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Jack Martin

Colourist operating from the Golden State who focuses on platinum tones. He works with Jane Fonda and Andie MacDowell.

Which budget-friendly product is a must-have?

My top pick is a soft fabric towel, or even a gentle tee to remove moisture from your strands. Most people don’t realise how much harm a typical terrycloth towel can do, particularly for silver or chemically treated hair. A simple switch can really lessen brittleness and splitting. A second budget-friendly essential is a large-gap comb, to use while conditioning. It safeguards your strands while removing knots and helps keep the health of the individual hairs, particularly post-bleaching.

Which investment truly pays off?

A top-tier thermal appliance – featuring innovative technology, with adjustable temperature options. Silver and light-coloured hair can develop brassy tones or get damaged without the right iron.

Which popular practice is a definite no-go?

DIY bleaching. Online tutorials can be misleading, but the reality is it’s one of the riskiest things you can do to your hair. I’ve witnessed clients severely damage their locks, break it off or end up with uneven tones that are extremely difficult to fix. I also don’t recommend chemical straightening processes on color-treated or grey hair. These chemical systems are often too aggressive for already fragile strands and can cause chronic issues or undesired tones.

What frequent error do you observe?

People using the wrong products for their hair type or colour. Certain clients overapply colour-correcting purple shampoo until their lightened locks looks lifeless and muted. Others rely too much on protein-rich treatments and end up with stiff, brittle hair. Another significant problem is thermal styling minus a barrier. When applying styling appliances without a protective product, – particularly on bleached locks – you’re going to see discoloration, dehydration and damage.

Which product, treatment or supplement would you recommend for hair loss?

Thinning requires a comprehensive strategy. Externally, minoxidil remains a top choice. I also recommend scalp serums with caffeine or peptides to stimulate circulation and aid in hair growth. Applying a cleansing scalp wash often helps remove residue and allows treatments to work more effectively. Oral aids like specialized formulas have also shown notable improvements. They support the body from the inside out by addressing hormonal imbalances, stress and lack of vital nutrients.

In cases requiring advanced options, platelet-rich plasma treatments – where a concentration from your blood is administered – can be effective. That said, I always suggest getting a professional diagnosis beforehand. Thinning can be linked to medical conditions, and it’s important to identify the source rather than seeking quick fixes.

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Anabel Kingsley

Follicle Expert and brand president of Philip Kingsley clinics and product ranges for hair loss.

How frequently do you schedule salon visits?

I schedule cuts every ten to twelve weeks, but will snip damaged ends myself bi-weekly to maintain tip integrity, and have lightening sessions every eight weeks.

Which bargain product do you swear by?

Building fibers are absolutely amazing if you have see-through sections. They attach using static to your strands, and it comes in a assortment of tones, making it virtually undetectable. I used it myself in the postpartum period when I had a lot of hair fall – and also currently as I’m going through some marked thinning after having a severe illness recently. As hair isn’t an essential tissue, it’s the earliest indicator of health issues when your diet is lacking, so I would also recommend a balanced, nutritious diet.

Which premium option is truly valuable?

In cases of hereditary hair loss in females, I’d say doctor-recommended solutions. When dealing with temporary hair loss, known as TE, buying an over-the-counter product is fine, but for FPHL you really do need clinical interventions to see the best results. In my opinion, minoxidil compounded with other hair-supportive actives – such as hormones, anti-androgens and/or anti-inflammatories – works best.

What should you always skip?

Rosemary oil for hair loss. It's ineffective. This idea originated from a limited 2015 research that compared the effects of a low-dose minoxidil with 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.

Likewise, mega-doses of biotin. Rarely do people lack biotin, so using it may not benefit your strands, and it can skew thyroid readings in blood tests.

What blunder stands out often?

In my view, we should rename "hair washing" to "scalp cleaning" – because the primary purpose of washing is to remove buildup, flakes, perspiration and dirt. I notice clients skipping washes as they think it’s damaging to their locks, when in fact the opposite is true – notably in cases of dandruff, which is intensified by sebum accumulation. If oils are left on your scalp, they decompose and cause irritation.

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 is unlikely to cause damage.

What solutions do you suggest for thinning?

For FPHL, your core treatment should be minoxidil. It has the most robust evidence behind it and tends to be most effective combined with additional ingredients. If you're interested in complementary therapies, or you prefer not to use it or are unable, you could try collagen induction therapy (with a specialist), and perhaps injections or laser devices.

With telogen effluvium, investigation is key. Excessive daily shedding occurs in response to an internal factor. In some instances, the trigger is short-term – such as sickness, virus or emotional strain – and it will resolve on its own. 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