With just 1.3% of UK businesses lasting over 50 years, only a rare few of today’s 5.6 million private sector companies will still be here in 2075. Yet, Denman is already well on its way, standing strong as an industry icon since the 1960s and 70s. So where did it all begin?
Denman brushes became a must-have tool for stylists when Vidal Sassoon used it to liberate clients from hood dryers with his revolutionary wrap-dry technique. But Denman’s story goes back even further.
In 1938, Ulster entrepreneur John Denman Dean took a trip to NYC and discovered nylon, a material that would change hairdressing forever. Bringing this innovation back to Northern Ireland, he reimagined the humble hairbrush. In 1972, Denman (then part of Ulster Plastics Ltd) was acquired by the Rainey family, who saw the brand’s true potential. They collaborated with hairdressers worldwide to create tools such as the Original Styler, which is still popular today.
Still family-owned and proudly manufacturing in Bangor, Northern Ireland, Denman brushes now reach salons in over 80 countries. Current Chairman Dr. John Rainey MBE has played a pivotal role in shaping the brand’s legacy.
“I was 21 when our family took over the company, and at the time, Denman was just a small part of Ulster Plastics. That all changed when Vidal Sassoon introduced our brushes to the world. By the 1980s, we were exporting to 80 countries, and I was traveling the world, building relationships with hairdressers and distributors. Our business has always been personal, and that’s what makes it special,” – Dr. John Rainey MBE.
Denman’s impact extends beyond hairdressing. In 2014, Dr. Rainey was awarded an MBE for his contributions to Northern Ireland’s economy – presented by the Queen on the historic 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, marking 100 years since the First World War began.
A FUTURE BUILT ON INNOVATION
Denman remains deeply rooted in its Bangor community, employing 219 people and overseeing design, manufacturing, and customer service all in-house. The factory runs on 100% renewable energy, using solar and wind power while recycling and repurposing materials to minimise waste.
Since 2019, CEO Kevin McNamee has driven continuous investment in tooling, R&D, and sustainability to secure the brand’s future. “The success of Denman lies in the strength of the Original Styler’s design – virtually unchanged for nearly 90 years. It’s like Coca-Cola: don’t mess with the recipe! But as styles and trends evolve, so must we. That’s why we’re introducing exciting new tools, patterns, and vibrant designs to keep Denman fresh,” he says.
Right now, Kevin is spearheading the development of a new range of innovative paddle brushes – the next chapter in Denman’s styling evolution.
At the heart of Denman’s innovation is Design Manager Marcus McCay, a 25-year veteran of the company, whose role he describes as a “product design intrapreneur, designing out waste and designing in value.”
His approach? Less is more.
“By using fewer materials, we create lighter, more efficient tools that are easier to manufacture and more comfortable for stylists. Our goal is to lead in sustainability, reducing waste and embracing circular design,”- Marcus.
Denman is currently pioneering a process to recycle HDPE plastic from milk bottles into new consumer products, closing the loop on waste.
Beyond its own initiatives, Denman has supported Plastic Bank for four years, helping to prevent ocean plastic pollution by incentivising waste collection. The company has also eliminated single-use plastics from its packaging and ensures that all Denman brushes can be recycled at the end of their life.
MADE BY HAIRDRESSERS, FOR HAIRDRESSERS
Every brush that lands in a stylist’s hand is the result of a passionate, dedicated team. From the vision of John Denman Dean to the leadership of Dr. John Rainey, Kevin McNamee, and Marcus McCay, Denman is driven by the craft, commitment, and creativity of the people behind it.
So, the next time you pick up your Original Styler – or any tool from the Denman range – know that it carries decades of innovation, craftsmanship, and a deep respect for the artistry of hairdressing.
– Denman’s factory runs on 100% renewable energy, using solar and wind power while recycling and repurposing materials to minimise waste.
– Denman is currently pioneering a process to recycle HDPE plastic from milk bottles into new consumer products, closing the loop on waste.
– Denman has eliminated single-use plastics from its packaging.
More Info
Online: www.denmanbrush.com
Instagram: @denmanbrush
