Fantastic Sams

Fantastic Sams Holding Corp. is an American chain of full services hair-care salons in the U.S. and Canada who pioneered the concept of a no-appointment, walk-in hair salon.[1] With 995 franchised locations at 2018 year end, it was the first nationally franchised unisex salon chain in the U.S. and it is one of the largest salon chains in the U.S. Fantastic Sams was founded in 1974 by Sam Ross in Memphis, Tennessee. Franchising began in 1976, under the title "Incredible Sam's" but was changed in 1981 to "Fantastic Sams" so that it was easier to say.[2] Fantastic Sams salons also sell Fantastic Sams hair-care products.[3]

Fantastic Sams was acquired in 2011 by Dessange International, a European beauty salon chain.[4][5] In October 2017 John Costanza became the new CEO. Costanza had previously been at Conair Corp., developing the global professional division brands, namely Conair Professional, Babyliss, Satin Smooth, Aquage and Rusk. He left the organization mid 2018 and the company is being operated with an interim CEO.

Fantastic Sams launched a brand redesign in 2014, which included a new logo and new store design. Fantastic Sams also added several new product offerings. Included in the launch was an agreement with Tigi[6] to be the dominant color supplier for the Brand.