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A Color Specialist

Hair Color Expert operating from California who focuses on silver hair. Among his clientele are celebrated actors and Andie MacDowell.

What affordable item can't you live without?

I highly recommend a soft fabric towel, or even a smooth cotton shirt to towel-dry your locks. Most people don’t realise how much damage a standard towel can do, particularly for silver or chemically treated hair. A simple switch can really reduce frizz and breakage. Another inexpensive must-have is a broad-toothed comb, to use in the shower. It safeguards your strands while removing knots and helps keep the health of the individual hairs, especially after lightening.

Which investment truly pays off?

A professional-grade heat styling tool – featuring innovative technology, with smart temperature control. Grey and blonde hair can become discolored or suffer heat stress without the proper tool.

Which popular practice is a definite no-go?

DIY bleaching. Internet videos often simplify it, but the reality is it’s one of the most hazardous actions you can do to your hair. I’ve seen people cause irreversible harm, snap their strands or end up with uneven tones 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 long-term damage or discoloration.

Which typical blunder stands out?

Individuals choosing unsuitable formulas for their specific hair needs. A number of people misuse toning shampoo until their silver or blond hair looks drab and lacking shine. Some depend excessively on protein-rich treatments and end up with stiff, brittle hair. Another significant problem is thermal styling minus a barrier. If you’re using flat irons, curling irons or blow dryers without a defensive spray or cream, – especially on pre-lightened hair – you’re going to see brassiness, lack of moisture and splitting.

What would you suggest for thinning hair?

Hair loss needs a multilayered approach. Externally, minoxidil remains a top choice. I often suggest follicle treatments containing stimulants to boost blood flow and support follicle health. Applying a cleansing scalp wash often helps remove residue and allows solutions to be more efficient. Oral aids like specialized formulas have also shown positive outcomes. They enhance overall health for hair benefits by balancing body chemistry, anxiety and dietary insufficiencies.

For those seeking higher-level solutions, platelet-rich plasma treatments – where a personalized serum is applied – can be beneficial. However, I consistently recommend seeing a dermatologist or trichologist first. 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 clinics and product ranges for hair loss.

How often do you get your hair cut and coloured?

I get my hair cut every 10 to 12 weeks, but will remove split ends personally bi-weekly to keep my ends healthy, and have color touches every two months.

Which low-cost item is a game-changer?

Toppik hair fibres are absolutely amazing if you have see-through sections. They attach using static to your strands, and it comes in a range of colors, making it almost invisible. It was my go-to post-pregnancy when I had a lot of hair fall – and also presently during some marked thinning after having a severe illness recently. Because locks are secondary, it’s the first part of you to suffer when your intake is insufficient, so I would also recommend a balanced, nutritious diet.

Which product or treatment is worth splurging on?

If you have female pattern hair loss (FPHL), 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 prescription-strength formulas to see the most effective improvements. From my perspective, minoxidil combined with additional ingredients – such as hormones, anti-androgens and/or anti-inflammatories – works best.

Which hair trend or treatment would you never recommend?

Rosemary extracts for shedding. It doesn’t work. The whole thing stems from one small study done in 2015 that compared the effects of a low-dose minoxidil with rosemary oil. A low concentration like 2% is insufficient to do much for male pattern hair loss, so the study is basically saying they provide similarly low results.

Also, high-dose biotin. Rarely do people lack biotin, so using it may not benefit your strands, and it can skew thyroid readings in blood tests.

Which error is most frequent?

In my view, we should rename "hair washing" to "scalp cleaning" – because the real aim of shampooing your hair is to remove buildup, flakes, perspiration and dirt. I notice clients skipping washes as they think it’s bad for their hair, when in fact the reverse is correct – notably in cases of dandruff, which is intensified by sebum accumulation. If natural oils stay on the head, they break down and become inflammatory.

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.

What solutions do you suggest for thinning?

With female pattern loss, minoxidil is essential. It has the most robust evidence behind it 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 micro-needling (under professional care), and perhaps injections or laser devices.

For TE, you need to do some detective work. Noticeable thinning usually relates to a health trigger. 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 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