1976
1976: HOW IT ALL BEGAN
Biochemist Jamey Mazzotta takes his passion to create innovative haircare products and, along with partners Kornfield and Smith, founds KMS California in Redding, CA.
March 20, 1976
March 20, 1976: FIRST PRODUCTS
The first shipment of KMS products is manufactured at 1729 California Street in Redding, California.
1977
1977: KMS GOES GLOBAL
KMS California United Kingdom becomes the first international distributor.
January 1, 1978
January 1, 1978: NEW LOGO
KMS adopts the "molecule logo."
January 1, 1989
January 1, 1989: LOGO UPDATE
Not satisfied with the impact of the original, KMS adopts an even bigger molecule logo.
1991
1991: ON THE MOVE AGAIN
KMS moves back to Redding, California. This time to a shiny new buidling at 4712 Mountain Lakes Boulevard.
1992
1992: ADIOS MOLECULES
KMS debuts new creme and black packaging…and the new KMS "Haircare" logo.
1994
1994: THE 1ST SYMPOSIUM
The first KMS Symposium, later renamed the KMS Style Council, is held in San Francisco, CA.
1995
1995: BIG INNOVATIONS
KMS introduces Flat Out, the first professional non-chemical relaxer, and the AMP Volume Line.
1996
1996: A HERO IS BORN
KMS Molding Paste launches. Though not an instant success, it soon becomes an award-winning product and industry favorite.
1998
1998: FIRST SUBLINES
Flat Out and Curl Up launch as the first complete product sublines in the KMS assortment.
1999
1999: BRAND MAKEOVER
KMS relaunches with the patented "bids bottle," a new look and reorganization of the line into 9 color-coded subbrands.
2002
2002: NEW OPPORTUNITY
KMS is acquired by KAO Professional Salon Services (KPSS), creating new opportunities for growth via an expanded global network.
2004
2004: UPDATED PRODUCT LINE
KMS updates the product assortment to create "product globalization": one look, one voice, worldwide. The first brand claim is introduced: KMS "Works with Style."
2006
2006: BIG BANG
KMS relaunches with an all new look and all new formulations, including IOPS technology.
2008
2008: NEW HOME
KMS California Global Headquarters makes the move to sunny Santa Monica, California.