glass mirror hair
philip kingsley
REVIEW
I road-test Philip Kingsley’s science-led 4 step system…
My mission: soft, silky hair with reflective shine —aka ‘glass mirror hair’ (Claudia Winkleman, we see you).
From the haircare brand known for its trichology-led formulas, I put Philip Kingsley’s 4-step system to the test — including the cult product first created in the ’70s for Audrey Hepburn.
Mission accomplished? Here’s the full debrief…
Philip Kingsley Elasticizer - Deep Conditioning Treatment
The concept:
Originally developed for Audrey Hepburn in the 1970s, the Elasticizer is the brand’s most iconic hair treatment — with one sold every 16 seconds worldwide
Essentially, it’s a deep-conditioning pre-shampoo mask designed to give elasticity, moisture, strength, and shine to the hair without weighing it down
The scientifically balanced formula strengthens hair fibres and leaves hair silky after every use
Suitable for all hair types, though it’s especially popular for dry, damaged or treated hair
Key Ingredients:
Hydrolyzed Elastin, a protein derivative that improves hair stretch and resilience
Castor Seed Oil to nourish and protect strands
Olive Oil adds deep hydration and shine, while Glycerin acts as a humectant to retain moisture
Citric Acid helps balance pH for optimal scalp health
Accessibility of product (150ml option): Easy to open square cardboard box packaging. The product itself is contained inside a large pot with an easy screw top. Product can be easily scooped out.
Price: £39 for 150ml (also available in smaller or larger sizes)
How to apply Philip Kingsley Elasticizer:
Dampen hair with water before showering
Apply the Elasticizer generously from mid-lengths to ends
Leave for 10–20 minutes (or overnight for deep conditioning), you can cover with a shower cap or towel while it marinades
Rinse thoroughly, then shampoo and condition as usual
Philip Kingsley Flaky/Itchy Scalp Shampoo
The concept:
An award-winning shampoo formulated by trichologists to provide a gentle yet effective solution for dandruff, dryness and scalp irritation
Calms the scalp while cleansing away flakes without stripping natural oils
Suitable for all hair types
The product is dermatologically tested and ideal for those with sensitive or problem scalps, including conditions like seborrheic dermatitis or mild psoriasis
Key Ingredients:
Piroctone Olamine, an anti-microbial agent
Allantoin known for its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties to calm irritation
Glycerin, a humectant that retains moisture, keeping both scalp and hair hydrated
Citric Acid to balance scalp pH
Hydrolyzed Elastin, to improve hair elasticity and resilience
Accessibility of product (250ml option): The product itself is contained inside a rounded, small-ish squeeze bottle with a cap that you flip open. Minimal strength needed to get product out (may require more when the bottle is emptier).
Price: £31 for 250ml (also available in smaller or larger sizes)
Philip Kingsley Daily Damage Defence - Leave In Conditioner
The concept:
A leave-in conditioning spray that can be applied on wet or dry hair
Consider this product your hair’s “personal bodyguard” — a buffer against daily stressors like heat styling, UV exposure and environmental damage etc.
It’s a multi-tasker — from detangling and protection, to promoting smoothness and shine
Suitable for all hair textures, from fine to coarse
Key Ingredients:
Hydrolyzed Elastin to add strength, body and elasticity
Sweet Almond Seedcake Extract containing amino acids and proteins to smooth each strand
Pro-Vitamin B5 (Panthenol) to regulate moisture and plump hair for shine
Accessibility of product (125ml option): The product itself is contained inside a lightweight spray bottle with a plastic cap. The pump needs precision to press down, but it doesn’t require a huge amount of strength.
Price: £21 for 125ml (also available in a larger size)
How to apply Philip Kingsley Daily Damage Defence:
Rule number one: Always concentrate on mid-length to ends and avoid roots
On wet hair: After washing, while the hair is damp, shake the bottle, spray through mid-lengths and ends, then comb through and style as desired
On dry hair: You can also apply to dry hair to refresh, detangle and add smoothness before restyling. For coarse hair you might want to “scrunch” it into dry hair, but for fine-medium hair simply spray it through mid-lengths and ends
Philip Kingsley Frizz‑Fighting Gloss - Smoothing Serum
The concept:
A smoothing serum designed to tame frizz, control unruly hair and add shine.
According to the product description: “instantly smooths and controls frizz, leaving hair luxuriously glossy, soft and silky, with brilliant reflective shine.”
The formula offers heat protection up to 190 °C
Improves moisture retention while boosting hair vibrancy and colour longevity
Key ingredients:
A blend of silicones for shine, slip and smoothing
Phytantriol to enhances the appearance and feel of hair
Palmitamidopropyltrimonium Chloride, a conditioning agent
Price: £25 for 50 ml size
Accessibility of product (50ml option): Easy to open slim rectangular cardboard box packaging. The product itself is contained inside a tube with a pump to access product. Minimal strength required to press the pump. There is a removable cap which clicks onto the pump nozzle.
How to apply Philip Kingsley Frizz‑Fighting Gloss:
After washing your hair, apply a small amount of serum to towel-dried, damp hair
Focus on the mid-lengths and ends, then blow-dry hair
It can also be applied to dry hair, as a finishing touch for extra shine or to tame flyaways
Use it every time you wash your hair to maintain smoothing effect
The Verdict
Disclaimer, this is my personal opinion — these observations will vary depending on your hair texture, length and volume.
My thoughts and first impressions:
After using all four products as instructed, my hair felt very soft, silky and appeared shinier, especially when in sunlight.
The effects of these products last until your next hair wash.
These products are multi-taskers: smoothing, shine, heat protection, improved moisture retention.
The formulas all smell gorgeous.
Is this routine realistic? Okay, the idea of a four step hair care regime seems quite laborious - and I say that as a low maintenance hair girl… but it’s actually relatively quick and easy. The only time-consuming part is applying the pre-shampoo treatment — which you must do at least 20 minutes before showering onto damp hair.
None of these products weighed down the hair or left it feeling limp/greasy — but you need to be mindful of not over applying product and don’t put them near to the root/scalp (apart from the shampoo obvs).
Owing to the fact the Elasticizer is rinsed out after use (unlike some leave-in treatments) it minimises the risk of product build-up or limpness which is especially important for finer hair.
This is a great pick if your hair is frizz-prone and unruly, or if you regularly use heated stylers.
These products are at a premium price point, so if I were to recommend one product which will have the most impact on your hair and is worth an investment, I would opt for the Elasticizer. Closely followed by the daily damage defence leave-in conditioning spray.
Their new packaging is made from renewable resources, sourced from sugarcane, with a carbon negative footprint. The brand also has an emphasis on UK-made products.
