The hair tie was damaging my hair. ― annieu

Every morning, you reach for a hair tie to casually tie up your hair. This small tool, which you use without a second thought, is actually putting a considerable strain on your hair──it was a single hairdresser, who had worked with many customers' hair in the salon every day, who noticed this.

Small discomforts discovered through salon work

The inventor spent their days at the salon, touching customers' hair and addressing their hair concerns. It was during this time that they realized that "hair ties," used so casually every day, were actually one of the causes of damaged hair.

Furthermore, there was dissatisfaction with existing products due to the gap between practicality and fashion. A typical example was the "black hair tie problem," where hair ties are often left on the wrist. These discomforts became the starting point for product development.

Creating a unique added value that only a hairdresser could

Back view with annieu

In 2013, the inventor decided to commercialize their findings from the salon, launching "annieu," a hair tie that gently ties hair. Although they started with only experience as a hairdresser, they decided to mass-produce the product with the sole desire to "share this idea with many people who care about their hair." To widely distribute the product through wholesalers and distributors, they began full-scale product development with a designer.

The brand name "annieu" was coined from the French word "anneau" (meaning "ring"). The hope is that the lively, easy-to-say name will naturally spread from person to person through everyday conversations and social media. And behind that sound is the solid backing of "hairdresser-devised." Precisely because it is a simple tool, the knowledge of professionals who deal with hair every day becomes an unparalleled added value. That is the core philosophy of the annieu brand.

Our goal was to create a hair tie that makes you feel like you "can't use anything else but annieu"

The value that annieu consistently aims to convey can be summarized in one phrase: "the hair tie you truly wanted." It's not just a tool to tie hair, but rather a product that achieves a high level of both functionality and design. The goal was to create a product that makes you feel like you can't go back to other hair ties once you start using it.

We want to reduce damage to hair while also offering the joy of changing colors to match your mood. We want to alleviate the stress of headaches caused by tying hair for long periods, allowing for a comfortable day.annieu cherishes these small comforts of daily life.

Quality is supported by painstaking inspections

In manufacturing, what annieu focused on most was ensuring quality and durability. Each item undergoes careful inspection to create a product that can be used safely for a long time.

However, the path was not smooth. When mass production began, establishing an inspection system to distinguish between good and defective products, and stabilizing quality, became significant hurdles. Instead of relying solely on the visual inspection of the person in charge, inspection standards were quantified and standardized so that anyone could judge them by the same criteria. Through repeated discussions with the production site, a system was built to maintain stable quality across all mass-produced items. This combination of minimizing individual differences for handmade items while still achieving an affordable price range demonstrates annieu's sincere approach to manufacturing.

Ties securely, removes easily. And, a hair tie with another face.

annieu's appeal can be broadly summarized into three points. First, it ties securely yet removes easily. Second, it leaves minimal hair tie marks. And finally, its fashionable design allows it to be worn as a bracelet when not in use.

Worn as a bracelet after removal

Its uses are flexible. As a hair tie. As a bracelet to adorn your wrist. Or as a small, distinctive accessory. One tool transforms its look to suit the occasion.

To Our Readers

annieu color variations

annieu offers a rich lineup. Whether for your daily mood, your outfit, or as a gift for a loved one, we invite you to find your favorite. Beyond gently tying your hair, annieu aims to be a tool that makes your everyday life a little more comfortable.