Core Viewpoint - The controversy surrounding Schwarzkopf's product packaging translation has sparked significant consumer backlash, leading the company to issue an apology and commit to updating its packaging language for better clarity and sensitivity [1][5][8]. Company Response - Schwarzkopf acknowledged the issue, stating that the translation of "virgin hair" was not accurately conveyed in Chinese, and they have initiated a review of their packaging to ensure more appropriate language is used in the future [1][8]. - The company has also promised to enhance its internal review processes to prevent similar issues from occurring again [8]. Consumer Reaction - Consumers expressed outrage over the term "virgin hair," questioning its appropriateness and the lack of oversight in the translation process [5][8]. - Despite the company's apology, many consumers remain dissatisfied, with ongoing debates in the comments section regarding the company's handling of the situation [8]. Company Background - Schwarzkopf, founded in 1898, has a long history in the hair care industry, known for innovations such as the first dry shampoo and non-alkaline shampoo [9]. - The brand is part of Henkel, which has been expanding its consumer goods segment, particularly in the Asia-Pacific market, through acquisitions and product development [11]. Financial Performance - Henkel reported a nominal sales decline of 3.8% in the first half of the year, with specific challenges in the consumer brands division, including a 1.6% organic sales decline [13][14]. - The hair care segment, however, saw a 0.9% organic sales growth in the same period, indicating some resilience despite broader market challenges [14][15]. Future Outlook - Henkel has revised its sales growth expectations for the upcoming fiscal year, now projecting organic sales growth of 1% to 2%, down from a previous estimate of 1.5% to 3.5% [15].

Group 1 - A consumer complaint arose regarding the translation of "virgin hair" on a Schwarzkopf product, which was inaccurately translated as "处女发质" instead of the more appropriate "原生发质" [2] - Schwarzkopf's official customer service acknowledged the translation issue and expressed regret for the discomfort caused to consumers, stating that a comprehensive update of product descriptions is underway [5] - The company emphasized the importance of accurate communication and has initiated a review process to prevent similar issues in the future [5] Group 2 - Henkel Group, which owns Schwarzkopf, has been in operation since 1876 and is divided into two main business segments: Adhesive Technologies and Consumer Brands [7] - The Consumer Brands segment includes well-known brands such as Persil, Bref, and Schwarzkopf [7] - In February 2024, Henkel announced the acquisition of the Sassoon brand and its hair care business in Greater China from Procter & Gamble [7] Group 3 - According to the latest financial report, Henkel's sales for the first half of 2025 decreased by 3.8% to €10.402 billion, with organic sales slightly down by 0.1% [8] - The Consumer Products segment accounted for approximately 47% of total sales, with a year-on-year decline of 6.8% to €4.907 billion and organic sales down by 1.6% [8] - Despite the overall decline, the hair care segment experienced organic sales growth, while other consumer product areas saw declines [8]

Core Viewpoint - The international beauty brand Schwarzkopf has faced criticism for using the term "Virgin Hair" in its product labeling, which some consumers find disrespectful towards women. The company has acknowledged the issue and is taking steps to rectify the translation error in its product descriptions [1][9]. Product Description - The product in question is Schwarzkopf's professional cold perm kit, suitable for normal hair and lightly damaged hair. The labeling describes normal hair as "Virgin Hair (untreated with chemicals)" and lightly damaged hair as having been treated with oxidizing dyes or exposed to sunlight, resulting in porous and rough hair [3][4]. - The cold perm product promises to provide long-lasting curls, smooth and shiny hair post-treatment, and features a low-odor formula with added chlorophyll for a fresh perm experience [3][4]. Company Response - Schwarzkopf's official customer service has expressed regret over the inaccurate translation and the discomfort it caused consumers. The brand has initiated a comprehensive update of its product descriptions [7][9]. - On September 11, Schwarzkopf's official Weibo account issued an apology to the public, acknowledging the feedback regarding the translation and stating that a thorough investigation was launched. The company emphasized that the translation failed to convey the original meaning accurately [9].