Goldwell, the stylist-centric brand known for innovation, inspiration, and partnership on eye-level, is celebrating a visionary 75 years.
The diamond anniversary is the culmination of decades of industry-breaking innovation, with leading-edge technology, relentless research and development and true, deep relationships between Goldwell and its stylists.
Beloved for over half a century by stylists and their clients, Goldwell approaches product formulations and services like a stylist – creating solutions to the common needs that they see in their chairs every day. Constantly striving to take color, condition and texture of hair to a new level – and always on a mission to create perfectly beautiful hair for every consumer – has resulted in a long-lasting Goldwell legacy of science-led, results-driven innovation that never compromises on beauty or sustainability.
Over 75 years, Goldwell has proven time and time again that it is the brand of choice for stylists, while stylists have worked side by side with Goldwell inspiring creativity and long-lasting relationships, trusting Goldwell to get the results they need. With the incredible support of salon stylists and their clients, Goldwell has flourished for decades and the future is bright.
Goldwell: A New Era for Social Responsible Salons
Looking into the future, with the professionals’ needs and a more sustainable industry at the heart of their efforts, Goldwell is ushering in a new era for socially responsible salons. With the new “Climate Neutral Salon” program in partnership with ClimatePartner, a globally acclaimed enthusiast of the carbon neutral world, Goldwell is building on the continuous success of Kao Salon Division to improve the sustainability of its production.
Dominic Pratt, Global President of Kao Salon Division said, “Improving the environmental footprint of our products and services at the salon level is part of our mission to make life beautiful for salon owners, stylists and their clients. We see this as a continuous journey towards what the salon of the future could and should look like. At Kao we believe that strong alliances make all the difference in protecting our planet. So, we see Kao Salon Division as not only a key active player in sustainable operations, but also as a reliable business partner and facilitator of knowledge transfer between thousands of hair salons and key global climate protecting organizations.”
The program is an effortless turnkey solution immediately making a difference within the salon, plus salons are given a set of easy to implement tips that step-by-step improve the salon’s sustainability. The program, piloted in Germany in October 2022, will be rolled out globally in October 2023 and will include consultations on decarbonization for all Goldwell salon partners and beyond, building a new climate-neutral future of the hair salon business.
For more information about ClimatePartner, visit www.climatepartner.com
MESSAGE FROM STEVE LEAHY – MANAGING DIRECTOR KAO SOUTH AFRICA - ON GOLDWELL CELEBRATING 75 GROUNDBREAKING YEARS
My journey at GOLDWELL started in July 1990. Since then, I have experienced nothing but leading-edge technology, relentless research and development through true, deep relationships we have built with our salons.
Over the years, GOLDWELL has proven time and time again to be stylists’ brand of choice. The support from our salons’ owners, stylists and their clients have been incredible. I have no doubt our KAO Brands will continue to excel for decades to come.
It is very difficult for me to predict what is going to happen in the future, but one thing I am certain of is that KAO will continue improving their environmental footprint in products and services, making sure that our mission to make life beautiful for salons owners, stylists and clients, continues to grow!
Thanks so much,
STEVE
A Look at Our Fascinating History
1920
FOUNDER: HANS ERICH DOTTER
A draper – no family connection to the hairdressing industry.
His vision: to build a company that focuses exclusively on hairdressers as business partners.
1948
THE BEGINNING: ESTABLISHMENT OF GOLDWELL FABRIKATE
Hans Erich Dotter establishes a chemical factory.
The business focuses on the production and sale of hair cosmetics exclusively for the stylist.
Dotter’s philosophy: Hairdresser Exclusive, Advanced, Performance with Care.
OUR 1ST PRODUCT: GOLDWELL IDEAL
Goldwell’s very first product.
An innovative cold perm that makes the stylist’s and client’s life easier, since the thioglycolic acid technology it could be used at room temperature.
1956
GROWTH AND EXPANSION: A NEW SHAMPOO DISPENSING SYSTEM
MORE GROWTH AND EVEN MORE EXPANSION: SPRÜHGOLD
Goldwell moves into the styling category with Sprühgold.
Sprühgold is the no. 1 salon hairspray in Germany to this day, with advanced aerosol technology and outstanding performance.
1958
MOVING INTO NEW MARKETS
Goldwell expands and takes its business model outside of Germany for the first time – to the United Kingdom.
1971
INTO NEW CATEGORIES: TOPMODEL (1971) / TOPCHIC (1974)
Goldwell moves into the permanent color category – a fast growing segment, where Goldwell can meet stylist needs.
1976
GROWTH - WITH INNOVATION: BIO-FORM
One of Goldwell’s greatest successes: an “air-formed” perm with the unique “Airboy” application tool for gentle care of the hair and scalp.
Still on the market today as Topform.
GROWTH - WITH INNOVATION: BIOLIFE
The first salon-exclusive hair care and styling range.
