Hair By Sam McKnight products: ranked by 3 beauty editors with different hair types
Sam McKnight MBE is one of the biggest names in the hair industry – and for good reason. He's the mastermind behind some of the world's most iconic photoshoots and is famous for crafting that 'cool girl' Kate Moss hair style that looks 'done' without being 'too done.'
So when his namesake brand Hair By Sam McKnight was launched in 2017, it quickly flew off the shelves. Seven years later, the collection has grown from the initial line up of four hair sprays (that still remain best-sellers) to a full collection of hair care saviours, including shampoos, conditioners and styling products for all hair types.
If you're thinking about investing in some Hair By Sam McKnight hair products – we've got you covered. Consider this your deep-dive into the brand, so that you can figure out which formulas are best for you…
Perdita Nouril, WH beauty editor
Since lobbing of half my hair and joining the bob brigade, 'volume' has never been higher up on my hair wish list. I won't lie, it's a tall order, given that I already have fine hair to begin with, and am over zealous when it comes to the heated tools. I've heard so many good things about the Sam McKnight range, so below are the ones I decided to give a go...
1/ Hair By Sam McKnight Cool Girl Volume Cleanse Shampoo
I have super fine hair that often needs washing every other day because it gets greasy very quickly. Often though, washing it up to 4 times a week can leave it feel stripped and dry. Pleasingly, this shampoo doesn't do that. It manages to rinse away grease from my roots while also injecting volume and shine. It doesn't lather particularly well, but I actually prefer this as it's easier and quicker to rinse the product off.
Pros
Lightweight
Doesn't leave hair feeling 'squeaky' clean
Plumps up strands
Cons
It's expensive
2/ Hair By Sam McKnight Cool Girl Volume Nourish Conditioner
3/ Hair By Sam McKnight Cool Girl Superlift Volumising Spray
Now this is a brilliant product! For years I used root lifting powders and while they undoubtedly give you root lift, they leave behind a dry, gritty texture that is hard to wash out. This on the other hand, feels much kinder to roots while still being able to beef them out and plump them up.
Pros
Great at volumising limp roots
Doesn't leave hair feeling gritty or dry
Provides long lasting volume
Cons
Zero cons for me - it's a winner
Chloe Burcham, Contributing Beauty Editor
My hair goes through a lot. I bleach it often and heat style it daily – in fact, I'm surprised that it's still in fairly good condition. I have a lot of it but it's fine, meaning I want products that clean my hair without weighing it down. I also hate the feel of products in my hair and don't want any heavy formulas that could dull my blonde. Plus, if I leave it to air-dry naturally, it's curly – so I want a formula that will smooth and de-frizz. High maintenance? Just a little. Here are my favourite Hair By Sam McKnight products…
1/ Hair By Sam McKnight Light Cleanse Hair and Scalp Shampoo
This shampoo gives my hair a nice light cleanse, without feeling like it's stripping on my hair or scalp – but it still packs enough oomph for my hair to feel really clean and lightweight after. Plus, as with all Hair By Sam McKnight products – it also smells amazing.
Pros
Doesn't strip hair
Great for coloured
Doesn't weigh hair down
Cons
Need to use a fair amount if I've been using lots of dry shampoo and styling products
2/ Hair By Sam McKnight Light Nourish Conditioner
Not only is this conditioner a great de-frizzer post shampoo, it can be used as a leave-in conditioner for that extra hit of moisture and hydration when your hair really needs it. The light formula also makes it perfect for those – like me – who are worried about your hair feeling weighed down post-wash.
Pros
Lightweight
Brilliant for frizzy hair
Super nourishing
Cons
None - I love it!
3/ Hair By Sam McKnight Lazy Girl Dry Shampoo
A must-have, this dry shampoo is the best I've ever tried. Not only does it mop up excess grease like a pro, it smells like a really expensive perfume that turns heads for all the right reasons. The cheapest bottle of Le Labo you'll ever find…
Pros
Lightweight
Doesn't leave any residue behind
Great scent
Cons
On the pricey side
Keeks Reid, Contributing Beauty Editor
1/ Hair by Sam McKnight Modern Hairspray
This is one of the best hairsprays on the market. It was my introduction to the brand many years ago and it’s a product that I have rebought. Why? Because it’s such a great multi-tasker. After doing an initial dry with my hairdryer spraying this on section by section further protects my hair and gives great touchable hold whether I’m straightening or curling.
Pros
Doesn’t dry out the hair
Can be used before and after heat styling
Multi-tasks as a heat protector
Cons
A strong scent
Nozzle can get sticky
2/ Hair By Sam McKnight Love Me Do Nourishing Shine Oil
I feel like oils are the lip products of the hair world, there’s a new one every five minutes. This isn’t one I would rave about as I have a few others I find more smoothing and nourishing but this is a good styling oil that gave my hair a lovely smell and a decent sheen.
Pros
Lightweight texture
Can be used root to tip if wanted
Good for a finishing touch
Cons
Not the most nourishing product out there
3/ Hair By Sam McKnight Rich Cleanse Shampoo and Conditioner
Firstly, the scent of this duo is incredible, it fills your bathroom and when you dry your hair the scent is still nestled in. It does take a little time to lather up, even on the second cleanse which I find a bit frustrating, but once it does, it feels clean yet not dry or stripped. The conditioner is fine but if you want something more substantially hydrating swap for the Deeper Love Treatment Mask.
Pros
Smells incredible
Shampoo doesn’t leave your hair feeling stripped
Really cleanses the hair and scalp well
Cons
A little doesn’t go along way
As a duo, they aren’t the most nourishing
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