Hair’s a hot topic. Especially at this time of year. But for some, their tress troubles go beyond the usual seasonal shedding and dryness. We know first-hand how distressing serious hair loss and scalp issues can be. So, for the times when even London’s best hair salons won’t cut it, turn to a trichologist (aka hair doctor). Luckily for you, we scoped out three of the city’s best, so you know where to head when things get hairy.
Ricardo Vila Nova
at Harrods, Knightsbridge
Best for: revitalising hair shaft health – from frazzled to thriving.
87–135 Brompton Rd, SW1X 7XL
The trichologist
When it comes to reviving dull, dry locks, there’s no one quite like Ricardo Vila Nova. He’s known as The Hair Whisperer, but his results are anything but quiet. His luscious locks alone shout ‘TRUST ME, I KNOW WHAT I’M TALKING ABOUT’. He trained as a biochemist, so his techniques are rooted in science. Something that’s easy to believe when he starts speaking in proteins, vitamins, hormones, and genetics – all in relation to your scalp and hair health. He’s positive, he’s passionate, and he’ll put even the most anxious client at ease.
The location
Coffee? Cocktail? Champagne, maybe? Anything goes here. It’s on the fifth floor of Harrods, after all. Of all the spots on this list, the experience at Ricardo Vila Nova is the most luxury salon-esque. At any given moment, there might be someone lying horizontal having their head massaged (whilst their hair drinks in a rich collagen mask), another sitting in front of the mirrors having microneedling (to create channels for the cocktail of peptides and vitamins that are infused afterwards), and another under the red-light laser (to boost blood flow and absorption).
The treatments
All appointments here start with the Hair DNA Scan. First things first: Ricardo will pluck two hairs from a very specific site on your scalp. But don’t panic – they’re being whisked away for analysis, and the temporary loss will be worth it. On your next visit, he’ll glide over to you – MacBook in hand – and pull up photos of your hair at a microscopic level. At this point, there’s nowhere to hide. Gave birth two years ago? Just started a new diet? Ricardo sees it all through your hair. Like a medically backed magic trick.
From there, Ricardo and his expert team will curate you a bespoke haircare plan that treats the root of your problem – from in-clinic treatments to at-home regimes. The best part (apart from your impressive results, that is) is the personalised products you’ll leave with. Not only are they hand-mixed to protein perfection (yes, with the exact levels your hair needs), but the sleek bottles labelled with your name look très chic in your shower.
ricardovilanova.com
Hannah Gaboardi
at Nobu Hotel, Marylebone
Best for: invasive, medical procedures that restore even the most severe hair loss.
Nobu Hotel, 22 Portman Sq, W1H 7BG
The trichologist
If you’ve tried every serum, supplement, and scalp oil going, Hannah Gaboardi is the person you see next. With more than 25 years in the hair industry – and seven years running her namesake clinic – she’s become a go-to for clients navigating serious shedding due to genetic hair loss, complex alopecia cases, trichotillomania (aka hair-pulling disorder), the list goes on… Her meticulously matter-of-fact and seriously scientific approach attracts celebrities, influencers, and high-profile patients both internationally and locally. There’s a months-long waitlist for a reason – Hannah is one of the very best.
The location
Yes, luxury hotels have resident trichologists now – and Hannah holds that title at Nobu Hotel London Portman Square. Whizz up to wellness, located on level two, where you’ll pop out into a sexy wellness space. There’s no blindingly bright strip lighting or the stuffy atmosphere you’d usually associate with a clinic here. No, it’s a calming, confidential environment where clients can come and go unnoticed. The team knows hair loss is highly personal, and that’s why privacy is paramount. If additional discretion is desired, they’ll even arrange out-of-hours appointments or at-home visits.
The treatments
There’s no beating around the bush: Hannah’s treatments are invasive, and therefore a little bit spicy. The combination she’s best known for? Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and exosomes therapy. While PRP relies on your body’s own growth factors, exosomes deliver potent growth signals directly to dormant follicles via injections and microneedling. Together, they regenerate growth and restore density. In short: if you’re looking for truly transformative results, this is where the conversation starts. Alongside all this, expect nutrition plans and hair wash how-tos. All bespoke, of course. Hannah leaves no stone (or strand) unturned.
hannahgaboardi.com
Anabel Kingsley
at Philip Kingsley Trichological Centre, Mayfair
Best for: a traditional, time-tested approach to trichology.
54 Green Street, London, W1K 6RU
The trichologist
As the daughter of the late Philip Kingsley – the man who put trichology on the map – hair health is quite literally in Anabel’s DNA. She’s thorough in the most reassuring way. You’ll be given all the time you need to open up about your hair loss and scalp issues, making you feel comfortable to talk freely about what’s really going on. But, whilst it’s Anabel whose name is on the door, all the trichologists here have made names for themselves in the hair game. So, you’re always in good hands.
The location
It doesn’t take much to tempt us into a gorgeous Mayfair townhouse. Even more so when the promise of great hair lies inside. And the charmingly old-school vibe here seals the deal. It’s not about mood lighting or scented candles – it’s about decades of expertise (over 120 years combined, to be precise) and a reputation built on results. Think framed certificates standing on mantelpieces, drawers bursting with hairbrushes, and photographs of famous clients lining the walls – from royalty to politicians.
The treatments
It’s all about the long game here – the approach is preventative, not reactive. In your initial one-to-one consultation, expect a deep dive into your lifestyle, medical history, stress levels, and diet. Then, specialist blood tests are introduced to uncover underlying causes – from hormonal imbalances to nutritional deficiencies. From there, you’ll be prescribed a bespoke treatment plan that may include targeted treatments, supplements, handmade scalp creams, or specialised tonics blended in-house. Nothing is rushed, and nothing is one-size-fits-all.
Follow-up appointments are a key part of the process, allowing Anabel and her team to monitor your hair’s progress and tweak your regime as needed. Admittedly, it’s a much slower burn than the high-tech interventions on offer elsewhere. But for those seeking a proven, methodical route to healthier hair and scalp, the Philip Kingsley Trichological Centre is hard to beat.
