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A Color Specialist

Hair Color Expert located in the Golden State who focuses on grey hair. Among his clientele are celebrated actors and well-known figures.

Which budget-friendly product is a must-have?

My top pick is a soft fabric towel, or even a soft cotton T-shirt to towel-dry your locks. It's often overlooked how much harm a standard towel can do, especially to grey or color-processed hair. This minor adjustment can really reduce frizz and breakage. Another affordable staple is a wide-tooth comb, to use in the shower. It protects the hair while removing knots and helps maintain the integrity of the individual hairs, notably following coloring.

Which product or treatment is worth splurging on?

A high-quality styling iron – featuring innovative technology, with precise heat settings. Silver and light-coloured hair can become discolored or suffer heat stress without the proper tool.

Which popular practice is a definite no-go?

DIY bleaching. Internet videos often simplify it, but the truth is it’s one of the most hazardous actions you can do to your hair. I’ve witnessed clients cause irreversible harm, break it off or end up with uneven tones that are nearly impossible to correct. It's best to steer clear of keratin or permanent straightening treatments on bleached or silver hair. These formulations are often too aggressive for delicate locks and can cause long-term damage or color changes.

Which typical blunder stands out?

People using the wrong products for their hair type or colour. Some overuse violet-based cleansers until their silver or blond hair looks lifeless and muted. A few overdo on high-protein masks and end up with unmanageable, weak locks. The other major issue is using hot tools sans safeguard. If you’re using hot tools or dryers without a protective product, – notably with color-treated strands – you’re going to see yellowing, dryness and breakage.

What would you suggest for thinning hair?

Shedding demands a multifaceted plan. Externally, minoxidil remains a top choice. My advice includes follicle treatments containing stimulants to boost blood flow and promote root strength. Incorporating a clarifying shampoo regularly helps clear out buildup and allows treatments to work more effectively. Oral aids like specialized formulas have also shown notable improvements. They support the body from the inside out by addressing hormonal imbalances, tension and nutritional deficiencies.

For people looking for something more advanced, PRP therapy – where a personalized serum is applied – can be successful. However, I consistently recommend consulting a skin or hair specialist initially. Shedding may relate to internal factors, and it’s important to determine the origin rather than chasing surface-level fixes.

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A Hair and Scalp Specialist

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

How often do you get your hair cut and coloured?

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

Which low-cost item is a game-changer?

Toppik hair fibres are remarkably effective if you have see-through sections. These particles bond to your existing hair, and it comes in a variety of shades, 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. Since hair is non-vital, it’s the earliest indicator of health issues when your nutrition is inadequate, so I would also recommend a healthy, varied eating plan.

Which product or treatment is worth splurging on?

In cases of hereditary hair loss in females, I’d say prescription hair-loss topicals. When dealing with temporary hair loss, known as TE, buying an retail solution 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 balancing elements, inhibitors and/or calming components – works best.

Which popular remedy is ineffective?

Rosemary oil for hair loss. It's ineffective. 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 male pattern hair loss, so the study is basically saying they provide similarly low results.

Likewise, mega-doses of biotin. Rarely do people lack biotin, so taking it is unlikely to do your hair any good, and it can affect thyroid test results.

What’s the most common mistake you see?

I think the term “hair washing” should be changed to “scalp cleansing” – 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 contrary is accurate – especially if you have dandruff, which is aggravated by oil buildup. If oils are left on your scalp, they break down and become inflammatory.

Sadly, scalp requirements and hair preferences may conflict, so it’s a careful compromise. 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's backed by strong research and tends to work best when compounded with other hair-supportive actives. Should you wish to enhance minoxidil's benefits, or you simply don’t want to or can’t use it, you could try collagen induction therapy (with a specialist), and perhaps platelet-rich plasma or light treatments.

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