new Biolage rejuvathérapie Leave-In Densifier and Professional Densifying Concentrate to restore shine, give added bounce and strengthen, while keeping the weight off.

The NEW Biolage rejuvathérapie Densifying Treatments take anti-aging beyond the shower to thicken and lift thin, fragile hair while keeping it protected from the factors that cause it to age every day. When the hair ages, it appears dull and lifeless and loses the ability to retain essential nutrients. Each treatment works to revitalize damage and prevent aging before it starts, restoring hair to a soft, vibrant and youthful state. Biolage rejuvathérapie targets the loss of nutrients in the hair and replenishes them from the outside in with a unique blend of omega-3 rich camelina oil, an essential nutrient for hair and scalp health, Lycopene, an anti-oxidant considered to be the most powerful defense against free-radical damage that can cause hair to age prematurely, and strengthening rice protein, which targets areas of increasing weakness along the hair strand to repair damage, revive elasticity and leave hair more resilient. And unlike many other anti-aging products on the market that provide a strong dose of hydration, these Biolage rejuvathérapie treatments won’t weigh the hair down and actually work to create a voluminous, youthful lift.

Treat your hair to these good-for you treatments:

NEW! Leave-In Densifier At-Home Treatment ($18.00/4.2 oz.) – Thickness and volume are just a pump away with this unique dual performing leave-in treatment that works from the inside and outside of hair. Anionic polymers thicken hair, while ceramides strengthen and repair to weightlessly restore shine, bounce and strength into every strand.  

NEW! Nutra-Rich Fullness In-Salon Service with Professional Densifying Concentrate ($15 and up, price varies by salon) – This professional-strength thickening nutrient treatment for thin, fragile hair can be added on to any in-salon hair service and takes as little as 15 minutes. The Professional Densifying Concentrate contains an intense level of patented ceremide to plump up hair cuticles to thicken and strengthen each every hair strand, while rice proteins create a thicker, softer and more supple feel.  The treatment begins by cleansing and replenishing the hair with Age Rejuvenating Shampoo.  Next, the Professional Densifying Concentrate is applied and massaged into the hair and scalp with one of 10 customizable massage techniques.  Lastly, the Age Rejuvenating Intensive Masque is applied utilizing a special Hair Infusion Technique to coat every strand with deep moisture to restore balance and shine.

Biolage rejuvathérapie Densifying Treatments will be available at salons in July 2009.  To locate a Biolage salon please call 1.800.6.MATRIX or log onto www.biolage.com.  Please note, Biolage professional hair care can only be guaranteed authentic when purchased from authorized retailers.  We request that you do not credit drugstores, "beauty websites" or other unauthorized retailers.  For further information, please contact us using the information below.

MATRIX, the leading professional hair care and hair color company in the United States, is part of L'Oreal USA's Professional Products Division. Founded in 1980, MATRIX is committed to the development of the salon professional and offers a wide range of hair care, hair color and hair texturizing products including: Biolage, Vavoom, Sleek.look, Amplify, Shade Memory, Matrix Men, ColorSync and SoColor. MATRIX professional products are available only in salons.

For additional information, please contact Kim Kulik or Simone Bolotin at ALISON BROD PUBLIC RELATIONS at 212.230.1800, or Natalie Navarre at BIOLAGE PUBLIC RELATIONS at 212.973.5257.

Imagine nonstop conditioning, endless color radiance, and the same trusted shade results for guaranteed confidence. Imagine endless possibilities…Introducing Matrix SOCOLOR Recrafted. As the #1 choice in permanent color, Matrix SOCOLOR continues to deliver consistent stunning results and real economic value. Now the professional color brand of choice has taken this iconic brand to the next level with new technology enhancements while maintaining the same Four Basic Rules of formulation and developer, allowing you to take your imagination and your business even further. The NEW Matrix SOCOLOR Recrafted offers:

NEW! NON-STOP CONDITIONING
Creamier, more luxurious formula with Cera Oil Conditioning Complex
Conditions continuously for up to 30 shampoos
Hair is left smooth, resilient and healthy looking after each color service

NEW! LONG-LASTING COLOR & SHINE
Fade resistant color with Patented ColorGrip Dye Technology
Grey coverage of up to 100%
Color that stays true to its original tone

NEW! IMPROVED FRAGRANCE
Light fruity floral fragrance for a pleasant salon experience

COLOR WITH CONFIDENCE
Same Four Basic Rules of formulation
Same SOLITE cream developer
Both the current and new formulas are intermixable

SAME TRUSTED SHADE RESULTS
Versatile color palette with over 20 shade families
Same shades, no need to adjust formulas

BEST AFFORDABLE PRODUCT
Real Value for any salon: 3oz tube provides 2 retouch applications.
Cost per application is $1.04

Imagine beyond haircolor. Matrix is committed to you and your personal success. To celebrate that success, Matrix is launching the NEW SOCOLOR Imagine Campaign brought to life through stylist testimonials on career aspirations and achievements realized through Matrix SOCOLOR. Breakthrough creative and an impactful 12 page ad in Trade & Matrix Magazines will give voice to real personal success through SOCOLOR. Supported with digital media, mobile marketing, salon conversions, and the “Imagine Your Shade of Success” Contest, SOCOLOR is there to honor where you are in your career and where you dream to be.

