<PAGE>


                UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             Washington, D.C. 20549

                                    FORM 10-K

[X] ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT
    OF 1934 FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED:

                               SEPTEMBER 30, 2001

                                      -OR-

[_] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE
    ACT OF 1934

Commission File No. 1-5050

                             ALBERTO-CULVER COMPANY
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
             (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

               Delaware                                  36-2257936
---------------------------------------           -----------------------
     (State or other jurisdiction of                  (I.R.S. Employer
     incorporation or organization)                  Identification No.)

        2525 Armitage Avenue
        Melrose Park, Illinois                              60160
----------------------------------------          ------------------------
(Address of principal executive offices)                  (Zip code)

Registrant's telephone number, including area code:  (708)450-3000

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

                                                        Name of each exchange
     Title of each class                                on which registered
----------------------------------------------      ---------------------------
Class A Common Stock, par value $.22 per share        New York Stock Exchange
Class B Common Stock, par value $.22 per share        New York Stock Exchange


Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required
to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during
the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was
required to file such reports) and (2) has been subject to such filing
requirements for the past 90 days. YES X  NO ___
                                      ---

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405
of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the
best of registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements
incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this
Form 10-K. [X]

The aggregate market value of common stock held by non-affiliates (assuming for
this purpose only that all directors and executive officers are affiliates) on
November 16, 2001 was $841.0 million for Class A Common Stock and $750.0 million
for Class B Common Stock.

At November 16, 2001, there were 24,840,026 shares of Class A Common Stock
outstanding and 32,525,619 shares of Class B Common Stock outstanding.

                       DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
                       -----------------------------------

Parts I and II .......   Portions of annual report to stockholders for the year
                         ended  September 30, 2001, as specifically described
                         herein.

Part III .............   Portions of proxy statement and notice of annual
                         meeting of stockholders on January 24, 2002, as
                         specifically described herein.

<PAGE>

                           FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
                           --------------------------

This Annual Report on Form 10-K and the documents incorporated by reference
herein may contain certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of
Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934. Such statements are based on management's current
expectations and assessments of risks and uncertainties and reflect various
assumptions concerning anticipated results, which may or may not prove to be
correct. Some of the factors that could cause actual results to differ
materially from estimates or projections contained in such forward-looking
statements include the pattern of brand sales, including variations in sales
volume within periods; competition within the relevant product markets,
including pricing, promotional activities, continuing customer acceptance of
existing products, loss of distributorship rights and the ability to develop and
successfully introduce new products; risks inherent in acquisitions and
strategic alliances; the effects of a prolonged United States or global economic
downturn or recession; changes in labor costs, raw material prices or
promotional expenses; the costs and effects of unanticipated legal or
administrative proceedings; variations in political, economic or other factors
such as currency exchange rates, inflation rates, expansive trends, tax changes,
legal and regulatory changes or other external factors over which Alberto-Culver
Company has no control. Alberto-Culver Company has no obligation to update any
forward-looking statement in this Annual Report on Form 10-K or any incorporated
document.

                                     PART I

ITEM  1. BUSINESS
-----------------
BUSINESS SEGMENTS AND GEOGRAPHIC AREA INFORMATION
-------------------------------------------------

Alberto-Culver Company and its consolidated subsidiaries (herein referred to
collectively as the "company," unless indicated otherwise) have three principal
business segments. The company's consumer products business includes two
segments, "Alberto-Culver North America" and "Alberto-Culver International," and
includes developing, manufacturing, distributing and marketing branded consumer
products worldwide. Alberto-Culver North America includes the company's consumer
products operations in the United States and Canada while Alberto-Culver
International sells consumer products in more than 120 other countries.

The classes of products in the Alberto-Culver North America and the
Alberto-Culver International business segments include health and beauty care
products as well as food and household products. Health and beauty care products
accounted for approximately 37%, 39% and 39% of the company's consolidated net
sales for the years ended September 30, 2001, 2000 and 1999, respectively. Food
and household products accounted for approximately 5%, 5% and 6% of the
company's consolidated net sales for the years ended September 30, 2001, 2000
and 1999, respectively.