1976
GROWTH - WITH INNOVATION: TRENDLINE
The first complete styling range from Goldwell.
1978
GROWTH - WITH INNOVATION: TOPCHIC DEPOT SYSTEM
Goldwell creates the first color and lotion depot system for convenient and consistent results with 100% accuracy.
Unique Colormat – for easy, safe and clean color application – still extraordinary today
1979
COMING TO AMERICA
Goldwell crosses the Atlantic.
1. Canada in 1979 – as a test market for North America
2. United States of America in 1982
1981
THE COLORATION COMPUTER
Goldwell innovates with new technology – an advanced computer performs hair diagnostics and covers all Goldwell color services in the salon.
For reliable results with maximum care and over 70,000 formulas.
1983
EXPANDING DOWN UNDER: GOLDWELL IN AUSTRALIA
1984
GROWTH: KERASILK
A highly effective hair care range –
“for hair like silk”.
1986
GROWTH - WITH INNOVATION: COLORANCE
Goldwell’s very first oxidative semi-permanent color with a pH of 6.8.
Goldwell also introduces 3 new Colorance salon services: Color Balancing, Color Perming, Mini Coloring.
1988
GROWTH - WITH INNOVATION: LE COIFFEUR
Working together with salons, Goldwell introduces a co-branded hair care range.
1989
A PERFECT MATCH
Goldwell finds a like-minded spirit in KAO with a 75% partnership in 1989 and 100% in 1994.
Hans Erich Dotter chooses KAO because of shared values and a commitment to keep salon exclusivity.
KAO chooses Goldwell for the same values and its professional hair expertise.
EXPANSION INTO ASIAN MARKETS
1992
GROWTH - WITH INNOVATION: OXYCUR PLATIN DUST-FREE
Goldwell patents the first dust-free bleaching powder on the market.
Goldwell’s first bleach, Oxycur Platin was launched in 1970.
PRO SKIN
A high class premium skincare line from Goldwell.
1995
GROWTH - WITH INNOVATION: DEFINITION
A global care brand with patented fruit acid technology.
2001
GROWTH - WITH INNOVATION: ELUMEN
A true breakthrough with new technology. Goldwell introduces its expert color range with a KAO patent. Goldwell’s image profits immensely.
2004
REFINING IMAGE: TREND ZOOM / COLOR ZOOM
Goldwell launches its most important communication and image optimization measures. 2004: Trend Zoom Collection. 2007: Trend Zoom Challenge hairdresser competition. 2010: “Color Zoom” concept relaunch to focus on color perfection.
Now: Global Creative Awards
2005-2006
GROWTH - WITH INNOVATION: GOLDWELL STYLING (CALLED STYLESIGN IN 2017)
Goldwell’s truly global styling range with KAO’s elastomer technology.
2009
GROWTH - WITH INNOVATION: SILKLIFT
Strong, clear lightening and best gentleness.
2012
GROWTH - WITH INNOVATION: NECTAYA
The trend is huge: consumers want more gentle color services. Goldwell delivers Nectaya: "nurturing ammonia-free permanent hair color” with innovative KAO technology.
2013
GROWTH - WITH INNOVATION: NEW KERASILK
Goldwell introduces the first long-lasting and customizable Keratin treatment service with an additional home care program.
2014
RESTAGING THE BRAND: WE THINK STYLIST
Goldwell’s brand gains new focus with a new communication strategy.
It’s all about “sustainable value creation at the salon through close partnership”.
2016
GROWTH - WITH INNOVATION: KERASILK
Long lasting transformation into perfect hair like silk. In 6 segments with high end ingredients. Launching as a Masterbrand in 2023.
2018
DUALSENSES
The instant care expert with a passion for color. Professional solutions for every hair type.
Instantly visible & touchable results.
2021
LIGHT DIMENSIONS
Stronger, faster, smarter, better. Lightning unlimited. Lifting power & toning refinement at it’s best.
2023
TOPCHIC ZERO - LAUNCH
Ammonia free permanent hair color.
With Topchic Zero you can have it all: the best performance and a conscious feel-good color.
About Goldwell
Goldwell is a salon-quality brand of Kao Salon Division. Its professional hair products are dedicated to bringing stylists’ and their clients’ aspirations to life. Since 1948, Goldwell has been known for breakthrough innovations in the salon industry with well-known sub-brands such as: leading professional color products Topchic, Colorance and Elumen; high-performing care and styling products Kerasilk, Dualsenses and StyleSign; and, technology-based perm and texture products. Goldwell’s complete portfolio, advanced hairdresser education and deep expertise serve together to create a full-service brand, meeting all salon stylist and client desires. With the annual style statement, launched at the impressive Kao Salon Experience Event each year, Goldwell sets the trend in hair fashion to inspire stylists around the world.
Please visit the Goldwell website for updated information: www.goldwell.com
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