Anabel Kingsley, head of the Philip Kingsley Hair Clinics in London and New York, has revealed the personal toll that eating disorders and other psychological stressors can take on hair health. Kingsley, daughter of the late hair care guru Philip Kingsley, described how her own experiences with bulimia and depression led to significant hair loss, transforming her once-thick hair into "wispy rat tails."
Kingsley detailed how her struggles began at age 13 after being bullied at boarding school. The experience, though brief, marked the beginning of a complex relationship with food and her body. "I stopped eating because I avoided going to the lunch room," she explained, initially subsisting on fruits, vegetables, and tea. Later, bulimia took hold during university, leading to hair coming out in handfuls.
She noted that hair requires a healthy diet to thrive, and nutritional deficiencies, even without being scarily underweight, can manifest in hair condition. Kingsley emphasized that eating disorders are not logical coping mechanisms but unhealthy ways to avoid difficult emotions. She shared that intense grief following her father's death and postpartum periods after her pregnancies also triggered relapses.
Modern Medications and Hair Health
Beyond personal struggles, Kingsley highlighted the growing concern of hair loss associated with modern weight-loss medications, particularly GLP-1 agonists. "GLP-1 medications have a serious impact on hair loss and we don’t fully yet understand why," she stated. While rapid weight loss is a known trigger for excessive hair shedding, Kingsley observed that some individuals experience hair loss on these medications even without significant or rapid weight reduction.
She speculated that GLP-1s might affect the gut or simply reduce caloric and protein intake, both crucial for hair growth. For patients using these medications, Kingsley recommends a protein-rich breakfast, such as poached eggs on seeded bread, to support hair health.
Other factors contributing to hair loss in women include hormonal shifts associated with aging, side effects of medications like testosterone (which can cause thinning in some individuals), and alternative therapies. She specifically mentioned the risk of excessive mineral intake, such as selenium, from wellness clinic IV treatments performed without proper blood testing.
Advice for Hair Loss
Kingsley, who wrote the book "Haircare: The Ultimate Guide," stressed the importance of a balanced diet rich in protein and regular scalp washing for healthy hair. She advised against self-diagnosing hair loss, as it can be an indicator of underlying health issues like thyroid problems. For those experiencing hair loss, she encourages seeking professional help from a trichologist or dermatologist sooner rather than later, rather than relying on unproven over-the-counter remedies or social media trends.
She also cautioned against taking supplements without a blood test to confirm a deficiency, as excessive intake can be harmful. Kingsley advocates for patience, noting that hair growth cycles take time, and significant changes are typically not visible for at least three to six months. Her own journey, she said, has provided deep empathy for clients experiencing hair loss, regardless of the cause.