Here's What Went Down With H2BAR After Shark Tank

They say a lot of successful businesses stem from wanting to solve a personal problem, and that's exactly what happened for How to be a Redhead (H2BAR) founders Adrienne and Stephanie Vendetti. At a young age, the sisters realized it was a challenge to find any products specifically catering to redheads. This can be a big issue because, due to a genetic variant, redheaded individuals are prone to having more sensitive skin than others.

Ultimately, these issues led to the sisters mastering beauty techniques that worked best for redheads, and they wanted to share their knowledge with fellow redheads around the globe. That led to the creation of their famous blog, howtobearedhead.com, in 2011. But this was really only the beginning of their story as entrepreneurs. 

The website gained recognition from global beauty brands, even leading the sisters to become L'Oreal brand ambassadors at one point in their career. In 2016, a book, "How to be a Redhead," was released and the sisters began curating a beauty box subscription service targeting their loyal followers and all other redheads around the world.

Sisters Adrienne and Stephanie Vendetti appeared on Season 15, Episode 14 of "Shark Tank" in early 2024, seeking $350,000 for 10% equity. The two sisters gave a strong introduction as "natural redheads" who were "fierce," speaking about the journey that led them to create a beauty company dedicated to redheads. The co-founders also touched on the line of products they offer, from mascara to shampoo that strengthens and smooths "unique" hair.

The sharks were definitely intrigued, but seemed skeptical at first, as some felt the market would be too small. Well, let's just say the sisters proved them wrong, sharing that 2024 sales were projected to reach $1.1 million. The sharks were impressed. However, we all know that on "Shark Tank," it really comes down to the offers. While Lori Greiner passed, stating she wasn't a huge fan of the overall packaging of the products, sharks Mark Cuban and Kevin O'Leary were interested. 

Cuban offered the founders $350,000 for 15% equity, while O'Leary came in with an offer for $350,000 for 10% equity. In addition to this, O'Leary wanted $2.50 royalty until his investment could be recouped, then $1 royalty in perpetuity. Adrienne and Stephanie seemed to be drawn to Cuban's offer to help them grow their community further and build a lifestyle brand, and after some back-and-forth with the two sharks, they ultimately accepted Cuban's offer.

After the sisters' appearance on "Shark Tank," they saw a 544% increase in sales and huge bump in website traffic, the founders said in an interview with Shark Tank Recap. Being the prepared female entrepreneurs they were, they handled the sudden surge in sales with ease and shipped out all orders as quickly as possible, Stephanie added. 

This is a very impressive move for anyone in business. Often, business owners have reported they were overwhelmed with the response after appearing on "Shark Tank" and were not prepared for a surge in sales. It looks like Adrienne and Stephanie Vendetti are definitely on their way to making the list of most successful female entrepreneurs on Shark Tank.

In an alumni interview with the University of Miami not long after the episode aired, Adrienne Vendetti shared that while she always loved being a redhead, her sister had a more difficult time embracing it and wanted to just fit in. Stephanie Vendetti said it was at their alma mater when she realized how special it was to be different. Not long afterwards, the sisters sought to become entrepreneurs, hoping to empower others, similar to Iskra Tsenkova of Angel Shave Club.

There was more good news for the sisters as their deal closed with Mark Cuban. They were excited to see where things would lead with a new investor, and were working diligently on a rebrand, hoping to offer more neutral products that were suitable for redheads. 

The redheaded sisters also aspired to see their products sold at major retailers like Sephora and Ulta, as well as Target. They haven't reached that goal yet, but several of their products are sold online at Walmart, including Finally Have Brows gel and Finally Have Lashes mascara, both new products.

The sisters have also continued to grow their social media presence, whether it's through their consistent posting of interesting and eye-catching content, hosting their podcast, liking and interacting with fans, or replying to trolls who don't really believe they're redheads — while poking a little fun. By making people feel welcome, they've really grown their community and customer base. 

H2BAR celebrated 14 years in business in January 2025, the hard-working founders announced on Instagram. Fans from around the world were elated, congratulating the sisters, sharing how they discovered H2BAR, and writing how revolutionary it has been for them as redheads. 

"I discovered your website when I had my daughter 9 years ago," one fan wrote on Instagram. "As a brunette myself I had no idea how to take care of her sensitive skin ... Thank you for being amazing role models ... My daughters confidence grows when she sees redhead representation." 

Recently, the sisters seem busier than ever. One of H2BAR's latest podcast guests was award-winning actor Julianne Moore, and H2BAR is also hosting a March 2025 popup event in Mark Cuban's home city of Dallas. All of this is happening while the sisters continue to develop and release new product offerings. Their newest product, Finally Bright Redhead Concealer, was released in January 2025 to 5-star reviews.