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An Expert Colorist

Colourist operating from the West Coast who specialises in silver hair. Among his clientele are Hollywood stars and Andie MacDowell.

Which budget-friendly product is a must-have?

I highly recommend a microfibre towel, or even a gentle tee to remove moisture from your strands. Most people don’t realise how much damage a standard towel can do, notably with lightened or dyed strands. This one small change can really minimize flyaways and damage. Another inexpensive must-have is a broad-toothed comb, to use in the shower. It protects the hair while smoothing out tangles and helps preserve the strength of the individual hairs, notably following coloring.

Which investment truly pays off?

A professional-grade heat styling tool – ceramic or tourmaline, with precise heat settings. Lightened strands can become discolored or suffer heat stress without the correct device.

What style or process should you always avoid?

At-home lightening. Online tutorials can be misleading, but the actual fact 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 extremely difficult to fix. I also don’t recommend chemical straightening processes on pre-lightened strands. Such treatments are often overly harsh for delicate locks and can cause long-term damage or color changes.

Which typical blunder stands out?

People using the wrong products for their specific hair needs. Some overuse toning shampoo until their blonde or grey strands looks lifeless and muted. Others rely too much on protein-rich treatments and end up with stiff, brittle hair. Another significant problem is thermal styling minus a barrier. In cases where you employ hot tools or dryers without a protective product, – notably with color-treated strands – you’re going to see discoloration, dehydration and damage.

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

Hair loss needs a multilayered approach. Externally, minoxidil remains a top choice. I often suggest scalp serums with caffeine or peptides to boost blood flow and aid in hair growth. Using a scalp detox shampoo weekly helps clear out buildup and allows treatments to work more effectively. Oral aids like specialized formulas have also shown positive outcomes. They support the body from the inside out by balancing body chemistry, tension and lack of vital nutrients.

In cases requiring advanced options, PRP therapy – where a concentration from your blood is administered – 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 chasing surface-level fixes.

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Anabel Kingsley

Trichologist and leader in hair health services and items for shedding.

How frequently do you schedule salon visits?

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

Which low-cost item is a game-changer?

Hair-thickening particles are truly impressive if you have areas of scalp visibility. 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 a lot of hair fall – and also now while experiencing some significant shedding after having a bad infection previously. Since hair is non-vital, it’s the initial area to show decline when your intake is insufficient, 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 medicated treatments. When dealing with temporary hair loss, known as TE, buying an over-the-counter product is fine, but for FPHL you really do need prescription-strength formulas to see the most effective improvements. From my perspective, minoxidil combined with additional ingredients – such as hormones, anti-androgens and/or anti-inflammatories – works best.

Which popular remedy is ineffective?

Rosemary oil for hair loss. It's ineffective. This belief comes from a minor study from 2015 that compared the effects of a low-dose minoxidil with rosemary oil. A low concentration like 2% is insufficient to do much for male pattern hair loss, so the study is basically saying they work as little as each other.

Also, high-dose biotin. Hardly anyone is biotin deficient, so consuming it probably won't help your locks, and it can alter thyroid level measurements.

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 harmful to their strands, when in fact the opposite is true – notably in cases of dandruff, which is worsened by the presence of excess oils. When sebum remains on the skin, they deteriorate and lead to inflammation.

Unfortunately, what your scalp needs and what your hair likes don’t always align, so it’s a balancing act. Provided you wash delicately and manage wet locks gently, it won’t be damaging to your strands.

What solutions do you suggest for thinning?

With female pattern loss, minoxidil is essential. Scientific support is substantial and tends to be most effective combined with additional ingredients. 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 platelet-rich plasma or light treatments.

With telogen effluvium, investigation is key. Noticeable thinning usually relates to a health trigger. Sometimes, the cause is transient – such as flu, Covid or a period of intense stress – and it will clear up naturally. 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