🔗 Share this article

An Expert Colorist

Hair Color Expert located in the Golden State who excels at silver hair. 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 soft cotton T-shirt to remove moisture from your strands. Most people don’t realise how much stress a regular bath towel can do, notably with grey or color-processed hair. This minor adjustment can really lessen brittleness and splitting. Another inexpensive must-have is a wide-tooth comb, to use in the shower. It shields your locks while detangling and helps preserve the strength of the individual hairs, particularly post-bleaching.

What item or service justifies the extra cost?

A high-quality styling iron – made with advanced materials, with precise heat settings. Lightened strands can yellow or burn easily without the correct device.

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 biggest gambles 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 nearly impossible to correct. I would also avoid keratin or permanent straightening treatments on pre-lightened strands. These chemical systems are often overly harsh for delicate locks and can cause chronic issues or color changes.

What frequent error do you observe?

People using the wrong products for their specific hair needs. A number of people misuse colour-correcting purple shampoo until their lightened locks looks flat and dull. Others rely too much on protein-rich treatments and end up with unmanageable, weak locks. The other major issue is using hot tools sans safeguard. If you’re using flat irons, curling irons or blow dryers without a defensive spray or cream, – particularly on bleached locks – you’re going to see yellowing, dryness and breakage.

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

Hair loss needs a multilayered approach. For direct application, minoxidil is highly proven. My advice includes scalp formulas with active ingredients to stimulate circulation and promote root strength. Applying a cleansing scalp wash often helps clear out buildup and allows solutions to be more efficient. Oral aids like specialized formulas have also shown notable improvements. They work internally to benefit externally by balancing body chemistry, anxiety and nutritional deficiencies.

In cases requiring advanced options, blood-derived therapies – where your own platelet-rich plasma is injected into the scalp – can be beneficial. That said, I always suggest getting a professional diagnosis beforehand. Shedding may relate to internal factors, and it’s important to determine the origin rather than seeking quick fixes.

---

A Trichology Expert

Follicle Expert and head of a renowned clinic services and items for shedding.

How often do you get your hair cut and coloured?

I get my hair cut every 10 to 12 weeks, but will remove split ends personally every two weeks to maintain tip integrity, and have color touches every two months.

Which low-cost item is a game-changer?

Toppik hair fibres are remarkably effective if you have thinning spots. They attach using static to your strands, and it comes in a range of colors, making it seamlessly blended. I personally applied it after childbirth when I had significant shedding – and also now while experiencing some considerable hair loss after having a severe illness recently. Because locks are secondary, it’s the initial area to show decline when your intake is insufficient, so I would also recommend a well-rounded, nutrient-rich diet.

Which product or treatment is worth splurging on?

If you have female pattern hair loss (FPHL), 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. I believe minoxidil mixed with supporting compounds – such as balancing elements, inhibitors and/or calming components – works best.

Which popular remedy is ineffective?

Rosemary extracts for shedding. It's ineffective. 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 male pattern hair loss, so the study is basically saying they are equally minimal in effect.

Likewise, mega-doses of biotin. Rarely do people lack biotin, so using it may not benefit your strands, and it can alter thyroid level measurements.

What blunder stands out often?

In my view, we should rename "hair washing" to "scalp cleaning" – because the real aim of shampooing your hair is to remove buildup, flakes, perspiration and dirt. I notice clients skipping washes as they think it’s damaging to their locks, when in fact the reverse is correct – notably in cases of dandruff, which is intensified by sebum accumulation. 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 balancing act. Provided you wash delicately and manage wet locks gently, it won’t be damaging to your strands.

Which options help with shedding?

With female pattern loss, minoxidil is essential. It has the most robust evidence behind it and tends to be most effective combined with additional ingredients. If you're interested in complementary therapies, 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. Increased hair loss often stems from an underlying issue. Sometimes, the cause is transient – such as illness, infection or high stress – and it will resolve on its own. Sometimes, hormonal problems or dietary gaps are responsible – the most common being ferritin (stored iron), vitamin B12 and vitamin D deficiency – and to {treat the hair loss you need to treat the cause|address shedding, target the underlying issue|combat thinning, focus