Fashion.at

14 April 2025

Viennese Collaboration Brings Bee-Based Eco-Luxury to Hair Care

Wolfgang Lederhaas, Vanessa Steinmetz-Bundy, and Hannes Steinmetz at the Honey Bee Hair-Care product presentation on April 8, 2025, at the Steinmetz-Bundy Privatsalon, Opernring 9, across from the Vienna State Opera. Lederhaas and Steinmetz each hold one of the two new products. Photo: © Gilbert Novy.

Two Viennese companies—Steinmetz-Bundy Privatsalon and Lederhaas Cosmetics—have joined forces to launch their first collaborative product line, "Honey Bee Hair-Care." The new shampoo and conditioner duo combines modern cosmetic science with the regenerative power of bee-derived ingredients, reflecting a shared commitment to natural, sustainable beauty solutions.

From Global Stages to Viennese Salons: The Vision of Hannes Steinmetz

Hannes Steinmetz, co-founder of the Steinmetz-Bundy Privatsalon, is well-known in the international hair industry. Over the years, he has played a prominent role within the prestigious Intercoiffure Mondial network, including as a trainer at its World Academy in Paris. His creative direction at Bundy & Bundy helped shape Austrian hair fashion before he and his wife Vanessa Steinmetz-Bundy launched their own salon brand in 2017. Today, their salons at Opernring and Billrothstraße in Vienna are synonymous with precision, personalization, and top-tier craftsmanship.

The idea to create an in-house line of hair products dates back to the salon's founding. It was only during the quieter months of the COVID-19 lockdowns that Steinmetz found the time to actively pursue the vision—seeking a product that would merge the effectiveness of salon-grade formulations with the purity of certified natural cosmetics.

Natural Innovation: The Role of Wolfgang Lederhaas

For the formulation of the Honey Bee Hair-Care products, the salon turned to a leading figure in Austrian natural cosmetics: Mag. Wolfgang Lederhaas. Founder of Lederhaas Cosmetics and a respected voice in the industry, Lederhaas serves as Innungsmeister der Chemischen Gewerbe der Wirtschaftskammer Wien (Chairman of the Chemical Trades Guild at the Vienna Chamber of Commerce) and Bundessprecher der gewerblichen Kosmetikhersteller Österreichs (Federal Spokesperson of Commercial Cosmetics Manufacturers in Austria). His company is known for combining botanical knowledge, ecological awareness, and a poetic approach to product design.

The collaboration builds on Lederhaas's "Honey Bee Edition" for skincare, extending it into hair care with a new focus on hydrating and nourishing the scalp and hair using bee-based ingredients. The products are developed in the Lederhaas Creative Lab in Vienna and manufactured in Austria, supporting local production and minimizing environmental impact.

A Two-Year Development Journey

The product line—comprising a Hydrating Shampoo and a Moisturizing Conditioner—was the result of two years of close collaboration. Rather than rushing the process, both teams focused on creating a high-performing formula using only bio-certified ingredients and innovative natural actives.

Central to the concept was the question: how can bee-derived ingredients like honey and beeswax, known for their regenerative properties, be harnessed to improve hair texture, health, and manageability? Combining salon insights with scientific testing, the team formulated a line that prioritizes performance, compatibility, and sensorial experience.

Key Ingredients and Their Effects

Honey Bee Hair-Care features a curated blend of natural and high-tech ingredients:

- Honey binds moisture and soothes the scalp, enhancing elasticity.
- Aloe Vera supports hydration and scalp balance.
- Beeswax forms a protective layer and smooths hair texture.
- Wheat proteins reduce static and increase shine and volume.
- Coconut oil improves manageability and gives hair a silky finish.
- Procutigen® Bond, derived from chia seeds, protects and repairs hair fibers.
- Arginine, a natural amino acid, encourages healthy growth and balances the scalp's pH.

Eco-Luxury for the Home and Salon

While Honey Bee Hair-Care is available as part of the treatment experience at both Steinmetz-Bundy salon locations in Vienna, the products can also be purchased for use at home. In addition to direct ordering via the salon, the shampoo and conditioner are listed on the Lederhaas Cosmetics website.

With this launch, two Viennese pioneers bring together salon expertise, artisan cosmetics, and a dedication to sustainability.


Image, from left: Wolfgang Lederhaas, Vanessa Steinmetz-Bundy, and Hannes Steinmetz at the Honey Bee Hair-Care product presentation on April 8, 2025, at the Steinmetz-Bundy Privatsalon, Opernring 9, across from the Vienna State Opera. Lederhaas and Steinmetz each hold one of the two new products. Photo: © Gilbert Novy.