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Jack Martin

Colourist based in California who specialises in platinum tones. His clients include Hollywood stars and well-known figures.

What affordable item can't you live without?

I swear by a soft fabric towel, or even a gentle tee to towel-dry your locks. It's often overlooked how much harm a standard towel can do, notably with silver or chemically treated hair. This minor adjustment can really reduce frizz and breakage. A second budget-friendly essential is a wide-tooth comb, to use during washing. It shields your locks while detangling and helps keep the health of the strands, especially after lightening.

Which product or treatment is worth splurging on?

A high-quality styling iron – ceramic or tourmaline, with smart temperature control. Lightened strands can become discolored or suffer heat stress without the proper tool.

What style or process should you always avoid?

Self-applied color lifting. Internet videos often simplify it, but the reality is it’s one of the biggest gambles you can do to your hair. There are cases where individuals melt their hair, snap their strands or end up with bands of colour that are extremely difficult to fix. It's best to steer clear of long-term smoothing services on color-treated or grey hair. These formulations are often excessively strong for delicate locks and can cause chronic issues or color changes.

What frequent error do you observe?

Individuals choosing unsuitable formulas for their hair type or colour. A number of people misuse toning shampoo until their blonde or grey strands looks drab and lacking shine. Others rely too much on protein-rich treatments and end up with unmanageable, weak locks. Another significant problem is heat styling without protection. In cases where you employ flat irons, curling irons or blow dryers without a heat protectant, – especially on pre-lightened hair – you’re going to see discoloration, dehydration and damage.

What would you suggest for thinning hair?

Shedding demands a multifaceted plan. Topically, minoxidil is still one of the most effective treatments. I often suggest scalp formulas with active ingredients 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 great results. They support the body from the inside out by correcting endocrine issues, anxiety and dietary insufficiencies.

In cases requiring advanced options, platelet-rich plasma treatments – where your own platelet-rich plasma is injected into the scalp – can be effective. Still, my advice is to getting a professional diagnosis beforehand. Hair loss is often tied to underlying health issues, and it’s important to determine the origin rather than seeking quick fixes.

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A Trichology Expert

Follicle Expert and leader in hair health services and items for shedding.

How frequently do you schedule salon visits?

I get my hair cut every 10 to 12 weeks, but will snip damaged ends myself fortnightly to keep my ends healthy, and have highlights done every eight weeks.

Which low-cost item is a game-changer?

Building fibers are truly impressive if you have see-through sections. These particles bond to your existing hair, and it comes in a variety of shades, making it seamlessly blended. I personally applied it after childbirth when I had significant shedding – and also presently during some marked thinning after having awful flu a few months ago. Because locks are secondary, 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 premium option is truly valuable?

For those with genetic thinning in women, I’d say doctor-recommended solutions. Regarding increased shedding, or telogen effluvium, buying an non-prescription item is fine, but for FPHL you really do need prescription-strength formulas to see the best results. In my opinion, minoxidil compounded with other hair-supportive actives – such as endocrine regulators, blockers and/or soothing agents – works best.

Which popular remedy is ineffective?

Rosemary oil for hair loss. It shows no real benefit. This idea originated from a limited 2015 research that compared the effects of a mild minoxidil solution versus rosemary extract. A mild formula such as 2% is inadequate to do much for male pattern hair loss, so the study is basically saying they work as little as each other.

Likewise, mega-doses of biotin. Few individuals have biotin insufficiency, so using it may not benefit your strands, and it can affect thyroid test results.

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 opposite is true – notably in cases of dandruff, which is worsened by the presence of excess oils. 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 careful compromise. But as long as you are gentle when you shampoo and handle wet hair with care, 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. It's backed by strong research and tends to show optimal results when mixed with supporting compounds. 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 platelet-rich plasma or light treatments.

With telogen effluvium, investigation is key. Increased hair loss often stems from an underlying issue. 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