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A Color Specialist

Hair Color Expert based in California who specialises in platinum tones. His clients include celebrated actors and well-known figures.

Which budget-friendly product is a must-have?

I swear by a gentle drying cloth, or even a smooth cotton shirt to dry your hair. Most people don’t realise how much damage a standard towel can do, particularly for silver or chemically treated hair. A simple switch can really minimize flyaways and damage. A second budget-friendly essential is a large-gap comb, to use during washing. It safeguards your strands while smoothing out tangles and helps preserve the strength of the hair shafts, especially after lightening.

Which product or treatment is worth splurging on?

A professional-grade heat styling tool – featuring innovative technology, with smart temperature control. Silver and light-coloured hair can yellow or burn easily without the right iron.

Which hair trend or treatment would you never recommend?

At-home lightening. Internet videos often simplify it, but the actual fact is it’s one of the biggest gambles you can do to your hair. There are cases where individuals melt their hair, snap their strands or end up with striped effects that are incredibly challenging to remedy. I also don’t recommend keratin or permanent straightening treatments on pre-lightened strands. These chemical systems are often too aggressive for already fragile strands and can cause chronic issues or discoloration.

Which typical blunder stands out?

Clients selecting inappropriate items for their hair type or colour. A number of people misuse colour-correcting purple shampoo until their lightened locks looks flat and dull. Others rely too much on strengthening conditioners and end up with rigid, fragile strands. A further common mistake is thermal styling minus a barrier. In cases where you employ hot tools or dryers without a protective product, – particularly on bleached locks – you’re going to see discoloration, dehydration and damage.

Which product, treatment or supplement would you recommend for hair loss?

Shedding demands a multifaceted plan. For direct application, minoxidil is highly proven. My advice includes follicle treatments containing stimulants to boost blood flow and promote root strength. Incorporating a clarifying shampoo regularly helps clear out buildup and allows products to perform better. Internal support including clinical supplements have also shown great results. They enhance overall health for hair benefits by correcting endocrine issues, stress and nutritional deficiencies.

For those seeking higher-level solutions, platelet-rich plasma treatments – where a personalized serum is applied – can be effective. However, I consistently recommend consulting a skin or hair specialist initially. Thinning can be linked to medical conditions, and it’s important to determine the origin rather than seeking quick fixes.

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A Trichology Expert

Follicle Expert and head of a renowned clinic clinics and product ranges for hair loss.

How frequently do you schedule salon visits?

My trims are every couple of months, but will snip damaged ends myself every two weeks to preserve strand health, and have highlights done every eight weeks.

Which low-cost item is a game-changer?

Building fibers are absolutely amazing if you have thinning spots. These particles bond to your existing hair, and it comes in a range of colors, making it almost invisible. It was my go-to post-pregnancy when I had noticeable thinning – and also currently as I’m going through some considerable hair loss after having awful flu a few months ago. As hair isn’t an essential tissue, it’s the earliest indicator of health issues when your intake is insufficient, so I would also recommend a well-rounded, nutrient-rich diet.

What justifies a higher investment?

If you have female pattern hair loss (FPHL), I’d say prescription hair-loss topicals. Regarding increased shedding, or telogen effluvium, buying an retail solution is fine, but for FPHL you really do need prescription-strength formulas to see the best results. In my opinion, minoxidil compounded with other hair-supportive actives – such as endocrine regulators, blockers and/or soothing agents – works best.

Which hair trend or treatment would you never recommend?

Rosemary oil for hair loss. It shows no real benefit. The whole thing stems from one small study done in 2015 that compared the effects of a mild minoxidil solution versus rosemary extract. A mild formula such as 2% is inadequate to do much for genetic balding in men, so the study is basically saying they are equally minimal in effect.

Likewise, mega-doses of biotin. Rarely do people lack biotin, so taking it is unlikely to do your hair any good, and it can alter thyroid level measurements.

What blunder stands out often?

I think the term “hair washing” should be changed to “scalp cleansing” – because the primary purpose of washing is to clear away sebum, debris, sweat and pollutants. I see people avoiding shampooing as they think it’s damaging to their locks, when in fact the reverse is correct – particularly with flaky scalp, which is intensified by sebum accumulation. If oils are left on your scalp, they deteriorate and lead to inflammation.

Unfortunately, what your scalp needs and what your hair likes don’t always align, so it’s a balancing act. However, if you cleanse softly and treat damp strands kindly, it shouldn't harm your hair.

What solutions do you suggest for thinning?

With female pattern loss, minoxidil is essential. It's backed by strong research and tends to show optimal results when mixed with supporting compounds. Should you wish to enhance minoxidil's benefits, or you simply don’t want to or can’t use it, you could try collagen induction therapy (with a specialist), and perhaps injections or laser devices.

With telogen effluvium, investigation is key. Noticeable thinning usually relates to a health trigger. Occasionally, the reason is temporary – such as illness, infection or high stress – and it will clear up naturally. Sometimes, hormonal problems or dietary gaps are responsible – the typical deficiencies involve iron, B12 and vitamin D – and to {treat the hair loss you need to treat the cause|address shedding, target the underlying issue|combat thinning, focus