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A Color Specialist

Hair Color Expert based in California who specialises in platinum tones. He works with Jane Fonda and Andie MacDowell.

Which bargain product do you swear by?

My top pick is a microfibre towel, or even a gentle tee to towel-dry your locks. It's often overlooked how much harm a standard towel can do, particularly for silver or chemically treated hair. This minor adjustment can really minimize flyaways and damage. Another affordable staple is a wide-tooth comb, to use while conditioning. It safeguards your strands while detangling and helps preserve the strength of the hair shafts, particularly post-bleaching.

Which investment truly pays off?

A professional-grade heat styling tool – featuring innovative technology, with precise heat settings. Lightened strands can develop brassy tones or get damaged without the right iron.

Which popular practice is a definite no-go?

DIY bleaching. Social media makes it look easy, but the reality is it’s one of the riskiest things you can do to your hair. There are cases where individuals cause irreversible harm, snap their strands or end up with uneven tones that are incredibly challenging to remedy. I also don’t recommend keratin or permanent straightening treatments on bleached or silver hair. These chemical systems are often too aggressive for weakened hair and can cause long-term damage or color changes.

What’s the most common mistake you see in your salon?

People using the wrong products for their specific hair needs. Some overuse toning shampoo until their blonde or grey strands looks drab and lacking shine. Others rely too much on protein-rich treatments and end up with unmanageable, weak locks. A further common mistake is using hot tools sans safeguard. When applying hot tools or dryers without a defensive spray or cream, – particularly on bleached locks – you’re going to see brassiness, lack of moisture and splitting.

Which solutions help with shedding?

Thinning requires a comprehensive strategy. Topically, minoxidil is still one of the most effective treatments. I often suggest follicle treatments containing stimulants to stimulate circulation and aid in hair growth. Applying a cleansing scalp wash often helps remove residue and allows products to perform better. Internal support including clinical supplements have also shown positive outcomes. They support the body from the inside out by balancing body chemistry, tension and nutritional deficiencies.

For those seeking higher-level solutions, blood-derived therapies – where a personalized serum is applied – can be effective. Still, my advice is to consulting a skin or hair specialist initially. Hair loss is often tied to underlying health issues, and it’s important to identify the source rather than pursuing temporary solutions.

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A Trichology Expert

Trichologist and head of a renowned clinic centers and lines targeting thinning.

How often do you get your hair cut and coloured?

I schedule cuts every ten to twelve weeks, but will remove split ends personally bi-weekly to keep my ends healthy, and have lightening sessions every eight weeks.

Which low-cost item is a game-changer?

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. I personally applied it after childbirth when I had significant shedding – and also currently as I’m going through some significant shedding after having a severe illness recently. Because locks are secondary, it’s the earliest indicator of health issues when your nutrition is inadequate, so I would also recommend a balanced, nutritious diet.

Which product or treatment is worth splurging on?

For those with genetic thinning in women, I’d say prescription hair-loss topicals. For excessive daily hair shedding, AKA telogen effluvium (TE), buying an over-the-counter product is fine, but for FPHL you really do need medicated treatment to see the most effective improvements. In my opinion, minoxidil compounded with other hair-supportive actives – such as balancing elements, inhibitors and/or calming components – works best.

Which hair trend or treatment would you never recommend?

Rosemary oil for hair loss. It doesn’t work. This belief comes from a minor study from 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 hereditary thinning in males, so the study is basically saying they provide similarly low results.

Also, high-dose biotin. Rarely do people lack biotin, so consuming it probably won't help your locks, and it can affect thyroid test results.

Which error is most frequent?

In my view, we should rename "hair washing" to "scalp cleaning" – because the main goal of cleansing is to clear away sebum, debris, sweat and pollutants. I notice clients skipping washes as they think it’s damaging to their locks, 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 break down and become inflammatory.

Unfortunately, what your scalp needs and what your hair likes don’t always align, so it’s a delicate equilibrium. Provided you wash delicately and manage wet locks gently, it shouldn't harm your hair.

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

For genetic thinning in women, start with minoxidil. Scientific support is substantial and tends to show optimal results when mixed with supporting compounds. If you're interested in complementary therapies, or you prefer not to use it or are unable, you could try microneedling (see a dermatologist), and perhaps injections or laser devices.

For TE, you need to do some detective work. Increased hair loss often stems from an underlying issue. Occasionally, the reason is temporary – such as flu, Covid or a period of intense stress – and it will resolve on its own. 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