Jully France is a rising force in the professional haircare and salon furniture industry, spearheaded by its founder and owner, Mohamad Alhussein. Based in Cyprus, he has established himself as the leading distributor of professional haircare products while also expanding his brand internationally. In this exclusive interview, Mohamad shares his entrepreneurial journey, vision for Jully France, and insights into the evolving beauty industry.
You started your career in Syria before moving to Cyprus. Can you tell us about your journey?
I started in the beauty industry in 1997 while studying physiotherapy at the University of Aleppo. I was offered the opportunity to become the exclusive distributor of several professional brands in northern and eastern Syria, including Brelil, BES Beauty and Science, and Dikson. Initially, I did not know the industry, but I trained myself by reading extensively about the products and visiting salons to understand the needs of hairdressers.
Over time, I built strong relationships with local professionals and even organised trips for them to attend seminars in Italy. In 2002, I opened my first showroom in Syria, which led to significant growth. However, by 2006, I felt the need to expand beyond Syria. Initially, I was considering Greece, but after visiting Cyprus, I was captivated by the place and by the market potential and decided to establish my business here. In 2007, I launched Jully France in Cyprus, and despite initial challenges, it became the leading distributor of professional haircare products in the country.
How has your physiotherapy education influenced your career?
My background in physiotherapy has been incredibly valuable in my business. Studying human anatomy, posture, and ergonomics helped me understand the importance of comfort and functionality, which I apply when designing salon furniture. For example, when developing massage beds or styling chairs, I ensure they properly support clients and professionals. Additionally, my education has helped me develop a keen eye for people and their needs, as well as for detail and problem-solving. These are all essential business skills.
What inspired you to create your own brand, Jully France?
I always wanted to provide hairdressers with products and tools that truly meet their needs. As a distributor of well-known brands, I often faced limitations regarding warranties and product customization. So, I decided to create my brand, Jully France, in 2002. Initially, we focused on hair colour, manufactured in Italy, and launched a range of 78 shades. Over time, we expanded into hair tools, salon furniture, and professional beauty equipment.
The key to our success is quality. While some of our products are manufactured in China, we control the production process to ensure the highest standards. Many of our tools and furniture pieces are made in Italy. We also provide warranties far beyond industry norms—our furniture comes with a six-year warranty, and we ensure that spare parts are always available. Our irons are guaranteed forever. This level of service is why professionals trust Jully France.
What has been your experience collaborating with Brelil?
Brelil has been a key partner since the early days of my career. I became their exclusive distributor in Syria in 1997, and when I moved to Cyprus, I continued our collaboration. What sets Brelil apart is its strong commitment to innovation—they don’t just follow trends; they create them. With their in-house laboratory, they develop unique formulas, making them one of the most reliable brands in professional haircare. Thanks to this approach, I have never encountered issues with Brelil products in all these years.
You served as a jury member for the Cosmoprof & Cosmopack Asia Awards in 2024. How did that experience influence you?
It was an incredible honour and an invaluable experience. Cosmoprof is a must-attend event for any serious professional in our industry. I’ve been visiting the Bologna and Hong Kong editions since 1997, only missing the pandemic years.
Being part of the jury allowed me to see firsthand the most innovative products and emerging trends. One standout innovation was an AI-powered device that analyses the scalp and provides instant recommendations for treatment. This level of technology is the future.
How do you ensure Jully France stays ahead in such a competitive market?
The beauty industry moves incredibly fast—you have to run just to keep up! I constantly visit our manufacturing partners in Italy and China, working directly with them to develop new products. I personally design many of our tools and furniture, ensuring they meet professional needs.
Innovation is key. We are experimenting with new materials, such as advanced synthetic leathers for furniture, and enhancing our hair tools with the latest technologies.
What is your approach to distribution and brand positioning?
Unlike mass-market brands, we focus on working exclusively with professionals. You won’t find Jully France in supermarkets. We distribute through salons and professional partners only. Our goal is to empower hairdressers by giving them access to premium products that are not available to the general public.
We are expanding our international reach with distributors in Greece, Romania, Bulgaria, and the Gulf region, including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Iraq. However, I am very selective when choosing partners. I don’t want Jully France to be just another retail brand—I want it to remain a professional, high-quality brand that hairdressers trust.
What do you see as the future of professional haircare?
The role of the hairdresser is evolving, but one thing remains unchanged: skill and expertise come first. Social media is an important tool, but no Instagram filter can ever replace craftsmanship. Unfortunately, some new stylists focus more on marketing than perfecting their techniques. In contrast, traditional professionals who combine their skills with clever use of social media will always thrive.
I also believe in sustainable business practices. Instead of selling disposable tools, we focus on high-quality products that last. Our hairdryers, irons, and furniture are designed to be repaired, not replaced. This approach helps us build long-term customer relationships and contributes to a more sustainable industry.
What’s next for Jully France?
We are focusing on international expansion and product innovation. We will be exhibiting at the Hairprof trade fair in Greece in March, showcasing our latest products. I am also studying ways to incorporate AI into our tools to improve performance and efficiency for professionals.
Despite our global growth, my vision remains the same: to provide hairdressers with the best products, customer service, and support. That’s the foundation of Jully France, and that’s what will drive us forward.
