Fragrance house

Redken

Redken was founded in 1960 by actress Paula Kent and hairdresser Jheri Redding, with its name formed from parts of their surnames. The brand was built around a scientific approach to haircare focused on protein, moisture, and acidic pH, with products recommended through professional salons and supported by stylist education. Paula Kent bought out Redding in 1965, giving her full ownership of Redken Laboratories. Redken became a public company in 1971 and returned to private ownership in 1988 through a leveraged buyout by Paula Kent Meehan and John Meehan. In 1983, it introduced Shades EQ Equalizing Color Gloss, which Redken identifies as a major breakthrough in hair color. Cosmair, L’Oréal’s U.S. licensee, acquired Redken in 1993; afterward, Redken moved to L’Oréal’s Fifth Avenue headquarters in New York and developed a stronger fashion identity, including backstage involvement at international fashion weeks. The Redken Exchange opened in 1996 as an education resource for salon professionals. Its public identity combines professional haircare, hair color, and styling with science, education, fashion, and New York creativity.