When father-son duo Tom and Mike Redmond launched V&Co., they were not newcomers to the beauty world. The Redmond family has been shaping the hair care industry, with known brands like Aussie and Renpure earning household recognition. With V&Co., the family set out to build something fresh and science-forward, channeling decades of experience into a new generation of innovation.

Inspired by the transformative benefits of peptides in skincare, Tom and Mike began to wonder how these powerful molecules could help restore, hydrate, and strengthen hair. What started as curiosity soon became a breakthrough. After years of research and collaboration with their lab team, they developed a proprietary peptide technology that now anchors V&Co.’s growing line of shampoos, conditioners, and treatments tailored for every hair type.

In this conversation, the Redmonds share the inspiration behind their latest venture, the family values that continue to drive their success, and why they believe peptide-infused formulas are changing the future of affordable hair care.

Cofounder Mike Redmond, courtesy of V&Co.

V&Co. is a multi-generational, family-founded brand. What inspired you to embark on this journey together as father and son?

My dad and I have always been really close, so it felt natural to dream up our next chapter together. We’ve both grown up surrounded by the world of beauty and hair care, and we share that same curiosity and drive to innovate. After Renpure was sold, we started asking ourselves, “What’s missing from the hair care aisle?” That’s what sparked the idea for V&Co. Beauty. We wanted to build something from the ground up again, but with a modern twist! A brand rooted in science, accessibility, and individuality.

Your family has established known brands like Aussie and Renpure. What lessons from those experiences did you carry into building V&Co.?

One of the biggest lessons was the importance of listening to the consumer. With Aussie and Renpure, we learned how much people crave products that actually work. We also learned that innovation doesn’t have to come with a luxury price tag. With V&Co. Beauty, we combined that mindset with everything we’ve learned over decades in the industry, from formulation to design to storytelling, to create something that’s both effective and accessible.

Peptides are usually associated with skincare. How did you make the leap to explore their potential in hair care?

That’s exactly where the idea started, walking down the skincare aisle. Peptides were everywhere, and for good reason; they’re known to strengthen, smooth, and rejuvenate skin. My dad and I wondered, “If peptides can do that for skin, what could they do for the scalp and hair?” So, we started researching and partnering with our chemists to explore that question. What we discovered was pretty incredible, peptides can work on the scalp and hair structure in similar ways, supporting hydration, strength, and overall health. That became the foundation of V&Co. Beauty.

Can you break down, in simple terms, how peptides benefit the scalp and hair?

Think of peptides as the “building blocks” that make up proteins, similar to what collagen does for your skin. When applied to your scalp and hair, peptides help strengthen and repair from the inside out. They support a healthy scalp environment, which is essential for growth, and they help smooth and fortify each strand. So, you’re not just getting that instant shine, you’re getting long-term, real hair health.

Tell us more about your proprietary peptide technology. What makes it different from other hair repair products on the market?

Our proprietary peptide blend is really the heart of every formula. It’s a fusion of peptides, amino acids, proteins, and vitamins, all carefully balanced to target the scalp and hair at the root level. A lot of products sit on the surface, but our blend is designed to penetrate deeply, nourishing from within. It’s like giving your hair the same quality of care you’d give your skin but tailored specifically for your unique hair type and texture.

V&Co. launched in March 2024 and is already in major retailers like Target, Walmart, and Amazon. How did you achieve such rapid growth and visibility?

It’s been an amazing journey! I think what really fueled our growth was timing and authenticity. There was a real gap in the market for peptide-infused hair care that was both effective and affordable. Retailers saw that potential, and consumers did too. We also have an incredible team behind us, from our chemists to our PR/marketing and retail partners, who believe in our mission. When passion meets purpose, things move fast.

Affordability is a big part of your brand ethos. How do you balance offering advanced, science-backed formulas while keeping them accessible?

That balance is everything to us. We believe everyone deserves professional-grade results without the professional price tag. Because we’re a family-owned company, we can stay nimble and make decisions based on what truly matters, not just margins. We invest in high-quality ingredients and efficient production, so the value goes straight to the consumer. Great hair care shouldn’t be a luxury, it should be part of everyday self-care.

Working with family can be both rewarding and challenging. What’s the best part about building a business together, and what’s the hardest?

The best part is 100% getting to do what I love with the people I love. My dad and I challenge each other, we celebrate wins together, and we pick each other up when things get tough. The hardest part? Honestly, learning when to “turn it off.” When you work with family, the dinner table can easily turn into a business meeting! But at the end of the day, that passion is what makes our partnership so strong.

How do your leadership styles differ, and how do you complement each other as a team?

My dad is the big-picture visionary, he’s incredible at seeing where the industry is headed before anyone else. I’m a little more detail-oriented and love digging into the “how," the product design, the consumer experience, the brand storytelling. Together, we balance each other out!

What values have been passed down through generations that continue to guide your work today?

Our family has always believed in integrity, hard work, and heart. We were raised to treat people well, to listen, and to never cut corners. Those values show up in everything we do, from our clean formulations to our sustainability commitments to how we show up for our team. At the end of the day, we just want to create something meaningful that makes people feel good, inside and out.

What’s next for V&Co.?

We’re just getting started! Our goal is to keep expanding our collection to support a full, holistic beauty routine, all rooted in science and targeted care. We’re exploring new categories, new innovations, and new ways to make healthy hair more personal and more attainable. There’s a lot of exciting stuff in the pipeline!

If you could give one piece of advice to aspiring entrepreneurs, what would it be?

Don’t be afraid to start, and don’t be afraid to fail. Every great brand, every great idea, has moments where things don’t go as planned. But those are the moments that teach you the most. If you believe in what you’re building, stay consistent, stay curious, and surround yourself with people who encourage you.

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Yvon Lux is the editor of her Apple News channel covering lifestyle news and current events. When she’s not busy writing about impactful brands and standout products, she and her husband can be found snuggling with their emotionally needy, perpetually sleepy golden retriever, or she’s chipping away at her Juris Doctor. Connect with her on Instagram and subscribe to her Apple News channel.