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An Expert Colorist

Hair Color Expert operating from California who focuses on platinum tones. Among his clientele are celebrated actors and well-known figures.

What affordable item can't you live without?

I highly recommend a soft fabric towel, or even a soft cotton T-shirt to dry your hair. Most people don’t realise how much damage a regular bath towel can do, particularly for grey or color-processed hair. This minor adjustment can really lessen brittleness and splitting. Another inexpensive must-have is a broad-toothed comb, to use in the shower. It protects the hair while detangling and helps maintain the integrity of the individual hairs, notably following coloring.

What item or service justifies the extra cost?

A high-quality styling iron – made with advanced materials, with adjustable temperature options. Lightened strands can yellow or burn easily without the right iron.

Which popular practice is a definite no-go?

At-home lightening. Social media makes it look easy, but the truth is it’s one of the most hazardous actions you can do to your hair. I’ve witnessed clients melt their hair, experience breakage or end up with striped effects that are incredibly challenging to remedy. I would also avoid keratin or permanent straightening treatments on bleached or silver hair. These formulations are often excessively strong for delicate locks and can cause chronic issues or color changes.

Which typical blunder stands out?

Individuals choosing unsuitable formulas for their particular strand characteristics. A number of people misuse colour-correcting purple shampoo until their blonde or grey strands looks lifeless and muted. Some depend excessively on strengthening conditioners and end up with rigid, fragile strands. The other major issue is heat styling without protection. When applying styling appliances without a protective product, – notably with color-treated strands – you’re going to see yellowing, dryness and breakage.

What would you suggest for thinning hair?

Shedding demands a multifaceted plan. Topically, minoxidil is still one of the most effective treatments. I also recommend scalp formulas with active ingredients to stimulate circulation and support follicle health. Using a scalp detox shampoo weekly helps eliminate impurities and allows products to perform better. Internal support including clinical supplements have also shown great results. They work internally to benefit externally by addressing hormonal imbalances, stress and lack of vital nutrients.

For those seeking higher-level solutions, PRP therapy – where your own platelet-rich plasma is injected into the scalp – can be beneficial. That said, I always suggest getting a professional diagnosis beforehand. Hair loss is often tied to underlying health issues, and it’s important to determine the origin rather than chasing surface-level fixes.

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A Trichology Expert

Scalp and Hair Scientist and head of a renowned clinic services and items for shedding.

How frequently do you schedule salon visits?

My trims are every couple of months, but will trim off splits at home fortnightly to preserve strand health, and have highlights done every eight weeks.

Which low-cost item is a game-changer?

Building fibers are remarkably effective if you have thinning spots. The fibres cling electrostatically to your own hair, and it comes in a assortment of tones, making it virtually undetectable. I used it myself in the postpartum period when I had a lot of hair fall – and also currently as I’m going through some considerable hair loss after having a severe illness recently. Since hair is non-vital, it’s the earliest indicator of health issues when your intake is insufficient, so I would also recommend a balanced, nutritious diet.

What justifies a higher investment?

If you have female pattern hair loss (FPHL), I’d say prescription hair-loss topicals. When dealing with temporary hair loss, known as TE, buying an over-the-counter product is fine, but for FPHL you really do need medicated treatment to see the most effective improvements. I believe minoxidil mixed with supporting compounds – such as hormones, anti-androgens and/or anti-inflammatories – works best.

Which hair trend or treatment would you never recommend?

Rosemary extracts for shedding. It's ineffective. This idea originated from a limited 2015 research that compared the effects of a mild minoxidil solution versus rosemary extract. A 2% strength minoxidil isn’t enough to do much for genetic balding in men, so the study is basically saying they work as little as each other.

Also, high-dose biotin. Hardly anyone is biotin deficient, so using it may not benefit your strands, and it can affect thyroid test results.

Which error is most frequent?

I think the term “hair washing” should be changed to “scalp cleansing” – because the primary purpose of washing is to rid your scalp of old oils, dead skin cells, sweat and environmental pollution. Many individuals refrain from cleansing as they think it’s bad for their hair, when in fact the opposite is true – particularly with flaky scalp, which is worsened by the presence of excess oils. If natural oils stay on the head, they deteriorate and lead to inflammation.

Regrettably, follicular health and strand desires can differ, so it’s a delicate equilibrium. However, if you cleanse softly and treat damp strands kindly, it shouldn't harm your hair.

What solutions do you suggest for thinning?

For genetic thinning in women, start with minoxidil. It's backed by strong research and tends to show optimal results when mixed with supporting compounds. If you're interested in complementary therapies, or you choose to avoid it or cannot tolerate it, you could try microneedling (see a dermatologist), and perhaps platelet-rich plasma or light treatments.

For TE, you need to do some detective work. Noticeable thinning usually relates to a health trigger. Occasionally, the reason is temporary – such as flu, Covid or a period of intense stress – and it will clear up naturally. In other cases, thyroid imbalances or vitamin/mineral deficiencies are the driving factor – the frequent culprits include iron stores, B12 and D insufficiency – and to {treat the hair loss you need to treat the cause|address shedding, target the underlying issue|combat thinning, focus