About Goldwell | Goldwell UK

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.

Goldwell Global Color Master, Peter Wu, expertly prepares hair color and foils for his clients in his salon, with an extensive range of Goldwell products in racks on the wall in front of him.

In front of a bright orange backdrop, a model shows of the sleek shine of her flowing dark hair, created thanks to Goldwell's range of products

In a bright warehouse, expert hair stylists share ideas and knowledge on Goldwell products and the creative potential on offer.

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

goldwell-about-collage-3-l-v1

goldwell-about-collage-1-l-v1

goldwell-about-collage-4-l-v1

goldwell-about-collage-2-l-v1

goldwell-about-collage-5-l-v1

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.

Expert hair stylists analyse the application of hair color to a mannequin, ranging from burnt orange to blond.

A model faces towards the left as her sleek and smooth blond hair shines thanks to Goldwell's range

Peter Wu, a Goldwell Global Stylist, points out the vibrance and depth of color in his smiling model's pink hair as she uses her phone as a mirror to look at the finished results. Thanks to Goldwell's product range the model's hair is vibrant and brilliant

A model faces away from the camera, showing off her vibrant hair color, ranging from soft pink at the roots to deep purple at the tips, thanks to the opportunities on offer with Goldwell's product range.

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.

Two young people embrace, demonstrating Goldwell's core value of Empathy

Four expert hair stylists sit together on a sofa, exchanging ideas and laughter as a representation of Goldwell's value of Collaboration

A model's wet, pink hair is twisted in the nape of her neck as a visualisation of the belief that the best things happen when people come together - one of the key tropes of Goldwell's collaborative values

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.

Black and white photograph of Hans Erich Dotter, founder of Goldwell Fabrikate

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.

An early Goldwell Sprughold canister sits amongst other hair care products such as handheld mirrors, claw clips and parting combs

1956

Launch of an industry icon

Goldwell launches the styling category with Sprühgold.
Sprühgold remains the No. 1 hairspray in Germany—to this day.

An early Topmodel product showing Goldwell's heritage in the hair color industry

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.

A group shot of Goldwell's first styling line: Trendline

1975

Launch of a styling range : Trendline

Goldwell's first complete styling line.

A group shot of the early Goldwell Depot Can System, wth a mixing bowl, brush, hair dye and dye developer created for convenient and accurate color mixing

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.

A coloration computer developed by Goldwell to cover all their salon colorservices and to provide reliable results

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.

A gold Kerasilk bottle with a red lid by Goldwell

1984

Launch of care products for think and coarse hair: Kerasilk

Highly effective hair care range- "for hair like silk"

An early Colorance bottle which was developed as Goldwell's first oxidative intensive hair color

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.

Four Le Coiffeur bottles - a co-branded line for hair salons in collaboration with Goldwell

1988

Launch of customizable color range: Le Coiffeur

Goldwell collaborates with salons and offers a co-branded line for hair salons.

The Kao logo

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.

An early Oxycur Platinum tub which was the first dust-free bleaching powder on the market by Goldwell

1992

New Category: Bleach
Oxycur Platinum

The first dust-free bleaching powder on the market (Goldwell patent). Successor to the first Goldwell bleaching powder, Oxycur Platinum, from 1970.

An early bottle of Elumen which Goldwell lanched in 2001 as a non-oxidative permanent hair color

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.

Award winers from Goldwell's Global Creative Awards 2024 celebrate with each other and their trophies on stage

Since 2004

Hairdresser Competition and event

Introduction of the most important Goldwell trend events for color, with an international character.

Two tubs of SilkLift: Goldwell's premium strong but gentle bleach launched in 2009

2009

Launch of premium bleach: SilkLift

Strong and clear lightening, while being extremely gentle.

A gold box of Nectaya: Goldwell's ammonia-free oxidative hair color launched in 2012

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.

A rose gold bottle of Kerasilk; Goldwell's keratin-smoothing treatment and complimentary home care routine launched in 2013

2013

Launch of Keratin smoothing treatment: Kerasilk

Goldwell's first customizable, long-lasting keratin treatment service, along with a complementary home care routine.

Goldwell's full stop logo: Two hands holding each other where the thumbs are facing the camera. On the thumbs is a red heart with a black outline that spans the gap between the two

2014

We think Stylist

Goldwell full stop Logo - hands holding together

A group shot of Goldwell's @Pure Pigments Color Additives, showcasing the variety of colors in the product range

2018

Launch of Color additives: @Pure Pigments

Goldwell introduces @Pure Pigments, powered by HD³ Dye Technology after 17 years of research.

A group shot of Goldwell's ammonia-free oxidative hair color Topchic Zero range

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.

The Goldwell 'G' logo

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.

Sustainability as the only path

A group of young people in a circle smile down towards the camera with blue sky behind them. From the flowing, bright pink hair to brilliant blond, they showcase the creativity and opportunities available with Goldwell products.

ANIMAL WELFARE

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.

goldwelll-about-5050bannercarousel-2-l-v1

CERTIFIED CLIMATE ACTION

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.

goldwelll-about-5050bannercarousel-3-l-v1

ETHICAL LEADER

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.

Hair stylists work on their clients hair in an open-plan, well-lit salon

Goldwell is a part of Kao Salon Division

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.