Marcapar

What Marcapar does

Marcapar, operated by SAS ROCHE and founded in 1991 by Christian Roche in Vaugneray (near Lyon), France, develops and manufactures plant-based hair coloration and hair/beard care products for professional hairdressers. Its core technology relies on 22 dyeing plants — including henna, indigo, rhubarb, beetroot, hibiscus, chamomile, turmeric, and black tea — reduced to 160-micron powders and mixed with hot water or plant decoctions. Unlike conventional oxidative dyes, the formulation coats rather than penetrates the hair fiber through the Lawsone-henna-keratin bond, avoiding PPD, resorcinol, ammonia, and peroxide. All product development and manufacturing occur in an internal R&D laboratory and production facility at the Vaugneray headquarters, with plant materials systematically analyzed by independent laboratories and approved by external toxicologists.

The company operates a dual revenue model. The primary stream is professional wholesale product sales — a range comprising 10 base coloration shades, 4 decoctions, Ombré gradient products, tinted shampoos and masks, nutritive and scalp-care lines, styling products, and specialty oils — sold exclusively to a network of 850+ certified partner salons across France, Italy, Switzerland, Belgium, Spain, Luxembourg, Monaco, the Netherlands, Sweden, and Canada. The secondary stream is paid professional training delivered through L'Institution Végétale, a Qualiopi-certified organization operating 5 training centers in France (Paris, Nantes, Dax, Vaugneray) and 4 abroad (Italy, Canada, Switzerland, Sweden), which has trained over 2,500 hairdressers since 1996. Products are not sold directly to consumers online or in physical retail, preserving channel exclusivity, higher salon margins, and technical application standards. The company employs approximately 25 people and remains an independent, family-owned business with succession preparation underway from founder Christian Roche to the next generation.

Name

Marcapar

Legal name

SAS ROCHE

Website

https://marcapar.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1991

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Marcapar, founded in 1991 in Vaugneray, France, develops plant-based hair coloration and care products from 22 dyeing plants, sold exclusively through 850+ certified partner salons across 10+ countries.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Professional Botanical Hair Coloration

NAICS

Soap and Cleaning Compound Manufacturing (32561)

SIC

Perfumes, Cosmetics & Other Toilet Preparations (2844)

akta.pro primary industry

Professional Hair Color (CRABALAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Professional Hair Care (Shampoo, Conditioner, Treatments) (CRABALAB), Conditioners & Hair Masks (CRABABAB), Hair Color & Chemical Services (EDAOALAD)

Keywords

• Botanical hair coloration
• Professional haircare products
• Plant-based cosmetics
• Hairdresser training programs
• Natural scalp care

Headquarters

HQ city

Vaugneray

HQ country

France

HQ region

Europe

Offices9 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Professional product sales to partner salons: Marcapar sells its complete range of plant-based hair coloring products exclusively to trained and certified partner salons. The range includes 10 base color shades, 3 decoctions, 2 ombrés, tinted shampoos, masks, oils, and styling products. Products are purchased by salons at wholesale prices and resold to end consumers as professional services.
2. Professional training programs: L'Institution Végétale offers paid professional training programs for hairdressers wanting to become certified plant-based colorists. Training includes 3-day discovery courses, 2-day mastery courses, 1-day thematic workshops, and custom technical days. Training can be financed through OPCO and FAFCEA organisms (France only).

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Marcapar develops and manufactures a professional botanical hair coloration system formulated from 22 dyeing plants reduced to 160-micron powder, mixed with hot water or plant decoctions, that coats rather than oxidizes hair and covers 100% of white hair. The company sells this coloration line together with a complete range of complementary hair care, scalp care, styling, and beard care products exclusively through a network of 850+ certified partner salons in France and internationally. Marcapar also operates L'Institution Végétale, a Qualiopi-certified training institution delivering paid professional courses that certify hairdressers to use the brand.

