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An Expert Colorist

Colourist operating from the Golden State who specialises in platinum tones. He works with Hollywood stars and Andie MacDowell.

What affordable item can't you live without?

My top pick is a soft fabric towel, or even a gentle tee to towel-dry your locks. Many are unaware how much stress a standard towel can do, particularly for lightened or dyed strands. This one small change can really lessen brittleness and splitting. Another affordable staple is a broad-toothed comb, to use while conditioning. It safeguards your strands while detangling 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 precise heat settings. Lightened strands can become discolored or suffer heat stress without the proper tool.

Which hair trend or treatment would you never recommend?

At-home lightening. Social media makes it look easy, but the reality is it’s one of the riskiest things you can do to your hair. I’ve seen people severely damage their locks, break it off or end up with bands of colour that are incredibly challenging to remedy. I also don’t recommend long-term smoothing services on color-treated or grey hair. Such treatments are often overly harsh for weakened hair and can cause lasting harm or color changes.

What frequent error do you observe?

Individuals choosing unsuitable formulas for their hair type or colour. Some overuse toning shampoo until their silver or blond hair looks lifeless and muted. Some depend excessively on high-protein masks and end up with stiff, brittle hair. A further common mistake is thermal styling minus a barrier. If you’re using styling appliances without a protective product, – especially on pre-lightened hair – you’re going to see brassiness, lack of moisture and splitting.

What would you suggest for thinning hair?

Shedding demands a multifaceted plan. For direct application, minoxidil is highly proven. I also recommend scalp serums with caffeine or peptides to boost blood flow and aid in hair growth. Applying a cleansing scalp wash often helps remove residue and allows treatments to work more effectively. Oral aids like specialized formulas have also shown great results. They enhance overall health for hair benefits 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 beneficial. That said, I always suggest seeing a dermatologist or trichologist first. Hair loss is often tied to underlying health issues, and it’s important to identify the source rather than chasing surface-level fixes.

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A Hair and Scalp Specialist

Scalp and Hair Scientist and leader in hair health centers and lines targeting thinning.

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 fortnightly to keep my ends healthy, and have highlights done every eight weeks.

Which bargain product do you swear by?

Hair-thickening particles are remarkably effective if you have see-through sections. 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 a lot of hair fall – and also presently during some significant shedding after having awful flu a few months ago. Since hair is non-vital, it’s the first part of you to suffer when your intake is insufficient, so I would also recommend a balanced, nutritious diet.

What justifies a higher investment?

If you have female pattern hair loss (FPHL), I’d say medicated treatments. Regarding increased shedding, or telogen effluvium, buying an non-prescription item is fine, but for FPHL you really do need medicated treatment to see the optimal outcomes. In my opinion, minoxidil compounded with other hair-supportive actives – such as hormones, anti-androgens and/or anti-inflammatories – works best.

Which popular remedy is ineffective?

Rosemary extracts for shedding. It doesn’t work. This belief comes from a minor study from 2015 that compared the effects of 2% minoxidil to rosemary oil. A mild formula such as 2% is inadequate to do much for hereditary thinning in males, so the study is basically saying they are equally minimal in effect.

Additionally, excessive biotin. Few individuals have biotin insufficiency, so consuming it probably won't help your locks, and it can affect thyroid test results.

What blunder stands out often?

Personally, I prefer "scalp cleansing" over "hair washing" – because the main goal of cleansing 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 damaging to their locks, when in fact the reverse is correct – particularly with flaky scalp, which is aggravated by oil buildup. If oils are left on your scalp, 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.

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 microneedling (see a dermatologist), and perhaps injections or laser devices.

For TE, you need to do some detective work. Increased hair loss often stems from an underlying issue. In some instances, the trigger is short-term – such as flu, Covid or a period of intense stress – and it will improve spontaneously. 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