The company's third segment, "Specialty distribution - Sally", consists of Sally
Beauty Company ("Sally Beauty"), a distributor of professional beauty supplies
through its Sally Beauty Supply stores and its Beauty Systems Group full-service
operations. Sales of the Specialty distribution - Sally business segment
accounted for approximately 58%, 56% and 55% of the company's consolidated net
sales for the years ended September 30, 2001, 2000 and 1999, respectively.

Financial information about business segments and geographic area information is
incorporated herein by reference to the "Business Segments and Geographic Area
Information" note of "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements" in the
company's annual report to stockholders for the year ended September 30, 2001.

ALBERTO-CULVER NORTH AMERICA
----------------------------

The company's major health and beauty care products marketed in the United
States include the ALBERTO VO5, TRESemme and CONSORT lines of hair care
products, the ST. IVES SWISS FORMULA line of hair and skin care products, FDS
feminine deodorant sprays and the SOFT AND BEAUTIFUL, JUST FOR ME,

                                      -2-


<PAGE>

COMB-THRU, TCB and MOTIONS lines of hair care products for the ethnic market.
Food and household products sold in the United States include MRS. DASH
salt-free seasoning blends, MOLLY MCBUTTER butter flavor sprinkles, SUGARTWIN
sugar substitute and STATIC GUARD anti-static spray.

In Canada, the company sells most of the products marketed in the United States
along with the ALBERTO EUROPEAN and ALBERTO BALSAM lines of hair care products.

The Alberto-Culver North America segment also includes the manufacturing of
custom label products in the United States for other companies.

ALBERTO-CULVER INTERNATIONAL
----------------------------

The company manufactures, markets and distributes health and beauty products
throughout Scandinavia and Europe through its Cederroth International subsidiary
headquartered in Sweden. Major products include SALVE adhesive bandages, ALBERTO
VO5 hair care products, SAMARIN antacids, SELTIN salt substitute, JORDAN
toothbrushes, TOPZ cotton buds, SAVETTE wet wipes, BLIW liquid soaps, DATE
anti-perspirants and cologne for women, FAMILY FRESH shampoo and shower
products, SUKETTER artificial sweetener, the ST. IVES SWISS FORMULA line of hair
and skin care products, HTH and L300 skin care products, GRUMME TVATTSAPA
detergents and PHARBIO natural pharmaceuticals. SORAYA skin care products are
sold in Poland and Eastern Europe.

In the United Kingdom, the company manufactures and markets products such as the
ALBERTO VO5, Advanced ALBERTO VO5, ALBERTO BALSAM and TRESemme lines of hair
care products and the ST. IVES SWISS FORMULA line of hair and skin care
products. INDOLA professional hair colors, shampoos, conditioners and styling
products are marketed throughout Europe and other international markets.

In Latin America, the significant products sold by the company include the
ALBERTO VO5, GET SET and ANTIALL lines of hair care products, the ST. IVES SWISS
FORMULA line of hair and skin care products, VERITAS soap and deodorant body
powder products and FARMACO soap products.

Other major international markets for the company include Australia, Italy and
New Zealand.

SPECIALTY DISTRIBUTION - SALLY
------------------------------

Sally Beauty Company operates a network of Sally Beauty Supply cash-and-carry
professional beauty supply stores and also sells professional beauty products to
hairdressers, beauticians and cosmetologists through its Beauty Systems Group
full-service distribution business. Sally Beauty Supply stores provide salon
owners, hairdressers and consumers with an extensive selection of hair care and
skin care products, cosmetics, styling appliances and other beauty items.
Sally's Beauty Systems Group distributes products in exclusive, licensed
territories in the Northeast, Midwest, Midsouth, East and Southeast United
States and portions of Canada. Beauty Systems Group sells only to the
professional market through its stores and approximately 550 professional
distributor sales consultants. As of September 30, 2001, Sally Beauty, including
its Beauty Systems Group, had 2,428 stores in the United States, Puerto Rico,
the United Kingdom, Canada, Japan and Germany.

PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT AND MARKETING
---------------------------------

Many of the company's consumer products are developed in the company's
laboratories. New products introduced by the company are assigned product
managers who guide the products from development to the consumer. The product
managers are responsible for the overall marketing plans for the products and
coordinate advertising, promotion and market research activities.

The company allocates a large portion of its revenues to the advertising,
promotion and market research of consumer products. Net earnings are materially
affected by these expenditures, which are charged to income in the period
incurred. Advertising, promotion and market research expenditures were $305.1
million in 2001, $286.4 million in 2000 and $259.7 million in 1999.

