What is it? Launched in Hong Kong in November, Philip Kingsley is a premium British haircare brand with Trichological Clinics in London's Mayfair and Harrods and in New York. The company says the term 'bad hair day' was coined by its founder, Philip Kingsley, who made haircare products for celebrities such as Kate Winslet, the late Audrey Hepburn, Kirsten Dunst and Jerry Hall.
What is its philosophy? Kingsley - with 50 years of experience in the hair industry - set out to challenge the historical view of defining hair needs as 'normal, dry or oily'. He said it was impossible to describe hair accurately with these narrow categories. Kingsley's aim was to personalise haircare, whatever its texture, behaviour or whether it had been chemically processed. He has therefore redefined hair types by assessing their shapes, sizes and treatments - which, he says, is the best way to choose a haircare routine.
What about the man himself? Apart from the trichology clinics he established in Britain, Kingsley has published three books on hair and scalp care and as a past chairman of the Institute of Trichologists, aimed to raise standards of education and professionalism in the hair care industry. The New York Times called him 'The Hair Guru' and The Sunday Times described him as 'The Hair Doctor'. He is still working as a consultant, researcher and columnist.
Any new products that stand out? The company says the global best-seller is the Elasticizer (HK$250/150ml, HK$890/500ml), which was the winner of InStyle Magazine's Best Beauty Buys of 2008. It's a pre-shampoo intensive conditioning treatment to add moisture, silkiness, elasticity and bounce. The company says it also provides protection from the Sun's ultraviolet rays.
Where can I get it? Philip Kingsley products are sold at Lane Crawford IFC 2, Pacific Place and Times Square. Prices start at HK$90.