What do you think?
Rate this book
If In Doubt, Wash Your Hair: A Manual for Life
THE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER'I've been waiting for this book all my life and everyone needs to read it' Claudia WinklemanAnya Hindmarch is a mother of five, stepmother, entrepreneur and globally renowned businesswoman. In If In Doubt, Wash Your Hair, she shares what she has learned during her busy and eclectic life, what she still worries about, and what advice she has received along the way.From practical tips and quick fixes, to profound observations about confidence and creativity, this inspiring handbook will show you how to live a little better – and why sometimes, the answer can be as simple as washing your hair.'Comforting, practical and beautifully personal. This book feels like your best friend telling you it's all going to be ok' Fearne Cotton'Warm, friendly, and packed to the rafters with excellent advice – I loved it' India Knight'A charming mix of memoir and manifesto' Grazia'A hands-on, practical guide to managing the stresses of daily life' Evening Standard, Highlights for 2021'Warm and refreshingly honest' Julia Samuel'I loved this book - it's really unusual, surprising and inspiring' Viv Groskop'A treasure trove of inspiring, down-to-earth and practical advice shared with humour and honesty' Alexandra Shulman
257 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 6, 2021
232 people are currently reading
5716 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 132 reviews
October 31, 2022
This was a random pick at the "New Book" section of my local library. I sometimes like to pick books which i normally wouldn't read.
The physical paperback edition only mentions the first part of the title (If In Doubt, Wash Your Hair) skipping the "A Manual for Life" found in the Kindle edition. Hence I didn't know what to expect as i had never heard of Anya Hindmarch
Chapter 1: "Anya, You Have to Take the Emotion Out of This"
With the exception of anger/aggression (which should be worked out in private) ...emotion is a female superpower and if women have an edge in business, it is in fact often because they do bring emotion to the workplace. A growing business is built on emotion.
Chapter 2: If You Are Happy, Your Children Will Be Happy
Mother-in-Law's advise that "if you are happy, your children will be happy too".
Constantly making sacrifices might allow kids to have things but if you're miserable from constantly sacrificing then the kids won't be happy as they want happy parents more than "things"
Also Sister Angela "If you accept that you will never be fully satisfied, then you will e very happy indeed"
Chapter 3: Put Your Oxygen Mask O First
A bit like the above. If you don't take care of yourself first then you won't be able to give your full potential to others including your children. Prioritise your wellbeing results in prioritising your children.
Russell Foster, Professor of Circadian Neuroscience at Oxford University said that "when people are very sleep-deprived they can only lay down negative memories in their long-term memory."
Chapter 4:Fear and Excitement Are the Same Thing
Redirecting thoughts of fear into excitement e.g. making a pitch in front of a room full of people
Chapter 5: Tight Ropes and Triangles of Pain
Business advise for wannabe entrepreneurs. If you have the next A BIG IDEA think:
- If it's fun and something you enjoy but doesn't have a market (won't bring in money) then it's a hobby not a business.
- Have a healthy cashflow
- Learn how to read a basic balance sheet/PnL
- Don't stres about the nitty-gritty details/documentation. Entrepreneurs are more doers than reading through tons of small print (hat's what you hire lawyers etc for).
- EQ above IQ
Chapter 6: Creativity Will Eat Strategy For Breakfast
Creativity is about solving problems and finding ways to do things well and it is probably needed most in the least creative business.
I am Not a Plastic Bag project and I Am A Plastic Bag Project details.
Chapter 7: I Would Label My Children If I could
1. Organisation
"Being organised is critical to running a business and critical to running a family, and becomes essential when you manage both... it is vital to my mental well-being."
**I fully agree. I'm happier when i am organised & have some sort of routine**
2. To-do lists
"David Allen's motto that your brain is for 'having ideas, not holding them.' If you can do a 'mind-sweep' and get everything you need to remember out of your brain and onto a list, you can relax in the knowledge that it is all captured and won't be forgotten."
I love lists and keep 2 digital diaries (work & persona) and an old fashion journal to jot down to-do lists, thoughts & feelings.
- break down your lists to small steps if the "action" on your list is too big/overwhelming.
**I'm a big believe of "to-do lists. It's very helpful**
3. Empty Inbox
"Next Action insists that your email inbox should always be empty"
**fully agree. My inbox is generally empty (or if there's too much to do, then i orgnise my inbox using colour labels & add the emails by priority on my work to-list**
Chapter 8: Be Yourself: Everyone Else Is Already Taken
Accepting who you are including what you considered were "flaws"
Chapter 9: How Many More Christmases?
