Schwarzkopf

Schwarzkopf looks back on one of the longest success stories in the cosmetics industry: in 1898, chemist Hans Schwarzkopf opened a small specialty shop for dyes, drugs, and perfumery in Berlin. In 1903 he launched Germany's first powder shampoo, and in 1927 his wife Martha Schwarzkopf, who ran the company after his death, achieved the next milestone with Europe's first liquid shampoo. Igora Royal followed in 1960 as one of the most important professional colorations for hairdressers to this day, and the first hairspray came in 1955. Schwarzkopf has been part of the Henkel Group since 1995 and is now available in over 125 countries. More than 125 years of experience and over 7,600 registered patents go into every bottle today, which makes the brand a real constant in our range.

Schwarzkopf is one of the most research-intensive hair cosmetics brands out there and continuously files new patents. Within the EU, testing cosmetics on animals has been banned by law since 2013, and Schwarzkopf naturally complies with this. Certain lines such as Taft or Chroma ID additionally carry the PETA-Approved Vegan seal and are completely free of animal-derived ingredients; whether that applies to a specific product is shown by the seal on the packaging or product page. Another plus: back in 1980, Schwarzkopf was one of the first international manufacturers to switch entirely to CFC-free sprays, so sustainability has quite a tradition at the brand.

There's no blanket answer for the brand as a whole, since the formulas differ significantly by line. Classic care ranges such as Gliss use nourishing silicones in some products for noticeably smoother hair, while other formulas are deliberately free of silicones and sulfates. The most reliable source is always the INCI list on the relevant product page, where you can see exactly what's inside. If you're generally looking for silicone-free care, you'll often find what you need in our Aveda category.

Let's bring some order to the range: Gliss is your go-to for hair repair with damaged or split-prone hair. BC Bonacure brings treatments originally developed for the salon home, for volume, moisture, or mature hair. Osis+ is the styling line for creative looks, from texture spray to gel, while Silhouette delivers classic hairsprays and mousses for reliable hold. When it comes to coloration, there are two routes: Igora Royal is the professional salon coloration with long-lasting results, and Palette is the uncomplicated option for coloring your hair at home yourself. You'll find all the care lines bundled in our Shampoos & Care category, styling products in Styling & Accessories, and every shade in Hair Colors & Tints.

For the best results we recommend a three-step routine: shampoo to cleanse, followed by a treatment or conditioner for moisture and smoothness, and, if needed, a leave-in product or oil as extra care that isn't rinsed out. BC Bonacure and Gliss treatments should be left in for one to two applications per week depending on your hair's condition; for everyday use a light conditioner is usually enough. You'll find matching products for your shampoo in our Conditioners & Leave-Ins category, and it's worth checking out Hair Oil & Scalp Care for additional scalp treatment.

From a scientific standpoint, there's no general reason to avoid coloration during pregnancy, since the safety of hair dyes is already taken into account during product development. If you're unsure, it's best to briefly discuss the application with your gynecologist. Regardless of that, the same rule applies to every coloration: carry out the allergy test described in the package insert at least 48 hours beforehand, which is a legal requirement for all manufacturers. For a sensitive scalp, we also recommend a strand test as well as mild care products from our Shampoos & Care category afterward.

Yes, the range is deliberately broad for exactly that reason. Fine hair benefits from the volumizing BC Bonacure Volume Boost products, curly and wavy hair from the moisturizing BC Bonacure treatments, and severely stressed or chemically treated hair gets intensive repair from the Gliss Ultimate Repair series or BlondMe for lightened hair. After straightening, Strait Styling Therapy is the right choice. In our shop you can filter directly by hair type to find your ideal product faster.

Schwarzkopf wins us over above all with its enormous breadth: from coloration to styling to salon care, the brand covers virtually every hair need. L'Oréal Paris has a similar focus on coloration and styling, but stands out with its own ingredient innovations such as Elasticium. Aveda is the right address if plant-based ingredients and a natural cosmetics approach matter more to you than the broadest product range. For budget-friendly everyday care, it's also worth taking a look at Newwell.