Wella hair care

Wella is a venerable titan in the professional beauty industry, founded in 1880 by German hairdresser Franz Ströher. Originally starting as a manufacturer of tulle for wigs, the company transitioned into hair care and perming products as fashions changed, eventually becoming one of the most recognized professional hair brands globally.

Historically, Wella was a family-owned German enterprise until it was acquired by Procter & Gamble in 2003. It later moved to Coty Inc. in 2015 as part of a major beauty portfolio merger. As of late 2025 and into 2026, Wella has completed its transition into a fully independent entity. Following a multi-year divestiture process, the private equity firm KKR (Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co.) has become the ultimate owner after acquiring the remaining stakes previously held by Coty. The company is now officially known as The Wella Company, with its global operational headquarters located in Geneva, Switzerland.

Manufacturing for Wella products occurs across a global network of facilities to support its presence in over 150 countries. Key research and production hubs remain in Germany (specifically Darmstadt and Hünfeld), but the company also utilizes manufacturing sites across Europe and the United States to meet regional demand.