The identity of beauty pioneer Sally Hansen, the namesake of the iconic Sally Hansen brand, has been a mystery for over six decades.
In 2014, beauty corporation Coty, along with Sally Hansen vice president of global marketing Jeremy Lowenstein, undertook an investigation to find out exactly who she was. Along with a team of investigative journalists, they scoured internet archives, genealogical databases and city hall documents – eventually finding out who the real Sally Hansen is.
A media release from Coty reveals some fascinating facts about the investigation and Hansen's journey to founding her beauty brand. For example, the team undertaking the search initially found an astonishing 49,120 women with the name Sally Hansen. Through meticulous research, the team was able to narrow that list down to 14,000, and eventually located an obituary of a factory worker previously employed by Sally Hansen Cosmetics.
The document continues on, "This turned out to be a key finding that led to the discovery of two living relatives of Sally Hansen. From there, by piecing together photos, marriage certificates and other documents, Sally Hansen’s story slowly began to unfold, revealing a self-made woman far ahead of her time."
Here is the rest of Hansen's story as told by Coty.
"Her story began in 1935 when Sally acquired her parents’ cosmetic store, “La Finné” and converted it into “House of Hollywood”, a parent company of brands and products spanning multiple categories, including cosmetics, hair care and fragrances. In 1941, Sally orchestrated a swift and stunning corporate turnaround taking “House of Hollywood” national. By 1945, Sally was living in New York City where she moved to expand her business and set up Sally Hansen, Inc. In 1957, she trademarked the game-changing “Hard As Nails”, the original strengthening treatment that is still a best-selling product in the brand’s portfolio today. This was the first product to bear Sally’s name, for which the logo was designed by her third husband, Jack Newton, a graphic designer.
In addition to her beauty business, she served as the first female chair of the California Cosmetics Association, as well as a beauty columnist, penning over 90 articles entitled “Your Candid Mirror” in the Los Angeles Times. She was revered as an exceptional writer who inspired readers with advice about beauty and personal care, including topics from manicures & pedicures, to lipstick and hair care and even posture. A fixture in the Hollywood social scene, Sally and her trend-setting husband, Adolf Hansen, hosted a stream of star-studded parties at their glamorous Spanish style villa. Sally Hansen was also an animal lover, ballet dancer, choreographer, and globetrotter.
A visionary beyond her years, Sally Hansen believed that beauty was more than lipstick, nail polish, and being well-groomed; beauty was kindness, tolerance, self-confidence, character, and mental attitude. She exemplified boundless energy, innate business savvy and steely confidence."
