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An Expert Colorist

Colourist located in the West Coast who specialises in grey hair. Among his clientele are celebrated actors and well-known figures.

What affordable item can't you live without?

I highly recommend a soft fabric towel, or even a gentle tee to towel-dry your locks. It's often overlooked how much stress a standard towel can do, particularly for silver or chemically treated hair. A simple switch can really minimize flyaways and damage. Another affordable staple is a large-gap comb, to use while conditioning. It shields your locks while smoothing out tangles and helps maintain the integrity of the strands, notably following coloring.

Which investment truly pays off?

A professional-grade heat styling tool – made with advanced materials, with smart temperature control. Lightened strands can yellow or burn easily without the right iron.

What style or process should you always avoid?

At-home lightening. Online tutorials can be misleading, but the truth is it’s one of the most hazardous actions you can do to your hair. I’ve seen people melt their hair, experience breakage or end up with striped effects that are incredibly challenging to remedy. I would also avoid chemical straightening processes on bleached or silver hair. These formulations are often overly harsh for delicate locks and can cause chronic issues or color changes.

What’s the most common mistake you see in your salon?

Individuals choosing unsuitable formulas for their specific hair needs. Some overuse colour-correcting purple shampoo until their blonde or grey strands looks lifeless and muted. Some depend excessively on protein-rich treatments and end up with unmanageable, weak locks. Another significant problem is using hot tools sans safeguard. When applying flat irons, curling irons or blow dryers without a defensive spray or cream, – especially on pre-lightened hair – you’re going to see yellowing, dryness and breakage.

Which solutions help with shedding?

Shedding demands a multifaceted plan. For direct application, minoxidil is highly proven. My advice includes follicle treatments containing stimulants to enhance nutrient delivery and support follicle health. Using a scalp detox shampoo weekly helps eliminate impurities and allows products to perform better. Internal support including clinical supplements have also shown positive outcomes. They enhance overall health for hair benefits by balancing body chemistry, tension and dietary insufficiencies.

In cases requiring advanced options, PRP therapy – where a personalized serum is applied – can be successful. Still, my advice is to getting a professional diagnosis beforehand. Hair loss is often tied to underlying health issues, and it’s important to get to the root cause rather than chasing surface-level fixes.

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Anabel Kingsley

Trichologist and head of a renowned clinic services and items for shedding.

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 preserve strand health, and have highlights done every eight weeks.

Which bargain product do you swear by?

Hair-thickening particles are remarkably effective if you have areas of scalp visibility. The fibres cling electrostatically to your own hair, and it comes in a assortment of tones, making it seamlessly blended. I used it myself in the postpartum period when I had noticeable thinning – and also now while experiencing some significant shedding after having a bad infection previously. Because locks are secondary, 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. Regarding increased shedding, or telogen effluvium, buying an over-the-counter product is fine, but for FPHL you really do need medicated treatment to see the most effective improvements. I believe minoxidil mixed with supporting compounds – such as balancing elements, inhibitors and/or calming components – 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 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 are equally minimal in effect.

Additionally, excessive biotin. Few individuals have biotin insufficiency, so using it may not benefit your strands, and it can affect thyroid test results.

What blunder stands out often?

I think the term “hair washing” should be changed to “scalp cleansing” – because the real aim of shampooing your hair is to rid your scalp of old oils, dead skin cells, sweat and environmental pollution. Many individuals refrain from cleansing as they think it’s bad for their hair, when in fact the reverse is correct – especially if you have dandruff, which is worsened by the presence of excess oils. If oils are left on your scalp, they decompose and cause irritation.

Sadly, scalp requirements and hair preferences may conflict, so it’s a delicate equilibrium. But as long as you are gentle when you shampoo and handle wet hair with care, it is unlikely to cause damage.

Which options help with shedding?

For FPHL, your core treatment should be minoxidil. It has the most robust evidence behind it and tends to work best when compounded with other hair-supportive actives. Should you wish to enhance minoxidil's benefits, or you prefer not to use it or are unable, you could try microneedling (see a dermatologist), and perhaps platelet-rich plasma or light treatments.

In shedding cases, root cause analysis is crucial. 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. In other cases, thyroid imbalances or vitamin/mineral deficiencies are the driving factor – 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