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Jack Martin

Hair Color Expert based in the Golden State who specialises in platinum tones. His clients include celebrated actors and renowned personalities.

Which bargain product do you swear by?

My top pick is a soft fabric towel, or even a smooth cotton shirt to towel-dry your locks. Many are unaware how much harm a typical terrycloth towel can do, particularly for grey or color-processed hair. This one small change can really lessen brittleness and splitting. A second budget-friendly essential is a broad-toothed comb, to use in the shower. It shields your locks while removing knots and helps preserve the strength of the hair shafts, especially after lightening.

Which investment truly pays off?

A high-quality styling iron – ceramic or tourmaline, with precise heat settings. Grey and blonde hair can yellow or burn easily without the proper tool.

What style or process should you always avoid?

Self-applied color lifting. Internet videos often simplify it, but the reality is it’s one of the most hazardous actions you can do to your hair. I’ve seen people melt their hair, break it off or end up with striped effects that are nearly impossible to correct. I would also avoid long-term smoothing services on pre-lightened strands. These chemical systems are often too aggressive for weakened hair and can cause long-term damage or color changes.

What frequent error do you observe?

Individuals choosing unsuitable formulas for their specific hair needs. Some overuse toning shampoo until their blonde or grey strands looks lifeless and muted. Some depend excessively on high-protein masks and end up with rigid, fragile strands. A further common mistake is heat styling without protection. In cases where you employ styling appliances without a defensive spray or cream, – particularly on bleached locks – you’re going to see discoloration, dehydration and damage.

What would you suggest for thinning hair?

Shedding demands a multifaceted plan. Topically, minoxidil is still one of the most effective treatments. I also recommend follicle treatments containing stimulants to enhance nutrient delivery and support follicle health. Incorporating a clarifying shampoo regularly helps eliminate impurities and allows products to perform better. Internal support including clinical supplements have also shown notable improvements. They enhance overall health for hair benefits by balancing body chemistry, anxiety and nutritional deficiencies.

For those seeking higher-level solutions, PRP therapy – where a personalized serum is applied – can be effective. Still, my advice is to getting a professional diagnosis beforehand. 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

Scalp and Hair Scientist and leader in hair health clinics and product ranges for hair loss.

How frequently do you schedule salon visits?

I get my hair cut every 10 to 12 weeks, but will snip damaged ends myself fortnightly to keep my ends healthy, and have highlights done every eight weeks.

What affordable find is essential?

Building fibers 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. I used it myself in the postpartum period when I had a lot of hair fall – and also now while experiencing some significant shedding after having awful flu a few months ago. As hair isn’t an essential tissue, it’s the first part of you to suffer when your diet is lacking, so I would also recommend a well-rounded, nutrient-rich diet.

Which product or treatment is worth splurging on?

In cases of hereditary hair loss in females, I’d say medicated treatments. For excessive daily hair shedding, AKA telogen effluvium (TE), buying an non-prescription item is fine, but for FPHL you really do need prescription-strength formulas to see the best results. In my opinion, minoxidil compounded with other hair-supportive actives – such as endocrine regulators, blockers and/or soothing agents – works best.

What should you always skip?

Using rosemary essential oil for thinning. It shows no real benefit. The whole thing stems from one small study done in 2015 that compared the effects of 2% minoxidil to rosemary oil. A mild formula such as 2% is inadequate to do much for genetic balding in men, so the study is basically saying they provide similarly low results.

Additionally, excessive biotin. Rarely do people lack biotin, so using it may not benefit your strands, and it can affect thyroid test results.

What’s the most common mistake you see?

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. Many individuals refrain from cleansing as they think it’s harmful to their strands, when in fact the reverse is correct – particularly with flaky scalp, which is intensified by sebum accumulation. If natural oils stay on the head, they decompose and cause irritation.

Unfortunately, what your scalp needs and what your hair likes don’t always align, so it’s a balancing act. 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?

For genetic thinning in women, start with minoxidil. 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. Increased hair loss often stems from an underlying issue. In some instances, the trigger is short-term – such as sickness, virus or emotional strain – and it will clear up naturally. Sometimes, hormonal problems or dietary gaps are responsible – 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