Herbal Essences is already front runners within accessible hair care, by making their shampoo and conditioner bottles distinguishable by touch. Now, they are taking the next step by offering Be My Eyes users free, live video support from their hair care experts.
Have you accidentally washed your hair with conditioner? It’s something we’ve all done once or twice. With so many shampoo and conditioner bottles being completely identical, distinguishing them from each other is not easy for everyone, whether you’re in the shower or at the store. This problem gave rise to a simple solution, which Herbal Essences announced in 2018: tactile markings on shampoo and conditioner bottles.
The idea was sparked by Inclusive Designer and Accessibility Leader at Procter & Gamble, Sumaira (Sam) Latif, who is visually impaired herself. She helped pioneer this simple solution for distinguishing between two products, with four raised lines on shampoos, and two lines of circles on conditioners. But the company hasn’t stopped there. Now, all printed information on Herbal Essences products will be easier for users to access: with free live video support from Procter and Gamble’s in-house hair care experts.
Lynn Hicks, Herbal Essences, North America Brand Manager explains, “The insights and ideas Sam Latif has brought to Herbal Essences continues to open our hearts and minds to accessibility opportunities and solutions. We are excited to take this next step as a brand partner with Be My Eyes.”
Be My Eyes offers blind and low-vision users on demand visual assistance through their smartphone from the network of sighted volunteers and company representatives. Through Be My Eyes Specialized Help, blind and low-vision users can connect to the Herbal Essences team with questions regarding their more than 80 products as well as general hair care needs. Calling the Herbal Essences team through Specialized Help works just like a regular Be My Eyes call, except that the caller will be connected to an Herbal Essences representative. The representative will have access to the video feed from the callers phone, to help advise on products or answer any questions. The Herbal Essences team are available through Specialized Help Monday-Friday 9:00am-6:00pm EST. Please note that Herbal Essences will only be available through Specialized Help in the United States, and their services are offered in English.
“At Be My Eyes, we’re beyond excited to work with Procter & Gamble’s Herbal Essences, because of their commitment to accessibility and innovation. We’re grateful for their support, and our partnership is an important step towards making customer support accessible and making it possible for us to expand Specialized Help to the personal care segment. ” – Alexander Hauerslev Jensen, CCO at Be My Eyes.
Be My Eyes is a free app for iOS and Android devices that connects blind and low-vision individuals to a network of sighted volunteers and company representatives. Blind and low-vision users can request visual assistance through a live video call from a volunteer or from one of the partnering companies through the Specialized Help feature. The app harnesses the power of generosity, technology and human connection to help blind and low-vision people lead more independent lives.
Be My Eyes is accessible in more than 150 countries worldwide and in over 180 languages. Learn more at www.bemyeyes.com.
