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An Expert Colorist

Colourist located in the West Coast who excels at grey hair. He works with Hollywood stars and Andie MacDowell.

Which bargain product do you swear by?

I highly recommend a microfibre towel, or even a gentle tee to dry your hair. Most people don’t realise how much harm a typical terrycloth towel can do, especially to grey or color-processed hair. This one small change can really lessen brittleness and splitting. Another affordable staple is a wide-tooth comb, to use in the shower. It shields your locks while removing knots and helps maintain the integrity of the strands, particularly post-bleaching.

Which investment truly pays off?

A top-tier thermal appliance – made with advanced materials, with adjustable temperature options. Grey and blonde hair can develop brassy tones or get damaged without the correct device.

What style or process should you always avoid?

DIY bleaching. Internet videos often simplify it, but the reality is it’s one of the riskiest things you can do to your hair. I’ve witnessed clients melt their hair, snap their strands or end up with bands of colour that are extremely difficult to fix. I would also avoid chemical straightening processes on bleached or silver hair. These formulations are often too aggressive for weakened hair and can cause chronic issues or color changes.

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

Individuals choosing unsuitable formulas for their particular strand characteristics. Some overuse toning shampoo until their lightened locks looks lifeless and muted. Some depend excessively on protein-rich treatments and end up with stiff, brittle hair. A further common mistake is heat styling without protection. If you’re using styling appliances without a protective product, – especially on pre-lightened hair – you’re going to see yellowing, dryness and breakage.

Which solutions help with shedding?

Hair loss needs a multilayered approach. For direct application, minoxidil is highly proven. I often suggest follicle treatments containing stimulants to enhance nutrient delivery and support follicle health. Applying a cleansing scalp wash often helps remove residue and allows products to perform better. Oral aids like specialized formulas have also shown notable improvements. They enhance overall health for hair benefits by balancing body chemistry, anxiety and nutritional deficiencies.

In cases requiring advanced options, platelet-rich plasma treatments – where a concentration from your blood is administered – can be successful. That said, I always suggest seeing a dermatologist or trichologist first. Shedding may relate to internal factors, and it’s important to identify the source rather than pursuing temporary solutions.

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Anabel Kingsley

Trichologist and leader in hair health clinics and product ranges for hair loss.

How often do you get your hair cut and coloured?

My trims are every couple of months, but will remove split ends personally fortnightly to keep my ends healthy, and have lightening sessions every eight weeks.

Which bargain product do you swear by?

Hair-thickening particles are absolutely amazing if you have areas of scalp visibility. They attach using static to your strands, and it comes in a variety of shades, making it seamlessly blended. I used it myself in the postpartum period when I had noticeable thinning – and also currently as I’m going through some significant shedding after having a severe illness recently. Since hair is non-vital, it’s the earliest indicator of health issues when your nutrition is inadequate, so I would also recommend a well-rounded, nutrient-rich diet.

Which product or treatment is worth splurging on?

For those with genetic thinning in women, I’d say doctor-recommended solutions. For excessive daily hair shedding, AKA telogen effluvium (TE), buying an over-the-counter product is fine, but for FPHL you really do need medicated treatment to see the best results. In my opinion, minoxidil compounded with other hair-supportive actives – such as balancing elements, inhibitors and/or calming components – works best.

Which hair trend or treatment would you never recommend?

Rosemary oil for hair loss. It doesn’t work. This belief comes from a minor study from 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 provide similarly low results.

Likewise, mega-doses of biotin. Rarely do people lack biotin, so consuming it probably won't help your locks, and it can alter thyroid level measurements.

What blunder stands out often?

Personally, I prefer "scalp cleansing" over "hair washing" – because the main goal of cleansing is to rid your scalp of old oils, dead skin cells, sweat and environmental pollution. I see people avoiding shampooing as they think it’s damaging to their locks, when in fact the reverse is correct – particularly with flaky scalp, which is intensified by sebum accumulation. 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. However, if you cleanse softly and treat damp strands kindly, it shouldn't harm your hair.

Which options help with shedding?

For genetic thinning in women, start with minoxidil. It has the most robust evidence behind it 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 microneedling (see a dermatologist), and perhaps PRP or low-level laser therapy.

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 illness, infection or high stress – and it will resolve on its own. 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