1950～1970's
1957 |
Started mass production of modacrylic fiber KANEKALON using proprietary technology. Developed synthetic fiber with excellent flame retardance and feel similar to human hair. |
1964 |
Developed a special grade for wigs and began selling wigs under its own brand in Japan. This revolutionized the wig market, where human hair had dominated. |
1968 |
A worldwide wig boom begins. |
1971 |
Product development center established. A system for making wig prototypes and evaluating fibers is created to speed up fiber research and development. |
1970mid~ |
KANEKALON gains the world's leading share of the synthetic fiber wig market. |
1980～1990's
1982 |
Develops Tiara II, a special grade for braiding.Popular among U.S. stylists for its ability to prevent damage to braiders' fingers. 
|
1983 |
KANEKALON begins shipping Tiara II to partner factories in Senegal. First foray into Africa. |
1994 |
A singer appears in a U.S. movie wearing a braid. Braid fashion becomes popular. |
1998 |
Production of ADVANTAGE polyvinyl chloride fiber begins. Expansion into curls and woven products.
|
2000's
2005 |
 Launched futura, a flame retardant polyester fiber. Realized heat-friendly fiber that combines flame retardancy with beautiful sheen and color. |
2005 |
Production of Ultima collagen fiber begins.A singer is used as a billboard in the USA. |
2005 |
A new type of braid fiber, afrelle, became pupular in Africa.
|
2008 |
Weave style becomes a trend in Africa. |
2008 |
Lace Front Wig with futura becomes a trend in the USA. |
2010's
2010 |
 First TV commercial, salon storm, customer appreciation event and hair style competition in Nigeria.
|
2015 |
 Held Miss Kanekalon contest in Nigeria. |
2015 |
Received the Porter Prize for outstanding Japanese company.Business model for Africa was highly commended. |
2016 |
 Kaneka opens Kaneka Africa Liaison Office in Ghana. Marketing activities in Africa become more customer- and market-oriented.
|
2016 |
Participated in the 6th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD VI) in Kenya. |
2018 |
Launched AQUATEX, a water-repellent grade for braids, in the United States. |
2020's
2020 |
 Kaneka Africa Hair Product Development Center opened in Ghana. |
2021 |
DIY (do it yourself) style of hairdressing becomes popular in the U.S. under COVID-19 pandemic,and crochet style becomes popular. |
2022 |
KANEKALON ULTRA LIGHT, a light grade for braids,」、 and KANEKALON CLEAN, an antibacterial grade, are launched in Nigeria. |
2023 |
KANEKALON is rebranded. |