Who Is The Owner Of Paul Mitchell

So, you’re standing in the shampoo aisle, holding a bottle of Paul Mitchell tea tree shampoo, and a random thought pops into your head: “Wait, who actually owns this stuff?” It’s a fair question! You see the name “Paul Mitchell” on every bottle, but is that really a person, or just a clever brand name? Grab a seat, because the answer involves a hair-raising story with a surprising twist—and it’s way more fun than you’d expect.

Let’s get the obvious out of the way: Paul Mitchell was a real person. He was a legendary hairdresser—a true rockstar of the salon world—known for his bold cuts and even bolder personality. He co-founded the company back in 1980, so it’s safe to say the brand is named after the man himself. But here’s the kicker: Paul Mitchell died in 1989, a tragedy that shocked the beauty industry. So, if he’s no longer with us, who’s pulling the strings behind the brand today?

The Real Owner: A Hair-Raising Plot Twist

The actual owner of Paul Mitchell is John Paul DeJoria. No, that’s not a typo—he’s the “Paul” in the company name along with Mitchell. The full name of the company is actually John Paul Mitchell Systems. See what they did there? It’s like a buddy-cop movie, but for hair products. John Paul DeJoria is the business brain and the surviving co-founder who kept the company alive and thriving after Mitchell’s passing.

Here’s where it gets even more fun: DeJoria wasn’t always a billion-dollar hair mogul. Before Paul Mitchell, he was flat broke. Like, living-out-of-his-car, selling shampoo door-to-door broke. He famously borrowed $700 from a friend to start the company with Mitchell. That $700 loan? It turned into a global empire worth over a billion dollars. Talk about a major glow-up.

But Wait—Is It Still Family-Owned?

Here’s the cool part: Yes, it is! John Paul DeJoria still owns the company, and he’s famously kept it private, meaning no Wall Street suits telling him what to do. He’s the sole owner and chairman, which is rare in the beauty world. Most big brands get bought out by conglomerates like Unilever or L’Oréal, but Paul Mitchell remains independent. It’s like the rebellious teenager of the shampoo aisle who refuses to sell out.

Paul Mitchell Co-founder on salon jumpstart stimulus package

DeJoria has also passed his ownership vision to his family. His son, Michael DeJoria, serves as the CEO, keeping the business in the family. So, when you buy that bottle of hairspray, you’re supporting a family-run operation that’s been keeping it real for over 40 years. It’s like buying cookies from your neighbor’s kid’s bake sale—if that neighbor was a billionaire with a heart of gold.

The Jokes: What Paul Mitchell Doesn’t Own

Let’s clear up a few funny myths, because people get confused. Paul Mitchell does not own the part of your brain that makes you leave conditioner in too long. (That’s on you.) Also, despite the name, Paul Mitchell does not own a chain of hair salons—they only sell products to salons. So, no, you can’t walk into a “Paul Mitchell Salon” and ask for a trim—unless you’re going to one of their Paul Mitchell Schools, which are cosmetology schools named after the brand. Confusing, right? It’s like finding out that the “Ronald McDonald” house doesn’t sell burgers.

Paul Mitchell founder John Paul DeJoria: 'America still works, no

Also, fun fact: the iconic Paul Mitchell logo—that simple, bold font—was designed by the man himself. Paul Mitchell was a painter and artist before he was a hairdresser. So the brand’s look is literally his handwriting. It’s like using a hairbrush that was sketched by Van Gogh, but with less ear-cutting.

The Uplifting Conclusion: More Than Just Shampoo

So, who owns Paul Mitchell? John Paul DeJoria, a man who went from sleeping in his car to owning a billion-dollar brand—and he did it while never testing on animals. The company was cruelty-free before it was trendy. DeJoria is also a massive philanthropist, donating millions to environmental and humanitarian causes. He’s proof that you can build an empire and still be a decent human being.

John Paul DeJoria, Paul Mitchell co-founder | The Brave Ones - YouTube

Next time you shampoo, know this: You’re using a product from a company that’s still run by its original owner’s family. It’s a rare gem in a world of corporate takeovers. It’s a story of friendship, resilience, and a $700 loan that changed the beauty industry forever. And honestly? That’s something to smile about—especially when your hair smells like peppermint.

So go ahead, lather up. You’re not just washing your hair; you’re supporting a legacy. And if your hair looks amazing today? You’re welcome. (Okay, really, credit goes to Paul and John Paul. But mostly to John Paul for not giving up on that dream.) Here’s to clean hair, big dreams, and owners who actually care. Now go out there and shine—you’ve got this.