Hugo (eldest child) being ill and what it taught her.
The End.
I'm far removed from the middle class white girl as you can get, however, I resonated with much of the content. Some of the advise I was already aware of and incorporated into my life, but it was nice to see it validated.
The physical paperback edition only mentions the first part of the title (If In Doubt, Wash Your Hair) skipping the "A Manual for Life" found in the Kindle edition. Hence I didn't know what to expect as i had never heard of Anya Hindmarch
Chapter 1: "Anya, You Have to Take the Emotion Out of This"
With the exception of anger/aggression (which should be worked out in private) ...emotion is a female superpower and if women have an edge in business, it is in fact often because they do bring emotion to the workplace. A growing business is built on emotion.
Chapter 2: If You Are Happy, Your Children Will Be Happy
Mother-in-Law's advise that "if you are happy, your children will be happy too".
Constantly making sacrifices might allow kids to have things but if you're miserable from constantly sacrificing then the kids won't be happy as they want happy parents more than "things"
Also Sister Angela "If you accept that you will never be fully satisfied, then you will e very happy indeed"
Chapter 3: Put Your Oxygen Mask O First
A bit like the above. If you don't take care of yourself first then you won't be able to give your full potential to others including your children. Prioritise your wellbeing results in prioritising your children.
Russell Foster, Professor of Circadian Neuroscience at Oxford University said that "when people are very sleep-deprived they can only lay down negative memories in their long-term memory."
Chapter 4:Fear and Excitement Are the Same Thing
Redirecting thoughts of fear into excitement e.g. making a pitch in front of a room full of people
Chapter 5: Tight Ropes and Triangles of Pain
Business advise for wannabe entrepreneurs. If you have the next A BIG IDEA think:
- If it's fun and something you enjoy but doesn't have a market (won't bring in money) then it's a hobby not a business.
- Have a healthy cashflow
- Learn how to read a basic balance sheet/PnL
- Don't stres about the nitty-gritty details/documentation. Entrepreneurs are more doers than reading through tons of small print (hat's what you hire lawyers etc for).
- EQ above IQ
Chapter 6: Creativity Will Eat Strategy For Breakfast
Creativity is about solving problems and finding ways to do things well and it is probably needed most in the least creative business.
I am Not a Plastic Bag project and I Am A Plastic Bag Project details.
Chapter 7: I Would Label My Children If I could
1. Organisation
"Being organised is critical to running a business and critical to running a family, and becomes essential when you manage both... it is vital to my mental well-being."
**I fully agree. I'm happier when i am organised & have some sort of routine**
2. To-do lists
"David Allen's motto that your brain is for 'having ideas, not holding them.' If you can do a 'mind-sweep' and get everything you need to remember out of your brain and onto a list, you can relax in the knowledge that it is all captured and won't be forgotten."
I love lists and keep 2 digital diaries (work & persona) and an old fashion journal to jot down to-do lists, thoughts & feelings.
- break down your lists to small steps if the "action" on your list is too big/overwhelming.
**I'm a big believe of "to-do lists. It's very helpful**
3. Empty Inbox
"Next Action insists that your email inbox should always be empty"
**fully agree. My inbox is generally empty (or if there's too much to do, then i orgnise my inbox using colour labels & add the emails by priority on my work to-list**
Chapter 8: Be Yourself: Everyone Else Is Already Taken
Accepting who you are including what you considered were "flaws"
Chapter 9: How Many More Christmases?
Hugo (eldest child) being ill and what it taught her.
The End.
I'm far removed from the middle class white girl as you can get, however, I resonated with much of the content. Some of the advise I was already aware of and incorporated into my life, but it was nice to see it validated.
February 28, 2023
I wasn't familiar with the author before I picked up this book, but have since learnt that she is a successful entrepreneur within the fashion industry. Her book promises straight-talking worldly advice, which there is some, but about a third into it she switches to focusing on her story as she built up her business and the challenges she has faced along the way, and this is what makes up the last two thirds of the entire thing.
