Hair Icon, Sam McKnight Picks His 7 Can't Live Without Products

One of the most famous British hairdressers of our time, Sam McKnight, has turned 70 and at Space NK we wanted to not only celebrate the icon but discover some of his favourite products from over the years.

As founder of the super cool hair brand Hair by Sam McKnight which was inspired by his time working backstage at fashion shows and red carpet events across the world, what you might not realise is how much he has done for the hair industry. Princess Diana’s hairdresser for seven years, he was also recently awarded an MBE. “My mum would have been thrilled,” Sam told us.

When asked about his career highlights, we weren’t surprised that Sam had plenty to hand. From working with HMS royalty to fashion royalty like Vivienne Westwood, launching his own brand to putting on an exhibition at the prestigious Somerset House, his CV is pure gold.

“I’m really proud to have been a part of the supermodel era – that was a very fun time creating all those different looks and styles - but I also like working with up-and-coming models who are just starting to find their way in the world. In this job, you spend a lot of time with clients and sometimes in quite intense situations. It’s like having a second family. I’m often asked what it was like working with Princess Dianna – she was so disarming and enchanting, you fell in love with her instantly,” he says.

“Working with Karl Lagerfeld and Dame Vivienne Westwood has really defined my career over the years too. With Karl, we got to really push the boundaries at Chanel and I will be forever thankful to have been a small part of his team and to have learnt so much from his creative force and kindness.”

“Other highs have been opening my exhibition at Somerset House which was a truly humbling experience. Seeing all my work showed very clearly how I came in at the beginning of the end of the golden era of fashion photography – the 70s/80s/90s. And of course, launching and building my hair care brand Hair by Sam McKnight. It's always been a dream of mine, and I'm incredibly proud of the products we have created. We have so many incredible launches planned and more in mind for the future, so watch this space!”

Showing no signs of hanging up his hairbrush any time soon, these are Sam’s can’t live without hair and beauty products and his reasons why. We’ll be adding them to our must-have list too.

Sam McKnight’s best beauty products