11 Oldest Shampoo Brands

The concept of shampooing hair dates back to ancient times, where people used natural ingredients like herbs, eggs, and plant extracts to clean their hair. Several shampoo brands have emerged in the market, but only a few have managed to sustain their presence for over a hundred years.

These brands have not only survived but also thrived in the ever-changing market, with their products being trusted and preferred by generations of consumers. The stories behind these brands are fascinating, and they provide valuable insights into the history of the hair care industry. In this blog, we will delve into the history of some of the oldest and most iconic shampoo brands that have been around for years, including their founding stories and innovations.

11. WEN

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WEN shampoo is a line of hair care products developed by celebrity stylist Chaz Dean in 1993. Dean created the WEN line because he was dissatisfied with the harsh, sulfate-based shampoos available on the market at the time. He wanted to develop a gentler, more natural alternative that would cleanse and nourish the hair without stripping it of its natural oils.

The original WEN product was the Cleansing Conditioner, which was formulated to be a combination of shampoo and conditioner in one. It was designed to be used without water, with users applying the product directly to their hair and then rinsing it out. The Cleansing Conditioner was made with natural ingredients, including aloe vera, chamomile, and sweet almond oil.

10. Pert Plus or Rejoice

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Pert Plus and Rejoice are two different hair care brands that have their own unique histories. Pert Plus is a brand of 2-in-1 shampoo and conditioner that was first introduced in 1987 by Procter & Gamble. The product was marketed as a convenient and time-saving solution for people who didn’t want to use separate shampoo and conditioner products.

Rejoice is a hair care brand that was first introduced in 1987 by Procter & Gamble in Japan. The brand was initially marketed as a premium hair care line, with a focus on natural ingredients and gentle formulations. The brand became popular in Asia and other international markets, and has since expanded to include a range of products, including shampoo, conditioner, hair serum, and hair masks. In 2003, Procter & Gamble merged the Pert Plus and Rejoice brands in some markets, creating a new line of 2-in-1 shampoo and conditioner products under the Rejoice name.

9. Finesse

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Finesse is a hair care brand that was first introduced in the United States in the 1980s. The brand was purchased by Lornamead, a British company that specializes in personal care products in 2006. Finesse was marketed as a premium hair care line that used innovative formulations to provide gentle, effective cleaning and conditioning. The brand’s signature product was a 2-in-1 shampoo and conditioner that promised to clean and condition hair without leaving any buildup or residue.

Finesse also offered a range of other hair care products, including styling mousse, hair spray, and hair gel. One of the unique features of Finesse’s products was the use of silk and soy protein in the formulations. These ingredients were intended to strengthen hair and add shine, while also helping to protect hair from damage caused by styling and environmental factors.

8. Gee, Your Hair Smells Terrific

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Gee, Your Hair Smells Terrific is a hair care brand that was first introduced in 1978 by the Andrew Jergens Company. The brand’s signature product was a scented shampoo that promised to leave hair clean, soft, and with a pleasant fragrance.

The idea for Gee, Your Hair Smells Terrific came from a market research study that identified the need for a scented shampoo that would make hair smell great. The company worked with fragrance experts to develop a unique scent that would be fresh and appealing, without being overpowering.

The shampoo quickly became a popular product, with its distinctive fragrance and effective cleaning and conditioning properties. The brand’s advertising campaigns emphasized the idea that using the shampoo would make people take notice of your hair and comment on how great it smelled.

7. Flex

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Flex is a hair care brand that was launched in 1971 by Revlon, an American cosmetic company. Its primary product was a shampoo that promised to add body and volume to hair while keeping it residue-free. The brand aimed to provide premium hair care using advanced formulas and high-quality ingredients. The shampoo contained protein and panthenol, which strengthen hair while making it look fuller and voluminous. Additionally, the brand offered other hair care products, including conditioner, hairspray, and styling products.

Over the years, Flex has adapted to changing trends and updated its formulations and packaging. It expanded its product line, and it still remains a popular hair care brand, known for its quality ingredients and effective formulas. Although it has undergone many changes, the brand still focuses on innovative hair care approaches that help people achieve fuller and voluminous hair.

Did You Know?

During the 1970s and 1980s, Flex became popular, with advertisements that promoted fuller and voluminous hair.

6. Batiste

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Batiste is a brand of dry shampoo that was first launched in the United Kingdom in the 1970s. The brand was developed by a British company called Church & Dwight, which had been a pioneer in producing cleaning and personal care products.