The author wisely acknowledges her privilege in having had the funds and opportunity to set up her own business, as it really was built from scratch. She talks about parenting three young bereaved children, while still in her twenties herself, and how she adapted her life to raise them while trying to get her business off the ground. She is sure to mention that she not only had excellent familial support through the whole process, but also the addition of a nanny and au pair, which is of course out of reach to your typical start-up businessperson!
There is mention of some wide-reaching advice which should appeal to the typical reader, but these came almost as an after thought at the end of most chapters, as opposed to her own story and experiences woven around the advice that is promised on the cover.
It isn't a terrible book - I'm sure it will appeal to and make a difference to some readers - it just wasn't particularly relevant to me.
The author wisely acknowledges her privilege in having had the funds and opportunity to set up her own business, as it really was built from scratch. She talks about parenting three young bereaved children, while still in her twenties herself, and how she adapted her life to raise them while trying to get her business off the ground. She is sure to mention that she not only had excellent familial support through the whole process, but also the addition of a nanny and au pair, which is of course out of reach to your typical start-up businessperson!
There is mention of some wide-reaching advice which should appeal to the typical reader, but these came almost as an after thought at the end of most chapters, as opposed to her own story and experiences woven around the advice that is promised on the cover.
It isn't a terrible book - I'm sure it will appeal to and make a difference to some readers - it just wasn't particularly relevant to me.
March 12, 2024
This wasn’t what I expected and whilst I found myself skimming some bits there were others that really resonated.
April 10, 2024
Hated the start, second half was much more what I was after. Ok.
January 26, 2022
Rambling and lacks focus. Not everything composed during a lockdown is worth publishing
June 12, 2022
Privileged woman writes book about how she deals with lots of everyday problems. Boring.
August 15, 2023
Not for me.
July 14, 2021
When I requested a copy of this book from Bloomsbury India, I was under the impression that this is a self-help book. I am not a big fan of non-fiction, but I occasionally do find myself flipping the pages of a random self-help title.
This is an autobiography/memoir (not sure) which also of course acts like a rather unusually helpful self-help book.
Anya is a famous fashion designer based out of the UK and she is pretty popular. For some reason, I had no clue about her before this book. I think I live under a rock sometimes... XD Anyway, so in here she kind of outlines how she has been able to function and manage her life - which includes shouldering the responsibilities not only at her work but also looking after her 5 children, husband and herself.
For anyone who's interested in topics like parenting, this book is a MUST HAVE for you. I feel that Anya has not only given out very valuable lessons and tips and tricks when it comes to being a parent who's also working but in general as well. She really loves her children and a large part of her life is spent making sure how they are all safe, cared for and know that they are loved. The foundation of a happy family is exactly that.
Even though she covers mental health, daily routine and lifestyle, love and friendship, society, work and pretty much everything else in between - I personally enjoyed the parenting section and parts of the book perhaps the most. It's probably due to the fact that I really want to have kids someday. And also that I constantly worry how I don't mess up at parenting because I not only realise how important a role of a parent is + how the kind of relationship you build with them growing up is going to determine the kind of relationship they have with you when you are old.
I absolutely loved this book. I have underlined lots of quotes and highlighted some sections that I really liked and connected with. This is one of those books that you can revisit anytime and read any page and it would still be interesting and insightful.
Thank you Bloomsbury India for sending across a copy.
This is an autobiography/memoir (not sure) which also of course acts like a rather unusually helpful self-help book.
Anya is a famous fashion designer based out of the UK and she is pretty popular. For some reason, I had no clue about her before this book. I think I live under a rock sometimes... XD Anyway, so in here she kind of outlines how she has been able to function and manage her life - which includes shouldering the responsibilities not only at her work but also looking after her 5 children, husband and herself.
For anyone who's interested in topics like parenting, this book is a MUST HAVE for you. I feel that Anya has not only given out very valuable lessons and tips and tricks when it comes to being a parent who's also working but in general as well. She really loves her children and a large part of her life is spent making sure how they are all safe, cared for and know that they are loved. The foundation of a happy family is exactly that.
Even though she covers mental health, daily routine and lifestyle, love and friendship, society, work and pretty much everything else in between - I personally enjoyed the parenting section and parts of the book perhaps the most. It's probably due to the fact that I really want to have kids someday. And also that I constantly worry how I don't mess up at parenting because I not only realise how important a role of a parent is + how the kind of relationship you build with them growing up is going to determine the kind of relationship they have with you when you are old.
