Pantene seeking four models

Pantene wants to hear from African-American women about why they love Pantene, as part of the “I Love Pantene!” online casting call. Pantene will select four women with beautiful hair to appear in national advertising in 2010.

“Last year, we cast in three U.S. cities, but the online casting call gives us the opportunity to see beautiful women with gorgeous hair from all over the country,” said Tippi Shorter, a celebrity hairstylist and judge of the casting call. “We’re looking for a unique balance of women with healthy, beautiful hair and amazing personalities who truly love Pantene and want to share their hair transformation stories with other women.”

Women have the opportunity to upload videos through July 31 by visiting www.relaxedandnatural.com. All submissions will be evaluated and finalists will be flown for in-person casting in August. Final decisions will be made by Sept. 15.

To be eligible, the following criteria must be met:

• Applicants can have hair that is relaxed or natural, but it must be healthy and beautiful.

• Applicants must love Pantene and be able to tell other women why.

• Applicants must be at least 18 years old and live within the United States.

The women who were chosen from last year’s casting call were given an all-expense paid trip to New York City to shoot the advertising campaign that appeared in national magazines in 2009.

“I’ve used Pantene Relaxed & Natural since 2003, and it truly transformed my hair without breaking my bank account,” said Maria Diaz of Lafayette, La., one of four 2008 Pantene models. “It made my hair healthy and manageable, which ultimately gave me more confidence. I was so excited to be chosen to appear in Pantene advertising and share my story.”

“Pantene understands African-American women’s unique hair care needs and wants to help transform the health of their hair,” said Freddy Bharucha, Pantene marketing director. “We are excited to give women an opportunity to appear in advertising and shine on the inside and out.”