UNITED States companies, boasting the largest group pavilion at the trade show, will display products and techniques not currently available in Asia.
The presence of such a large pavilion reflects the great interest the US has in expanding its health and beauty business interests in this region. Pennsylvania-based Straight Arrow recently launched an exciting range of hair and nail products that have been formulated from ingredients used in its well-known horse grooming products. ''Many of our women customers loved the beautiful shiny coats that the products gave their horses, and the great fragrance,'' said Roger Dunavant, the company president.
''They would use Hoofmaker, for example, and find that their nails grew long and really strong,'' said Mr Dunavant. Then physicians started to recommend the shampoo and conditioner to patients because it seemed to make their hair grow thicker.
Mr Dunavant teamed up with top beautician Bonnie Katzev and developed the holistic range which has transformed the business from a US$500,000 concern to a US$3-million operation. Aptly selling under the label Equenne, the company now has a reputation for its complete line of natural body-care beauty products. Skin-peeling treatments and enzyme masks that facilitate the healing process will also be brought to the attention of the Hong Kong public.
Aesthetic Research International has developed a new technique for naturally solving a wide variety of skin problems, from severe acne to uneven pigmentation and age spots. Founder Danne Montague King has been pioneering research into Asian techniques for more than 2O years, and his unique botanical methods based on alpha hydroxyl acid (fruit acids) are designed to suit the particular needs of different racial skin types.
''A complete re-education of Asian therapists is needed so treatments can match the special biochemical and anatomical needs of Asian skin,'' said Mr King During the four-day event, he will be lecturing on various product uses and demonstrating the latest dark pigmentation removal technique that lightens the skin instantly without bleaching.
