The man, the myth, the legend, Sam McKnight. The mastermind often behind that hair on that shoot, and the creator of Hair by Sam McKnight. For those who know, know that McKnight is one of the hair industries heavyweights, working on practically every iconic hair moment to date, and becoming Princess Diana's personal hairstylist before she passed. Here, he talks to us about the everyday routines that keep him going, from everything between growing his own veggies, bi-yearly colonics, and the product that always reminds him of Lady Di.
What is your morning beauty routine?
The first thing is my morning yoga/pilates mix. Sometimes I work out in the park with a personal trainer, but every morning I wake up and do my own exercises at home.
I use Bioassance Squalane Oil on my face and body and the Malin + Goetz Eucalyptus Deodorant.
What is your night beauty routine?
I always brush my teeth before bed and wash my face. If we have had a busy week I might pop an under the eye mask from 111SKIN. I love Celestial Black Diamond and the Sub-Zero De-Puffing ones.
After a long day or week to relax I enjoy a bath with Epsom Salts with magnesium, and a few drops of Aromatherapy Associates Relax Deep Bath and Shower Oil; Princess Diana gifted me one in the 90's and I have used it ever since as it reminds me of her.
Describe what you do for a living? What does a typical day look like for you?
I’m the founder of Hair by Sam McKnight and have been a hairstylist working within the fashion industry for 40 years.
There is no typical day, my day can consist of 3 fashion shows, or a celebrity red carpet event. It could be a shoot for Vogue. Meetings for my brand, research for new products. And I could do all of that in one week. I could be in a studio or outdoors. In the office or working from home, nothing is typical and that’s why I love it.
What is the supermarket/ drug store/ chemist beauty product(s) that you use and love?
Biafine, I pick it up in France. Its an incredible cream and I love to use it as after sun.
What is your main form of beauty body maintenance? What products do you use on your body?
Bioassance Squalane Oil on my body.
How do you keep fit/ healthy? Does exercise form a large part of your routine?
I have been doing yoga for years. And have recently in the past couple of years brought in pilates. They both work so well for me in combination with sessions with a PT in the park.
What cosmetic procedures/ professional treatments to you have as part of your beauty routine?
I will have colonics a couple of times a year at Urban Retreat with Amanda Griggs. And I love some Massage therapy! Who doesn’t!
What do you do when your body needs to recover?
I slow down. I read, bake, spend time in the garden. Time at home is precious and knowing how to slow down is vital.
You’re tired/ hungover/ rundown: what is your beauty hack?
A few hours in the garden for me is the best remedy. And eating home cooked food with fruit and veg from my garden.
What is the one non-negotiable in your beauty routine?
Elle Macpherson WelleCo Super Elixir Greens. I have it every morning mixed into coconut water. I swear by it for natural energy.
Do you have a beauty icon? Who are they and why?
Charlotte Tilbury and Bobbi Brown. Both are very good friends and from different eras and have different beauty ethos, both equally brilliant, inspiring and empowering.
What is the best advice on beauty you’ve received?
Less is more.
What is the best advice on health you’ve received?
More is more!
What is the one product you can’t live without?
Hair by Sam Mcknight - Modern Hairspray, its the one product from my brand I will always need in my kit. It a multitasking hairspray that does it all!
Image credits: @sammcknight1
