VO5 Heat Protect Spray

VO5 (standing for 5 Vitamin Oils) is an iconic haircare brand with a history dating back to 1955. It was originally developed by a chemist named Alberto in Culver City, California, to protect the hair of Hollywood starlets from the harsh heat and lights of film sets. The brand was famously built into a global powerhouse by Leonard Lavin and the Alberto-Culver Company.

In recent years, the ownership of VO5 has become geographically split. While Unilever previously owned the brand globally, it divested the North American rights to High Ridge Brands (later acquired by HRB Brands). As of late 2024 and heading into 2026, HRB Brands—including the US rights to VO5—was acquired by the Italian-based Sodalis Group. Meanwhile, in international markets like the UK and Europe, the brand was part of Unilever's Elida Beauty division, which was sold to the private equity firm Yellow Wood Partners in 2024. Manufacturing occurs in various locations globally to serve these different regional markets.