April 20th, 2020
This week we meet Anabel Kingsley, Consultant Trichologist, and Brand President of the Philip Kingsley Clinics and the Philip Kingsley product ranges. Her passion for hair and scalp health was inspired from a young age by her father, Philip Kingsley. She has written many articles about hair and scalp health for international magazines and has presented on-air at QVC. She is also involved with cancer charity Look Good, Feel Better contributing to their Guide to Managing Hair Loss during and after cancer treatment. She started her career at Philip Kingsley in 2006, qualifying as a Trichologist in 2013.
What’s your background; was it inevitable that you would become a Trichologist?
I’ve always been fascinated with health, wellness and psychology, so becoming a Trichologist is really the perfect fit! However, when I was in my late teens I dabbled in singing and songwriting; musical genes run through my mother’s side of the family. My father was very supportive and never pressured me to follow in his footsteps. I studied History at University – specializing in the history of medicine. I actually did my 2nd year thesis on what would happen if there was another Pandemic.
What were the challenges you faced in taking over your father’s brand?
Whenever you work within a family business, unless you started it from scratch yourself, you definitely had to prove yourself. But so it should be – I am well aware I am very fortunate to be in the position I’m in. However, I worked my way up through the ranks with no corner cutting. I started in the mail order department packing products and organizing shelves, then moved onto manning reception, up through marketing, social media management and so on.
In terms of challenges, there have been many! I think one of the biggest is maintaining brand integrity. No one cares as much as the owner about company ethics or product efficacy. I’ve learnt if you want things done right, you must do it yourself. Currently the company is run by myself, my mother and my husband.
What’s the first beauty or hair product you remember using as a teenager and has that affected your later product choices?
I have used Philip Kingsley products since I was a baby! The one that sticks in my mind most is our Moisture Balancing Conditioner. It is great at detangling children’s hair, as well as unruly teenage tresses.
What’s your favourite product? And one you wish you had created?
Our pre-shampoo conditioning treatment, Elasticizer. My father originally formulated it for Audrey Hepburn and it adds instant bounce, shine and strength.
In terms of what I wish I’d created, there are none. My father did an amazing job! There are ones I hope to create though – and our New Product Development team and I are currently working hard on some exciting innovations.
What’s the next big hair trend? Where do you get your forecasts from?
We keep an eye on different markets. We’re not overly fussed with trends as they come and go and often have no real science behind them. The most important thing is listening to our customers!
What are your plans for the future of the brand?
To bring Philip Kingsley hair care to more people. I want to expand internationally and in the States, all whilst maintaining our brand’s amazing integrity. It’s all-too-easy to grow at the detriment of core brand values.
What’s the one product you can’t live without?
Elasticizer, our pre-shampoo conditioning Treatment.
At the moment skin health is very topical – what should we be doing to ensure our hair and scalp are as clean and healthy as possible?
Your scalp is skin and should be given similar care and attention to the skin on your face. Cleanse and tone your scalp daily to every other day, and use an intensive weekly mask to keep it in great shape. Your scalp is your hair’s support system, so by virtue of keeping your scalp healthy, you will benefit your hair.
What is your greatest achievement so far with regards to your products? Why do you think they are so popular?
Our greatest achievement is staying true to our core values. Our products are popular because they work and do what they say on the box. We do not make false claims, or over-claim, and we only use the best ingredients. Doing so for the past 50 years has built us a strong reputation and means our customers trust us. A brand really is nothing without consumer trust and belief.
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