Japanese luxury beauty brand Sensai, part of the Kao luxury beauty portfolio, has re-entered the premium hair and scalp care category as it continues its international expansion in global travel retail.
The brand has recently opened at Warsaw Chopin Airport (Lagardère Travel Retail), Václav Havel Airport Prague (Lagardère Travel Retail) and Milan Malpensa Airport (Avolta) with a further launch planned at Rome Fiumicino Airport by the end of 2026.
In Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA), Sensai has recorded +5% year-to-date growth with good performance in established markets, including Italy, Germany, Poland and Sweden. The brand also made gains in Türkiye, supported by local partnerships and increased brand visibility.
Across Asia Pacific, Sensai is extending its reach following a recent launch in Indonesia, with Thailand identified as its next strategic market entry.
Kao’s wider Global Sharp Top Strategy concentrates investment on brands and categories where the group believes it can establish leading positions. Sensai is a key brand pillar in the strategy.
Sensai will highlight the next stage of its development at the TFWA World Exhibition in Cannes (27 September-1 October), where it will exhibit alongside fellow Kao luxury beauty brands Molton Brown and Oribe. Sensai will present its innovation pipeline, alongside an early preview of its core SAHO philosophy for 2027.
This includes new developments centred on Sensai’s signature Double Moisturising ritual and a curated selection of bestsellers.
“Sensai’s continued momentum reflects the power of our luxury beauty proposition, and the increasing relevance of our unique Japanese philosophy among consumers worldwide,” commented Sensai EMEA General Manager Julien Noilou.
“This year marks an especially exciting chapter for the brand as we re-enter the premium hair and scalp care category – a natural extension of the Sensai universe – bringing the same commitment to craftsmanship, innovation and excellent performance that consumers have come to expect from our skincare and makeup portfolio.
“Combined with our continued development of the SAHO ritual and Double Moisturising philosophy, we are creating new opportunities to engage luxury beauty consumers across multiple categories and touchpoints.”
Noilou added, “The openings clearly reinforce our commitment to selective, premium distribution across strategically important travel hubs.
“As we strengthen our presence in established markets, enter new territories and expand our travel retail footprint, we look forward to sharing our latest innovations and future vision with our valued business partners in Cannes.”
Sensai will exhibit at stand RE11, Riviera Village during the TFWA World Exhibition. The three Kao brands will also host the group’s traditional evening cocktail reception on Monday 28 September. ✈
