Haircare expert Anabel Kingsley – lead trichologist and brand president at Philip Kingsley – shares her secrets to healthier locks

Brush up

Take a close look at your hairbrush. Abrasive brushes are a common cause of easily avoidable hair damage and breakage. It’s important to use a gentle brush. I advise that my clients test their brush on the back of their hand. If it scratches it or feels rough, it will be harming your strands. Hard boar bristle brushes are potentially the worst offenders, while gentle brushes with rounded, widely spaced prongs are best.

Navigating shedding

At any life stage, focusing on the ‘four pillars’ of healthy hair – scalp health, nutrition, general health and hair condition – will help to give you the best foundations for hair growth. If you notice that your hair is thinning or it is falling out in excess, see a specialist to determine the correct treatment plan. Many factors can cause or contribute to hair loss – for instance, thyroid imbalances, malabsorption and certain medications, so it’s important to investigate and take a holistic approach. 

Hair as a health barometer

I have had hair loss multiple times due to health factors – from post-partum, the flu and stress to struggling with eating disorders and ulcerative colitis. You cannot control every factor relating to your health, but I try to have blood tests every six months, get a yearly flu vaccine, endeavour to eat a healthy, balanced and varied diet and advocate for my health at my doctor’s visits. I am not perfect by any stretch of the imagination. It has been a whirlwind of a year with finishing my first book – Haircare: The Ultimate Guide – and moving country with two young children, so I fell a bit short in the self-care department. 

Daily routine

Something I never let slip is scalp care. I approach scalp care with the same fervency as most people approach facial skin care. I cleanse my scalp (i.e. shampoo) daily and apply topical serums every morning and evening – our Density Preserving Scalp Drops, which contain peptides and scalp-supportive actives and our Clinic HS drops, which contain melatonin and antioxidants.