                                      -3-

<PAGE>

Advertising, promotion and market research expenditures relating to a new
product will ordinarily constitute a higher percentage of sales than in the case
of a well-established product. There can be no assurance that such expenditures
will result in consumer acceptance and profitability for a product.

The company regards television as the best medium for its advertising and uses
it to conduct extensive network, spot and cable television advertising
campaigns. The company also advertises through other media such as newspapers,
magazines and radio as well as through Sally Beauty Company's direct mailings to
professional customers.

Extensive advertising and promotion are required to build and protect a
product's market position. The company believes there is significant consumer
awareness of its major brands and that such awareness is an important factor in
the company's operating results.

COMPETITION
-----------

The domestic and international markets for the company's branded consumer
products are highly competitive and sensitive to changes in consumer preferences
and demands. The company's competitors range in size from large, highly
diversified companies (some of which have substantially greater financial
resources than the company) to small, specialized producers. The company
competes on the basis of product quality and price and believes that brand
loyalty and consumer acceptance are important factors. The company's markets are
characterized by frequent introductions of competitive products and by the entry
of other manufacturers as new competitors, both of which are typically
accompanied by extensive advertising and promotional campaigns. Such campaigns
are often very costly and can significantly affect the sales and earnings of the
company and its competitors.

Sally Beauty Company experiences domestic and international competition from a
wide range of retail outlets, including mass merchandisers, drug stores and
supermarkets, carrying a full line of health and beauty products. In addition,
Sally Beauty competes with local and regional beauty supply stores and
full-service dealers selling directly to salons through both professional
distributor sales consultants and cash and carry outlets open only to salon
professionals. Sally also faces competition from certain manufacturers which use
their own sales forces to distribute their professional beauty products directly
to salons.

DISTRIBUTION IN THE UNITED STATES
---------------------------------

Retail health and beauty care products and food and household products are sold
through the company's sales force and independent brokers calling upon wholesale
drug establishments and retail outlets such as supermarkets, drug stores, mass
merchandisers and variety stores.

Professional hair care products in the United States (primarily for the ethnic
market) are sold by company sales representatives and brokers to beauty supply
outlets and to beauty distributors who in turn sell to beauty salons, barber
shops and beauty schools.

SALLY BEAUTY COMPANY DISTRIBUTION
---------------------------------

Sally Beauty Company, including its Beauty Systems Group, sells professional
beauty supplies through its 2,428 stores located in 47 states, Puerto Rico, the
United Kingdom, Canada, Japan and Germany. Sally Beauty Supply stores are
self-service, cash-and-carry and are primarily located in strip shopping
centers. Sally operates the world's largest chain of professional beauty supply
stores and as such is a major customer of some of the company's competitors in
the personal care products industry. In addition, Sally's Beauty Systems Group
distributes products in exclusive, licensed territories in the Northeast,
Midwest, Midsouth, East and Southeast United States and portions of Canada and
sells only to the professional market through its stores and approximately 550
professional distributor sales consultants. Sally sells Alberto-Culver North
America's professional hair care products, but these products represent only a
small portion of Sally's selection of salon brands.

                                      -4-

<PAGE>

FOREIGN OPERATIONS
------------------

Products of the company are sold in more than 120 countries or geographic
regions, primarily through direct sales by subsidiaries, independent
distributors and licensees.

The company's foreign operations are subject to risks inherent in transactions
involving foreign currencies and political uncertainties.

EMPLOYEES
---------

In its domestic and foreign operations, the company had approximately 16,100
full-time equivalent employees as of September 30, 2001, consisting of
approximately 9,600 hourly personnel and 6,500 salaried employees. At September
30, 2000, the company had approximately 15,300 full-time equivalent employees.
The increase in employees during fiscal year 2001 is principally due to the
expansion of Sally's Beauty Systems Group full-service operations and the growth
in the number of Sally Beauty Supply stores.

Certain subsidiaries of the company have union contracts covering production,
warehouse, shipping and maintenance personnel. The company considers relations
with its employees to be satisfactory.

REGULATION
----------

The company is subject to the regulations of a number of federal and state
agencies, including the Food and Drug Administration and the Federal Trade
Commission.

