Our Story

Over 125 years ago, a small Berlin drugstore laid the foundation for the brand Schwarzkopf, now a global leader in hair. Since 1898, when chemist and pharmacist Hans Schwarzkopf opened his "color, drug, and perfume shop" in Berlin-Charlottenburg, the brand has been driven by a passion for innovation, precision, and stunning results.

Expertise for
over 125 years

The beginning of Schwarzkopf

Hans Schwarzkopf, a chemist and pharmacist, opens a "color, drug, and perfumery shop" on Passauer Straße in Berlin-Charlottenburg. Did he already suspect back then that he was laying the foundation for one of the world’s most influential hair cosmetics companies?

1st Hair Washing Powder

The first innovation wasn’t long in coming: Hans Schwarzkopf launched a powdered shampoo. Priced at 20 pfennigs per sachet, it was dissolved in water and quickly became far more popular than the hair-washing soaps available at the time. The packaging already shows the now familiar Black Silhouette picture mark, a black icon of a head in profile.

1st Dry Shampoo

Schwarzkopf launched another innovation: the 1st dry shampoo to get beautiful hair on only 3 minutes.

1st Liquid Shampoo & 1st Hair Research Institute

Schwarzkopf introduces the first ever liquid shampoo to the market. The demand fuels fast-paced growth and prompts the opening of the very first hairdressing training center: the "Schwarzkopf Institute for Hair Hygiene", the first known institute specializing in this field.

1st Non-Alkaline Shampoo

Schwarzkopf invents "Onakali", the world’s first non-alkaline shampoo. Onalkali is now considered the prototype for all modern shampoos.

Onaltherma: 1st Permanent Wave Without Heat 1st Home Hair Colour Was Born

Onaltherma is introduced: Schwarzkopf revolutionizes the German market and allows women to achieve a permanent wave without needing to heat hair to 100 degrees.

Further, Schwarzkopf launches the first home hair colour - Poly Color.

Taft: The Original Liquid Hairnet

Described as a ‘liquid hairnet’ aka hairspray, this was the first product of its kind that could protect hair from wind and wild weather conditions that could disrupt your style. Called Taft, the Germans even created a new verb - ‘taften’ which means ‘to spray with hairspray’.

Launch of Igora Royal

Igora Royal - Schwarzkopf Professional’s top colouring range - is introduced. The brand has grown to become a global force in the salon world.

Schwarzkopf "Method" Approach to Perm Services

Schwarzkopf creates and launches a "method" approach to perm services that includes consultation, products, technology and training.

The Opening of the first Schwarzkopf Academy

Opening of the Schwarzkopf Academy, an international seminar and training center, in Hamburg.

Celebrating 100 Years of Schwarzkopf with a revolutionary Launch

100 Years of Schwarzkopf. The launch of Re-Nature, a self-repigmenting hair colour for grey hair designed to restore hair to its natural shade. The revolutionary formula works by oxidising with air, causing grey to vanish.

The Launch of Osis

Schwarzkopf Professional launches OSIS - a new styling brand for professional hairdressers, inspired by session stylists. Global hair icon Umberto Giannini champions this edgy, dynamic and fashion inspired brand.

Launch of Color Ultime

Launch of Schwarzkopf Color Ultimate: a foam colorant with the so-called “2-chamber-system” (color component and ‘developer’ component have no longer to be mixed) enriches the Schwarzkopf product line.