The original Batiste dry shampoo was designed to refresh and revitalize hair between washes, making it a popular choice for people who wanted to keep their hair looking clean and fresh without the hassle of a full wash. The dry shampoo was formulated with ingredients that absorb excess oil and grease from the hair, leaving it feeling clean and voluminous.

In recent years, Batiste has become a global brand, with its products sold in countries around the world. The brand’s innovative approach to dry shampoo has helped to make it a favorite among people who want to keep their hair looking great without spending hours on washing and styling.

Did You Know?

Today, Batiste is known for its effective, easy-to-use products and its commitment to helping people achieve the perfect hair day, every day.

5. Head & Shoulders

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Head & Shoulders is a brand of anti-dandruff shampoo and hair care products that was first introduced in 1961 by the American consumer goods company Procter & Gamble. The company had been conducting research on dandruff since the 1940s, and after years of development, they released Head & Shoulders as their flagship anti-dandruff shampoo.

The formula for Head & Shoulders was based on the active ingredient pyrithione zinc, which was found to be effective in controlling dandruff and relieving scalp irritation. Procter & Gamble marketed the product as a solution to the embarrassing and uncomfortable problem of dandruff, and it quickly became a popular choice among consumers.

4. Pantene

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The hair care brand Pantene was first introduced by Hoffman-LaRoche, a Swiss drug company, in 1945. Its original shampoo formula contained panthenol, a provitamin of B5 that is known for its strengthening and moisturizing properties. The brand’s name, “Pantene,” is derived from “panthenol” to emphasize its use of this key ingredient. Its initial advertising campaign promoted the idea that Pantene could help women achieve luxurious and manageable hair.

Pantene is known for its innovative hair care products and has launched campaigns and partnerships to promote its products, including the “Beautiful Lengths” campaign, which encouraged women to donate their hair to create wigs for cancer patients. The brand has also collaborated with celebrities and hairstylists to promote its products and raise awareness about hair care.

Did You Know?

Today, Pantene products are sold in more than 100 countries and are a popular choice among consumers seeking high-quality hair care.

3. Minipoo

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Minipoo was a brand of shampoo that was first introduced in the 1940s, reportedly in the United States. The product was marketed as a “rinseless” or “waterless” shampoo, which means that it did not require the user to rinse their hair with water after application. Instead, it was designed to be applied directly to dry hair and then brushed out, leaving the hair clean and fresh.

The exact founding date and history of the brand is not well documented, and it appears that the company did not last very long. However, Minipoo is sometimes cited as an early example of a dry shampoo, a type of hair care product that has become increasingly popular in recent years.

Did You Know?

The small size of the bottle makes it easy to carry around in a purse or a bag, making it a convenient option for people who are always on the go.

2. Drene

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Drene Shampoo was a popular brand of hair care products that was first introduced in the United States in 1934. The brand was created by Procter & Gamble, a large consumer goods company, and its name was a combination of the words “dirt” and “elimination.” At the time of its launch, Drene was marketed as a high-quality shampoo that could effectively clean the hair and scalp, without stripping away natural oils or causing excessive dryness.

The brand’s advertising campaigns emphasized the idea that healthy hair requires a clean scalp, and that Drene could help achieve this goal. One of the key ingredients in Drene shampoo was sulfonated oil, a type of cleansing agent that was used to remove dirt and oil from the hair. The product was also scented with a signature fragrance that became closely associated with the Drene brand.

Did You Know?

Today, the original Drene shampoo is no longer produced, but it remains a notable example of a popular and influential hair care brand from the mid-twentieth century.

1. Schwarzkopf

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Schwarzkopf is a hair care brand that was founded in Germany in 1898 by a chemist named Hans Schwarzkopf. It is the oldest shampoo brand, and most well-known hair care brands in the world. The brand’s first product was a powder shampoo that could be dissolved in water, which was a significant innovation at the time. Schwarzkopf’s powder shampoo was more convenient and efficient, and quickly gained popularity in Germany.

Over the years, Schwarzkopf expanded its product line to include a wide range of hair care products, including shampoos, conditioners, and styling products. The brand became known for its innovative formulations and effective products, and it soon gained a following outside of Germany. In the 1950s and 1960s, Schwarzkopf began to expand globally, opening subsidiaries and partnering with other companies to distribute its products worldwide.

Did You Know?

Today, the Schwarzkopf brand is sold in over 130 countries and is known for its high-quality and effective hair care products.