This is an archived article and the information in the story may be outdated. Please check the time stamp on the story to see when it was updated last.
Many of us will forever associate Pantene with shiny, healthy, and super soft locks. The second some of us had saved up enough allowance money to buy our own beauty products, there was no doubt that Pantene shampoo and conditioner was on the top of our wish list. After all, who didn't want amazingly gorgeous hair like all of Pantene's celeb spokeswomen?Given how Pantene has become synonymous with affordable, yet effective hair care, we set out to discover as many facts as possible about the iconic haircare company.Here are 9 things you probably never knew about Pantene.
[Photo: Pantene]
![Pantene's bestselling products add volume and curl definition.](https://www.shefinds.com/files/2015/12/500.jpg)
Pantene's bestselling products add volume and curl definition.
They include Pantene Pro-V Sheer Volume Shampoo, Pantene Pro-V Color Preserve Shine Shampoo, Pantene Pro-V Smooth & Sleek Conditioner, Pantene Pro-V Sheer Volume Conditioner, and Pantene Pro-V Curl Perfection Maximum Strength Curl Defining Mousse.
![Pantene has employed many famous celebrity spokeswomen throughout the years.](https://www.shefinds.com/files/2015/12/Pantene_WebHeader_7_30_2015.jpg)
Pantene has employed many famous celebrity spokeswomen throughout the years.
You might be shocked to read the roster of women who have publicly raved about Pantene products. They include: Selena Gomez, Gisele Bündchen, Queen Latifah, Courteney Cox, Zooey Deschanel, Eva Mendes, Naomi Watts, Padma Lakshmi, Kelly Ripa, Patricia Heaton, Natalie Coughlin, Stacy London, Kelly Lebrock, Iman, Diane Lane for Pantene Beautiful Lengths program, and Hillary Swank for Pantene Beautiful Lengths program.
[Photo: Pantene]
![The effective ingredient in Pantene was discovered during World War II.](https://www.shefinds.com/files/2015/12/Pantene1.jpg)
The effective ingredient in Pantene was discovered during World War II.
In the 1940s in a Swiss WWII Burns Clinic, Panthenol lotion was used to treat soldiers' burns. A revolutionary side effect was then discovered, as panthenol could also help improve the strength, health, elasticity and shine of hair. Shortly thereafter in Switzerland, Pantene was born in 1945--stemming from its origin as "panthenol." By 1950, it was one of the most sought after hair products in Europe.
![For years, Pantene was an exclusive, luxury product.](https://www.shefinds.com/files/2015/12/500-1.jpg)
For years, Pantene was an exclusive, luxury product.
Before the company made a smart move to make its products readily available in drugstores across the country, Pantene could only be purchased at high-end retailers. When Pantene first arrived in the U.S. in 1960 (from Europe), it was launched and sold exclusively in upscale department stores such as Saks Fifth Avenue, Henri Bendel, Neiman-Marcus and the Waldorf Astoria.
Pantene Intense Strong Repair Creme
![Pantene invented the first ever 2-in-1 Shampoo & Conditioner.](https://www.shefinds.com/files/2015/12/5001.jpg)
Pantene invented the first ever 2-in-1 Shampoo & Conditioner.
We can all thank the company for saving us time and money.
Pantene Pro-V Anti-Breakage Strengthening 2in1 Shampoo + Conditioner
![Pantene is launching a revolutionary new product in 2016.](https://www.shefinds.com/files/2015/12/Airspray-Level-2-Hold_Front.jpg)
Pantene is launching a revolutionary new product in 2016.
Pantene is introducing Pantene Pro-V Style Series Airspray, the first ever aerosol, alcohol-free hairspray, which will be on shelves in January 2016. This next generation hairspray delivers a flexible hold, moisture and natural movement, without stiffness or stickiness. Airspray allows women to layer the hairspray on throughout her busy day--from morning client meetings to lunch with the girls to drinks after work, and everything in between, she will be able to create and embrace endless styles.
![Pantene enlists the help of scientists to create great, effective products.](https://www.shefinds.com/files/2015/12/500-3.jpg)
Pantene enlists the help of scientists to create great, effective products.
The Pantene Hair Research Institute was established to create a partnership of world-class physicians and scientists who are focused on the advancement of hair science and developing healthy solutions in hair care. Through extensive research on common hair concerns, the Institute develops solutions for maintaining and improving hair health while advising on the benefits and proper use of products.
![Pantene inspires women to grow and give back to those with cancer.](https://www.shefinds.com/files/2015/12/Pantene_Homepage_callout06.jpg)
Pantene inspires women to grow and give back to those with cancer.
In 2016, Pantene will be celebrating a decade of the Beautiful Lengths program, which encourages women to grow, cut and donate 8-inches of their healthy hair or donate 8-dollars (#8or8) to help create free, real-hair wigs for women battling cancer.