TRADEMARKS AND PATENTS
----------------------

The company's trademarks, certain of which are material to its business, are
registered or legally protected in the United States, Canada and other countries
throughout the world in which products of the company are sold. Although the
company owns patents and has other patent applications pending, its business is
not materially dependent upon patents or patent protection.

                                      -5-

<PAGE>

ITEM  2.  PROPERTIES
--------------------

The company's properties, plants and equipment are maintained in good condition
and are suitable and adequate to support the business. The company's principal
properties and their general characteristics are described below:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                                                        Business
Location                                            Type of Facility                                    Segment
--------                                            ----------------                                    -------
<S>                                                 <C>                                                 <C>
Company-Owned Properties:
-------------------------
Melrose Park, Illinois
 .       2525 Armitage Avenue                       Corporate Office, Manufacturing, Warehouse          (1)
 .       2020 and 2040 Indian Boundary Drive        Office, Warehouse                                   (1)
 .       2150 N. 15th Avenue                        Manufacturing, Warehouse                            (1)
 .       2100 N. 15th Avenue                        Warehouse                                           (1)
 .       1930 George Street                         Office, Warehouse                                   (1)
Basingstoke, Hampshire, England                     Office                                              (2)
Buenos Aires, Argentina                             Office, Manufacturing, Warehouse                    (2)
Columbus, Ohio                                      Warehouse                                           (3)
Dallas, Texas                                       Office, Manufacturing, Warehouse                    (1)
Denton, Texas                                       Office, Warehouse                                   (3)
Falun, Sweden                                       Office, Manufacturing, Warehouse                    (2)
Jacksonville, Florida                               Warehouse                                           (3)
Madrid, Spain                                       Office, Manufacturing, Warehouse                    (2)
Naguabo, Puerto Rico                                Manufacturing, Warehouse                            (1) (2)
Naucalpan de Juarez, Mexico                         Office, Manufacturing, Warehouse                    (2)
North Rocks, New South Wales, Australia             Office, Manufacturing, Warehouse                    (2)
Radzymin, Poland                                    Office, Manufacturing, Warehouse                    (2)
Reno, Nevada                                        Warehouse                                           (3)
Swansea, Wales, England                             Office, Manufacturing, Warehouse                    (2)
Toronto, Ontario, Canada                            Office, Manufacturing, Warehouse                    (1)

Leased Properties:
------------------
Albertslund, Denmark                                Office, Warehouse                                   (2)
Atlanta, Georgia                                    Warehouse                                           (1)
Auckland, New Zealand                               Office, Warehouse                                   (2)
Blackburn, Lancashire, England                      Warehouse                                           (3)
Chatsworth, California                              Office, Manufacturing, Warehouse                    (1)
Espoo, Finland                                      Office, Warehouse                                   (2)
Geneva, Switzerland                                 Office                                              (2)
Greenville, Ohio                                    Office, Warehouse                                   (3)
Kitchener, Ontario, Canada                          Office, Warehouse                                   (3)
Laurel, Maryland                                    Office, Warehouse                                   (3)
Macedonia, Ohio                                     Office, Warehouse                                   (3)
Macon, Georgia                                      Office, Warehouse                                   (3)
Mocksville, North Carolina                          Office, Warehouse                                   (3)
Monroe, Connecticut                                 Office, Warehouse                                   (3)
Ontario, California                                 Warehouse                                           (1)
Paducah, Kentucky                                   Office, Warehouse                                   (3)
Rakkestad, Norway                                   Office, Warehouse                                   (2)
Reading, Berkshire, England                         Office                                              (3)
Stockholm, Sweden                                   Office, Manufacturing, Warehouse                    (2)
Surrey, British Columbia, Canada                    Office, Warehouse                                   (3)
Toronto, Ontario, Canada                            Office, Warehouse                                   (3)
Various (2,428 locations in 47 states,
  Puerto Rico, the United Kingdom, Canada,
  Japan and Germany)                                Sally Beauty Company Stores                         (3)
</TABLE>

(1)   Alberto-Culver North America
(2)   Alberto-Culver International
(3)   Specialty Distribution - Sally

                                      -6-



<PAGE>

ITEM 3.  LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
-------------------------

There are no material legal proceedings pending.