I absolutely loved this book. I have underlined lots of quotes and highlighted some sections that I really liked and connected with. This is one of those books that you can revisit anytime and read any page and it would still be interesting and insightful.
Thank you Bloomsbury India for sending across a copy.
June 16, 2022
I HATE WASHING MY HAIR.
Setting that aside I would probably have rated this 3.5, I was pleasantly surprised enjoying it more than I thought I might. 1/2 self help, 1/2 memoir - an easy positive read which I related to some parts of, but for a lot it was fairly un-relatable without being a middle class mother/business women. Pretty good, but probs not made for me.
Setting that aside I would probably have rated this 3.5, I was pleasantly surprised enjoying it more than I thought I might. 1/2 self help, 1/2 memoir - an easy positive read which I related to some parts of, but for a lot it was fairly un-relatable without being a middle class mother/business women. Pretty good, but probs not made for me.
February 13, 2025
I’m not a business-owner, mum, step-mum or wife. So maybe it just didn’t appeal to me. Or maybe it was actually just not a very good book…
July 30, 2021
It helps to come back to a good book after a long day, which looks and feels like a warm sunshine company and you don’t mind spending some alone time with it. If in Doubt Wash your Hair written by @anyahindmarch has been that book for me in the recent days.
Anya talks about her journey as a businesswoman and a designer, her life experiences, she shares what she has learned and wants to pass on, from to-do lists to balancing work life and personal life, to telling you to just go for it. Motivating and honest just like its title, a manual for life dedicated to the women in her life. Thank you @bloomsburyindia for sending me this lovely book!
Anya talks about her journey as a businesswoman and a designer, her life experiences, she shares what she has learned and wants to pass on, from to-do lists to balancing work life and personal life, to telling you to just go for it. Motivating and honest just like its title, a manual for life dedicated to the women in her life. Thank you @bloomsburyindia for sending me this lovely book!
November 4, 2024
~ ⭐️ 2.5 stars
a pretty solid book about self-confidence and belief in yourself! Half the book was about childcare and obviously didn’t relate to me but the rest was relatable and nice reminder-type advice.
Some of my favourite quotes:
“Never forget to be kind and never ever take the emotion out of it”
“It’s important to accept that you cannot do everything, and try to focus on the things you are good at”
“You have to be realistic and reasonable about what happiness looks like. It is not endless bliss”
“Don’t complain. Every single one of those things is something you chose”
“The people who love you will want to help you if they know you are struggling”
“Self-confidence is like a muscle, if you make yourself use it, maybe even beyond what is really comfortable, it gets stronger”
“Your personality might be relatively fixed but the things that make you happy might be different at different stages of your life”
“There is nothing cooler than a person who is genuinely just happy in their own skin”
a pretty solid book about self-confidence and belief in yourself! Half the book was about childcare and obviously didn’t relate to me but the rest was relatable and nice reminder-type advice.
Some of my favourite quotes:
“Never forget to be kind and never ever take the emotion out of it”
“It’s important to accept that you cannot do everything, and try to focus on the things you are good at”
“You have to be realistic and reasonable about what happiness looks like. It is not endless bliss”
“Don’t complain. Every single one of those things is something you chose”
“The people who love you will want to help you if they know you are struggling”
“Self-confidence is like a muscle, if you make yourself use it, maybe even beyond what is really comfortable, it gets stronger”
“Your personality might be relatively fixed but the things that make you happy might be different at different stages of your life”
“There is nothing cooler than a person who is genuinely just happy in their own skin”
February 8, 2022
Audio booked this one
Great insight/ tips for women when it comes to family, relationships, the workforce and general life. Would get 5/5 if I was a mother, which I’m not.
Great insight/ tips for women when it comes to family, relationships, the workforce and general life. Would get 5/5 if I was a mother, which I’m not.
April 5, 2022
Easy read, obvious content, bit boring.
August 11, 2022
I loved this book! A really fun and insightful book - helpful pointers for working life, raising lots of kids and generally how to do life well!
September 15, 2025
This book didn’t really tell me anything I didn’t already know. But it forced me to face the truths, the advice we all know and give but don’t apply to ourselves.
I picked this to be an easy ebook to read in the background, on my lunch breaks, bus journeys etc. when I’m too tired or don’t have enough time to get into my normal books. So it was exactly what I was after.
