Two-in-one shampoo and conditioner brand - NYT Crossword Clue

Introduction

Today's clue, "Two-in-one shampoo and conditioner brand," is a classic example of brand-name trivia that frequently appears in crossword puzzles. It's a straightforward, direct-recall clue that tests your knowledge of common consumer products. For many solvers, this will be a quick fill based on decades of brand recognition.

Clue Analysis

The clue is very specific and leaves little room for interpretation. It asks for a "brand" name, so we're looking for a proper noun. The key descriptor is "Two-in-one shampoo and conditioner," a product category that combines washing and conditioning into a single step. The puzzle is looking for a brand famously associated with this type of product.

Thinking Approaches

1. Direct Recall: The most common way to solve this is by memory. The brand in question was a pioneer in this product space, and its name is almost synonymous with the "2-in-1" concept for many people.

2. Mental Rolodex of Brands: If the name doesn't come to you immediately, try brainstorming major hair care brands you'd see at a pharmacy or supermarket. Think of names like Pantene, Head & Shoulders, Suave, Garnier, etc. As you list them, consider which one is most famous for the "2-in-1" feature.

3. Leverage Crossings: This is a short, four-letter answer. If you have even one or two letters from intersecting clues (the "crossings"), the answer can become much clearer. For instance, if you have P _ R _, your brain is much more likely to land on the correct brand name.

Background Context

The product in question is Pert Plus, which was introduced by Procter & Gamble in 1987. It was one of the first widely available 2-in-1 shampoo and conditioner products in North America. Its marketing heavily emphasized the convenience of getting a great wash and condition in a single, quick step, which was a novel concept at the time. The brand's success led to many competitors launching their own 2-in-1 formulas, but Pert Plus remains a well-remembered originator of the category.

Conclusion

This clue serves as a great reminder that crossword puzzles draw from all areas of general knowledge, including the products we see every day. It's a fair and accessible clue that rewards solvers for being observant consumers. Once you connect the concept of a "2-in-1" with its pioneering brand, the answer falls neatly into place.

Hints

1. Hint 1: Think of major personal care brands, particularly those found in a typical drugstore's hair care aisle.
2. Hint 2: This brand was heavily marketed in the 1980s and 1990s for its convenience.
3. Hint 3: The brand name is a short word that is also a synonym for 'lively' or 'jaunty'.
4. Hint 4: In North America, the product was famously known as 'Pert Plus'.

The answer is PERT.