The early years - 1948 The company was established by a 27-year old business man by the name of Hans Erich Dotter. It all began with the idea of a lotion which enabled people to give lasting shape to their hairstyle.

This initial product was given the name "GOLDWELL IDEAL ".This simple trade name became the company name which in turn would develop into a well-known brand name in the international hairdressing trade.

The objective of the company was to offer the hairdresser a quality product range for exclusive salon use. Success was first to be achieved by extremely high quality products and, secondly, by means of agents capable of mediating between supplier and hairdresser, working hard to establish and cultivate a trusting relationship.

Progress through vision - 1950-1960
The company founder´s drive and vision contributed to the enormous progress of the company. The hairstyles of the 50s and 60s contributed greatly to a further expansion of GOLDWELL. Back-combed hairstyles à la Brigitte Bardot of Farah Diba were the height of fashion. Vast amounts of hairspray were needed to fix theses hairstyles. Investments were made in the very latest apparatus and equipment in order to develop a hairspray based on the daily practice of hairdressing: the aerosol SPRÜHGOLD. By virtue of its outstanding quality, this brand name very quickly earned a leading position as a top quality hairspray. From this leading position, an extensive market for the sale of hairspray by hairdressers developed, since salon clients wanted to enjoy the quality of the "Hairspray in the pink can" at home too. At that time, Goldwell owned the largest and most up-to-date aerosol filling operation in Europe and became the largest supplier of hairspray to hairdressing establishments.

(Report taken from the trade magazine "Aerosol Report", August 1989)

International "Innovative Motor" of the sector - 1970, 1976, 1979
In previous years, the company had earned a good reputation with its ingenious solutions to day-to-day hairdressing salon problems as well as its product ideas which frequently revolutionized the market. In 1976 Goldwell gained international recognition in the world of hairdressing. This year saw the launch of the first and only permanent wave solution in the world that turned to foam on contact with air. This development turned the entire permanent wave market upside down. Yet another decisive breakthrough had been achieved. Goldwell had earned itself its reputation as an innovator and pacesetter for the sector within the international hairdressing trade.

Stability and growth. Future through global presence - 1980-1989
The late 70s and 80s were marked most significantly by international expansion. Goldwell subsidiaries were established not only in central Europe but also in the USA, South Africa and Australia. Furthermore, Goldwell was able to achieve a foothold in Japan and Scandinavia through exclusive distributors. In 1989 Goldwell became part of the Japanese Kao Corporation in Tokyo.

The founder, Hans Erich Dotter, withdrew from the active Management team and is now Honorary Chairman of the Board of Directors.

The philosophy and the principles of the company have remained unchanged.

Goldwell has been and continues to be faithful to the hairdressing trade. - 1990, 1996, 2000
Goldwell´s integration into the Kao Corporation opened up new prospects and opportunities for a secure future. A modern research and development centre was built, and over 100 new jobs were created for scientists.

Production was equipped with the latest high performance machinery and the logistic center was extended. In order to meet the training, and further training requirements of hairdressers more precisely, education centers were established in Germany and Europe, a network that would bring the company closer to the clients. They are major strategic building blocks in the company´s policy. Today Goldwell products are available exclusively to hairdressers in more than 30 countries.

Our products enjoy huge recognition by hairdressing professionals and obtain high levels of satisfaction from their salon clients. Nothing stands in the way of further global expansion of the company.