ITEM 4.  SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
------------------------------------------------------------

There were no matters submitted to a vote of security holders, through the
solicitation of proxies or otherwise, during the fourth quarter of the year
ended September 30, 2001.

EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
------------------

The following table sets forth the names and current positions of the
registrant's executive officers, including their five-year business history and
ages. Executive officers of the company and its subsidiaries are elected
annually.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Name                                    Current Position and Five-Year Business History                           Age
----                                    -----------------------------------------------                           ---
<S>                                     <C>                                                                       <C>
Leonard H. Lavin (1)                    Chairman                                                                   82


Howard B. Bernick (1)                   President and Chief Executive Officer                                      49


Bernice E. Lavin (1)                    Vice Chairman, Secretary and Treasurer                                     76

Carol L. Bernick (1)                    Since January, 1999 - Vice Chairman and Assistant Secretary,               49
                                        Alberto-Culver Company, President, Alberto-Culver
                                        North America, a division of the registrant and President,
                                        Alberto-Culver USA, Inc., a subsidiary of registrant;
                                        April, 1998 to January, 1999 - Vice Chairman and Assistant
                                        Secretary, Alberto-Culver Company and President, Alberto-
                                        Culver North America; October, 1994 to April, 1998 -
                                        Executive Vice President and Assistant Secretary,
                                        Alberto-Culver Company and President, Alberto-Culver
                                        USA, Inc.

William J. Cernugel                     Since May, 2000 - Senior Vice President and Chief Financial                59
                                        Officer; previously Senior Vice President, Finance for
                                        more than five years.

John R. Berschied, Jr.                  Since May, 2000 - Group Vice President, Worldwide Research                 58
                                        and Development; January, 2000 to May, 2000 - Director
                                        Technology and Innovation Management, Arthur D. Little,
                                        Inc.; February, 1993 - December, 1999 - Senior Vice
                                        President, Global Research, Development and Engineering,
                                        S.C. Johnson and Son, Inc.

Michael H. Renzulli                     President, Sally Beauty Company, Inc., a subsidiary of                     61
                                        registrant.
</TABLE>

                                      -7-


<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Name                                    Current Position and Five-Year Business History                  Age
----                                    -----------------------------------------------                  ---
<S>                                     <C>                                                              <C>
Gary P. Schmidt                         Since June, 1997 - Vice President, General Counsel and            50
                                        Assistant Secretary; April, 1990 to June, 1997 -
                                        Vice-President, General Counsel and Secretary,
                                        Fujisawa USA, Inc.
</TABLE>


(1)   Leonard H. Lavin and Bernice E. Lavin are husband and wife. Carol L.
      Bernick is the wife of Howard B. Bernick and the daughter of Mr. and Mrs.
      Lavin.

                                      -8-

<PAGE>

                                     PART II

ITEM 5.  MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Information required for this Item is incorporated herein by reference to the
section entitled "Market Price of Common Stock and Cash Dividends Per Share" and
note 4 of "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements" in the registrant's
annual report to stockholders for the year ended September 30, 2001.

ITEM 6.  SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
--------------------------------

Information required for this Item is incorporated herein by reference to the
section entitled "Selected Financial Data" in the registrant's annual report to
stockholders for the year ended September 30, 2001.

ITEM 7.  MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND
------------------------------------------------------------------------
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
---------------------

Information required for this Item is incorporated herein by reference to the
section entitled "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Results of Operations
and Financial Condition" in the registrant's annual report to stockholders for
the year ended September 30, 2001.

ITEM 7a.  QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
--------------------------------------------------------------------

Information required for this Item is incorporated herein by reference to the
section entitled "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Results of Operations
and Financial Condition" in the registrant's annual report to stockholders for
the year ended September 30, 2001.

ITEM 8.  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
----------------------------------------------------

Information required for this Item is incorporated herein by reference to the
consolidated financial statements and notes and "Independent Auditors' Report"
of KPMG LLP in the registrant's annual report to stockholders for the year ended
September 30, 2001.

ITEM 9.  CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND
------------------------------------------------------------------------
FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
--------------------

None.

                                      -9-

<PAGE>

                                    PART III

ITEM 10.  DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT
------------------------------------------------------------

Information required for this Item regarding the directors of the company and
regarding delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is
incorporated herein by reference to the sections entitled "Election of
Directors" and "Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance",
respectively, in the registrant's proxy statement for its annual meeting of
stockholders on January 24, 2002. Information concerning Executive Officers of
the registrant is included in Part I of this report.

