Drene shampoo was introduced by Procter & Gamble of Cincinnati, Ohio, in the mid-1930s. It was the first modern synthetic (no soap) shampoo and it marked the company’s entrance into the hair care business. In 1946 and 1947 Procter & Gamble sponsored a variety radio program called Drene Time which featured singing and comedy acts, including the Bickersons, played by Don Ameche and Francis Langford. Procter & Gamble produced Drene in the United States until the 1970s.
Royal Drene Shampoo was produced by Procter & Gamble from 1956 to 1968. This double-bottle set sold from the mid-1950s to the early 1960s.
Our collection database is a work in progress. We may update this record based on further research and review. Learn more about our approach to sharing our collection online.
If you would like to know how you can use content on this page, see the Smithsonian's Terms of Use. If you need to request an image for publication or other use, please visit Rights and Reproductions.