Product overview

MARCAPAR is a professional botanical hair coloring brand and cosmetics company founded in 1991 by Christian Roche, operated by SAS ROCHE based in Vaugneray, France. The offering centers on a professional botanical hair coloring system (Coloration Végétale) formulated from 22 dyeing plants, which coats rather than oxidizes the hair fiber, along with a full complementary hair care range. The core product line includes the botanical coloring system with 10 base shades, 4 decoctions (Blonde, Cuivrée, Pourpre, Noire), and the new Ombrés for gradient effects. Color maintenance is handled through tinted shampoos (Blond, Roux, Brun) and next-generation tinted masks launched in 2025 in Blond, Roux, and Brun variants. The broader care portfolio spans nutritive and detox masks (Masque Nutrition, Masque Équilibre, Masque RemarKable, Masque aux Algues Marines), shampoos in multiple formulas (Douceur, Nutrition, Équilibre, Sec), the rechargeable Shampooings RECETTE and Shampooing Bar Transparence lines, aromatic complexes (A, B, C, Purifiant, Apaisant), and specialty oils (Huile 9 Mois for pregnant women, Huile Bien-être). Styling products include Gelée Coiffante L'Indispensable, Crème Coiffante, Fleur de Mousse, and Gel Spray L'Indémodable. Services include an online hair diagnostic tool and L'Institution Végétale, a Qualiopi-certified training institution with 5 centers in France and 4 abroad that has trained over 2,500 hair stylists. Distribution is exclusively through a network of over 850 partner salons across France, Italy, Canada, Spain, Switzerland, Belgium, Luxembourg, Monaco, the Netherlands, and Sweden.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Coloration Végétale (Botanical Hair Coloration) Professional botanical hair coloration line formulated from 22 dyeing plants reduced to 160-micron powders and mixed with hot water or plant decoctions. The Lawsone molecule from henna bonds with hair keratin to coat rather than oxidize the fiber, covering 100% of white hair, strengthening the hair, and delivering a palette of 10 base shades plus further nuances via decoctions and ombrés. For trained partner salons and their professional colorist clients.
• Décoctions (Blonde, Cuivrée, Pourpre, Noire) Botanical decoctions in four variants (Blonde, Cuivrée/Copper, Pourpre/Purple, Noire/Black) used as mixing liquids with the coloration plant powders. They intensify or neutralize color reflections and expand the available palette beyond the base shades. For trained partner salons offering professional botanical coloration services.
• Ombrés (Hair Color Gradient Products) Product line launched in 2023 for creating hair color gradients and soft transitions in botanical coloration, expanding the color palette offerings for partner salons.
• Shampooings Tinctoriaux (Blond, Roux, Brun) Tinting shampoos in Blond, Roux (copper/red), and Brun (brown) shades, formulated with a delicate cleansing base, decoctions, and dyeing plant extracts. Maintain and revive hair color between professional coloration sessions. Available in 200 mL and 400 mL formats through partner salons.
• Masques Tinctoriaux (Blond, Roux, Brun) Tinted masks available in Blond, Roux (copper), and Brun (brown) variants for maintaining and reviving hair color between coloration sessions. Suitable for both colored and natural hair with reinforced efficacy. Available through partner salons.
• Crème de Soin Nutrition Nutritive care cream for dry and sensitized hair, enriched with organic vegetable oils (argan, safflower, sesame) providing softness, shine, and vitality while sealing hydration. An iconic MARCAPAR product sold through partner salons.
• Shampooing Douceur Gentle shampoo with 97.3% naturally derived ingredients, rich in vitamins and trace elements that strengthen and revitalize dehydrated hair and scalp using a very delicate cleansing base. Iconic MARCAPAR product sold through partner salons.
• Masque RemarKable Hair and scalp treatment mask with 98.3% naturally derived ingredients, based on organic vegetable oils (argan, safflower, sesame). Ideal for sensitized hair, particularly chemically treated hair in transition to botanical coloring. Iconic MARCAPAR product.
• Shampooings RECETTE (Rechargeable) Rechargeable shampoo concept launched in 2019 as the first rechargeable shampoo range on the market, available in Douceur, Nutrition, and Équilibre formulas. Part of MARCAPAR's eco-designed packaging initiative. Sold through partner salons.
• Shampooing Bar Transparence Rechargeable solid shampoo bars launched in 2023 as part of MARCAPAR's eco-designed packaging approach, providing a sustainable alternative to liquid shampoo bottles. Sold through partner salons.
• Recette Scalp Care System (Base Lavante, Hydrolats, Complexes Aromatiques) Customizable scalp care range from the RECETTE line comprising Base Lavante cleansing bases (Apaisante for sensitive scalps, Purifiante for oily scalps), Hydrolats (Apaisant, Purifiant), and Complexes Aromatiques A, B, C, plus Purifiant and Apaisant variants. Designed to be combined in personalized scalp rituals by partner salons.
• Shampooing Équilibre Detoxifying rebalancing shampoo with 98.5% naturally derived ingredients, formulated with kaolin and a Brazilian jujube bark natural anti-dandruff active delivering 72-hour efficacy. Helps eliminate impurities from oily scalps. Available in 200 mL and 400 mL.
• Masque Équilibre Scalp detox treatment with 99% naturally derived ingredients, enriched with white clay (kaolin) and Brazilian jujube bark extract that rebalances the scalp microbiota. Recommended for purifying and refreshing oily scalp. Available in 400 mL.
• Gelée Coiffante L'Indispensable Delicate modeling and coating styling gel based on linseed, providing hydrating and anti-free-radical properties. Defines curls while maintaining softness without weighing hair down; ideal for reducing static electricity in winter. Iconic MARCAPAR styling product.
• Huile Scintillante Multi-use illuminating oil for hair, face, and body composed of 100% naturally derived ingredients, enriched with apricot kernel and avocado oils. Delivers a dry-touch velvet finish with immediate golden glow effect via gold and bronze mineral nacres. Launched in 2025.
• Démêlant Thermoprotecteur Detangling and heat-protectant spray composed of 99% naturally derived ingredients. Protects hair from heat up to 210°C, detangles instantly, and adds shine. Launched in 2025 in a 100 mL compact rechargeable format.
• Huile 9 Mois (Body and Scalp Care Oil) Body and scalp care oil with 100% naturally derived and 99.7% organically derived ingredients, formulated with a cocktail of five vegetable oils (calophyllum, camelina, avocado, apricot, sesame) and no essential oils. Designed for sensitive skin, pregnant and breastfeeding women; can be applied before botanical coloring or for body massage.
• L'Institution Végétale (Professional Training Institution) Marcapar's Qualiopi-certified professional training institution delivering paid courses in botanical hair coloration through 9 training centers (Paris, Nantes, Dax, Vaugneray in France; Italy, Canada, Switzerland, Sweden internationally). Programs include 3-day Discovery & Learning, 2-day Mastery & Expertise, 1-day thematic workshops, and custom technical days. Over 2,500 hairdressers trained since inception. Training can be financed via OPCO and FAFCEA in France.
• Diagnostic en Ligne (Online Hair Diagnostic) Online diagnostic tool where users answer questions about hair type, scalp condition, and color goals to receive a personalized botanical hair care ritual and be guided to a nearby certified partner salon. Supports consumer funnel and partner-salon referrals.

