Introducing Hair by Sam McKnight. An innovative range of award-winning hair products, designed for all hair types, to achieve any hair style.
Last week, I had the honour and opportunity to meet and speak with the legendary hair stylist, Sam McKnight. Who has over 40 years experience in the industry, with over 200 Vogue covers and countless runway shows and editorials.
This is very different to my usual content style on Curl Maven. It’s not often that I get to sit down with brand founders. And certainly not as iconic and legendary as Sam McKnight. So this is a mix of an interview, a conversation and an introduction to some of the Hair by Sam McKnight products.
I’ve included an introduction and some information on a few of the most popular products in the range. You can purchase Hair by Sam McKnight at Cult Beauty. Who ship worldwide with no Brexit fees or custom charges – and with FREE, fast delivery too! The Hair by SamMcKnight website in the UK or Brown Thomas in Ireland.
Introducing Hair by Sam McKnight
Introducing Hair by Sam McKnight, a self-funded culmination of his iconic expertise and experience in the industry. Providing the products you need to achieve professional standards of styling at home in mere minutes.
These multi award-winning products have become cult-favourites of some of the top hair stylists around the world. From shampoos, conditioners and co-washes to a range of styling products for all hair types, textures, styles and occasions.
A full review of my favourite Hair by Sam McKnight products for wavy and curly hair will be coming soon. Until then, I really hope you enjoy this article/interview. Let me know in the comments if you’d like to see more of this style of content. Or if there are any other brand founders you’d like me to interview.
Almost all Hair by Sam McKnight formulas are vegan, with sustainable packaging that is made from recycled plastic, and is fully recyclable. Not only that, but the Lazy Girl Hair Cleanse Cloths are bio-degradable and fully-compostable! More info on this product further down the post…
Celebrity Hair Stylist
Sam McKnight is one of the most influential and celebrated hair stylists in the world today. Over the last four decades he’s behind some of the most iconic and memorable looks in the fashion and entertainment industries. Some of his long term clients include Kate Moss, The Hadid Sisters, Lady Gaga and Princess Diana.
“I want to change the way women think and feel about their hair. This is why I’ve created products that are easy to use with foolproof, lightweight and buildable formulations that make an immediate impact. I want to give them the right products and tools to get the most out of their hair. So they can play, experiment and enjoy their hair because good hair is the ultimate mood booster and your greatest accessory.” – Sam McKnight
Sam McKnight’s Career
I felt so honoured to hear Sam McKnight speak for over an hour, soaking up every word! I could never do his whole career justice in a blog post. But I thought I’d share some of the conversation, with quotes throughout this post on his career. Hair tips and advice, as well as insights into his thought process, creativity, inspiration and innovation behind Hair by Sam McKnight.
During a laid-back interview with my pal and Irish Hair Stylist, Joanne Kelly. A small group of hair dressers and stylists sat in a room with Sam McKnight as he took us on a journey through his career spanning over four decades.
From working with iconic pop stars of the 70’s and 80’s, to all the supermodels (before they became supermodels). Some of the biggest fashion houses and world-renowned photographers of the 90’s. Right up to the Cannes Film Festival in 2023!
“This kind of world of doing hair on photo shoots was really, really rare and new. Magazines would book a hairdresser from a salon to go onto set. There were a few people who did hair and makeup on films and advertising on TV. But as far as magazines and things were concerned, girls mostly did their own hair and makeup.” – Sam McKnight
Speaking about working with one of his long-term clients, here’s what Sam said about working with Lady Gaga. “I remember thinking wow, this woman really is elevating hair to a new level. She’s turned hair into mainstream. Because she’s made changing your hair mainstream, single-handedly. She really upped the bar for all the female pop stars that came after her. And I remember thinking at the time, this really is a game changer in the way people look at hair.” – Sam McKnight
Innovation, Creativity & Performance
Each product has been meticulously tried and tested backstage at fashion shows (on all hair types) on shoots and on the red carpet to ensure they perform. Because in these high pressure situations, with little time and even less space. Failure isn’t an option – you have to make it work on the day for the client. Regardless of what hair type, length or texture the client or model has.
