Kao Corporation

What better way to take your social skills to the next level than a two-day event packed with creativity, community and fun – and a grid-worthy venue? 🚀 Last week, our iconic salon brand Goldwell held its first-ever social media event dedicated to enhancing the digital and social media skills of its global community of hairdresser influencers. Featuring an inspiring programme with speaker sessions by industry experts, immersing brand experience areas with stunning décor and a special social salon for Goldwell's favorite color brands Topchic including Topchic Zero, Elumen, and Colorance including Light Dimensions, the event offered insipirational content for everyone. From strategy to storytelling, and community building to future trends – the keynotes were packed with social media knowledge by expert hosts such as Carsta Maria Mueller (MBA), Ben Lifton and Pauline Stockmann. The event proved to be a groundbreaking experience for Goldwell’s talented color community, beautifully blending color artistry, content creation, and digital upskilling in a relaxed networking atmosphere. Goldwell Color Collective member Stacey Smoker said: “I was so excited to be inspired by my incredible fellow stylist creators from all over the world. The speaker sessions were eye-opening, and I had so much fun creating the most amazing content in this beautiful location”.

Luxury and efficiency going hand-in-hand: Molton Brown just launched their new Floating Dispenser, supporting an elevated and streamlined guest experinece for their hotel partners. The Floating Dispenser features a sleek, modern, durable design that’s tamper-proof, allows quick installation and easy replenishment. It’s made from 30% post-consumer recycled material and available in the brand’s 360ml Luxury Collection (Orange & Bergamot, Coastal Cypress & Sea Fennel, Heavenly Gingerlily and Indian Cress Purifying Shampoo & Conditioner) and 1971 Collection. Steve Clark, Senior Director Retail & Hotel at Molton Brown, says: “At Molton Brown, we believe in creating the perfect tailored luxury experience for every guest. With decades in this business, we also understand how important improving operational effectiveness is for our hotel partners. Our new Floating Dispenser meets both these needs by broadening the choice within our range.”

Our Salon Team UK & Ireland is proud to welcome Mark Leeson, one of the most revered multi-award-winning names in the industry, back to Kao Salon Division as a Goldwell ambassador. Together with Co-Director Richard Darby and their salon team as Guest Artists, Mark is reigniting a long-standing, celebrated partnership, which also coincides with him celebrating 40 years in hairdressing. Commenting on his return, Mark said: “Goldwell is a name that is and has always been very close to my heart. Coming ‘home’ to Kao and Goldwell this year, as I mark four decades, feels like a very poignant move. The business has been there through some of my greatest triumphs, and I look forward to collaborating with the Kao and Goldwell family again as I embark on my next chapter.” Julie Winchester, General Manager Kao Salon Division UKI, said: “Mark's unwavering passion, creativity, and commitment to excellence have made him a true icon, not just in the UK, but globally. Our partnership over the years has been one of mutual respect and shared vision. Here’s to many more years of inspiring artistry and continued success together!” #SalonBusiness #HairdressingIndustry #BrandAmbassador 

At Kao, we believe that prioritising mental health and wellbeing is key to maintaining an open dialogue, removing stigma and creating a safe environment where people can be themselves. Across Kao regions, we provide a range of dedicated resources for mental health and wellbeing, from the Calm app and flexible work arrangements to Employee Assistance programs and training for Mental Health First Aiders to provide initial support and assistance to employees experiencing mental health challenges.  Today, meet Chelsea Geary, who shares why this work is so important to her.

At Kao, we believe that prioritising mental health and wellbeing is key to maintaining an open dialogue, removing stigma and creating a safe environment where people can be themselves. Across Kao regions, we provide a range of dedicated resources for mental health and wellbeing, from the Calm app and flexible work arrangements to Employee Assistance programs and training for Mental Health First Aiders to provide initial support and assistance to employees experiencing mental health challenges.  Today, meet Barbara Zyszczyk, who shares why this work is so important to her.

At Kao, we believe that prioritising mental health and wellbeing is key to maintaining an open dialogue, removing stigma and creating a safe environment where people can be themselves. Across Kao regions, we provide a range of dedicated resources for mental health and wellbeing, from the Calm app and flexible work arrangements to Employee Assistance programs and training for Mental Health First Aiders to provide initial support and assistance to employees experiencing mental health challenges.  Today, meet Chloe Hogan, who shares why this work is so important to her.

At Kao, we believe that prioritising mental health and wellbeing is key to maintaining an open dialogue, removing stigma and creating a safe environment where people can be themselves. Across Kao regions, we provide a range of dedicated resources for mental health and wellbeing, from the Calm app and flexible work arrangements to Employee Assistance programs and training for Mental Health First Aiders to provide initial support and assistance to employees experiencing mental health challenges.  Today, meet Helen Boshier, who shares why this work is so important to her.

On today’s World Homeless Day, we are proud to share that our John Frieda UK team has partnered for a third year with Crisis, the national charity for people experiencing homelessness in Great Britain. John Frieda UK is supporting the organisation by providing free haircuts to people supported by Crisis and raising vital funds via a limited edition of their Volume Lift Conditioner.    For every limited edition John Frieda Volume Lift Conditioner purchased at Boots, Superdrug, Amazon, or Sainsbury’s, either online or in store, John Frieda will donate 50p directly to Crisis, with a minimum donation of £32,000 guaranteed. With this commitment, John Frieda will have donated over £100,000 to Crisis over the last three years, helping many people build their lives beyond homelessness.

At Kao, we believe that prioritising mental health and wellbeing is key to maintaining an open dialogue, removing stigma and creating a safe environment where people can be themselves. Across Kao regions, we provide a range of dedicated resources for mental health and wellbeing, from the Calm app and flexible work arrangements to Employee Assistance programs and training for Mental Health First Aiders to provide initial support and assistance to employees experiencing mental health challenges.  Today, meet Heike Scheuch, who shares why this work is so important to her.

At Kao, we have a special word that describes our mission as a company and our approach to everything we do: ‘kirei’. Kirei describes something that is clean, well-ordered and beautiful, all at the same time. But it is so much more than just a word – to us, it’s a philosophy and an attitude, to create beauty for oneself, other people and the world around us. Ever since the day of our founder more than 135 years ago, the vision of enabling people to live more beautiful lives has been our core value and has shaped who we are today. Kirei is at the heart of our business and our ESG Strategy, the Kirei Lifestyle Plan. As part of this, we aim to make life more beautiful and sustainable for people and the planet. Can you relate to the concept of ‘kirei’? Where do you experience something that is kirei in your life? Let us know! #Kirei #JapaneseHeritage #Sustainability