Walpole: Tell us about the history of your brand…
Anabel Kingsley: My father, Philip Kingsley, founded the brand more than sixty years ago with a pioneering vision for hair and scalp health. What began in our London clinic evolved into a globally respected British haircare brand rooted in trichology, innovation and a holistic approach to hair wellness. Today, I’m proud to continue that legacy as a family-owned, independent business.
What is your brand best known for?
We are best known for our trichological expertise in hair and scalp health and for changing the way people think about haircare. Long before “skinification” became a trend, we understood that healthy hair begins with a healthy scalp. We’re also known for iconic formulations such as Elasticizer Deep Conditioning Treatment – it was the world's first pre-shampoo treatment, originally created by my father for Audrey Hepburn – and our best-seller, Flaky/Itchy Scalp Anti-Dandruff Shampoo that my father created for Sir Laurence Olivier.
What has been a significant achievement in your company’s timeline?
There have been so many, from Elasticizer celebrating 50 years to winning over 150 beauty awards, and being one of the few hair care brands that are family-owned and funded. On the whole, one of our greatest achievements has been helping bring trichology and scalp health into the mainstream beauty conversation. We’ve spent decades educating consumers and developing science-led solutions that have transformed how people care for their hair.
Why do you love the brand?
I love that we genuinely make a difference in people’s lives. Hair is so closely tied to confidence and identity, and helping someone restore their hair health – and often their self-esteem – is incredibly meaningful. It’s a privilege to continue my father’s life’s work.
Why does your brand represent the very best in British luxury?
For me, British luxury is about expertise, integrity and exceptional quality. Everything we create is backed by decades of clinical knowledge and developed with meticulous attention to performance and care. We combine heritage with innovation in a way that feels distinctly British and deeply personal.
What attracted you to becoming a Walpole member?
Walpole represents an inspiring community of British brands that share a commitment to craftsmanship, innovation and excellence. I’m proud for Philip Kingsley to be part of an organisation that champions modern British luxury on a global stage.
If you could collaborate with another Walpole member, which one would you choose?
This is a hard question to answer as Walpole counts so many wonderful British heritage brands amongst its membership. However, if I had to choose one, it would be The Beaumont Mayfair – It epitomises British luxury and has a gorgeous tranquillity spa. It is also a stone’s throw away from our Mayfair Clinic and, on a personal note, it’s where my father took my now-husband for dinner when they first met.
I’d love to develop a bespoke, fragranced version of our award-winning Elasticizer pre-shampoo deep conditioning mask that could be incorporated into their spa treatments and offered to their guests to apply before enjoying their steam room. My vision is to infuse Elasticizer with The Beaumont Mayfair’s decadent signature fragrance – the warm, sophisticated scent notes that welcome guests upon entering the lobby. The prospect of extending this personalised product line to in-room guest amenities is also certainly appealing, but one step at a time.
Tell us about an exciting development or new launch for your brand in the coming months?
There are a few but I can't say too much right now. We have lots of new product and service innovation in the pipeline, and I have a personal project I am very excited to launch in the autumn of 2026. As awareness around scalp care grows globally, and the conversation around preservation and longevity continues, we’re excited to bring even more trichological expertise to our customers worldwide.
philipkingsley.co.uk
