OUR STORY

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Explore our history and some of the highlights that make Fromm the beauty industry leader it is today.

1907
1949
1960
1968
1984
1987
1989
1992
2000
2002
2003
2009
2010
2018
2019
2020
2022
2023
1907

Illinois Razor Strop Co. was founded by James Simon, selling razor strops to barbers.

1949

James Simon’s son, Edwin, joined the company and was sent to work in a tannery. At that time, the company had four factory employees and one office administrator. Later that year, Edwin came back to learn and grow the business and eventually became President.

1960

Clipper-Mate Hard Rubber Comb brand is introduced as Fromm expands into tools outside of cutlery.

1968

Fromm Cutlery is purchased from Otto and Walter Fromm and the Illinois Razor Strop Company started selling Fromm brand shears.

1984

Company name was changed to Fromm International, recognizing the importance of Fromm shears as well as the international reach of its business.

1987

Fromm invents “self-selling scissors” on the registered “Try-It” cards which was an innovation in how shears were sold in the industry. Additionally, Fromm became the new US importer for Jaguar Shears.

1989

FROMM Premium Shear brand is launched. Kevin Johnson becomes President and Kevin Barrett is hired as the Vice President.

1992

Fromm diversifies into salon apparel with the purchase of Andre Fantasies.

2000

Fromm launches patented Double-Dip comb technology with the purchase of Mebco Combs.

2002

Fromm International is proud to partner with Dorco offering a variety of single and double edge blades including our exclusive distribution of Dorco Prime and Dorco for Barber.

2003

Fromm acquires Diane Products Company which builds on the number of products and product categories Fromm offers while establishing an expertise on tools for textured hair.

2009

The company moved to current Mt. Prospect location with a 70,000 sq. ft. facility.

2010

Fromm’s Beauty Education kit was launched.

2018

Fromm relaunches a modern, sophisticated update to the long-standing Fromm brand. With a nod to its roots, the Fromm Pro first launches a shear collection followed by other key categories that outfit a salon including brushes and combs, salon apparel, gloves, foil and towels.

2019

Kevin Barrett becomes President of Fromm.

Fromm launches The Hair Edit brand, a new curated collection of on-trend beauty tools and hair accessories for consumers.

Fromm becomes the exclusive U.S. distributor of Personna, making Fromm an expert in high-quality razor and blade solutions. Fromm also becomes the exclusive U.S. distributor of Credo, a top manufacturer for premium quality pedicure tools.

Diane unveils a new brand identity including new packaging, logo and brand colors. Diane Men brand is launched at the same time.

2020

The Hair Edit is successfully introduced at Ulta, Walgreens and CVS selected stores.

2022

The Hair Edit’s French Twist Clip is named Best Hair Clip in Allure Best of Beauty Awards.

2023

Looking forward: Fromm continues to grow and prosper as a leader in the professional and consumer beauty industry.

ABOUT US

Since 1907, Fromm has been a leading marketer of beauty products serving both the professional and consumer. With expertise in a variety of categories including shears, salon apparel, hair accessories, brushes, combs, gloves and towels, Fromm products are designed with rigorous attention to detail and superior craftsmanship.

Fromm continues to carry out our mission statement of Enhancing Beauty Experiences with a curated product collection that boasts the latest technology, high quality materials, and superior design for unparalleled performance. All products are developed with the utmost care and are widely well-received and highly rated by our customers.

For over 115 years, this family-owned business has enjoyed an enviable reputation as one of the best companies to do business within the beauty industry. This accolade reflects the company’s high standards that include fair and ethical business practices, integrated sales and marketing programs, outstanding customer service and a continued commitment to reinvent and improve as times change.

If history is any indication, Fromm will continue to thrive whatever the future holds.