IN CONVERSATION WITH KEVIN MURPHY
words FLORIS MÜLLER
This year, KEVIN.MURPHY hits a big milestone—20 years in the industry. Known for its top-tier hair products that are as eco-friendly as they are effective, the brand started in 2003 when founder Kevin Murphy saw a gap in the market. What began as a vision to create light, high-performance products has grown into a global brand that puts style, sustainability, and innovation front and center. In this interview, Kevin Murphy reflects on the journey so far, what keeps him inspired, and what makes KEVIN.MURPHY products stand out in a crowded market.
Congrats on KEVIN.MURPHY’s 20th anniversary! How does it feel to hit this milestone?
Thanks! It’s honestly wild. When I started, I just wanted to make products that worked well without that heavy, sticky feeling a lot of products had back then. I never expected KEVIN.MURPHY to grow into this global brand. Looking back, it’s pretty surreal, but I’m incredibly grateful.
Take us back—what sparked the idea to start your own haircare line?
I was working a lot in editorial styling, doing shoots where I needed products that looked natural but held up under all kinds of lighting and pressure. I couldn’t find anything that worked the way I wanted, so I figured, why not create something myself? That’s really how KEVIN.MURPHY started— out of a need to solve a problem I kept running into on set.
You’ve got a strong fashion background. How has that influenced how you create products?
Working in fashion taught me to be flexible and creative, which definitely influenced KEVIN.MURPHY. I wanted our products to be as versatile as the work I was doing. Our formulas are designed to layer and build, so you can create pretty much any look without weighing the hair down. They’re about the experience as much as the final result.
Your products are known for being super innovative and eco-friendly. How do you approach creating something new?
It usually starts with an issue I’m trying to fix or a certain look I can’t quite nail with other products. Then, I dive into research with our team, finding ingredients that are effective and sustainable. I’m pretty hands-on in the testing phase, so it’s really a mix of problem-solving and creativity.
Sustainability is obviously huge for KEVIN.MURPHY. How did that become part of the brand?
From day one, it felt like a no-brainer to create something responsible. The beauty industry can be incredibly wasteful, so we wanted to do things differently. We focus on sustainable ingredients, ethical sourcing, and packaging that’s made from recycled ocean waste. For me, it’s more than a trend—it’s just the right thing to do.
What would you say makes KEVIN.MURPHY products different from everything else out there?
I think it’s that mix of high performance and sustainability. We don’t just make products that work; we make products that people feel good about using. We’re mindful about what goes into each bottle and how it’s packaged. Plus, we’re always looking for ways to improve, whether that’s with greener ingredients or more eco-friendly packaging.
The packaging for KEVIN.MURPHY is so unique. Why did you put so much thought into it?
Packaging is the first thing people see, so I wanted it to look different and make a statement about who we are. We’ve moved to using 100% recycled ocean waste plastic for a lot of our bottles, which feels like the right step. It’s not just about looking good—it’s about being kind to the planet, too.
Is there a KEVIN.MURPHY product you’re especially proud of?
Definitely. Anti Gravity has a special place in my heart. It was one of the first products I made, and it really captured what I wanted for the brand: weightless volume without the heavy, sticky feeling. People love it, and I think it really represents what KEVIN.MURPHY is all about.
The beauty industry is constantly evolving. How do you keep up with trends and new technology?
I stay inspired by keeping my eyes open to what’s happening around me—fashion shows, photoshoots, everyday people. I also love learning about new ingredients and tech that can push the brand forward. Staying curious and flexible has been key to keeping KEVIN.MURPHY relevant.
What’s next for KEVIN.MURPHY? Any new ideas or products coming soon?
We’re always cooking up new things. I can’t give away too much, but we’re working on even greener formulations and pushing the boundaries of sustainable beauty. Expect some exciting new products in the next year. We’re definitely not slowing down anytime soon.
