1920
A draper – no family connection to the hairdressing industry.
His vision: to build a company that focuses exclusively on hairdressers as business partners.
1948
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.
1948
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
Goldwell takes its first steps into the care category with a shampoo system that’s economical in terms of dispensing and professional in terms of handling.
1956
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
Goldwell expands and takes its business model outside of Germany for the first time – to the United Kingdom.
1971
Goldwell moves into the permanent color category – a fast growing segment, where Goldwell can meet stylist needs.
1976
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.
1976
The first salon-exclusive hair care and styling range.
1976
The first complete styling range from Goldwell.
1978
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
Goldwell crosses the Atlantic.
1. Canada in 1979 – as a test market for North America
2. United States of America in 1982
1981
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
1984
A highly effective hair care range – “for hair like silk”.
1986
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
Working together with salons, Goldwell introduces a co-branded hair care range.
1989
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.
1989
1992
Goldwell patents the first dust-free bleaching powder on the market. Goldwell’s first bleach, Oxycur Platin was launched in 1970.
1992
A high class premium skincare line from Goldwell.
1995
A global care brand with patented fruit acid technology.
2001
A true breakthrough with new technology. Goldwell introduces its expert color range with a KAO patent. Goldwell’s image profits immensely.
2004
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.
2005-2006
Goldwell’s truly global styling range with KAO’s elastomer technology.
2009
Strong, clear lightening and best gentleness.
2012
The trend is huge: consumers want more gentle color services.
Goldwell delivers Nectaya: "nurturing ammonia-free permanent hair color” with innovative KAO technology.
2013
Goldwell introduces the first long-lasting and customizable Keratin treatment service with an additional home care program.
2014
Goldwell’s brand gains new focus with a new communication strategy. It’s all about “sustainable value creation at the salon through close partnership”.