Philip Kingsley – The Trichologist-Backed Hair Care Brand

Philip Kingsley is a name that appears frequently in conversations about hair health — but many shoppers are unsure whether it is a person, a brand, or both. The answer is straightforward: Philip Kingsley was a pioneering British trichologist, and his name lives on as a premium hair care brand built on scientific principles.

The company he founded has been formulating products for over 60 years, with the Elasticizer pre-shampoo treatment as its most famous offering. Unlike many beauty labels that rely on marketing, Philip Kingsley grounds its formulas in trichology — the study of hair and scalp disorders. This article covers who Philip Kingsley was, what makes the Elasticizer unique, where to buy the products in the UK, and which ranges target hair thinning and growth.

Who Is Philip Kingsley? The Legacy of a Pioneering Trichologist

• 🧑‍🔬 Founder: Philip Kingsley (1930–2016), British trichologist
• 🧴 Iconic Product: Elasticizer – pre-shampoo treatment
• ✅ Key Benefit: Scientifically backed, trichologist-formulated hair care
• 🛒 Availability: Online at philipkingsley.co.uk, Boots, M&S, Amazon UK

Key insights about Philip Kingsley

• Philip Kingsley pioneered trichology-based hair care over 60 years ago, bridging dermatology and hair science.
• The Elasticizer remains the brand’s most famous product, praised for moisturising and strengthening hair.
• Customer reviews consistently highlight visible improvement in hair texture and reduced shedding with the Density range.
• Philip Kingsley’s formulations avoid harsh sulfates and parabens, appealing to the ‘clean beauty’ trend.
• The brand maintains a strong UK presence via both DTC and major retailers, but lacks visibility in US markets.

Philip Kingsley’s Early Life and Career

Born in London on 4 June 1930, Philip Kingsley studied trichology in the 1950s and opened an early practice dedicated to hair and scalp health. He became one of the first professionals to treat hair loss and damage from a medical rather than cosmetic standpoint, as noted in his Wikipedia entry.

The Science of Trichology: What Does a Trichologist Do?

Trichologists specialise in diagnosing and managing conditions affecting the hair and scalp, such as thinning, shedding, dandruff, and psoriasis. Philip Kingsley applied this clinical knowledge to product development, creating treatments that target underlying issues rather than surface appearance.

Philip Kingsley’s Death and Lasting Influence

Philip Kingsley died on 4 September 2016 at the age of 86. The brand continues under his family and an expert team, maintaining the trichology-first philosophy. According to the official site, “Discover Philip Kingsley’s professional haircare, including our iconic Elasticizer, targeted scalp treatments and expert shampoos and conditioners.”

What Is Philip Kingsley Elasticizer? The Iconic Pre-Shampoo Treatment

The Elasticizer is a pre-shampoo deep conditioning treatment designed to restore moisture, elasticity, and shine. It was launched in the 1970s and quickly became a cult product. The brand describes it as “scientifically proven to work super well” for fragile, dehydrated hair.

Elasticizer Ingredients and How It Works

Key ingredients include castor oil for hydration, hydrolysed elastin for strength, and olive oil for shine. The formula is free from parabens and sulfates, making it safe for most hair types, especially dry, damaged, colour-treated, or porous hair.

Step-by-Step Guide to Using Elasticizer

1. Apply a generous amount to damp hair, focusing on mid-lengths to ends, before shampooing.
2. Leave on for 10–20 minutes; for maximum effect, leave overnight under a shower cap or towel.
3. Follow with shampoo and conditioner as normal.

Elasticizer Reviews: What Users Say

Most users report softer, stronger, and more resilient hair after one use. Many highlight improved manageability, reduced frizz, and restored shine – especially for highlighted or chemically treated hair. A small number of reviews mention a “straw-like” feel after shampooing, but this appears to be an outlier. The product is often compared to Olaplex, with users noting that Elasticizer focuses more on hydration and elasticity than bond repair.

Where Can I Buy Philip Kingsley Products? UK Retailers and Online Options

Philip Kingsley products are widely available across the UK both online and in select stores. The brand operates its own direct-to-consumer site and partners with major retailers.

