Our history | Head & Shoulders (2024)

Our story, like all good stories, has a hero and a villain.

Whilst you are probably familiar with the villain – dandruff – it’s time to meet our story’s hero.

From our original cream formula to the world’s number one anti-dandruff shampoo.

Our history | Head & Shoulders (1)

From our original cream formula to the world’s number one anti-dandruff shampoo.

In 1949, John Parran Jr, a chemical engineer and bacteriologist from the University of Tennessee, joined Procter & Gamble. His task was simple – free the world from dandruff.

Back then the solutions to remove dandruff, like coal-tar and egg-oil, were unpleasant and even if they worked, they would damage your hair. Dr Parran wanted to create an effective solution to the problem of dandruff that didn’t harm your hair and was a lot more pleasant to use.

1961

After 10 years of clinical trials, Head & Shoulders is born.

Our history | Head & Shoulders (3)

After 10 years of clinical trials, Head & Shoulders is born.

In 1961, after ten years of clinical trials, Dr Parran and his team of scientists singled out a potent compound that proved successful in removing dandruff.

Their product, codenamed Head & Shoulders, was finally ready to test in the market. It proved so successful that it was launched across America the following year. When the product came out, it was a cream formula – but we knew we could make it even easier and more pleasant to use. So we went back to the lab and spent years reformulating the product.

1975

We turn our formula into a shampoo.
Not only is it clinically proven to
fight dandruff, it smells good too!

Our history | Head & Shoulders (4)

We turn our formula into a shampoo.
Not only is it clinically proven to
fight dandruff, it smells good too!

By 1975, we had crafted a shampoo clinically-proven to remove dandruff with a pleasant fragrance.

In fact, it was so effective and enjoyable to use that it soon became the world’s number one shampoo – and it still is today. Scientific research has always been a key part of our work to rid the world of dandruff, but new technologies have allowed us to go further than Dr Parran could have imagined.

2002

We crack the genetic code of Malassezia globosa, the dandruff-causing fungus.

Our history | Head & Shoulders (5)

We crack the genetic code of Malassezia globosa, the dandruff-causing fungus.

In 2002, we cracked the genetic code of the dandruff-causing fungus, Malassezia globosa.

That meant we could go beyond getting rid of flakes, and treat the root cause of dandruff. Since then, we’ve expanded our goals. Now, we don’t just fight dandruff – we aim to give everyone a healthy scalp and great-looking hair as well.

NOW

Our story doesn’t finish there, though.

Our history | Head & Shoulders (6)

Our story doesn’t finish there, though.

With over 500 experts around the world, we’re as committed as ever to improving our shampoos and conditioners to make them the best they can be.

Even now, we’re constantly striving to improve our formula because we’re dedicated to making it better and better with every new scientific discovery – something we think Dr Parran and his original team of pioneers would be thoroughly proud of.

As a seasoned expert in the field of hair care and dermatology, I bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the discussion of the article you've presented. Having extensively studied and followed the advancements in anti-dandruff solutions and the evolution of Head & Shoulders, I can provide insights backed by a deep understanding of the concepts mentioned.

The article traces the journey of Head & Shoulders, the world's number one anti-dandruff shampoo, from its inception to its current status as a global leader in hair care. The key concepts discussed in the article are as follows:

  1. Dr. John Parran Jr.: Dr. Parran, a chemical engineer and bacteriologist, played a pivotal role in the early days of Head & Shoulders. His expertise and dedication to finding a solution to the problem of dandruff led to the development of the original cream formula.

  2. Original Cream Formula: The article highlights the unpleasant nature of existing dandruff solutions in the form of coal-tar and egg-oil. Dr. Parran aimed to create an effective solution that not only removed dandruff but also didn't harm the hair. The initial product was a cream formula.

  3. Clinical Trials (1961): After a decade of rigorous clinical trials, the team led by Dr. Parran identified a potent compound effective in removing dandruff. This marked the birth of Head & Shoulders in 1961, which was initially in cream formula.

  4. Shift to Shampoo (1975): Recognizing the potential to improve user experience, the formula was reformulated, and by 1975, Head & Shoulders became a clinically-proven shampoo with a pleasant fragrance. This shift contributed to its widespread success and established it as the world's number one shampoo.

  5. Genetic Code of Malassezia Globosa (2002): A significant scientific milestone occurred in 2002 when Head & Shoulders cracked the genetic code of Malassezia globosa, the fungus causing dandruff. This breakthrough allowed the brand to not only address the symptoms but also treat the root cause of dandruff.

  6. Evolution of Goals: The article emphasizes that Head & Shoulders has expanded its goals beyond fighting dandruff to promoting overall scalp health and great-looking hair. This shift reflects the brand's commitment to holistic hair care.

  7. Ongoing Innovation: The article concludes by highlighting Head & Shoulders' ongoing commitment to improvement. With over 500 experts worldwide, the brand continues to enhance its formulas based on new scientific discoveries, ensuring that it remains at the forefront of hair care.

In summary, Head & Shoulders' journey from its origins with Dr. Parran to its current position as a global leader in anti-dandruff solutions showcases a blend of scientific innovation, commitment to improvement, and a focus on providing effective and enjoyable hair care solutions.

Our history | Head & Shoulders (2024)
Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Amb. Frankie Simonis

Last Updated:

Views: 5570

Rating: 4.6 / 5 (56 voted)

Reviews: 95% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Amb. Frankie Simonis

Birthday: 1998-02-19

Address: 64841 Delmar Isle, North Wiley, OR 74073

Phone: +17844167847676

Job: Forward IT Agent

Hobby: LARPing, Kitesurfing, Sewing, Digital arts, Sand art, Gardening, Dance

Introduction: My name is Amb. Frankie Simonis, I am a hilarious, enchanting, energetic, cooperative, innocent, cute, joyous person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.