ITEM 11.  EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
--------------------------------

Information required for this Item is incorporated herein by reference to the
section entitled "Executive Compensation" in the registrant's proxy statement
for its annual meeting of stockholders on January 24, 2002.

ITEM 12.  SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Information required for this Item is incorporated herein by reference to the
sections entitled "Share Ownership of Directors and Executive Officers" and
"Principal Stockholders" in the registrant's proxy statement for its annual
meeting of stockholders on January 24, 2002.

ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
-------------------------------------------------------

Information required for this Item is incorporated herein by reference to the
section entitled "Certain Business Relationships" in the registrant's proxy
statement for its annual meeting of stockholders on January 24, 2002.

                                      -10-

<PAGE>

                                     PART IV

ITEM 14.  EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K
-------------------------------------------------------------------------

      (a)     Documents filed as part of this report:

              1.     Financial statements:

                     The consolidated financial statements and notes to be
                     included in Part II, Item 8 are incorporated by reference
                     to the registrant's annual report to stockholders for the
                     year ended September 30, 2001, which is filed as an exhibit
                     to this report.

              2.     Financial statement schedules:

                              Description                         Schedule
                              -----------                         --------

                          Valuation and Qualifying Accounts            II

                     Schedules I, III, IV, and V are omitted as the information
                     required by these schedules is not applicable.

              3.     Exhibits:

                     Exhibit
                     Number                          Description
                     ------                          -----------

                     3(i)(a)          Copy of Restated Certificate of
                                      Incorporation of Alberto-Culver Company
                                      (filed as Exhibit 3(a) and incorporated
                                      herein by reference from the company's
                                      Form 10-K Annual Report for the year ended
                                      September 30, 1988).

                     3(i)(b)          Copy of the amendment to the Restated
                                      Certificate of Incorporation of
                                      Alberto-Culver Company (filed as Exhibit
                                      3(i)(c) and incorporated herein by
                                      reference from the company's Form 10-Q
                                      Quarterly Report for the quarter ended
                                      March 31, 1997).

                     3(ii)            Copy of the By-Laws of Alberto-Culver
                                      Company, as amended and in effect as of
                                      October 26, 2000.

                     4                Certain instruments defining the rights of
                                      holders of long-term obligations of the
                                      registrant and certain of its subsidiaries
                                      (the total amount of securities authorized
                                      under each of which does not exceed ten
                                      percent of the registrant's consolidated
                                      assets) are omitted pursuant to part 4
                                      (iii) (A) of Item 601 (b) of Regulation
                                      S-K. The registrant agrees to furnish
                                      copies of any such instruments to the
                                      Securities and Exchange Commission upon
                                      request.

                     4 (a)            Copy of Indenture dated June 10, 1998
                                      between Alberto-Culver Company and The
                                      First National Bank of Chicago, as Trustee
                                      (filed as Exhibit 4(a) and incorporated
                                      herein by reference from the company's
                                      Form 10-Q Quarterly Report for the quarter
                                      ended June 30, 1998).

                                      -11-

<PAGE>

              3.     Exhibits: (continued)

                     Exhibit
                     Number                            Description

                     4 (b)      Copy of 6.375% Debentures due June 15, 2028
                                (filed as Exhibit 4(b) and incorporated herein
                                by reference from the company's Form 10-Q
                                Quarterly Report for the quarter ended June 30,
                                1998).

                     4 (c)      Copy of 8.25% Notes due November 1, 2005 (filed
                                as Exhibit 4 and incorporated herein by
                                reference from the company's Form 8-K dated
                                March 28, 2000).

                     10 (a)     Copy of Alberto-Culver Company Management
                                Incentive Plan, as amended* (filed as Exhibit
                                10(a) and incorporated herein by reference from
                                the company's Form 10-Q Quarterly Report for the
                                quarter ended March 31, 2001).

                     10 (b)     Copy of Alberto-Culver Company Employee Stock
                                Option Plan of 1988, as amended.*

                     10 (c)     Copy of Alberto-Culver Company 1994 Shareholder
                                Value Incentive Plan, as amended* (filed as
                                Exhibit 10(c) and incorporated herein by
                                reference from the company's proxy statement for
                                its annual meeting of stockholders on January
                                24, 2002).

