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An Expert Colorist

Colourist operating from the Golden State who focuses on silver hair. Among his clientele are Hollywood stars and well-known figures.

What affordable item can't you live without?

My top pick is a microfibre towel, or even a gentle tee to towel-dry your locks. Many are unaware how much damage a regular bath towel can do, especially to grey or color-processed hair. This minor adjustment can really minimize flyaways and damage. Another inexpensive must-have is a large-gap comb, to use while conditioning. It protects the hair while removing knots and helps keep the health of the hair shafts, notably following coloring.

Which investment truly pays off?

A professional-grade heat styling tool – featuring innovative technology, with precise heat settings. Grey and blonde hair can become discolored or suffer heat stress without the right iron.

Which popular practice is a definite no-go?

Self-applied color lifting. Online tutorials can be misleading, but the truth is it’s one of the riskiest things you can do to your hair. There are cases where individuals severely damage their locks, experience breakage or end up with uneven tones that are nearly impossible to correct. It's best to steer clear of chemical straightening processes on color-treated or grey hair. Such treatments are often excessively strong for delicate locks and can cause chronic issues or discoloration.

Which typical blunder stands out?

Individuals choosing unsuitable formulas for their particular strand characteristics. A number of people misuse toning shampoo until their silver or blond hair looks flat and dull. A few overdo on protein-rich treatments and end up with rigid, fragile strands. The other major issue is using hot tools sans safeguard. When applying flat irons, curling irons or blow dryers without a heat protectant, – notably with color-treated strands – you’re going to see yellowing, dryness and breakage.

Which solutions help with shedding?

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 promote root strength. Applying a cleansing scalp wash often helps remove residue and allows solutions to be more efficient. Oral aids like specialized formulas have also shown positive outcomes. They work internally to benefit externally by addressing hormonal imbalances, stress and nutritional deficiencies.

For those seeking higher-level solutions, blood-derived therapies – where a concentration from your blood is administered – can be successful. However, I consistently recommend getting a professional diagnosis beforehand. Shedding may relate to internal factors, and it’s important to identify the source rather than pursuing temporary solutions.

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A Trichology Expert

Scalp and Hair Scientist and leader in hair health centers and lines targeting thinning.

What’s your routine for trims and color?

I get my hair cut every 10 to 12 weeks, but will trim off splits at home fortnightly to maintain tip integrity, and have highlights done every eight weeks.

What affordable find is essential?

Toppik hair fibres are remarkably effective if you have thinning spots. They attach using static to your strands, and it comes in a variety of shades, making it almost invisible. It was my go-to post-pregnancy when I had noticeable thinning – and also now while experiencing some considerable hair loss after having a bad infection previously. Because locks are secondary, it’s the earliest indicator of health issues when your diet is lacking, so I would also recommend a well-rounded, nutrient-rich diet.

Which premium option is truly valuable?

For those with genetic thinning in women, I’d say medicated treatments. For excessive daily hair shedding, AKA telogen effluvium (TE), buying an retail solution is fine, but for FPHL you really do need clinical interventions to see the optimal outcomes. 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 oil for hair loss. It doesn’t work. This idea originated from a limited 2015 research that compared the effects of 2% minoxidil to rosemary oil. A 2% strength minoxidil isn’t enough to do much for hereditary thinning in males, so the study is basically saying they work as little as each other.

Also, high-dose biotin. Rarely do people lack biotin, so taking it is unlikely to do your hair any good, and it can skew thyroid readings in blood tests.

What blunder stands out often?

I think the term “hair washing” should be changed to “scalp cleansing” – because the real aim of shampooing your hair is to rid your scalp of old oils, dead skin cells, sweat and environmental pollution. I see people avoiding shampooing as they think it’s damaging to their locks, when in fact the contrary is accurate – especially if you have dandruff, which is intensified by sebum accumulation. If natural oils stay on the head, they decompose and cause irritation.

Sadly, scalp requirements and hair preferences may conflict, so it’s a balancing act. But as long as you are gentle when you shampoo and handle wet hair with care, it shouldn't harm your hair.

What solutions do you suggest for thinning?

For FPHL, your core treatment should be minoxidil. Scientific support is substantial and tends to work best when compounded with other hair-supportive actives. If you're interested in complementary therapies, 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.

For TE, you need to do some detective work. Excessive daily shedding occurs in response to an internal factor. Sometimes, the cause is transient – such as sickness, virus or emotional strain – and it will improve spontaneously. 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