Product Spotlight: Philip Kingsley Elasticizer
What It Is & How It Works…
Philip Kingsley’s Elasticizer has an impressive backstory. Its formula – which has remained unchanged since 1974 – was originally created for Audrey Hepburn, who went to see Philip (a trichologist) for a treatment to repair her damaged, dry hair. Her only request was not to weigh her fine hair down. That’s when Philip started working on the product, creating the first ever pre-shampoo treatment, which has since been called ‘unbeatable’ by several hair pros. Initially, Audrey was the only one who used it, before Philip launched it at Saks Fifth Avenue in New York. It contains hydrolysed elastin – a protein that can penetrate your hair shaft to increase elasticity and reduce breakage. In addition, castor and olive oil lock in moisture, while glycerine boosts shine and ensures your hair retains hydration, without ever causing it to feel heavy or weighed down.
Why Beauty Insiders Swear By It…
Frankly, it’s reliable and does what it promises. It also works for all hair types and textures – though those with bleached or overly heat-styled hair will notice the biggest difference. Hair expert Pete Burkill adds: “It rehydrates, conditions and ensures a balance of moisture like nothing else, while also supporting cuticle health. The result? Healthier hair after just a couple of uses – you’ll also find it improves hair definition, especially if you have curls.” With all this in mind, it’s easy to see why it receives five-star reviews across the board.
How To Get The Most Out Of It…
Designed to be used before shampoo, simply dampen your hair, then apply the cream from mid-lengths to ends and let it sit for 10-20 minutes. To enhance the results, experts recommend wrapping a towel over your hair, or wearing a shower cap to ensure all the key ingredients are fully absorbed. When you’re ready, rinse it off and follow up with shampoo and conditioner as normal. If your hair is feeling seriously damaged, it could be worth leaving it on for longer. Jason Hogan, celebrity stylist and associate colourist at Josh Wood, says: “For more intense results, apply this through your hair, put it up in a topknot and sleep in it until morning. This gives the ingredients more time to work, boosting hair’s silkiness, suppleness and elasticity even further.” You don’t have to use it daily to see results – weekly or twice weekly is enough depending on your needs.
What The Brand Says…
“Elasticiser continues to be so popular because it does just work,” says Anabel Kingsley, Trichologist at Philip Kingsley. “Its formula has been unrivalled for over 45 years and there isn’t a single hair texture it doesn’t cater to. Whether you’re suffering with extreme dryness, brittleness and breakage, it’s guaranteed to deliver a hefty dose of hydration, and it does so very well. Plus, it helps to ‘elasticise’ your hair and give it more stretch, as well as better bounce, shine and manageability. It’s great for reducing frizz, too. Likewise, it can be used for twenty minutes, left for an hour for an intense treatment or overnight for optimum results.” Another benefit? Anabel says because it is a pre-shampoo treatment, it is brimming with more concentrated ingredients, so your strands receive all the benefits imminently, but as you wash it away, there is never any heaviness or weighty feeling left behind.
Available At PhilipKingsley.co.uk, CultBeauty.co.uk, FeelUnique.co.uk & LOOKFANTASTIC.com
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