                     10 (d)     Copy of Alberto-Culver Company 1994 Restricted
                                Stock Plan, as amended.*

                     10 (e)     Copy of Alberto-Culver Company 1994 Stock Option
                                Plan for Non-Employee Directors, as amended*
                                (filed as Exhibit 10(e) and incorporated herein
                                by reference from the company's proxy statement
                                for its annual meeting of stockholders on
                                January 24, 2002).

                     10 (f)     Copy of Split Dollar Life Insurance Agreement
                                dated September 30, 1993 between Alberto-Culver
                                Company and the trustee of the Lavin
                                Survivorship Insurance Trust * (filed as Exhibit
                                10(e) and incorporated herein by reference from
                                the company's Form 10-K Annual Report for the
                                year ended September 30, 1993).

                     10 (g)     Form of Severance Agreement between
                                Alberto-Culver Company and named executive
                                officers * (filed as Exhibit 10(f) and
                                incorporated herein by reference from the
                                company's Form 10-Q Quarterly Report for the
                                quarter ended December 31, 1996).

                     10 (h)     Copy of Multicurrency Credit Agreement dated as
                                of September 11, 1997 among Alberto-Culver
                                Company, Bank of America National Trust and
                                Savings Association as U.S. agent and the other
                                financial institutions being parties thereto
                                (filed as Exhibit 10(h) and incorporated
                                herein by reference from the company's Form 10-K
                                Annual Report for the year ended  September 30,
                                1997).

                                      -12-

<PAGE>

              3.     Exhibits: (continued)

                     Exhibit
                     Number                      Description
                     ------                      -----------

                     10 (i)      Copy of Supplement for Commitment Increase
                                 among Alberto-Culver Company, Bank of America
                                 N.A. and LaSalle Bank National Association,
                                 dated June 30, 2000, to the Multicurrency
                                 Credit Agreement dated as of September 11,
                                 1997, filed as Exhibit 10 (i) and  incorporated
                                 herein by reference from the company's Form
                                 10-K Annual Report for the year ended September
                                 30, 2000).

                     10 (j)      Copy of Supplement for Commitment Increase
                                 among Alberto-Culver Company, Bank of America
                                 N.A. and ABN AMRO Bank N.V., dated June 30,
                                 2000, to the Multicurrency Credit Agreement
                                 dated as of September 11, 1997, filed as
                                 Exhibit 10 (j) and incorporated herein by
                                 reference from the company's Form 10-K Annual
                                 Report for the year ended September 30, 2000.

                     10 (k)      Copy of the Alberto-Culver Company Executive
                                 Deferred Compensation Plan, as amended* (filed
                                 as Exhibit 10(i) and incorporated herein by
                                 reference from the company's Form 10-Q
                                 Quarterly Report for the quarter ended December
                                 31, 1999).

                     10 (l)      Form of Amendment of Severance Agreement
                                 between Alberto-Culver Company and named
                                 executive officers* (filed as Exhibit 10(j) and
                                 incorporated herein by reference from the
                                 Company's Form 10-K Annual Report for the year
                                 ended September 30, 1999).

                     10 (m)      Form of Key Executive Deferred Compensation
                                 Agreement between Alberto-Culver Company and
                                 certain of its officers, and schedule setting
                                 forth the registrant's named executive officers
                                 (as defined in Item 402 of Regulation S-K) who
                                 are parties to such an agreement and the
                                 material terms of each such named executive
                                 officer's agreement* (filed as Exhibit 10(k)
                                 and incorporated herein by reference from the
                                 company's Form 8-K dated March 23, 2000).

                     10 (n)      Copy of the Alberto-Culver Company Deferred
                                 Compensation Plan for Non-Employee Directors.*

                     13          Portions of annual report to stockholders for
                                 the year ended September 30, 2001 incorporated
                                 herein by reference.

                     21          Subsidiaries of the Registrant

                     23          Consent of KPMG LLP

                           * This exhibit is a management contract or
compensatory plan or arrangement of the registrant.

(b)      Reports on Form 8-K:

         No report on Form 8-K was filed by the registrant during the
quarter ended September 30, 2001.

                                      -13-

<PAGE>

                                   SIGNATURES
                                   ----------

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its
behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, on the 14th day of
December, 2001.

