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A Color Specialist

Colourist based in the West Coast who focuses on platinum tones. He works with celebrated actors and well-known figures.

Which bargain product do you swear by?

My top pick is a microfibre towel, or even a smooth cotton shirt to dry your hair. Many are unaware how much harm a regular bath towel can do, notably with grey or color-processed hair. This one small change can really reduce frizz and breakage. Another affordable staple is a wide-tooth comb, to use in the shower. It shields your locks while detangling and helps preserve the strength of the strands, particularly post-bleaching.

Which product or treatment is worth splurging on?

A high-quality styling iron – ceramic or tourmaline, with precise heat settings. Lightened strands can become discolored or suffer heat stress without the right iron.

What style or process should you always avoid?

DIY bleaching. Online tutorials can be misleading, but the reality is it’s one of the most hazardous actions you can do to your hair. I’ve witnessed clients severely damage their locks, break it off or end up with striped effects that are extremely difficult to fix. I would also avoid long-term smoothing services on color-treated or grey hair. Such treatments are often overly harsh for delicate locks and can cause lasting harm or discoloration.

What frequent error do you observe?

People using the wrong products for their particular strand characteristics. Some overuse toning shampoo until their blonde or grey strands looks drab and lacking shine. Others rely too much on strengthening conditioners and end up with unmanageable, weak locks. The other major issue is thermal styling minus a barrier. If you’re using flat irons, curling irons or blow dryers without a heat protectant, – particularly on bleached locks – you’re going to see brassiness, lack of moisture and splitting.

What would you suggest for thinning hair?

Thinning requires a comprehensive strategy. Externally, minoxidil remains a top choice. I also recommend scalp formulas with active ingredients to boost blood flow and promote root strength. Applying a cleansing scalp wash often helps clear out buildup and allows treatments to work more effectively. Oral aids like specialized formulas have also shown great results. They work internally to benefit externally by addressing hormonal imbalances, anxiety and dietary insufficiencies.

In cases requiring advanced options, platelet-rich plasma treatments – where a personalized serum is applied – can be beneficial. 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 Hair and Scalp Specialist

Follicle Expert and leader in hair health services and items for shedding.

What’s your routine for trims and color?

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

Which bargain product do you swear by?

Toppik hair fibres are absolutely amazing if you have thinning spots. They attach using static to your strands, and it comes in a assortment of tones, making it virtually undetectable. It was my go-to post-pregnancy when I had significant shedding – and also presently during some significant shedding after having a severe illness recently. Because locks are secondary, it’s the first part of you to suffer when your intake is insufficient, so I would also recommend a balanced, nutritious diet.

What justifies a higher investment?

In cases of hereditary hair loss in females, I’d say medicated treatments. Regarding increased shedding, or telogen effluvium, buying an over-the-counter product is fine, but for FPHL you really do need clinical interventions to see the optimal outcomes. In my opinion, minoxidil compounded with other hair-supportive actives – such as hormones, anti-androgens and/or anti-inflammatories – works best.

What should you always skip?

Rosemary extracts for shedding. It shows no real benefit. The whole thing stems from one small study done in 2015 that compared the effects of a low-dose minoxidil with rosemary oil. A low concentration like 2% is insufficient to do much for hereditary thinning in males, so the study is basically saying they are equally minimal in effect.

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

What’s the most common mistake you see?

I think the term “hair washing” should be changed to “scalp cleansing” – because the primary purpose of washing is to remove buildup, flakes, perspiration and dirt. I see people avoiding shampooing as they think it’s bad for their hair, when in fact the reverse is correct – notably in cases of dandruff, which is intensified by sebum accumulation. When sebum remains on the skin, they decompose and cause irritation.

Unfortunately, what your scalp needs and what your hair likes don’t always align, so it’s a balancing act. But as long as you are gentle when you shampoo and handle wet hair with care, it is unlikely to cause damage.

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

For FPHL, your core treatment should be minoxidil. It has the most robust evidence behind it and tends to show optimal results when mixed with supporting compounds. Should you wish to enhance minoxidil's benefits, or you prefer not to use it or are unable, you could try collagen induction therapy (with a specialist), and perhaps PRP or low-level laser therapy.

With telogen effluvium, investigation is key. Noticeable thinning usually relates to a health trigger. Sometimes, the cause is transient – such as illness, infection or high stress – and it will clear up naturally. Alternatively, endocrine issues or nutrient shortages may be the cause – 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