Celebrity hairstylist Kenna Kennor is known for his high-fashion cuts and that breezy London accent, but if you keep up with his interviews or scroll through his social media, you’ll quickly learn he’s big on something most stylists shy away from: how much your hair fits into the bigger picture of mental health. He’s styled runways and A-listers, sure, but Kenna’s real superpower is making people feel seen; especially on the hard days, when getting out of bed feels like crossing a finish line.

Here’s a look at Kenna Kennor’s honest, heart-centred advice for showing your hair some love even (and maybe especially) when you’re stuck in life’s slog.

Small steps count and they matter

If you’re struggling with depression, grief, or just an endless wave of stress, Kenna’s first tip is surprisingly gentle: lower the bar. Forget about elaborate blowouts or complicated routines. If all you can do is run a brush through your hair or rinse it in the shower, that is a win. He encourages his clients (and anyone listening) to celebrate the little moments. “Some days, brushing your hair is the biggest form of self-care you can handle. That’s enough.”

Less fuss, more nurture

Kenna’s advice for down days is rooted in kindness. Ditch anything punishing. Instead of loading up on products or heat styling, go for the gentlest route. He recommends sulphate-free shampoos, silky conditioners, and wide-tooth combs that won’t make tangles worse on rough mornings. Heavy-handed routines can wait; the goal is to comfort your scalp and hair, not add another thing you “should” be doing.

Protective styles for lazy days

Some days, it’s more about preserving your energy; and that’s when Kenna gets practical. He’s a fan of simple loose braids, soft buns, or a head wrap that lets you skip a few steps when you’re running on empty. “Leave-in conditioners are your friend,” Kenna says. Use a spray, comb it through, and tuck your hair gently away. Bonus: you’ll avoid breakage and keep your hair feeling cared for, even with zero effort.

Let your hair reflect your needs

Kenna often talks about hair as a communication tool; not just with the world, but with yourself. If you’re feeling raw, overwhelmed, or low, sometimes a fresh trim or a deep-conditioning treatment can feel like a reset. But he’s quick to point out: only if you genuinely want it. There’s no right or wrong way. Sometimes staying in pyjamas, with messy hair, is an act of self-compassion too.

Getting vulnerable at the salon or with yourself

One of Kenna’s biggest skills? Creating a safe space where people can talk. His take: if you’re seeing a stylist, it’s okay to be real about what you’re going through. Let them know if you need calm, or want to talk, or if silence is best. Stylists aren’t therapists, but the right hair appointment can give you a sense of control and normalcy; even if it’s just a shampoo and trim.

Finding joy in texture, even when life feels flat

Kenna reminds people to look for what feels comforting: the smell of a favorite shampoo, the feeling of warm water, or the ritual of gently massaging your scalp. Sometimes, these small pleasures can ground you when almost nothing else does.

Bottom line? Kenna Kennor’s advice is simple but mighty: take it one day at a time, choose what’s gentle, and don’t beat yourself up if your “best” looks different every day. Hair care might not fix everything, but a little kindness and a simple brush can honestly change the way you feel; if only for a few minutes. And sometimes that’s exactly what you need.

Tim Williamson, a psychology graduate from the University of Hertfordshire, has a keen interest in the fields of mental health, wellness, and lifestyle.