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An Expert Colorist

Styling Professional based in the Golden State who focuses on grey hair. He works with Jane Fonda and well-known figures.

Which bargain product do you swear by?

I swear by a gentle drying cloth, or even a gentle tee to remove moisture from your strands. Many are unaware how much harm a standard towel can do, notably with lightened or dyed strands. This one small change can really minimize flyaways and damage. Another affordable staple is a broad-toothed comb, to use while conditioning. It shields your locks while smoothing out tangles and helps preserve the strength of the strands, notably following coloring.

What item or service justifies the extra cost?

A professional-grade heat styling tool – featuring innovative technology, with smart temperature control. Grey and blonde hair can develop brassy tones or get damaged without the correct device.

What style or process should you always avoid?

Self-applied color lifting. Online tutorials can be misleading, but the actual fact is it’s one of the biggest gambles you can do to your hair. I’ve witnessed clients severely damage their locks, experience breakage or end up with uneven tones that are extremely difficult to fix. It's best to steer clear of long-term smoothing services on pre-lightened strands. These formulations are often excessively strong for weakened hair and can cause lasting harm or undesired tones.

Which typical blunder stands out?

Individuals choosing unsuitable formulas for their hair type or colour. Some overuse toning shampoo until their silver or blond hair looks drab and lacking shine. Others rely too much on high-protein masks and end up with rigid, fragile strands. Another significant problem is heat styling without protection. When applying hot tools or dryers without a protective product, – especially on pre-lightened hair – 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 formulas with active ingredients to enhance nutrient delivery 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 great results. They support the body from the inside out by balancing body chemistry, tension and lack of vital nutrients.

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. 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 Trichology Expert

Follicle Expert and brand president of Philip Kingsley centers and lines targeting thinning.

What’s your routine for trims and color?

I get my hair cut every 10 to 12 weeks, but will trim off splits at home fortnightly to keep my ends healthy, and have lightening sessions every eight weeks.

Which low-cost item is a game-changer?

Hair-thickening particles are truly impressive if you have thinning spots. 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 noticeable thinning – and also now while experiencing some marked thinning after having a bad infection previously. As hair isn’t an essential tissue, it’s the initial area to show decline when your diet is lacking, so I would also recommend a balanced, nutritious diet.

Which product or treatment is worth splurging on?

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 medicated treatment to see the best results. I believe minoxidil mixed with supporting compounds – such as endocrine regulators, blockers and/or soothing agents – works best.

What should you always skip?

Using rosemary essential oil for thinning. It doesn’t work. This belief comes from a minor study from 2015 that compared the effects of a low-dose minoxidil with rosemary oil. A 2% strength minoxidil isn’t enough to do much for genetic balding in men, so the study is basically saying they are equally minimal in effect.

Likewise, mega-doses of biotin. Hardly anyone is biotin deficient, so taking it is unlikely to do your hair any good, and it can skew thyroid readings in blood tests.

What blunder stands out often?

Personally, I prefer "scalp cleansing" over "hair washing" – because the main goal of cleansing is to remove buildup, flakes, perspiration and dirt. Many individuals refrain from cleansing as they think it’s damaging to their locks, when in fact the reverse is correct – especially if you have dandruff, which is aggravated by oil buildup. If oils are left on your scalp, they deteriorate and lead to inflammation.

Regrettably, follicular health and strand desires can differ, so it’s a careful compromise. However, if you cleanse softly and treat damp strands kindly, it is unlikely to cause damage.

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

With female pattern loss, minoxidil is essential. It's backed by strong research and tends to show optimal results when mixed with supporting compounds. If you're interested in complementary therapies, or you choose to avoid it or cannot tolerate it, you could try micro-needling (under professional care), and perhaps injections or laser devices.

With telogen effluvium, investigation is key. Noticeable thinning usually relates to a health trigger. Occasionally, the reason is temporary – 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 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