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A Color Specialist

Hair Color Expert located in California who specialises in platinum tones. His clients include celebrated actors and well-known figures.

Which bargain product do you swear by?

My top pick is a soft fabric towel, or even a gentle tee to dry your hair. Many are unaware how much damage a typical terrycloth towel can do, especially to silver or chemically treated hair. This minor adjustment can really lessen brittleness and splitting. Another affordable staple is a large-gap comb, to use during washing. It safeguards your strands while detangling and helps keep the health of the individual hairs, especially after lightening.

Which product or treatment is worth splurging on?

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

Which hair trend or treatment would you never recommend?

DIY bleaching. Social media makes it look easy, but the reality is it’s one of the biggest gambles you can do to your hair. I’ve witnessed clients cause irreversible harm, experience breakage or end up with striped effects that are incredibly challenging to remedy. I also don’t recommend keratin or permanent straightening treatments on color-treated or grey hair. These chemical systems 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 specific hair needs. Some overuse toning shampoo until their blonde or grey strands looks drab and lacking shine. Others rely too much on strengthening conditioners and end up with stiff, brittle hair. The other major issue is using hot tools sans safeguard. If you’re using hot tools or dryers without a protective product, – especially on pre-lightened hair – you’re going to see yellowing, dryness and breakage.

What would you suggest for thinning hair?

Thinning requires a comprehensive strategy. Topically, minoxidil is still one of the most effective treatments. My advice includes 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 products to perform better. Oral aids like specialized formulas have also shown positive outcomes. They support the body from the inside out by addressing hormonal imbalances, tension and lack of vital nutrients.

For people looking for something more advanced, blood-derived therapies – where a concentration from your blood is administered – can be beneficial. However, I consistently recommend getting a professional diagnosis beforehand. Thinning can be linked to medical conditions, and it’s important to identify the source rather than pursuing temporary solutions.

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A Trichology Expert

Follicle Expert and brand president of Philip Kingsley centers and lines targeting thinning.

How frequently do you schedule salon visits?

I schedule cuts every ten to twelve weeks, but will remove split ends personally bi-weekly to maintain tip integrity, and have color touches every two months.

What affordable find is essential?

Hair-thickening particles are remarkably effective if you have areas of scalp visibility. They attach using static to your strands, and it comes in a range of colors, making it almost invisible. I personally applied it after childbirth when I had noticeable thinning – and also now while experiencing some marked thinning after having awful flu a few months ago. Since hair is non-vital, it’s the initial area to show decline when your intake is insufficient, so I would also recommend a balanced, nutritious diet.

What justifies a higher investment?

In cases of hereditary hair loss in females, 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 most effective improvements. I believe minoxidil mixed with supporting compounds – 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 2% strength minoxidil isn’t enough 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 skew thyroid readings in blood tests.

Which error is most frequent?

I think the term “hair washing” should be changed to “scalp cleansing” – because the real aim of shampooing your hair 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 reverse is correct – notably in cases of dandruff, which is worsened by the presence of excess oils. If oils are left on your scalp, they decompose and cause irritation.

Sadly, scalp requirements and hair preferences may conflict, so it’s a balancing act. Provided you wash delicately and manage wet locks gently, it won’t be damaging to your strands.

Which options help with shedding?

With female pattern loss, minoxidil is essential. Scientific support is substantial and tends to work best when compounded with other hair-supportive actives. Should you wish to enhance minoxidil's benefits, or you simply don’t want to or can’t use it, you could try microneedling (see a dermatologist), and perhaps platelet-rich plasma or light treatments.

For TE, you need to do some detective work. Noticeable thinning usually relates to a health trigger. Occasionally, the reason is temporary – such as sickness, virus or emotional strain – 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