Pantene® Announces Semi-Finalists of First Reality Hair Star Contest

CINCINNATI, May 20 /PRNewswire/ -- Pantene, the iconic brand known for memorable advertising tag lines such as "don't hate me because I'm beautiful" and "hair so healthy it shines", announced the 12 semi-finalists in the search for the world's first reality hair star. The winner will have the chance to put New Pantene to the ultimate test live in the world's first reality hair ad alongside Pantene's current spokesperson, Stacy London.  This game-changing ad will air on May 25, 2010 between 9 and 10 PM EDT during a three network roadblock which includes Bravo Media, Oxygen Media and NBC's season finale of "The Biggest Loser: Couples."

To view the multimedia assets associated with this release, please click: http://multivu.prnewswire.com/mnr/pantene/44238/

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20100520/MM06544 )

The follow is a list of the 12 semi-finalists:

Andrea Warner, Age: 32, Hometown: Vancouver, British Columbia 

Andrea is a photographer.

"I've been a Pantene user for some time, so I am very excited to be chosen as a semi-finalist to be Pantene's First Reality Hair Star," said Andrea.

Colleen Harju, Age: 23, Hometown: Carver, Massachusetts

Colleen is a licensed esthetician and makeup artist.

"I could be the first Pantene Reality Hair Star," said Colleen. "I have always had beautiful, long, thick hair and now I am ready to make it Pantene fabulous!"

Huda Mumin, Age: 28, Hometown: Oxon Hill, Maryland

Huda works as a chef in the Oxon Hill area.

"I am a loyal Pantene user. I have big hair to go along with my big personality," said Huda. "Pantene has helped my natural beauty to shine."

Kaitlin Voorhest, Age: 20, Hometown: Orlando, Florida

Kaitlin is currently a full-time student.

"I should be Pantene's First Reality Hair Star because my hair is tough to handle, but I work to keep it looking great," said Kaitlin. "My hair is one of my favorite features and I take pride in making it look nice."

Kirsten Norman, Age: 19, Hometown: Pinellas Park, Florida

Kirsten is currently employed at a pizza shop.

"I never thought I would make it this far in the contest," said Kirsten. "I have one dreadlock mixed in with the rest of my hair, so my hair has always been different. I am eager to use the new Pantene to see what it can do to keep my unique look frizz-free and polished."

Lindsay Delgrosso, Age: 18, Hometown: East Amherst, New York

Lindsay is currently a full-time Communication student at Niagara University.

"Pantene's First Reality Hair Star Contest intrigued me and truly challenged my creative abilities," said Lindsay. "What makes my hair Pantene hair is that it is a huge part of who I am, after all isn't that what Pantene hair is all about?"

Marissa Hopson, Age: 24, Hometown: Ft. Lauderdale, Florida

Marissa is currently a full time Broadcast Journalism student.

"I am a huge fan of Pantene," said Marissa. "Pantene makes my hair so soft; I've been using it since I was a kid. I'm excited to put the new collection to the test."

Mercedes Sanchez, Age: 27, Hometown: New York, New York

Mercedes is the founder of BeChicMag.com, an online magazine and lifestyle channel featuring prominent experts in fashion, beauty, and entertainment.

"Pantene was the shampoo my family and I used when I was growing up," said Mercedes. "We continue to use Pantene today, and entering the first Reality Hair Star search was only natural for me."

Rachel Guest, Age: 19, Hometown: Oakville, Ontario

Rachel is currently a full-time student studying radio and television broadcasting.

"I am so grateful to be chosen as a semi-finalist in Pantene's search for the First Reality Hair Star – it's surreal," said Rachel. "Not only will I have a chance to be a star, I am one of only two people representing Canada in the contest, which makes it even more exciting!"

Sandy Tran, Age: 20, Hometown: S. San Francisco, California

Sandy is currently a full-time student.

"I've finally learned to embrace the hair that I have and, as a result, embrace my identity and who I am," said Sandy.  I should be the world's first Reality Hair Star because I have hair that can be versatile in its styling but is true to its roots."

Sara Schmitt, Age: 24, Hometown: Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Sara works as a personal shopper.

"I am so excited to be chosen as a semi-finalist in Pantene's search for the First Reality Hair Star," said Sara. "Reality stars are dynamic and keep your attention. My hair and personality are a perfect fit."

Valerie Castillo, Age: 28, Hometown: Tulsa, Oklahoma

Valerie is currently a grad student and works as a college recruiter.

"After years of struggling with curls, I've learned to love them with the help of the right products," said Valerie. "I think the new Pantene collection will be a great compliment to my hair and make it look its best."

Each of the 12 semi-finalists received an all-expense paid trip to New York City on May 12, 2010 for an advertising test shoot.  Pantene Celebrity Stylist and Global Ambassador, Danilo, was on-hand to provide a style consultation for each of the women.  One woman will be selected the ultimate winner and will star in Pantene's live ad with Stacy London.

"I'm really excited to be involved in such a revolutionary project," commented London.  "The world's first reality hair star will prove the power of New Pantene on live TV, so make sure to tune in to see what happens!"

With its new understanding of hair's unique inter-fiber relationships, a critical factor in product performance that influences how ingredients work on hair, Pantene reinvented its entire brand structure. New Pantene includes an updated ingredient list, tailored systems, new packaging and new fragrance.   

New Pantene solutions are custom created to deliver outstanding product performance based on four unique hair structures and end-benefits.  New Pantene utilizes advanced ingredients and customized solutions for Fine, Medium-Thick, Curly, and Color-Treated hair, with shampoos, conditioners, styling products and treatments, including options designed to work together to deliver long-lasting results.  

About P&G Beauty & Grooming

P&G Beauty & Grooming products help make beauty dreams real for women worldwide and help men look, feel and be their best everyday. With more than 100 brands available in nearly 130 countries, P&G's beauty and grooming products delivered sales of over $26 billion in fiscal year 2008/09, making it one of the world's largest beauty and grooming companies. P&G Beauty & Grooming offers trusted brands with leading technology to meet the full complement of beauty and grooming needs, including Pantene®, Olay®, Head & Shoulders®, Max Factor®, Cover Girl®, DDF®, Frederic Fekkai®, Wellaflex®, Rejoice®, Sebastian Professional®, Herbal Essences®, Koleston®, Clairol Professional®, Nice 'n Easy®, Venus®, Gillette®, SK-II®, Wella Professionals®, Braun® and a leading Prestige Fragrance division that spans from point of market entry consumers to high end luxury with global brands such as Hugo Boss®, Lacoste®, and Christina Aguilera®.  Please visit http://www.pg.com for the latest news and in-depth information about P&G (NYSE: PG) and its brands.

SOURCE Pantene