Pantene's newest brand ambassador is all about girl power

CINCINNATI — Pantene is partnering with one of the toughest women in the world, mixed martial artist, actress and bestselling author Ronda Rousey, to teach women that strong is always beautiful.

A new campaign features Rousey articulating the phrase “Don’t Hate Me Because I’m Strong” – a play on words from Pantene’s iconic “Don’t Hate Me Because I’m Beautiful” campaign from the 1980s – to highlight the step-change that a woman’s power comes from her strength, not her beauty. In its newest chapter of the ‘Strong Is Beautiful’ story, Rousey will appear in TV, digital and print advertising, public relations and social media, and will join other Pantene Ambassadors who are fueling their hair with Pantene.

“I’m fully aware that I might not be the first person people think of to collaborate with a beauty brand,” said Rousey. “I’ve been called ‘Miss Man’ and ‘savage’ because of my physique, but to me, strength isn’t only about having muscles. It’s about having heart and finding inner confidence, so I’m honored that Pantene asked me to be part of their new campaign that encourages women to break gender barriers, break the glass ceiling and never settle.”

Rousey joins a long line of strong women the brand has partnered with throughout the years, including current Brand Ambassadors Selena Gomez and Jillian Hervey, but also behind-the-scenes with its female-dominated team, from a female director to a female editor, and led by a female brand team.