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His Brand Celebrates Its 20th Anniversary

Star Hairdresser Kevin Murphy Reveals: “These Hair Care Products Are Completely Unnecessary”

Kevin Murphy here at Fashion Week in his native Australia in 2011
Kevin Murphy here at Fashion Week in his native Australia in 2011 Photo: Getty Images
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July 11, 2025, 6:44 am | Read time: 6 minutes

When a brand like Kevin Murphy celebrates its 20th anniversary, it’s not just a milestone, but also an opportunity to review the past years and to take a look into the future. In an exclusive STYLEBOOK interview, Kevin Murphy, founder of the eponymous brand, reveals what we should focus on in our haircare routine, which products he thinks are overrated, and which star he likes to work with the most.

Kevin Murphy’s passion for hair and fashion was sparked at an early age in Australia, where he grew up. After training as a hairdresser, he rediscovered his passion during photo shoots. He realized that the hair care products did not meet his requirements, and promptly invented his own line. Since then, Kevin Murphy has not just been a name, but one of THE brands for high-quality, sustainable hair care in salon quality. And has been since the 1980s. To be precise, since 1984—the Australian hair stylist’s brand is celebrating its 20th birthday this year! But who is the man behind the brand, and what sets his products apart?

From Passion to Brand – Kevin Murphy Started His Journey Early

Kevin Murphy was practically born with a passion for hair. “My mother was a hairdresser and I was in that environment from an early age, fascinated by the transformative power that hair can have,” he says. But it was working on fashion shoots that broadened his perspective and ultimately laid the foundation for the Kevin Murphy brand. “I noticed that the existing hair products often didn’t meet my requirements for photo shoots,” says Murphy. And so began the success story of hair care, which, inspired by skincare innovations, also brings this care to our hair.

Kevin Murphy
This is how casual Kevin Murphy himself looks when he styles hair in the hustle and bustle of fashion weeks

The Path Was Not Always Easy

But getting there was anything but easy, according to Murphy. “Founding a brand is always challenging. Now, 20 years later, I’m so glad that I stuck to my idea and vision,” he reflects. Because that determination is paying off, today, Kevin Murphy is synonymous with innovation and quality in hair care.

According to the Professional, We Need These Products for Hair Care

But which products are a must for the professional, and what does the ideal hair care routine look like? “A good hair care routine involves several important steps,” explains Murphy. “First, a suitable shampoo should be used to cleanse the hair without stripping the essential oils. Follow this with a conditioner that nourishes and detangles the hair. Incorporate regular treatments such as masks or deep conditioners to meet specific needs, such as hydration or repair.”

Products should also be incorporated into styling to protect and enhance the hair, “while minimizing heat damage. Regular haircuts and occasional applications of leave-in products help to maintain the overall health of the hair.” The most important thing, according to Kevin Murphy, is: “consistency and choosing products that suit your hair’s individual needs to achieve and maintain healthy hair.”

For readers who want to know what the future of hair care holds, Kevin Murphy has some exciting insights: “I’m particularly excited about personalized hair care solutions and the rise of multifunctional products.” He also sees a trend towards the acceptance of natural textures: “More and more people are celebrating their natural curls, waves, and volume.” These trends reflect the growing desire for individuality and authenticity—a movement that Kevin Murphy is only too happy to support.

The Star Stylist Reveals Which Product We Can Do Without

However, there are also products that we should steer clear of: “Any product that claims to fulfill all needs and be suitable for all hair types is unrealistic. It is impossible for a single product to meet all individual requirements.” So we can save our money here.

Speaking of saving money, not everyone wants or can afford an extensive care routine. Fortunately, an extensive routine isn’t necessary, as the hairdresser reveals. “If you’re on a budget, focus on a few key products: a shampoo, a good conditioner, and a leave-in conditioner for extra moisture and detangling.” The stylist also recommends a high-quality hair oil to every woman.

Kevin Murphy backstage Fashion Week mit Model
From photo shoots to fashion weeks, Kevin Murphy is a ubiquitous presence

The Star Kevin Murphy Loves Working With the Most Is…

Yet, it takes more than just great products to sustain a 20-year legacy in the beauty industry. Kevin Murphy shares a piece of advice that he cherishes, valuable for anyone looking to make their mark in the industry or any other field: “Stay curious and keep learning.” Continuous development, staying abreast of the latest trends, resilience, and a strong sense of authenticity have propelled the Australian to his current success.

Namely, in front of countless models, stars, and starlets. Of course, we were curious to find out his preferred collaborator. Surprisingly, it’s his countrywoman! “I used to work with Kylie Minogue and I still think she’s one of the most entertaining and authentic artists I’ve ever worked with.”

More on the topic

Kevin Murphy: “I’m grateful for our community”

With a star-studded career and products that have become classics, Kevin Murphy reflects on the past 20 years and looks ahead to the future. Kevin Murphy is primarily grateful “for the support of our community and is looking forward to the future.” Because he still has a lot planned: “My goal is for the brand to be remembered for its commitment to high-quality, effective products.” It is particularly important to him that his brand has a positive impact not only in the beauty industry, but also beyond, especially in terms of sustainability.

Kevin Murphy exemplifies how courage, determination, and a clear vision are key to success in the beauty industry and beyond. “Believe in yourself and keep going—your determination will pave the way to success.” This is advice that we can take to heart, not only for hair care, but also for life in general.

The German original of this article was published in August 2024.

This article is a machine translation of the original German version of STYLEBOOK and has been reviewed for accuracy and quality by a native speaker. For feedback, please contact us at info@stylebook.de.

Topics #Naturtreu Frisuren Interview Model
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