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A Color Specialist

Hair Color Expert based in California who focuses on grey hair. His clients include Jane Fonda and well-known figures.

Which bargain product do you swear by?

I highly recommend a soft fabric towel, 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 minor adjustment can really reduce frizz and breakage. 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, especially after lightening.

Which investment truly pays off?

A professional-grade heat styling tool – featuring innovative technology, with adjustable temperature options. Lightened strands can become discolored or suffer heat stress without the correct device.

Which popular practice is a definite no-go?

Self-applied color lifting. Social media makes it look easy, but the actual fact is it’s one of the most hazardous actions you can do to your hair. I’ve witnessed clients melt their hair, snap their strands or end up with striped effects 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 weakened hair and can cause lasting harm or color changes.

Which typical blunder stands out?

People using the wrong products for their hair type or colour. Certain clients overapply violet-based cleansers until their silver or blond hair looks lifeless and muted. Some depend excessively on high-protein masks and end up with unmanageable, weak locks. A further common mistake is using hot tools sans safeguard. If you’re using flat irons, curling irons or blow dryers without a defensive spray or cream, – notably with color-treated strands – you’re going to see discoloration, dehydration and damage.

What would you suggest for thinning hair?

Hair loss needs a multilayered approach. For direct application, minoxidil is highly proven. I also recommend scalp formulas with active ingredients to enhance nutrient delivery and support follicle health. Using a scalp detox shampoo weekly helps clear out buildup and allows solutions to be more efficient. Supplements such as Nutrafol or Viviscal Pro have also shown notable improvements. They enhance overall health for hair benefits by addressing hormonal imbalances, stress and dietary insufficiencies.

In cases requiring advanced options, PRP therapy – where a personalized serum is applied – can be successful. That said, I always suggest consulting a skin or hair specialist initially. Hair loss is often tied to underlying health issues, and it’s important to determine the origin rather than pursuing temporary solutions.

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A Hair and Scalp Specialist

Trichologist and leader in hair health centers and lines targeting thinning.

What’s your routine for trims and color?

My trims are every couple of months, but will snip damaged ends myself bi-weekly to preserve strand health, and have color touches every two months.

Which bargain product do you swear by?

Hair-thickening particles are truly impressive if you have thinning spots. These particles bond to your existing hair, and it comes in a assortment of tones, 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 severe illness recently. Since hair is non-vital, it’s the initial area to show decline when your intake is insufficient, so I would also recommend a well-rounded, nutrient-rich diet.

What justifies a higher investment?

In cases of hereditary hair loss in females, I’d say doctor-recommended solutions. For excessive daily hair shedding, AKA telogen effluvium (TE), buying an retail solution is fine, but for FPHL you really do need medicated treatment to see the optimal outcomes. I believe minoxidil mixed with supporting compounds – such as endocrine regulators, blockers and/or soothing agents – works best.

Which hair trend or treatment would you never recommend?

Rosemary extracts for shedding. It's ineffective. The whole thing stems from one small study done in 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.

Also, high-dose biotin. Rarely do people lack biotin, so taking it is unlikely to do your hair any good, and it can skew thyroid readings in blood tests.

What’s the most common mistake you see?

I think the term “hair washing” should be changed to “scalp cleansing” – because the primary purpose of washing 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 harmful to their strands, when in fact the contrary is accurate – especially if you have 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 is unlikely to cause damage.

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

With female pattern loss, minoxidil is essential. Scientific support is substantial and tends to work best when compounded with other hair-supportive actives. If you're interested in complementary therapies, or you prefer not to use it or are unable, you could try microneedling (see a dermatologist), and perhaps injections or laser devices.

In shedding cases, root cause analysis is crucial. Increased hair loss often stems from an underlying issue. 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 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