I found each chapter well separated, all consistent with their message, all starting off strongly and usually ending up nicely wrapped up. But towards the 2/3 of each chapter I didn’t end up wishing for the rambling to stop and the point to be made and moved on.
All that said I do recommend this book, the overarching life is hard but worth it and stop over thinking message is well delivered. If in doubt wash your hair sums it up so well!
3 ⭐️ feels a bit harsh but 4 is too many
I picked this to be an easy ebook to read in the background, on my lunch breaks, bus journeys etc. when I’m too tired or don’t have enough time to get into my normal books. So it was exactly what I was after.
I found each chapter well separated, all consistent with their message, all starting off strongly and usually ending up nicely wrapped up. But towards the 2/3 of each chapter I didn’t end up wishing for the rambling to stop and the point to be made and moved on.
All that said I do recommend this book, the overarching life is hard but worth it and stop over thinking message is well delivered. If in doubt wash your hair sums it up so well!
3 ⭐️ feels a bit harsh but 4 is too many
April 25, 2024
As someone who has just launched themselves into the corporate world, a little newbie commuter stubbling around London, I found this book gave me so much reassurance and advice! Everyone always seems to certain and sure and this book taught me none of us know what we are ever really doing and where we will end up!
Anya Hindmarch - thank you! It really will be a book I reread throughout my life 🫶🏻
Anya Hindmarch - thank you! It really will be a book I reread throughout my life 🫶🏻
April 9, 2025
“There is nothing cooler than the person who is genuinely happy in their own skin. They know what they are about and they aren’t trying to be something they aren’t.”
I picked this book purely based on the title.
It’s a very honest and refreshing read for any creative / entrepreneur / parent who’s trying to juggle it all.
Since finishing this book, I am actively decluttering my life and look forward to organising and I really want to invest in an Anya Hindmarch bag!
I picked this book purely based on the title.
It’s a very honest and refreshing read for any creative / entrepreneur / parent who’s trying to juggle it all.
Since finishing this book, I am actively decluttering my life and look forward to organising and I really want to invest in an Anya Hindmarch bag!
September 22, 2025
Finally a memoir where the author understands the important of the humble label maker (chapter 7).
I had no prerequisite information about the author, purely drawn in by the title alone.
As Hindmarch states in the introduction, doing ritualistic tasks such as hair physically resets your conscious.
Really poignant examples of creativity, personal accounts and a practical business experience and application.
I had no prerequisite information about the author, purely drawn in by the title alone.
As Hindmarch states in the introduction, doing ritualistic tasks such as hair physically resets your conscious.
Really poignant examples of creativity, personal accounts and a practical business experience and application.
May 31, 2021
Such a lovely read, and would definitely read again. I loved hearing her pearls of wisdom from a life well lived and what she's taken away as the most important things to enjoy, cherish and learn from.
June 16, 2024
A little long at times but overall practical and poignant. Interesting perspective from a fashion entrepreneur and I enjoyed how reflections spanned across family, work and health, while also recognizing how often these things all intertwine. Wouldn’t necessarily recommend but don’t regret reading it!
October 31, 2024
God this was just boring, it ended up in my dnf pile. I’m a fan of Hindmarch’s brand so I thought that her backstory would at least be interesting, if not her life advice. It wasn’t. This read like a half-arsed rambling of disjointed thoughts
June 14, 2022
Great advice, inspiration and practical direction … would opt for reading over audio!
September 19, 2022
Nice little book but found it unrelateable unless you’re Anya Hindmarsh. We dont live similar lives. Some of the things she said i found out of touch however i do overall like what she stands for and think her brand and business is top notch
August 6, 2023
This book is like a hug in word form. So many lessons that apply to my past, current and future self. I encourage all my female friends to pick this one up and take notes.
August 18, 2024
Some useful tips in this book, some are more aimed at entrepreneurs but that’s probably my fault for not realising and not reading the blurb properly.
August 25, 2025
Some good one liners but lots on parenting/ entrepreneurship which was not as compelling for me to read. Want an AH bag more than ever though!
January 9, 2022
Bought on the strength of hearing her being interviewed on the radio and liking her. I like her still - Anya comes across as a lovely woman. The book is nothing startling or new and a bit too much about motherhood for me (not to mention slightly middle class) but it was pleasant enough.
May 13, 2022
dnf, I did not enjoy the endless tips on how to start a business
Displaying 1 - 30 of 132 reviews