AI is Focus of Madison Reed, Ulta Collaboration

Madison Reed, a prestige hair color brand, announced a partnership with retailer Ulta Beauty. The collaboration signals a milestone for the brand as its Radiant Hair Color Kits — previously only available on Madison-Reed.com — can now be purchased at Ulta Beauty in stores and online. 

Madison Reed aims to give customers access to high-tech innovations. Recently, the company’s team of software engineers created “Madi,” a color-recognition chatbot that gives consultations just as a human colorist would do in a salon. Madi is a key component of the new in-store experience at Ulta: Shoppers can text “Hello” to a special number to have Madi prompt them to upload a selfie focused on their face and hair. The chatbot then will ask a few quick questions and recommend an appropriate hair color.

“For traditional hair color companies, technology is an add-on at the very end. For us, it’s a starting place for everything around an enhanced customer experience,” said Amy Errett, chief executive officer and co-founder of Madison Reed. “We are proud to partner with Ulta Beauty to give customers access to our prestige hair color products and introduce them to Madi, which is convenient, seamless and fun.” 

The Madison Reed color line is recognized for its conditioning, multi-tonal formula crafted without ammonia, parabens, resorcinol, PPD, phthalates, and gluten. The formula has been infused with nutrients including argan oil, keratin, and ginseng root extract. 

In addition to Radiant Hair Color Kits, Ulta Beauty stores will carry six shades of Madison Reed Root Touch Up. Madison Reed Radiant Hair Color Kits, Root Touch Up, and Root Reboot will also be available for purchase on www.ulta.com.