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The Lucky Tiger tale began in 1927, Kansas City, Missouri, in the basement of Benjamin Clarke, an amateur scientist and one heck of a great barber! Ben created a tonic for the hair and scalp that did something different and better than any other product available in his day. He called it Lucky Tiger Tonic. Everyone who visited Ben's Barbershop got the royal treatment- a shave, a haircut and a generous splash of Lucky Tiger Tonic. As the story goes, Ben began |
to sell the tonic out of his shop, but it wasn't until a few years later that a Business associate convinced him that his special tonic was needed beyond Missouri. Lucky Tiger was trademarked in1935 and a classic American brand was officially born.
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By the time the early 1950's rock n’ rolled around, Lucky Tiger Tonics was the most popular barbershop brand across America. Names like Sur-Lay (makes your hair lay flat), Brilliantine hair dressing, Just-Rite hair tonic, Aspen After shave and Sandahl's Skin Care After shave provided distinct aromas and perfect hair that defined the fifties' Lucky Tiger. As reflected by a series of beautifully illustrated advertisements in Esquire magazine, Sports Illustrated, Look Magazine and others, Lucky Tiger provided confidence to American men, young and old, and in a small way documented the values and |
mores of a changing world (see 1953 Esquire Ad). As hairstyles changed and the "rebel" look began to reflect the times, Lucky Tiger was there to give guys that sultry, just right flip as dictated by the heroes of the day, Dean Martin, James Dean, Brando and Elvis. In 1953 the classic "Butch Wax" was introduced.
The 50's and early 60's were a great time for Lucky Tiger but in 1964 a visit from four strange looking guys from Liverpool, England changed pop culture and the look of young america overnight. When the Beatles hit our shores and the subsequent hippie movement of the late 60's followed, the Barber industry was forever changed and Lucky Tiger
hit some less than lucky times.
Despite those lean years, Lucky Tiger maintained a fiercely loyal following and it is with great respect to them that the original products are still available today. We call these our "Old School Classics".
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Over the years, Lucky Tiger has been a Pop culture icon. You can see Lucky Tiger products and advertising art in classic TV and Movie scenes from The Sting II, The Andy Griffith show, and the more recent Pink Panther and Barbershop. You can hear about Lucky Tiger in the lyrics of Tom Waits and Numerous Rockabilly tunes.
As times change, so do hairstyles. With the revival of short-style haircuts, and a yearning for the good old days, Lucky Tiger has once again stepped forward to provide simple, natural and effective grooming just as it did back in the day.
Lucky Tiger recently introduced a line for the times, Lucky Tiger Organics. Inspired by the quality of natural organic ingredients, these "New School" products represent a progressive path for the brand.
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Today’s Lucky Tiger may have long hair or short, be male or female, but all lucky tigers have one thing in common, style! Whether the Old School Classics or the New School Organics, Lucky Tiger continues to recognize those precious moments of your busy day, when taking time out for yourself is an important part of your personal grooming ritual. Lucky Tiger was there for your Great Grandfather, your Grandfather and Father and now Lucky Tiger is here for you!
Lucky Tiger has been a part of my Family for well over 65 years and on behalf of all the Lucky Tigers out there, we tip our hat to Ben Clarke’s vision as we preserve the past and embrace the future.
Look Good, Get Lucky!
Bruce “Lucky” Last
President, Lucky Tiger Brands
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