Sam McKnightis hairdressing royalty and no mistake. He boasts a career that spans over four decades and a client list that reads like Hollywood's Walk of Fame - read: Kate Moss, Alexa Chung, Amanda Seyfried, Cindy Crawford, Naomi Campbell, Madonna, Kristen Stewart, Sienna Miller, Winnie Harlow, Sarah Jessica Parker, the list goes on. Sam also worked with Princess Diana, most notably on the famous 1990 Patrick Demarchelier shoot for British Vogue. He subsequently became her personal hair stylist and remained so for the next seven years, working closely with her go-to make-up artist Mary Greenwell throughout. Mary and Sam remain firm friends.
Sam's legendary status was set in stone in 2016 when Somerset House paid homage to his illustrious career by way of an exhibition - Hair by Sam McKnight, which featured his work depicted in some of fashion's most famous images, examples of his wig work, the lot. Sam - wisely - chose that moment to release a book by the same name, a weighty coffee table iteration, full to the brim with examples of his work on shoots, his editorial portfolio and shots of him working behind the scenes.
And Sam wasn't finish. The very next year he changed the haircare landscape by launching his coveted Hair by Sam McKnight range. Sam wanted to bring the prestige usually associated with A-list styling into people's homes. The fuss-free and effective formulas were an instant hit, and the trend-setting minimalist bottle designs graced magazine spreads nationwide.
Sam's eponymous brand is ever-evolving, and this year sees the launch of two new hair heroes - the Lazy Girl Biodegradable Hair Cloths and Happy Endings Nourishing Balm - and there's more to come, so stay tuned. Until then find out more about and shop the Hair by Sam McKnight cult classics and new releases below:
Shop: The Best Of Hair By Sam McKnight
Hair By Sam McKnight - Grazia 2022
1 of 12Hair by Sam McKnight Cool Girl Barely There Texture Mist, £25
An all-time Hair By Sam McKnight hero, the Cool Girl Barely There Texture Mist is a one-stop-shop for Sam's signature 'undone' look. Mist through freshly styled waves to rough things up.
2 of 12Hair By Sam McKnight Easy Up Do Texture Spray, £25
Sam McKnight describes this particular spray as 'hair grips in a can', hence the grip design on the box. It's the secret to creating glamorous up-dos that don't look too 'done'.
3 of 12Hair By Sam McKnight Lazy Girl Dry Shampoo, £19
Consider this your refresh button. It's designed to be used in between washes to pep up lank roots. It's a light powder that goes on in a fine mist and it works to build body and texture too. Talk about a spray with benefits.
4 of 12Hair By Sam McKnight Modern Hair Spray Multi-Task Styling Mist, £22
A barely-there hair spray that offers lightweight hold that lasts. It's perfect for post-straightening and tonging, and entirely versatile. You can even spray it directly onto your roots to add texture and volume.
5 of 12Hair By Sam McKnight Happy Endings Nourishing Balm, £36
A new launch from Sam McKnight's eponymous hair brand, the Happy Endings Nourishing Balm blends the benefits of pro-vitamin B5 and shea butter in a conditioning cream that smoothes, defines and strengthens hair in one.
6 of 12Hair By Sam McKnight Biodegradable Hair Cloths, £17
Enter the most convenient answer to an age-old dilemma, Sam's make-up-wipe-style hair cloths are designed to whip away grease and refresh your roots between washes, and yes, they're biodegradable.
7 of 12Hair by Sam McKnight Deeper Love Intense Treatment Mask, £48
A deeply nourishing mask that's full to the brim with ingredients like sunflower seed oil, plant keratin and shea butter. Apply from mid-lengths to ends and leave on for at least five minutes before rinsing.
8 of 12Hair by Sam McKnight Curl Cleanse Cleansing Conditioner, £34
A creamy shampoo that feels as rich as a conditioner, this makes hair feel soft and look defined, all without weighing it down.
9 of 12Hair by Sam McKnight Light Cleanse Hair & Scalp Shampoo, £28
A lightweight shampoo that cleanses your hair without leaving your scalp feeling tight and irritated.
10 of 12Hair by Sam McKnight Light Nourish Conditioner, £28
A conditioner packed with botanicals - think honeysuckle, chamomile and velvet flower extracts - that leaves hair soft, silky and easy to detangle.
11 of 12Hair by Sam McKnight Rich Cleanse Nourishing Shampoo, £28
Made to nourish dehydrated hair and protect from colour fade, this moisture-rich shampoo is a must for those looking to afford their lengths a little extra TLC.
12 of 12Hair by Sam McKnight Rich Nourish Conditioner, £28
Made with vitamin E, omega-6 and castor oil - a revered botanical in the hair world - this conditioner packs a punch when it comes to nourishing lacklustre lengths.