Quantifiable outcome

• 100% white hair coverage with all color shades
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers11 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles1 record

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration2 records

Feature4 records

Partnerships

Three partnerships are on record, tiered regional, core and minor.

• Aldo Ravarotto (Italian ambassador)regionalChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorItalian hairdresser ambassador who represents and supports Marcapar in Italy, providing technical accompaniment for Italian partner salons and hairdressers interested in the brand.
• 850+ Partner hair salonscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorProfessional hairdressing salons in France and internationally (Belgium, Canada, Spain, Italy, Luxembourg, Monaco, Netherlands, Sweden, Switzerland) that have been trained and certified as Marcapar partners. These salons exclusively distribute Marcapar products and perform plant-based coloring services.
• Local plant producers and farmersminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLocal producers supported through Marcapar's sourcing practices: blonde lentil of Saint-Flour, immortelle of Mont Ventoux, and indigo of Marie-Galante (a pilot plantation project started in 2022 in the French West Indies). These partnerships support traditional know-how and local agriculture.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves12 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Emerging players

• Maria Nila: Swedish vegan and plant-derived professional hair care brand with growing salon presence. Comparable to Marcapar in plant-based positioning and Scandinavian salon channel activity.
• Original & Mineral (O&M): Professional ammonia-free hair color brand sold through salons with a natural positioning. Comparable to Marcapar in clean-beauty professional color and salon-exclusive distribution.
• Biocoiff': French organic hair salon chain and brand using certified organic plant-based color. Comparable niche overlap with Marcapar in 100% plant-based hair coloration for salons, but with a different organic certification focus.

Direct peers

• Klorane (Pierre Fabre): French botanical hair care brand with plant-based ingredient expertise and salon-grade positioning. Overlaps with Marcapar on plant-based formulation and French professional market presence.
• Christophe Robin: French botanical hair care brand offering natural ingredient shampoos, masks and treatments. Comparable to Marcapar in plant-based positioning and French professional heritage, though broader retail distribution.
• Phyto (Phyto Specific): French botanical hair care brand offering plant-based shampoos, treatments and color products through salons and retail. Most directly comparable to Marcapar in plant-based positioning, professional salon channel and French heritage.
• René Furterer: French premium botanical hair care brand (Pierre Fabre group) sold through professional salons. Overlaps with Marcapar on plant-based formulations, salon distribution and France-centric brand identity.
• Davines: Italian professional hair care brand with a sustainability and plant-based positioning, sold exclusively through salons. Comparable to Marcapar in professional-only distribution model and botanical formulation philosophy.

Broad incumbents

• L'Oréal Professionnel: Global leader in professional hair color with brands like Inoa and Majirel. While not plant-based, it is the dominant incumbent in the same professional salon channel that Marcapar targets and could enter the natural color space.
• Wella Professionals: Major professional hair color brand (Koleston Perfect, Illumina) with broad salon distribution. Represents the conventional incumbent benchmark that Marcapar competes against for professional hairdresser partnerships.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/MarcaparLCDC
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/marcapar
• Instagraminstagram.com/marcapar_france

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles9 records

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Marcapar