Discover Philip Kingsley's expert haircare secrets

The cold winter days can really take their toll on our hair, so we decided to catch up with haircare expert Philip Kingsley to find out what we can do to make it look and feel its very best. Read on to find out what he had to say.

Plus you can tune in this Saturday 14th February at 7pm to pick up more top tips for healthier and shinier hair.

So, Philip, tell us more about the Philip Kingsley haircare philosophy

I first introduced the phrase "Bad Hair Days" nearly 50 years ago. What I aim for now is "Happy Hair Days" – the happier you are with your hair, the more contented you are generally.

The Philip Kingsley philosophy has gradually evolved and here are the essentials: 

1. The more frequently hair is shampooed, the better it is. Preferably it should be washed daily, just as you cleanse your face each day. 

2. Always use a conditioner after shampooing. 

3. You can’t have optimum healthy hair without a healthy scalp. So, we address scalp treatments with hair masks and make certain that the scalp is flake free, as well as feeling comfortable, with special Flaky/Itchy Scalp Shampoo and Scalp Toners.

4. Hair products never used to have the correct description on them, making choosing the best product difficult. The three categories to choose from were 'Dry', 'Oily' and 'Normal'. But there's no such thing as 'Normal' - your normal is not your friend’s normal, or your colleague’s normal. 

'Dry' hair could be fine and straight and 'dry', or it could be frizzy and curly and 'dry' and so on. And 'oily' hair should not be an issue if it's washed frequently enough – plus, it's most prevalent with fine hair.

In 1982, I introduced hair products based on hair texture (fine, medium, coarse), hair configuration (straight, wavy, frizzy), hair length (longer hair needs more attention on the ends) and whether it had been chemically treated. Since then, many brands have gradually tried to follow suit with helpful product descriptions.

What's the best way to treat hair after styling it using heated straighteners?

The point about this is what to do before and while you’re styling it, because too much damage may already have been done for after-care to have an effect. Firstly, use a moisturising shampoo and conditioner as heated straighteners diminish the hair’s moisture and can lead to brittleness. 

Then apply a heat protector such as Shine & Protect Cream. During styling do not pull too hard as you can break the hair or pull it out.

What are your top three haircare tips?

• Wash and condition hair daily
• Massage (knead) the scalp for 15 - 30 seconds before each shampoo
• Use a Scalp Mask and a Hair Mask, such as Elasticizer, once every week or fortnight, before shampooing

Featured customer question:

My hair is moderately long and greasy. If I wear it down it needs a wash the next day. As my hair gets longer, I think I will need to wash it every day - and I don't always have time for this. What is the best product to use? Any advice would be most welcome, Carol

Hi Carol, there is no doubt, with all hair types, that the more the hair is shampooed the better. You can successfully solve your problem by using Moisture Balancing Shampoo daily and then using Moisture Balancing Conditioner on the ends of your hair only.

Before you blow dry, spray Maximizer on the roots - this will give the roots, which tend to get oily and limp, more lift. As your hair gets longer, use a little Shine & Protect Cream on the ends of your hair.

Hair grows about half an inch every month so if your hair reaches the length of say 15", the ends will be about two-and-a-half years old and will need more attention to stop them from splitting. Your problem with time may make all this difficult, but I assure you that you really will benefit from this.

What extra help can we give our hair and scalp in the colder months?

I call the colder months 'The Winter Woes'. Winter is, without doubt, the worst time for hair and for our general wellbeing.

The changes from cold and dry outside to warm and humid inside, the constant putting on and taking off scarves and hats, the reluctance to shampoo your hair often, and the tendency to eat more unhealthily all play their part. So, eat plenty of fruit, salad, proteins, and drink ample water.

Try to shampoo and condition your hair daily even when it’s freezing cold outside. Once a week, apply a Scalp Mask and Elasticizer. The tendency for flaky and itchy scalps can also increase and if you experience this, use Flaky/Itchy Scalp Shampoo occasionally.

But never fear – spring is on its way!

For more beauty advice, check out Alison Young's Beauty Bible

Comments

[Susan Howarth]

Philip please help!!!
I am 52 and started the dreaded menopause !!!
My hair used to be thick. wavy and managable my sinning glory but at the moment it is falling out by the handful and out of control.
It has become thinner and courser. I don't blow dry it as I let it dry by itself naturally.
I have been to my GP about the hair loss as it is every time I wash it even if I wash it every day and I was beginning to panic as the hair loss is my biggest worry but he was so unthoughtful and as much use as a chocolate fire guard!!
Any sugestions ??
Sue