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Jack Martin

Styling Professional based in the Golden State who focuses on silver hair. He works with Jane Fonda 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 dry your hair. Many are unaware how much damage a standard towel can do, especially to grey or color-processed hair. This one small change can really minimize flyaways and damage. Another inexpensive must-have is a wide-tooth comb, to use during washing. It safeguards your strands while detangling and helps keep the health of the strands, especially after lightening.

Which investment truly pays off?

A top-tier thermal appliance – ceramic or tourmaline, with smart temperature control. Silver and light-coloured hair can develop brassy tones or get damaged without the correct device.

What style or process should you always avoid?

At-home lightening. Online tutorials can be misleading, but the reality is it’s one of the most hazardous actions you can do to your hair. There are cases where individuals severely damage their locks, snap their strands or end up with uneven tones that are incredibly challenging to remedy. I would also avoid long-term smoothing services on pre-lightened strands. Such treatments are often excessively strong for delicate locks and can cause lasting harm or discoloration.

What frequent error do you observe?

Clients selecting inappropriate items for their hair type or colour. Some overuse violet-based cleansers until their silver or blond hair looks flat and dull. Others rely too much on high-protein masks and end up with stiff, brittle hair. Another significant problem is using hot tools sans safeguard. In cases where you employ flat irons, curling irons or blow dryers without a heat protectant, – notably with color-treated strands – 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 scalp formulas with active ingredients to stimulate circulation and promote root strength. Incorporating a clarifying shampoo regularly helps clear out buildup and allows products to perform better. Internal support including clinical supplements have also shown positive outcomes. They enhance overall health for hair benefits by correcting endocrine issues, anxiety and lack of vital nutrients.

For people looking for something more advanced, platelet-rich plasma treatments – where a personalized serum is applied – can be effective. That said, I always suggest getting a professional diagnosis beforehand. Shedding may relate to internal factors, and it’s important to identify the source rather than pursuing temporary solutions.

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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?

My trims are every couple of months, but will trim off splits at home fortnightly to preserve strand health, and have color touches every two months.

What affordable find is essential?

Building fibers 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 seamlessly blended. It was my go-to post-pregnancy when I had significant shedding – and also currently as I’m going through some considerable hair loss after having a severe illness recently. Since hair is non-vital, it’s the first part of you to suffer when your nutrition is inadequate, so I would also recommend a healthy, varied eating plan.

Which premium option is truly valuable?

If you have female pattern hair loss (FPHL), I’d say prescription hair-loss topicals. Regarding increased shedding, or telogen effluvium, buying an retail solution is fine, but for FPHL you really do need medicated treatment 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.

Which hair trend or treatment would you never recommend?

Rosemary oil for hair loss. It shows no real benefit. This idea originated from a limited 2015 research 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 are equally minimal in effect.

Also, high-dose biotin. Hardly anyone is biotin deficient, so taking it is unlikely to do your hair any good, and it can alter thyroid level measurements.

What’s the most common mistake you see?

In my view, we should rename "hair washing" to "scalp cleaning" – 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 bad for their hair, when in fact the contrary is accurate – particularly with flaky scalp, which is intensified by sebum accumulation. If oils are left on your scalp, they deteriorate and lead to inflammation.

Regrettably, follicular health and strand desires can differ, so it’s a careful compromise. However, if you cleanse softly and treat damp strands kindly, it is unlikely to cause damage.

Which options help with shedding?

With female pattern loss, minoxidil is essential. It's backed by strong research and tends to work best when compounded with other hair-supportive actives. 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. Increased hair loss often stems from an underlying issue. Sometimes, the cause is transient – such as sickness, virus or emotional strain – and it will clear up naturally. Alternatively, endocrine issues or nutrient shortages may be the cause – 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