Buying Directly from Philip Kingsley UK

The official website offers free delivery, samples, and treatment subscriptions. It is the most reliable source for the full product range, including the Elasticizer and Density lines.

Philip Kingsley at Boots, M&S, and Amazon

Boots and Marks & Spencer stock selected Philip Kingsley items, primarily shampoos, conditioners, and the Elasticizer. Amazon UK also lists the brand, often with user reviews. Note that pricing and stock can vary by retailer.

Philip Kingsley Offers and Discount Codes in 2025

Discount codes and promotions change frequently. Current deals should be verified on the brand’s site or at retailers like Feel Unique, where the 150ml Elasticizer is sometimes discounted to £26.25–£28. A 75ml tube costs around £19, while the professional 1000ml size is roughly £92.

What Are the Best Philip Kingsley Products for Hair Growth? Reviews and Results

While the Elasticizer is the hero product for hydration, the brand also offers solutions for thinning hair and scalp health. The Density range was introduced to address hair loss concerns.

The Density Range: Fighting Thinning Hair

The Density range is designed to slow hair loss and target male pattern hair loss, according to Trustpilot reviews. Unlike the Elasticizer, which focuses on moisture, Density products aim to improve hair density and reduce shedding. User reports often mention visible improvement in hair texture and less hair in the shower drain.

Shampoos and Conditioners for Different Hair Types

Philip Kingsley offers shampoos and conditioners tailored to fine, normal, dry, and sensitive scalps. All formulations avoid harsh sulfates and parabens. The brand’s trichology background means each product targets a specific concern rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach.

Scalp Treatments and Serums for Healthy Growth

The scalp treatment line includes pre-shampoo masks, exfoliating tonics, and serums that address itchiness, flaking, and congestion – factors that can impede healthy hair growth. These are less famous than the Elasticizer but receive positive feedback from users with scalp conditions.

The Philip Kingsley Legacy – Key Milestones

1. 1930 – Philip Kingsley born in London.
2. 1950s – Begins studying trichology; opens early practice.
3. 1970s – Launches Elasticizer – quickly becomes a cult product.
4. 2000s – Expands product range to include Density line for thinning hair.
5. 2016 – Philip Kingsley passes away; brand continues under family and expert team.
6. 2025 – Brand still active, available at major UK retailers and online.

What Is Proven and What Remains Uncertain About Philip Kingsley Products

Philip Kingsley: Merging Trichology with Consumer Hair Care

Philip Kingsley stands out in the hair care market by grounding its products in trichology – the science of hair health. Unlike many beauty brands, the formulations are developed by a qualified trichologist (the late Philip Kingsley and now his team). The brand caters primarily to people with scalp issues, thinning hair, or damaged hair. Its strongest competitor is Ouai and other “derm-approved” lines. However, Kingsley’s niche authority gives it an E-E-A-T advantage. The absence of extensive US distribution limits reach, but the loyal UK customer base remains strong.

What Sources Say About Philip Kingsley

“Philip Kingsley (4 June 1930 – 4 September 2016) was a British trichologist, author and hair-care specialist.”

– Wikipedia

“Discover Philip Kingsley’s professional haircare, including our iconic Elasticizer, targeted scalp treatments and expert shampoos and conditioners.”

– Official Brand Site

“British hair care brand Philip Kingsley believe healthy hair can change your life. Established more than 60 years ago.”

– Boots

Summary: Is Philip Kingsley Worth Trying?

Philip Kingsley is a trusted, premium UK brand with the Elasticizer as its bestselling deep-conditioning treatment. While the price is mid-to-high, most users agree it offers excellent value for transformative results. For severe dehydration, choose Elasticizer Extreme; for hair loss concerns, explore the Density range. If you’re looking for more guidance on trichology-based routines, our Hair Care Guides – Trichology Tips can help you build a personalised plan. For those specifically dealing with thinning hair, check our Best Products for Thinning Hair roundup.

Frequently Asked Questions