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An Expert Colorist

Hair Color Expert based in the Golden State who specialises in platinum tones. His clients include celebrated actors and well-known figures.

Which budget-friendly product is a must-have?

I swear by a microfibre towel, or even a gentle tee to remove moisture from your strands. It's often overlooked how much damage a standard towel can do, especially to grey or color-processed hair. A simple switch can really lessen brittleness and splitting. Another inexpensive must-have is a broad-toothed comb, to use in the shower. It shields your locks while smoothing out tangles and helps preserve the strength of the hair shafts, notably following coloring.

What item or service justifies the extra cost?

A top-tier thermal appliance – ceramic or tourmaline, with precise heat settings. Lightened strands can develop brassy tones or get damaged without the right iron.

Which popular practice is a definite no-go?

DIY bleaching. Internet videos often simplify it, but the actual fact is it’s one of the biggest gambles you can do to your hair. There are cases where individuals melt their hair, break it off or end up with bands of colour that are incredibly challenging to remedy. It's best to steer clear of chemical straightening processes on bleached or silver hair. Such treatments are often overly harsh for delicate locks and can cause long-term damage or discoloration.

Which typical blunder stands out?

People using the wrong products for their specific hair needs. Some overuse toning shampoo until their silver or blond hair looks drab and lacking shine. Some depend excessively on high-protein masks and end up with rigid, fragile strands. The other major issue is thermal styling minus a barrier. If you’re using styling appliances without a defensive spray or cream, – particularly on bleached locks – you’re going to see brassiness, lack of moisture and splitting.

Which solutions help with shedding?

Shedding demands a multifaceted plan. Externally, minoxidil remains a top choice. My advice includes follicle treatments containing stimulants to stimulate circulation and aid in hair growth. Applying a cleansing scalp wash often helps eliminate impurities and allows products to perform better. Oral aids like specialized formulas have also shown positive outcomes. 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 concentration from your blood is administered – can be effective. Still, my advice is to getting a professional diagnosis beforehand. Thinning can be linked to medical conditions, 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 schedule cuts every ten to twelve weeks, but will trim off splits at home bi-weekly to maintain tip integrity, 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. They attach using static to your strands, and it comes in a variety of shades, making it almost invisible. I used it myself in the postpartum period when I had noticeable thinning – and also presently during some marked thinning after having a severe illness recently. Since hair is non-vital, it’s the earliest indicator of health issues when your nutrition is inadequate, so I would also recommend a healthy, varied eating plan.

Which product or treatment is worth splurging on?

For those with genetic thinning in women, I’d say doctor-recommended solutions. Regarding increased shedding, or telogen effluvium, buying an non-prescription item is fine, but for FPHL you really do need prescription-strength formulas to see the most effective improvements. In my opinion, minoxidil compounded with other hair-supportive actives – 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. The whole thing stems from one small study done in 2015 that compared the effects of a mild minoxidil solution versus rosemary extract. A mild formula such as 2% is inadequate to do much for male pattern hair loss, so the study is basically saying they work as little as each other.

Additionally, excessive biotin. Hardly anyone is biotin deficient, so taking it is unlikely to do your hair any good, and it can affect thyroid test results.

Which error is most frequent?

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 harmful to their strands, when in fact the opposite is true – particularly with flaky scalp, which is aggravated by oil buildup. When sebum remains on the skin, they deteriorate and lead to inflammation.

Regrettably, follicular health and strand desires can differ, so it’s a careful compromise. But as long as you are gentle when you shampoo and handle wet hair with care, it won’t be damaging to your strands.

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 then want to try other things to support minoxidil’s effect, or you simply don’t want to or can’t use it, you could try collagen induction therapy (with a specialist), and perhaps injections or laser devices.

In shedding cases, root cause analysis is crucial. Excessive daily shedding occurs in response to an internal factor. Occasionally, the reason is temporary – such as flu, Covid or a period of intense stress – and it will improve spontaneously. In other cases, thyroid imbalances or vitamin/mineral deficiencies are the driving factor – 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