If you’ve ever found yourself staring at a row of pricey hair products wondering whether the science behind them is real, you’re in good company — Philip Kingsley, a British brand built on trichology, has been making that case for over 60 years. We examined the evidence behind their claims — from Density drops to the cult Elasticizer — and compared them to modern competitors like Olaplex.
Years in business: Over 60 ·
Origin: British ·
Specialty: Trichology (science of hair) ·
Known for: Elasticizer product ·
Award-winning: Yes, multiple industry awards
Quick snapshot
- Philip Kingsley is a British hair care brand founded over 60 years ago (Philip Kingsley brand site).
- The brand focuses on trichology and has two clinics in London and New York (Philip Kingsley official site).
- Elasticizer is a well-known deep conditioning treatment (Selfridges product listing).
- Exact timeframe for Density drops results can vary by individual (Philip Kingsley UK product page).
- Full ingredient comparison with Olaplex is not publicly standardised. (Philip Kingsley UK product page)
- Philip Kingsley recommends consistent use for 3–6 months to see visible results with its Density range (Philip Kingsley UK hair-loss page).
- Olaplex faces a class-action lawsuit over alleged hair loss; CEO JuE Wong denies the claims (BBC News report).
Five snapshot facts that establish the brand’s foundation:
| Label | Value |
|---|---|
| Founded | Over 60 years ago |
| Founder | Philip Kingsley (trichologist) |
| Headquarters | London, UK |
| Number of clinics | 2 (London, New York) |
| Key product | Elasticizer |
Is Philip Kingsley Good for Your Hair?
The short answer: yes, if your concern is scalp health, shedding, or thinning. Philip Kingsley’s entire product line is formulated under the guidance of trichologists — specialists in the science of hair and scalp (Philip Kingsley official site). The brand says its Density range was created to support healthy hair growth by treating the scalp (Philip Kingsley scalp concerns page).
Are Philip Kingsley shampoos good?
- They are sulphate-free and available in formulations for moisturising, volumising, and colour care (Philip Kingsley UK product listing).
- Trichologist-approved and clinically tested, according to the brand (Philip Kingsley official site).
- User reviews on retailer sites like Boots and Lookfantastic rate them 4+ stars for improving hair texture and reducing shedding.
What this means: Philip Kingsley shampoos are solid choices for people with thinning or sensitive scalps, but they are not designed to repair broken bonds — that’s where Olaplex comes in.
Is Philip Kingsley Better Than Olaplex?
Both brands target different problems. Philip Kingsley focuses on the scalp and hair follicle; Olaplex repairs disulfide bonds inside the hair shaft (Bolt Pharmacy UK pharmacy guide). A 2026 report from Good Housekeeping UK noted that some trichologists alternate between Olaplex and K18, while separately recommending Philip Kingsley’s Density Amino Acid Booster for nutritional shedding (Good Housekeeping UK consumer testing magazine).
Three dimensions, one pattern: Philip Kingsley is for hair loss and scalp; Olaplex is for damage repair.
| Dimension | Philip Kingsley | Olaplex |
|---|---|---|
| Approach | Trichology – scalp treatment and nutrition | Bond-building – repair disulfide bonds |
| Key ingredient highlight | Caffeine, amino acids, biotin | Bis-aminopropyl diglycol dimaleate |
| Primary target | Thinning hair, shedding, scalp health | Damaged, broken, over-processed hair |
| Price range (typical) | £20–£85 per product | £15–£60 per product |
| Known controversy | None | 2023 lawsuit alleging hair loss (denied by CEO) |
The trade-off: Philip Kingsley addresses the root cause of thinning but requires months of use; Olaplex gives faster cosmetic repair but does not treat the scalp.
For any UK shopper with thinning hair, Philip Kingsley’s Density range offers a target-specific solution. If your main issue is breakage from colour or heat, Olaplex’s bond repair is the proven route. Using both can work, but expect to spend more.
How Long Does Philip Kingsley Density Take to Work?
The brand advises that consistent daily application of its Density Preserving Scalp Drops typically shows results within 3 to 6 months (Philip Kingsley UK Density product page). The drops are marketed to reduce hair fall and preserve density.
How do I use Philip Kingsley density drops?
- Part your hair to expose the thinning area.
- Apply a few drops directly to the scalp once daily.
- Massage gently for 10–15 seconds.
- Do not rinse. Style as usual.
- Use for at least 3 months to assess effectiveness (Philip Kingsley UK instructions).
Why this matters: Unlike topical products that add volume by coating the hair, Philip Kingsley’s drops target the follicle. But results are not instant — this is a long-term commitment.
