In 1898 Berlin-based chemist Hans Schwarzkopf opened a tiny drugstore with a popular perfume section. Schwarzkopf's talent for innovation and his distaste for the harsh soap used in shampoo led him to create a powder shampoo that dissolved in water. This became one of the drugstore's biggest hits, and Schwarzkopf was soon supplying the formula to companies in Berlin and beyond.

Schwarzkopf's success allowed him to open the very first hairdressing training centre, and he subsequently produced the first liquid shampoo, the first at-home hair colourant, and the first hairspray to the market.

Not content with creating some of the most widely-used formulations on the market, the Schwarzkopf brand would revolutionise the world of hairdressing with its strategies of consultation, technology and training. They would also go on to deliver the first universal hair care system of shampoo, conditioner, and treatment.

Today, Schwarzkopf Professional is comprised of BC Bonacure, BlondMe, Essensity, Igora Senea, Osis+ and [3D]MENSION brands, each one committed to the health and wellbeing of all hair.