Schwarzkopf is a globally recognized hair cosmetic brand with a history spanning over 125 years, specializing in hair care, styling, and coloration for both retail consumers and professional salon markets. Headquartered in Düsseldorf, Germany, it has been a core brand within the Henkel portfolio since its acquisition in 1995.

Core Business Areas

Schwarzkopf operates as an umbrella brand with two primary segments:

Retail Consumer Products:
Provides hair care, styling, and coloration products directly to consumers through major brands such as göt2b, Keratin Color, Gliss, Palette, and Taft.

Schwarzkopf Professional:
A dedicated unit for hair stylists and salons, offering exclusive labels, professional-grade hair color like IGORA, and extensive education and training programs.

Key Historical Innovations

The brand is credited with several industry-firsts that have shaped modern hair care:

Powder Shampoo (1903):
Hans Schwarzkopf launched the first powdered shampoo, which was more convenient than the hair-washing soaps of the time.

Liquid Shampoo (1927):
Developed the first mass-produced liquid shampoo.

Cold Perm (1947):
Introduced Onaltherma, allowing for permanent waves without the need for extreme heat.

Hairspray (1955):
Launched Taft, the first hairspray, which became so popular it created the German verb “taften” (to spray with hairspray).

CFC-Free Hairspray (1987):
Became the first cosmetics manufacturer to react to environmental concerns by making Taft hairspray completely chlorofluorocarbon (CFC)-free.

Strategic Identity and Sustainability

Brand Mission:
Schwarzkopf defines its purpose as being “change makers—together,” focusing on transforming hair, creating beauty, and fueling creativity.

Visual Identity:
The brand is easily identified by its signature silhouette trademark (the “black head”), which appears on all product packaging and advertising.

Sustainability Efforts:
The company is moving toward more sustainable practices, such as using 100% recycled aluminum tubes for certain color lines and offering vegan formulas like IGORA ZERO AMM.

Digital Innovation:
They have developed tools like Choicify, an app that uses mobile color consultation to help consumers virtually try hair shades before purchasing.

Global Presence
Schwarzkopf products reach customers in over 150 countries. It maintains a significant presence through educational centers like the Schwarzkopf Institute for Hair Hygiene (founded in 1927) and experiential spaces like the House of Schwarzkopf in Berlin.