What Are the Big 3 for Hair Regrowth?
The three FDA-approved treatments are minoxidil, finasteride, and low-level laser therapy. Philip Kingsley’s Density range complements these but does not replace them.
What is the most powerful thing for hair growth?
Minoxidil (Rogaine) is the most widely studied and proven topical ingredient for regrowth, according to dermatological guidelines. Philip Kingsley does not contain minoxidil — its active profile includes caffeine and amino acids that support scalp circulation and follicle health.
What is the best home remedy for thinning hair?
Rosemary oil and scalp massage have anecdotal and some clinical support. A balanced diet with adequate iron, vitamin D, and biotin is foundational.
What did Jennifer Lopez use for hair loss?
Jennifer Lopez reportedly uses Nutrafol, a hair growth supplement (Good Housekeeping UK report). That’s a different approach from Philip Kingsley’s topical treatments.
The pattern: Philip Kingsley works best as part of a multi-pronged strategy alongside medical treatments and nutrition.
What Vitamin Is Lacking If Your Hair Is Falling Out?
Deficiencies in iron, vitamin D, vitamin B12, and biotin are consistently linked to increased shedding (Philip Kingsley UK hair-loss page references these as common factors). The thyroid gland also plays a central role — both hyper- and hypothyroidism can cause hair loss.
What is the Chinese secret to hair growth?
He Shou Wu (fo-ti) is a traditional Chinese herb used for hair vitality. Evidence is largely anecdotal; Western clinical trials are limited.
What organ is connected to hair growth?
The thyroid gland. When it under- or over-produces hormones, hair cycles are disrupted.
What this means: Before spending on products, a blood test for iron, vitamin D, and thyroid function can pinpoint the root cause. Philip Kingsley’s trichologists offer consultations to guide that process.
No topical product, including Philip Kingsley, can correct a nutritional deficiency or a thyroid disorder. Supplements and medical treatment must address those first.
Confirmed facts
- Philip Kingsley products are formulated by trichologists (Philip Kingsley official site).
- The Density range targets shedding and thinning (Philip Kingsley UK).
- Elasticizer is a cult deep conditioner (Selfridges).
- Olaplex does not cause hair loss according to independent lab tests (BBC News).
What’s unclear / disputed
- Individual results with Density drops vary widely (Philip Kingsley UK).
- Exact timeframe for Density drops results can vary by individual (Philip Kingsley UK product page).
- Olaplex lawsuit outcome is pending (as of 2025) (BBC News).
- Direct head-to-head independent studies of Philip Kingsley vs Olaplex are absent.
“Healthy hair can change your life.”
— Philip Kingsley brand statement (Philip Kingsley official site)
“The allegations are not true. Our products are safe and effective.”
— JuE Wong, CEO of Olaplex, responding to the lawsuit (Yahoo News Australia)
For a deeper look at how these two brands compare, see our Philip Kingsley vs Olaplex review – hair loss, trichology & product comparison.
For anyone in the UK looking to address thinning hair, the choice comes down to whether you need a scalp-centred, trichologist-formulated routine (Philip Kingsley) or a bond-repairing system for damaged strands (Olaplex). If shedding is your primary concern, Philip Kingsley’s Density range offers a targeted solution backed by decades of expertise. For breakage and damage, Olaplex’s bond-building technology is the proven route. The trade-off is price and patience: Philip Kingsley demands consistent use over months, while Olaplex delivers faster visible results on damaged hair.
Frequently asked questions
Is Philip Kingsley cruelty-free?
Philip Kingsley states it does not test on animals and is committed to ethical practices. Check individual product listings for certifications.
Where can I buy Philip Kingsley products?
Available direct from philipkingsley.com, Boots, M&S, Lookfantastic, and other UK retailers (Philip Kingsley UK site).
What is the return policy for Philip Kingsley?
Direct orders from the brand’s website come with a 30-day return policy. Third-party retailer policies may differ.
Are Philip Kingsley products safe for coloured hair?
Yes, the brand offers a Colour Care range and its shampoos are sulphate-free, making them gentle on colour-treated hair.
Does Philip Kingsley have a money-back guarantee?
The brand offers a satisfaction guarantee on purchases made through its own site. Check the terms on the order page.
Can Philip Kingsley Density drops be used with other treatments?
Yes. The drops can be combined with minoxidil or other scalp treatments, but consult a trichologist or dermatologist first to avoid irritation.
George Thompson is Senior Reporter at UrbanMixr.uk, covering breaking culture, lifestyle and general news stories across the UK.