Ever imagine furthering your career? Matrix can help you realize your dream. Starting Aug 1st log onto MatrixCRAFT.com/imagineSOCOLOR for details and enter the “Imagine Your Shade of Success” Contest.

MATRIX, the leading professional hair care and hair color company in the United States, is part of L'Oreal USA's Professional Products Division. Founded in 1980, MATRIX is committed to the development of the salon professional and offers a wide range of hair care, hair color and hair texturizing products including: Biolage, Vavoom, Sleek.look, Amplify, Shade Memory, Matrix Men, ColorSync and SoColor. MATRIX professional products are available only in salons.

For additional information, please contact Natalie Navarre at MATRIX PUBLIC RELATIONS at 212.973.5257.

New York, NY (July 21, 2009) — The Professional Beauty Association (PBA) has announced the much anticipated winners for the 2009 North American Hairstyling Awards (NAHA). Matrix is proud to announce and would like to congratulate Matrix Artistic Designers Brian & Sandra Smith who took home the high honor for Master Hairstylist and Matrix Artistic Designer Edwin Fontanez who won for Contemporary Classic. Recognized Sunday, July 19, 2009, at a star-studded Awards Ceremony attended by a record number of over 2,000 guests at the Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino in Las Vegas, these extraordinary stylists showcased the talent and creativity of the professional beauty industry in North America.

Celebrating 20 years of artistry, guests experienced the exhilaration of the most prestigious hairstyling competition in North America as they were taken on a journey through two decades of honoring the dedication and skill of the artists who have inspired this industry. The NAHA 20 Awards Ceremony also welcomed NAHA 19 winners Matrix Artistic Designer Nicholas French back to the stage to inspire and tantalize attendees with special artistic presentations. This explosive evening of star-studded entertainment also featured DJ Roonie G, West Beat Choir and the Flying Ace All-Stars.

NAHA entries went through a rigorous, online judging process involving a select panel of internationally renowned super stylists and top beauty editors from consumer and trade magazines. The select panel of more than 60 industry judges, including Mary Brunetti, Andrew Bartfield, Sally Hershberger, Anthony Morrison and Tabatha Coffey, as well as top beauty editors from media outlets such as Nylon, Glamour, OK! Magazine, Teen Vogue, Life & Style and Zink, judged more than 600 entries through a blind online judging process. Entries were narrowed down to five finalists per category and one winner in each category was chosen.

MATRIX, the leading professional haircare and hair color company in the United States, is part of L'Oreal USA's Professional Products Division. Founded in 1980, MATRIX is committed to the development of the salon professional and offers a wide range of hair care, hair color and hair texturizing products including: Biolage, Vavoom, Sleek.look, Amplify, Shade Memory, Matrix Men, ColorSync and SoColor. MATRIX professional products are available only in salons.

Photos available upon request. FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT: NATALIE NAVARRE AT MATRIX PUBLIC RELATIONS 212.973.525 nnavarre@matrix.com

New York, NY (June 11, 2009) — The Professional Beauty Association (PBA) has announced the much anticipated finalists for the 2009 North American Hairstyling Awards (NAHA)! Matrix is proud to announce and would like to congratulate Matrix Artistic Designers Brian & Sandra Smith (Master Hairstylist), Nicholas French (Avant Garde, Master Hairstylist), Ammon Carver (Contemporary Classic), and Edwin Fontanez (Contemporary Classic) for receiving this top honor.

“This is an exciting year for Matrix. From NAHA alums like brian and Sandra Smith, and Nicholas French to NAHA newcomers Ammon Carver and Edwin Fontanez it is a tremendous honor to be in the running for this prestigious award and we are very proud of our team. – Karrie Fonte, AVP Matrix US Education.

NAHA is known as the pinnacle of hairstyling competitions in North America, where only the top stylists and leaders in the beauty industry are recognized for their talent and skill. Celebrating 20 years as the most esteemed beauty competition in North America, NAHA honors top hairstylists and beauty professionals with the industry’s most prestigious award on Sunday, July 19, at a star-studded Awards Ceremony in Las Vegas. NAHAs are given in 12 distinct categories including: Master Stylist, Hairstylist of the Year, Editorial Stylist, Avant-Garde, Contemporary Classic, Fashion Forward, Haircolor, Salon Team Salon Design, and Texture.

NAHA entries went through a rigorous, online judging process involving a select panel of internationally renowned super stylists and top beauty editors from consumer and trade magazines. The select panel of more than 60 industry judges, including Mary Brunetti, Andrew Bartfield, Sally Hershberger, Anthony Morrison and Tabatha Coffey, as well as top beauty editors from media outlets such as Nylon, Glamour, OK! Magazine, Teen Vogue, Life & Style and Zink, judged more than 600 entries through a blind online judging process. Entries were narrowed down to five finalists per category and one winner in each category will be chosen.

MATRIX, the leading professional haircare and hair color company in the United States, is part of L'Oreal USA's Professional Products Division. Founded in 1980, MATRIX is committed to the development of the salon professional and offers a wide range of hair care, hair color and hair texturizing products including: Biolage, Vavoom, Sleek.look, Amplify, Shade Memory, Matrix Men, ColorSync and SoColor. MATRIX professional products are available only in salons.

** Photos available upon request **

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT NATALIE NAVARRE AT MATRIX PUBLIC RELATIONS - 212.973.525 / nnavarre@matrix.com