Shirley Polykoff

INTRODUCTION

Shirley Polykoff is one of advertising's greatest practitioners. She single-handedly influenced a hair-coloring revolution. She achieved notable success in the once male-dominated industry. And throughout, she preserved her sense of womanhood. She experienced the joys and sorrows of family life, while managing a career that meant so much to her. She dealt with the challenges she met along the way, and cheerfully celebrated the successes of a rewarding career. Shirley Polykoff, among other women of her era, led the way for a new generation of women in advertising.

The following pages provide a glimpse into Shirley Polykoff's life, both professionally and personally. Her personal life and career were unequivocally linked. One so influenced the other, it is difficult to pinpoint the delineation. Her childhood upbringing, as the daughter of a Russian Jewish immigrant living in Brooklyn, invoked the deep-seated desire and drive necessary to succeed in the advertising industry. And, ultimately, Shirley Polykoff did succeed... with the style and grace of a woman.

~ Home ~ Table of Contents ~ Introduction ~ Family Life ~
~ Early Career ~ FC&B ~ Clairol ~ Miss Clairol Ads ~ S.P. Advertising ~
~ Ad Collection ~ Honors ~ Conclusion ~ Bibliography ~