About Clairol
Clairol stands as the brand that invented the at-home hair colour category, bringing salon-quality results to bathroom mirrors since 1931. From the revolutionary "Does she... or doesn't she?" campaigns of the 1950s to today's advanced formulations, Clairol has spent over nine decades helping women (and men) colour their hair confidently at home. With 67% of UK women colouring their hair regularly, Clairol's legacy of accessible, reliable hair colour remains as relevant as ever. The Clairol story begins in 1931 when Americans Joan Gelb and her husband Lawrence M. Gelb, along with business partner James Romeo, founded the company after discovering innovative hair-colouring preparations during travels in France. The Gelbs recognised that women wanted hair colour that looked natural and could be applied at home. This vision drove Clairol to become the leading company in the US hair-colouring industry by 1959. The breakthrough came in 1956 with the launch of "Miss Clairol" - the first home hair-colouring kit that made professional results achievable in ordinary bathrooms. The legendary "Does she... or doesn't she?" advertising campaign, created by Shirley Polykoff, transformed attitudes toward hair colouring by suggesting that coloured hair should look so natural that nobody could tell. This campaign changed social perceptions and opened hair colour to mainstream consumers who previously considered it only for actresses and models. Clairol's ownership has passed through several major consumer goods companies. The Gelbs sold the company to Bristol-Myers in 1957. Following Bristol-Myers' merger with Squibb Corporation in 1989, Procter & Gamble acquired Clairol in 2001 for US$4.95 billion. In 2016, Coty acquired Clairol from P&G as part of a US$12.5 billion beauty brands acquisition. Most recently, in December 2020, Coty sold a 60% stake in Wella, Clairol, OPI, and ghd brands to KKR for US$2.5 billion, forming the standalone Wella Company whilst Coty retained a 40% stake. Under Wella Company ownership since 2020, Clairol has undergone transformation for a new generation of DIY beauty lovers. The "It's So Me" creative platform represents this evolution, maintaining Clairol's heritage whilst speaking to contemporary consumers who value self-expression through hair colour. The Nice 'n Easy range represents Clairol's flagship product line, launched in 1965 as the first shampoo-in hair colour. The revolutionary formula made hair colouring easier than ever - simply shampoo in, develop, and rinse out. Nice 'n Easy delivers permanent, all-over hair colour with brilliant tones, natural-looking highlights, and 100% grey coverage. The current collection spans 53 shades, ensuring consumers find their perfect match. The UK remains a key market, with Clairol sponsoring Channel 4's hit show First Dates. Natural Instincts provides semi-permanent colour for those seeking temporary change or gentler formulation. Lasting through 28 shampoos, Natural Instincts allows colour experimentation without long-term commitment. The ammonia-free formula suits those concerned about chemical processing whilst still delivering noticeable colour enhancement and grey blending. Root Touch-Up addresses one of the biggest challenges in hair colour maintenance - regrowth between full applications. Quick-drying formulas cover grey roots in minutes, extending time between full colour treatments. The convenience saves both money and time for women maintaining coloured hair. Age Defy targets mature hair's specific needs, addressing grey coverage whilst caring for hair that may be drier or more fragile. The formulation considers that hair texture and condition change with age, delivering colour without compromising hair health. Colour Crave offers bold, vibrant shades for creative self-expression, appealing to younger consumers and trend-followers seeking statement looks. This range reflects Clairol's evolution beyond natural-looking colour toward fashion-forward hair statements. Clairol products are widely available across UK retailers. Major supermarkets including Tesco, Sainsbury's, Asda, Morrisons, and Waitrose stock comprehensive ranges. Boots and Superdrug offer extensive selections with promotional offers. Online retailers provide convenient home delivery. The brand's UK investment, including First Dates sponsorship, demonstrates commitment to British consumers. When comparing Clairol to competitors like L'Oreal Paris, Garnier, and Schwarzkopf, Clairol differentiates through heritage credentials - it literally invented the home hair colour category. Nice 'n Easy's 53-shade range ensures broad appeal. Against own-brand alternatives, Clairol offers proven formulations developed over decades. The brand particularly excels in grey coverage, a primary concern for mature consumers. For UK consumers seeking home hair colour backed by 90+ years of expertise, Clairol delivers reliable results from the brand that started it all. Whether you're covering grey, changing your look, or maintaining colour between salon visits, Clairol offers formulations refined through decades of innovation. Using Grocefully to compare Clairol prices across UK retailers ensures you find the best deals on these trusted hair colour products.