TRESemmé is a globally recognized American brand of professional-grade hair care products, currently operating as a subsidiary of the British multinational consumer goods company Unilever. Founded in 1947, the brand is built on the philosophy of providing salon-quality results for home use at affordable prices.
History and Ownership
Founding (1947):
Launched by the Godefroy Manufacturing Company in Manhattan, New York.
Namesake:
Named after hair care expert Edna L. Emme, a pioneering stylist who was the first to bring salon-grade products and innovation to women for at-home use. The name "TRESemmé" is also a phonetic play on the French phrase très-aimé, meaning "beloved".
Acquisitions:
The brand was purchased by Alberto-Culver in 1968 and later acquired by Unilever in 2010.
Evolution:
Originally intended for exclusive distribution within beauty salons, the brand expanded to supermarkets and pharmacies as its popularity grew.
Product Offerings and Innovation
TRESemmé offers a comprehensive range of hair care and styling aids tailored to various hair types and needs.
Core Categories:
Shampoos, conditioners, dry shampoos, mousses, gels, hair sprays, and specialized treatment crèmes or milks.
Targeted Solutions:
Specific lines designed to address concerns such as frizz control (Keratin Smooth), volume (Amplified Volume), moisture (Bouncy Curls), and shine (Lamellar Gloss).
Scientific Approach:
Formulas are developed using Pro Style Technology, which includes amino acids and ceramides to strengthen hair strands. Every product undergoes rigorous safety and quality assessments, including stability, microbiological, and double-blind efficacy testing against competitors.
Brand Positioning and Partnerships
Market Position:
Marketed as a "professional, affordable" brand that allows consumers to achieve salon-worthy hair every day.
Industry Presence:
TRESemmé has been the official hair care sponsor of New York Fashion Week for over a decade, where its stylists create runway looks.
Global Reach:
While headquartered in Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey, the brand operates globally, with significant presence in the UK (since 2004), Canada, and South Africa.