                                     ALBERTO-CULVER COMPANY

                                     By /s/  Howard B. Bernick
                                       ------------------------------------
                                       Howard B. Bernick
                                       President and Chief Executive Officer

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report
has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and
in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
           Signature                                 Title                                        Date
           ---------                                 -----                                        ----
<S>                                       <C>                                             <C>
/s/ Leonard H. Lavin                      Chairman of the Board                           December 14, 2001
-----------------------------------
Leonard H. Lavin                          and Director

/s/ Howard B. Bernick                     President, Chief Executive                      December 14, 2001
-----------------------------------
Howard B. Bernick                         Officer and Director (Principal
                                          Executive Officer)

/s/ Bernice E. Lavin                      Vice Chairman, Secretary,                       December 14, 2001
-----------------------------------
Bernice E. Lavin                          Treasurer and Director

/s/ Carol L. Bernick                      Vice Chairman, President, Alberto-              December 14, 2001
-----------------------------------
Carol L. Bernick                          Culver North America, Assistant
                                          Secretary and Director

/s/ William J. Cernugel                   Senior Vice President and Chief                 December 14, 2001
-----------------------------------
William J. Cernugel                       Financial Officer (Principal Financial
                                          & Accounting Officer)

/s/ A. Robert Abboud                      Director                                        December 14, 2001
-----------------------------------
A. Robert Abboud

/s/ A.G. Atwater, Jr.                     Director                                        December 14, 2001
-----------------------------------
A. G. Atwater, Jr.

/s/ Allan B. Muchin                       Director                                        December 14, 2001
-----------------------------------
Allan B. Muchin

/s/ Robert H. Rock                        Director                                        December 14, 2001
-----------------------------------
Robert H. Rock

/s/ Sam J. Susser                         Director                                        December 14, 2001
-----------------------------------
Sam J. Susser

/s/ Dr. Harold M. Visotsky                Director                                        December 14, 2001
-----------------------------------
Dr. Harold M. Visotsky

/s/ William W. Wirtz                      Director                                        December 14, 2001
-----------------------------------
William W. Wirtz
</TABLE>

                                      -14-



<PAGE>


                          Independent Auditors' Report
                          ----------------------------

        The Board of Directors and Stockholders
        Alberto-Culver Company:

        On October 23, 2001, we reported on the consolidated balance sheets of
        Alberto-Culver Company and Subsidiaries as of September 30, 2001 and
        2000 and the related consolidated statements of earnings, cash flows and
        stockholders' equity for each of the years in the three-year period
        ended September 30, 2001, as contained in the 2001 annual report to
        stockholders. These consolidated financial statements and our report
        thereon are incorporated by reference in the annual report on Form 10-K
        for fiscal year 2001. In connection with our audits of the
        aforementioned consolidated financial statements, we also audited the
        related financial statement schedule as listed in Item 14(a)2 of the
        annual report on Form 10-K. That financial statement schedule is the
        responsibility of the company's management. Our responsibility is to
        express an opinion on that financial statement schedule based on our
        audits.

        In our opinion, such financial statement schedule, when considered in
        relation to the basic consolidated financial statements taken as a
        whole, presents fairly, in all material respects, the information set
        forth therein.

                                                                /s/ KPMG LLP

                                                                KPMG LLP

        Chicago, Illinois
        October 23, 2001

                                      -15-

<PAGE>


                                                                     Schedule II
                                                                     -----------

                     ALBERTO-CULVER COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

                        Valuation and Qualifying Accounts
                                 (In thousands)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  Year Ended September 30,
                                                       -------------------------------------------
                                                        2001               2000             1999
                                                       -----              -----             ----
<S>                                                  <C>                  <C>             <C>
Allowance for doubtful accounts:

   Balance at beginning of period                     $10,135               8,441          10,868

   Additions (deductions):

      Charged to costs and expenses                     7,331               4,910           3,166

      Uncollectible accounts written off,
        net of recoveries                              (6,327)             (4,112)         (5,585)

      Allowance for doubtful accounts
        of acquired companies                               2               1,207             104

   Other                                                  246                (311)           (112)
                                                      -------           ---------       ---------

   Balance at end of period                           $11,387              10,135           8,441
                                                      =======           =========       =========
</TABLE>

                                      -16-