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Jack Martin

Colourist based in the West Coast who specialises in silver hair. He works with Jane Fonda and Andie MacDowell.

Which budget-friendly product is a must-have?

My top pick is a gentle drying cloth, or even a smooth cotton shirt to towel-dry your locks. Many are unaware how much harm a typical terrycloth towel can do, particularly for silver or chemically treated hair. This minor adjustment can really minimize flyaways and damage. Another affordable staple is a broad-toothed comb, to use while conditioning. It safeguards your strands while smoothing out tangles and helps maintain the integrity of the hair shafts, especially after lightening.

Which investment truly pays off?

A top-tier thermal appliance – featuring innovative technology, with adjustable temperature options. Lightened strands can yellow or burn easily without the correct device.

What style or process should you always avoid?

DIY bleaching. Social media makes it look easy, but the truth is it’s one of the riskiest things 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 extremely difficult to fix. I would also avoid chemical straightening processes on pre-lightened strands. Such treatments are often excessively strong for weakened hair and can cause long-term damage or color changes.

Which typical blunder stands out?

Individuals choosing unsuitable formulas for their hair type or colour. Some overuse violet-based cleansers until their blonde or grey strands looks lifeless and muted. Some depend excessively 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 defensive spray or cream, – particularly on bleached locks – you’re going to see discoloration, dehydration and damage.

Which solutions help with shedding?

Shedding demands a multifaceted plan. Topically, minoxidil is still one of the most effective treatments. My advice includes scalp serums with caffeine or peptides to enhance nutrient delivery and support follicle health. Applying a cleansing scalp wash often helps clear out buildup and allows treatments to work more effectively. Supplements such as Nutrafol or Viviscal Pro have also shown great results. They work internally to benefit externally by correcting endocrine issues, stress and nutritional deficiencies.

For people looking for something more advanced, platelet-rich plasma treatments – where a concentration from your blood is administered – can be beneficial. Still, my advice is to getting a professional diagnosis beforehand. Thinning can be linked to medical conditions, and it’s important to determine the origin rather than chasing surface-level fixes.

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Anabel Kingsley

Scalp and Hair Scientist and head of a renowned clinic centers and lines targeting thinning.

How frequently do you schedule salon visits?

My trims are every couple of months, but will remove split ends personally bi-weekly to maintain tip integrity, and have highlights done every eight weeks.

What affordable find is essential?

Toppik hair fibres are truly impressive if you have thinning spots. These particles bond to your existing hair, and it comes in a variety of shades, making it virtually undetectable. I used it myself in the postpartum period when I had significant shedding – and also presently during some marked thinning after having a bad infection previously. Because locks are secondary, it’s the initial area to show decline when your diet is lacking, so I would also recommend a well-rounded, nutrient-rich diet.

Which premium option is truly valuable?

For those with genetic thinning in women, I’d say prescription hair-loss topicals. When dealing with temporary hair loss, known as TE, buying an over-the-counter product 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.

Which hair trend or treatment would you never recommend?

Using rosemary essential oil for thinning. It doesn’t work. This belief comes from a minor study from 2015 that compared the effects of 2% minoxidil to rosemary oil. A low concentration like 2% is insufficient to do much for hereditary thinning in males, so the study is basically saying they are equally minimal in effect.

Also, high-dose biotin. Rarely do people lack biotin, so using it may not benefit your strands, and it can alter thyroid level measurements.

What blunder stands out often?

Personally, I prefer "scalp cleansing" over "hair washing" – because the real aim of shampooing your hair is to remove buildup, flakes, perspiration and dirt. I see people avoiding shampooing as they think it’s bad for their hair, when in fact the reverse is correct – especially if you have dandruff, which is aggravated by oil buildup. If oils are left on your scalp, they decompose and cause irritation.

Unfortunately, what your scalp needs and what your hair likes don’t always align, so it’s a balancing act. However, if you cleanse softly and treat damp strands kindly, it shouldn't harm your hair.

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

For FPHL, your core treatment should be minoxidil. Scientific support is substantial and tends to show optimal results when mixed with supporting compounds. Should you wish to enhance minoxidil's benefits, or you choose to avoid it or cannot tolerate it, you could try micro-needling (under professional care), and perhaps platelet-rich plasma or light treatments.

With telogen effluvium, investigation is key. Increased hair loss often stems from an underlying issue. In some instances, the trigger is short-term – such as sickness, virus or emotional strain – and it will improve spontaneously. 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