Sam McKnight’s decades of experience, creativity and pushing the boundaries as a hair stylist on the world stage. Working with some of the most famous, recognisable people, brands, publications and runways in the world. Has resulted in a selection of hair care and styling products suitable for all hair types. For any occasion, that can achieve any hair goal.
Hair By SamMcKnight is packed with hair and skin-loving ingredients. Bringing together results-driven botanical ingredients and scientific innovation. Every product is scented with Sam’s bespoke fine fragrance. Inspired by the scents in his own garden after rainstorm, and expertly created by luxury perfumer, Lyn Harris.
Hair By Sam McKnight is about embracing your hair and pushing the boundaries of what you can do with it. Using innovative products with (truly) non-sticky formulas that have been designed to be easily brushed out and start again. Or create a completely new look.
Now, obviously not many people with wavy and curly hair are dry-brushing their hair to create a new look. But non-sticky formulas are essential if you want smooth, frizz-free definition, especially when refreshing between washdays!
“There’s so much fear surrounding hair. Fear of getting it wrong and having to start over. Fear that your hair isn’t good enough or that you don’t have the skills to do your hair. I aim to undo all that negative noise. I’m trying to simplify things. I’m trying to make things easy for people to use and understand. My brand is about helping people see what their hair is capable of by giving them the right products.” – Sam McKnight
Cool Girl Barely There Texture Mist
My first introduction to Hair by Sam McKnight products was the (multi award-winning and best-seller) Cool Girl Barely There Texture Mist. Used by some incredibly talented hair stylists on social media, which is also the first product Sam McKnight developed. Inspired by his long-term client, Kate Moss, who he described as having fine hair, but a lot of it. “Cool Girl Texture Mist started my whole quest for products that are really easy to use. Really quick, transformative, lightweight that you can build.“
So much of my content, tips and advice is about finding the best products and techniques to use to get the best (long-lasting) result for fine hair. Without weighing it down. It’s an extremely common hair type in Europe, or anyone with European heritage. Fine hair (texture), but a lot of it (high density). Part of my Holistic Hair Types I teach in my Masterclasses and Curl Society Education.
“With fine hair, you can’t put products that are too heavy on it, or you very quickly get to a point where it just weighs it down. So we made our Cool Girl Texture Mist so that whatever Kate had when she came in, I could just turn her head upside down and spray a few blasts to get that sort of messy undone look in seconds, rather than half an hour.” – Sam McKnight
Modern Hairspray
Modern Hairspray is Sam McKnight’s must-have, can’t-live-without, all-time-favourite product. It’s a multi-tasking, heat-protecting dry hairspray that also adds volume, texture and shine.
The versatile, fine-textured formula gives long-lasting hold and brushes out with ease, without a trace of crispiness. Spritz onto roots to add volume, through mid-lengths to add texture. Or mist over the hair at the end of your styling routine for unbeatable hold.
“If there was only one product I can take on a job that that would be Modern Hairspray, because I can do anything with it.” – Sam McKnight. This is also the product he uses on Bella Hadid and other celebrity clients to achieve a smooth, slicked-back hair style.
Lazy Girl Hair Cleanse Cloths
A truly innovative and creative solution and alternative to traditional dry shampoo. Lazy Girl Hair Cleanse Cloths are unlike a dry shampoo which deposits a dry residue onto the hair. These bio-degradable wipes are enriched with witch hazel and glycolic acid to effectively remove grease and grime from the hair.
Lazy Girl Hair Cleanse Cloths will remove physical, visible product build up, moisturizer and make up from the hairline and front of the hair. Perfect if you’re trying to create a wispy, whimsical hair look, or if you have a fringe (bangs). The bio-degradable wipes are made from tree pulp cellolose, and are fully compostable.
I really hope you’ve enjoyed this post Introducing Hair by Sam McKnight. I focused on the person behind the brand. And some of the most innovative, popular and best-selling products from the line in this post.
In my next post, I’ll be reviewing newer launches from Hair by Sam McKnight. And finding the best products for wavy and curly hair. Featuring Curl Cleanse, Cool Girl Volume Foam, Sundaze Sea Spray, Happy Endings Balm and Self Control Gel. Along with pictures of the results on my own hair.
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