Founded in London in 1957 by pioneering trichologist Philip Kingsley, the brand has long occupied a unique position in haircare – rooted in clinical science rather than trend cycles. Nearly seven decades on, it remains 100% family owned, with Philip’s daughter, Anabel Kingsley, now at the helm as Brand President and Consultant Trichologist. We sat down with Anabel to find out how that remarkable legacy continues to shape the brand today.
CEW: Philip Kingsley was founded as a trichology clinic decades before scalp care became a mainstream category. How has that clinical heritage shaped how you lead the brand today?
Our clinical heritage is at the heart of every decision we make, we have a live focus group within our walls, all day, every day. Long before scalp care became mainstream (which is still relatively new), my father, Philip Kingsley, understood that healthy hair begins with a healthy scalp and that hair concerns should be approached through science, not guesswork. The clinic he founded in London in 1957 was built around treating real people with real hair and scalp concerns, and that remains our guiding principle today. As Brand President, I lead with the same philosophy: every product must solve a genuine need that we see in our clinics. We don’t formulate around trends; we formulate around expertise, efficacy and long-term results. The fact that we continue to work directly with clients in both London and New York gives us a unique perspective that keeps us grounded in science and real-world outcomes.
CEW: As both a consultant trichologist and Brand President, how do you balance rigorous clinical principles with modern consumer expectations?
I don’t see science and consumer expectations as opposing forces. Consumers today are more informed than ever and increasingly want evidence-based solutions. My role is to ensure that the science remains uncompromised while making it accessible and enjoyable. Clinical efficacy is non-negotiable, but packaging, texture, fragrance, sensorial experience and ease of use are also important because people are far more likely to maintain a routine they genuinely enjoy. Ultimately, our goal is to translate complex trichological knowledge into products and advice that fit seamlessly into modern life. There’s a lot of misinformation to cut through. Science should empower consumers, not overwhelm or confuse them.
CEW: The brand has remained family owned since its founding. How has that independence shaped your approach?
Being family owned gives us the freedom to think in decades rather than quarters (although they of course still matter for long term success.) But, it allows us to make decisions based on what is best for our customers and clients rather than what might generate the quickest return because we are held to investors. We’re fortunate not to be under pressure to chase every viral trend or launch products simply because a category is growing. Instead, we can invest in education and innovation that align with our core expertise. That independence also means we can remain true to the values my father established: honesty, transparency and genuinely helping people achieve healthier hair. Those principles have guided the company for nearly seventy years and continue to do so today.
CEW: What are the most common misconceptions you still see consumers make about scalp health and hair loss?
One of the biggest misconceptions is that scalp health is only important if you have a visible problem such as dandruff or irritation. In reality, the scalp is living tissue and deserves the same care and attention as the skin on your face for prevention and longevity. Another common misunderstanding is that hair loss is purely a cosmetic issue or something that only affects men. We see women of all ages experiencing hair shedding and thinning, often linked to stress, nutritional factors, hormonal changes or health events. I also think social media has fuelled the belief that there is a quick fix for every hair concern. Hair growth is a biological process, and meaningful improvements typically require consistency, patience and an evidence-based approach.
CEW: You work across London and New York. Do you see differences in how consumers approach haircare in those two markets?
There are certainly similarities, but there are also some interesting differences. Consumers in New York tend to be incredibly proactive and often come to us seeking preventative solutions. They’re generally very engaged with wellness and are interested in understanding how nutrition, stress and lifestyle influence hair health. In London, there is often a slightly more reactive approach, most likely due to the fact that as a society we largely don’t pay for healthcare like in the US. That said, both markets have become much more educated about scalp health over the last decade. We’re seeing growing recognition that scalp care is not a niche category but an essential part of overall hair health.
CEW: You have a book launching in September. What’s the one key takeaway you want readers to have?
If readers take away one thing, I hope it’s to think of your hair health as holistic health. Healthy hair begins at the scalp but it is intrinsically linked to your health and well-being. Many of the concerns people struggle with, from excessive shedding to poor hair quality can be prevented with the right education around daily habits. My forthcoming book, Haircare: The Ultimate Guide, is really about cutting through misinformation and helping people understand their hair from the inside out. I want readers to feel empowered to make informed decisions rather than being swayed by every new trend they encounter online. The healthiest hair routines are usually the simplest: care for your scalp, be consistent, and don’t expect overnight miracles.
Read more about Philip Kingsley here
