Anabel Kingsley, head of the Philip Kingsley Hair Clinics in London and New York, has publicly shared her personal history of eating disorders and their severe consequences on her hair, a condition she notes is not always visibly apparent.
Kingsley, now 42, detailed her struggles, which began at age 13 at boarding school where she was bullied extensively about her weight. This experience led to restrictive eating, which escalated into bulimia during university. "I remember shampooing my hair and it coming away in handfuls. It had always been gloriously thick but now it was all wispy rats’ tails," she recalled.
She explained that hair health is directly tied to proper nutrition, and deficiencies, even in individuals who are not severely underweight, can manifest in hair loss. Kingsley herself experienced periods of intense restriction, interspersed with eating, which she described as a significant loss of her identity, particularly as the daughter of a famed trichologist.
Emerging Concerns and Hair Loss
Beyond her personal history, Kingsley also addressed contemporary issues contributing to hair loss, particularly the rise of GLP-1 medications used for weight loss. She noted that rapid weight loss, whether through these medications or other means, can trigger excessive hair shedding two to four months later. In some cases, even if weight loss is not rapid or has stabilized, individuals on GLP-1s may continue to experience hair loss.
Kingsley suggested that these medications might impact the gut or, more commonly, lead to insufficient calorie and protein intake necessary for hair growth. She recommended a protein-rich breakfast, such as poached eggs on seeded bread, for individuals experiencing hair loss, citing its benefits for hair health.
She also touched upon other factors contributing to hair loss in women, including hormonal shifts around mid-life and the potential side effects of testosterone treatments and certain alternative therapies like IV nutrient infusions, which can lead to mineral imbalances and subsequent hair loss.
Kingsley emphasized that hair loss is a highly emotive issue and stressed the importance of seeking professional advice. She advised against self-treating with supplements without a confirmed deficiency, as some, like biotin, can interfere with blood test results. She also cautioned that hair growth cycles take time, and any promised rapid results should be met with skepticism.
Her own journey, including periods of alopecia areata and managing her eating disorder, has informed her approach to patient care. "Having been through what I have, I never judge people," she stated. Kingsley's insights are featured in her recently published book, "Haircare: The Ultimate Guide."