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A Color Specialist

Hair Color Expert located in the Golden State who excels at platinum tones. His clients include celebrated actors and renowned personalities.

What affordable item can't you live without?

My top pick is a soft fabric towel, or even a soft cotton T-shirt to dry your hair. Many are unaware how much harm a typical terrycloth towel can do, notably with grey or color-processed hair. This one small change can really reduce frizz and breakage. Another inexpensive must-have is a broad-toothed comb, to use during washing. It shields your locks while smoothing out tangles and helps maintain the integrity of the individual hairs, notably following coloring.

Which investment truly pays off?

A top-tier thermal appliance – ceramic or tourmaline, with smart temperature control. Grey and blonde hair can become discolored or suffer heat stress without the right iron.

What style or process should you always avoid?

At-home lightening. 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 striped effects that are extremely difficult to fix. I would also avoid keratin or permanent straightening treatments on bleached or silver hair. These chemical systems are often excessively strong for delicate locks and can cause long-term damage or undesired tones.

What frequent error do you observe?

Individuals choosing unsuitable formulas for their particular strand characteristics. Some overuse colour-correcting purple shampoo until their lightened locks looks lifeless and muted. Others rely too much on strengthening conditioners and end up with unmanageable, weak locks. A further common mistake is thermal styling minus a barrier. In cases where you employ hot tools or dryers without a defensive spray or cream, – notably with color-treated strands – you’re going to see discoloration, dehydration and damage.

Which solutions help with shedding?

Hair loss needs a multilayered approach. Externally, minoxidil remains a top choice. I also recommend scalp formulas with active ingredients to enhance nutrient delivery and aid in hair growth. Incorporating a clarifying shampoo regularly helps eliminate impurities and allows solutions to be more efficient. Supplements such as Nutrafol or Viviscal Pro have also shown positive outcomes. They support the body from the inside out by correcting endocrine issues, anxiety and lack of vital nutrients.

In cases requiring advanced options, PRP therapy – where your own platelet-rich plasma is injected into the scalp – can be effective. That said, I always suggest consulting a skin or hair specialist initially. Shedding may relate to internal factors, and it’s important to determine the origin rather than pursuing temporary solutions.

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A Trichology Expert

Trichologist and head of a renowned clinic clinics and product ranges for hair loss.

What’s your routine for trims and color?

My trims are every couple of months, but will snip damaged ends myself every two weeks to keep my ends healthy, and have highlights done every eight weeks.

What affordable find is essential?

Toppik hair fibres are remarkably effective if you have see-through sections. These particles bond to your existing hair, and it comes in a range of colors, making it virtually undetectable. It was my go-to post-pregnancy when I had a lot of hair fall – and also now while experiencing some significant shedding after having awful flu a few months ago. Since hair is non-vital, it’s the first part of you to suffer when your nutrition is inadequate, so I would also recommend a well-rounded, nutrient-rich 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 non-prescription item is fine, but for FPHL you really do need prescription-strength formulas to see the most effective improvements. In my opinion, minoxidil compounded with other hair-supportive actives – such as endocrine regulators, blockers and/or soothing agents – works best.

Which popular remedy is ineffective?

Using rosemary essential oil for thinning. It shows no real benefit. This idea originated from a limited 2015 research that compared the effects of a low-dose minoxidil with rosemary oil. A mild formula such as 2% is inadequate 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. Few individuals have biotin insufficiency, so using it may not benefit your strands, and it can alter thyroid level measurements.

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 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 contrary is accurate – particularly with flaky scalp, which is intensified by sebum accumulation. If oils are left on your scalp, they decompose and cause irritation.

Unfortunately, what your scalp needs and what your hair likes don’t always align, so it’s a careful compromise. 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 genetic thinning in women, start with minoxidil. It's backed by strong research 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 micro-needling (under professional care), and perhaps PRP or low-level laser therapy.

With telogen effluvium, investigation is key. Noticeable thinning usually relates to a health trigger. In some instances, the trigger is short-term – such as sickness, virus or emotional strain – and it will resolve on its own. Alternatively, endocrine issues or nutrient shortages may be the cause – the typical deficiencies involve iron, B12 and vitamin D – and to {treat the hair loss you need to treat the cause|address shedding, target the underlying issue|combat thinning, focus