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For over 75 years, Goldwell has proudly inspired a global community of passionate hair professionals, united by a shared love of creativity and craft. From pioneering products to world-class education, Goldwell has continually invested in empowering stylists to push boundaries, refine their skills, and express their artistry. With decades of innovation, Goldwell has built a vibrant network of visionaries who have shaped the brand’s legacy - together creating a more colorful, creative future.
We asked our global stylist community to help define the new Goldwell. We’re focused on our stylist‑first mindset by putting color creators at the center of everything we do. Together, we’re building a hair industry where quality, community, and creativity carry equal weight. We’ll lead by listening, co‑creating with colorists, and supporting stylists to thrive—from curation to innovation to education. A brand powered by our people is the future. Let’s color the future together.
WE EXIST TO
FUEL THE NEXT GENERATION OF HAIR COLOR CREATORS AND CULTURE MAKERS
WE VALUE ARTISTRY
We believe without artists the world is a blank canvas
Creativity is the backbone of global culture. It adds color to our lives. Our beating heart is the creatives at the center of our story. We exist to facilitate their future, support their journeys, and paint a brighter tomorrow together.
WE VALUE EMPATHY
We believe empathy is the catalyst for change
In a world where care and understanding are more valuable than ever, our community is built on trust and human connection. We will always bring the power of positivity, with kindness and consideration for people, products, and our planet.
WE VALUE COLLABORATION
We believe The best things happen when we come together
In a complicated world, togetherness is truly transformative, as great things happen when we join forces with others. We are open and invite everyone to be a part of our story, uniting to celebrate, co-create, and lift each other up.
WE VALUE PROGRESS
We believe the future is a beautiful work in progress
Success is a journey that never stands still. Always evolving, we embrace the next generation to educate ourselves and learn from one another. We lead by listening, driving meaningful industry evolution powered by our people.
Establishment
GROWTH
KAO PARTNERSHIP
MODERN ERA
1948
Founding Goldwell Fabrikate
Hans Erich Dotter founded a small chemical factory. To this day, the company's focus remains on the production and sale of hair care and cosmetics exclusively for salons.
1956
Launch of an industry icon
Goldwell launches the styling category with Sprühgold. Sprühgold remains the No. 1 hairspray in Germany—to this day.
1971+1974
New category: Color
Topmodel (1971)/Topchic (1974) Goldwell is expanding its product portfolio to include hair coloring, a rapidly growing segment in which Goldwell can fully meet the needs of hairdressers.
1975
Launch of a styling range : Trendline
Goldwell's first complete styling line.
1978
Launch of color in cans: Topchich depot system
Goldwell creates the first color and lotion depot system for convenient and accurate color mixing with 100% color results. The unique color tray ensures easy, safe, and clean color application — still exceptional today.
1981
Coloration computer
Goldwell innovates with new technology- an advanced computer performs hair diagnoistics and covers all goldwell color services in the salon. For reliable results with maximum care and more than 70,000 formulas.
1984
Launch of care products for think and coarse hair: Kerasilk
Highly effective hair care range- "for hair like silk"
1986
Launch of an acidic demi-permanent color: colorance
Goldwell's first oxidative intensive color with a pH of 6.8. Goldwell also introduces three new Colorance Salon Services: Color Balancing, Color Perming, and Mini Coloring.
1988
Launch of customizable color range: Le Coiffeur
Goldwell collaborates with salons and offers a co-branded line for hair salons.
1989
Partner with KAO
Hans Erich Dotter decided to partner with KAO because KAO shares the same values and has maintained its exclusive hairdressing salon status to this day.
1992
New Category: BleachOxycur Platinum
The first dust-free bleaching powder on the market (Goldwell patent). Successor to the first Goldwell bleaching powder, Oxycur Platinum, from 1970.
2001
Launch of Non-oxidative permanent hait color: Elumen
A true breakthrough with new technology (KAO patent). Goldwell showcases its color expertise. A major image boost for Goldwell.
Since 2004
Hairdresser Competition and event
Introduction of the most important Goldwell trend events for color, with an international character.
2009
Launch of premium bleach: SilkLift
Strong and clear lightening, while being extremely gentle.
2012
Launch of ammonia-free oxidative hair color: Nectaya
The trend is huge: Customers want gentler coloring services. Goldwell delivers Nectaya: "nourishing ammonia-free hair color" with innovative KAO technology.
2013
Launch of Keratin smoothing treatment: Kerasilk
Goldwell's first customizable, long-lasting keratin treatment service, along with a complementary home care routine.
2014
We think Stylist
Goldwell full stop Logo - hands holding together
2018
Launch of Color additives: @Pure Pigments
Goldwell introduces @Pure Pigments, powered by HD³ Dye Technology after 17 years of research.
2023
The sustainable ammonia-free oxidative hair color: Topchic Zero
Goldwell introduces Topchic Zero — a vegan, ammonia-free permanent color with 100% grey coverage, 2× shine, and sustainable packaging made from recycled materials.
2026
Goldwell enters a new era: Color the future
With a revitalized brand identity, Goldwell is stepping into the future—celebrating the next generation of stylists. This new chapter is all about innovation, creativity, and collaboration.
Our Dualsenses and StyleSign ranges hold official PETA certification, acknowledging that all formulas and raw materials are in line with PETA´s Global Animal test policy.
Our main production¹ and all EMEA owned offices² run on 100% renewable electric energy³. We reduced our production carbon emissions by 38% between 2020-2023⁴. The majority of our products are ClimatePartner certified.
1: Main salon manufacturing site, Darmstadt (DE). 2: Since 2014 main salon production site, all EMEA owned offices since 2020. 3: Local power supply company entega. Electricity is one energy we use. 4: Main salon production site Darmstadt (Ger) 2020-2023.
For 17 straight years, Kao Corporation¹ has been acknowledged as one of the “World’s Most Ethical Companies”.
1: Kao Germany GmbH is a subsidiary of Kao Corporation Japan, “World’s Most Ethical Companies” and “Ethisphere” names and marks are registered trademarks of Ethisphere LLC.
Goldwell is proud to be part of Kao Salon Division, a global family within Kao Corporation. United by innovation, sustainability, and a passion for professional beauty, this partnership empowers Goldwell to deliver premium hair color, care, and styling solutions to salons and stylists worldwide.