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An Expert Colorist

Colourist operating from the West Coast who excels at platinum tones. He works with celebrated actors and Andie MacDowell.

Which bargain product do you swear by?

My top pick is a microfibre towel, or even a smooth cotton shirt to towel-dry your locks. Most people don’t realise how much damage a regular bath towel can do, particularly for grey or color-processed hair. This one small change can really minimize flyaways and damage. Another inexpensive must-have is a large-gap comb, to use during washing. It protects the hair while removing knots and helps preserve the strength of the strands, particularly post-bleaching.

Which investment truly pays off?

A top-tier thermal appliance – featuring innovative technology, with smart temperature control. Grey and blonde hair can yellow or burn easily without the correct device.

What style or process should you always avoid?

Self-applied color lifting. Social media makes it look easy, but the truth is it’s one of the most hazardous actions you can do to your hair. I’ve witnessed clients cause irreversible harm, experience breakage or end up with bands of colour that are nearly impossible to correct. I also don’t recommend chemical straightening processes on color-treated or grey hair. These chemical systems are often excessively strong for delicate locks and can cause chronic issues or discoloration.

What’s the most common mistake you see in your salon?

People using the wrong products for their hair type or colour. Certain clients overapply colour-correcting purple shampoo until their blonde or grey strands looks lifeless and muted. A few overdo on protein-rich treatments and end up with unmanageable, weak locks. The other major issue is using hot tools sans safeguard. If you’re using flat irons, curling irons or blow dryers without a protective product, – particularly on bleached locks – you’re going to see yellowing, dryness and breakage.

What would you suggest for thinning hair?

Hair loss needs a multilayered approach. Topically, minoxidil is still one of the most effective treatments. My advice includes scalp serums with caffeine or peptides to stimulate circulation and promote root strength. Applying a cleansing scalp wash often 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 nutritional deficiencies.

For those seeking higher-level solutions, PRP therapy – where a concentration from your blood is administered – can be effective. However, I consistently recommend getting a professional diagnosis beforehand. Shedding may relate to internal factors, and it’s important to get to the root cause rather than pursuing temporary solutions.

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A Hair and Scalp Specialist

Follicle Expert and leader in hair health services and items for shedding.

How frequently do you schedule salon visits?

I get my hair cut every 10 to 12 weeks, but will trim off splits at home fortnightly to preserve strand health, and have color touches every two months.

Which bargain product do you swear by?

Hair-thickening particles are remarkably effective if you have thinning spots. The fibres cling electrostatically to your own hair, and it comes in a variety of shades, making it seamlessly blended. It was my go-to post-pregnancy when I had noticeable thinning – and also presently during some significant shedding after having a bad infection previously. Since hair is non-vital, it’s the earliest indicator of health issues when your diet is lacking, 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 medicated treatments. When dealing with temporary hair loss, known as TE, buying an retail solution is fine, but for FPHL you really do need clinical interventions to see the most effective improvements. From my perspective, minoxidil combined with additional ingredients – such as endocrine regulators, blockers and/or soothing agents – works best.

What should you always skip?

Rosemary extracts for shedding. It's ineffective. 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 work as little as each other.

Likewise, mega-doses of biotin. Hardly anyone is biotin deficient, so consuming it probably won't help your locks, and it can alter thyroid level measurements.

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. I notice clients skipping washes as they think it’s bad for their hair, when in fact the contrary is accurate – notably in cases of dandruff, which is intensified by sebum accumulation. If oils are left on your scalp, they break down and become inflammatory.

Sadly, scalp requirements and hair preferences may conflict, so it’s a careful compromise. But as long as you are gentle when you shampoo and handle wet hair with care, it shouldn't harm your hair.

What solutions do you suggest for thinning?

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 choose to avoid it or cannot tolerate it, you could try collagen induction therapy (with a specialist), and perhaps injections or laser devices.

For TE, you need to do some detective work. Increased hair loss often stems from an underlying issue. Sometimes, the cause is transient – such as flu, Covid or a period of intense stress – and it will clear up naturally. Alternatively, endocrine issues or nutrient shortages may be the cause – the typical deficiencies involve iron, B12 and vitamin D – and to {treat the hair loss you need to treat the cause|address shedding, target the underlying issue|combat thinning, focus