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Jack Martin

Colourist based in California who specialises in silver hair. His clients include Jane Fonda 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 standard towel can do, especially to grey or color-processed hair. This minor adjustment can really lessen brittleness and splitting. Another inexpensive must-have is a broad-toothed comb, to use during washing. It shields your locks while detangling and helps keep the health of the strands, especially after lightening.

Which investment truly pays off?

A high-quality styling iron – featuring innovative technology, with adjustable temperature options. Grey and blonde hair can develop brassy tones or get damaged without the proper tool.

Which popular practice is a definite no-go?

DIY bleaching. Social media makes it look easy, but the actual fact is it’s one of the riskiest things you can do to your hair. There are cases where individuals cause irreversible harm, snap their strands or end up with uneven tones that are nearly impossible to correct. I would also avoid keratin or permanent straightening treatments on pre-lightened strands. These formulations are often overly harsh for already fragile strands and can cause long-term damage or undesired tones.

What frequent error do you observe?

Clients selecting inappropriate items for their particular strand characteristics. Certain clients overapply toning shampoo until their lightened locks looks flat and dull. A few overdo on strengthening conditioners and end up with unmanageable, weak locks. The other major issue is heat styling without protection. In cases where you employ styling appliances without a defensive spray or cream, – especially on pre-lightened hair – you’re going to see yellowing, dryness and breakage.

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

Hair loss needs a multilayered approach. Topically, minoxidil is still one of the most effective treatments. I often suggest follicle treatments containing stimulants to enhance nutrient delivery and promote root strength. Applying a cleansing scalp wash often helps remove residue and allows products to perform better. Internal support including clinical supplements have also shown notable improvements. They work internally to benefit externally by balancing body chemistry, tension and dietary insufficiencies.

In cases requiring advanced options, PRP therapy – where your own platelet-rich plasma is injected into the scalp – can be beneficial. Still, my advice is to getting a professional diagnosis beforehand. Hair loss is often tied to underlying health issues, and it’s important to identify the source rather than pursuing temporary solutions.

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A Trichology Expert

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

How frequently do you schedule salon visits?

I get my hair cut every 10 to 12 weeks, but will snip damaged ends myself every two weeks to maintain tip integrity, and have color touches every two months.

Which bargain product do you swear by?

Toppik hair fibres are absolutely amazing if you have areas of scalp visibility. The fibres cling electrostatically to your own hair, and it comes in a assortment of tones, making it almost invisible. I personally applied it after childbirth when I had noticeable thinning – and also currently as I’m going through some marked thinning after having a severe illness recently. Since hair is non-vital, it’s the first part of you to suffer when your intake is insufficient, so I would also recommend a healthy, varied eating plan.

Which premium option is truly valuable?

If you have female pattern hair loss (FPHL), I’d say medicated treatments. 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 optimal outcomes. In my opinion, minoxidil compounded with other hair-supportive actives – such as endocrine regulators, blockers and/or soothing agents – works best.

What should you always skip?

Rosemary oil for hair loss. It shows no real benefit. This idea originated from a limited 2015 research that compared the effects of a low-dose minoxidil with rosemary oil. A low concentration like 2% is insufficient to do much for genetic balding in men, so the study is basically saying they provide similarly low results.

Likewise, mega-doses of biotin. Few individuals have biotin insufficiency, so using it may not benefit your strands, and it can alter thyroid level measurements.

What’s the most common mistake you see?

Personally, I prefer "scalp cleansing" over "hair washing" – because the main goal of cleansing is to clear away sebum, debris, sweat and pollutants. I see people avoiding shampooing as they think it’s damaging to their locks, when in fact the contrary is accurate – particularly with flaky scalp, which is aggravated by oil buildup. If oils are left on your scalp, they break down and become inflammatory.

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 options help with shedding?

For genetic thinning in women, start with minoxidil. It's backed by strong research 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 microneedling (see a dermatologist), and perhaps platelet-rich plasma or light treatments.

For TE, you need to do some detective work. Increased hair loss often stems from an underlying issue. Occasionally, the reason is temporary – such as illness, infection or high stress – and it will improve spontaneously. In other cases, thyroid imbalances or vitamin/mineral deficiencies are the driving factor – 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