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Jack Martin

Styling Professional operating from California who excels at platinum tones. He works with Hollywood stars and Andie MacDowell.

What affordable item can't you live without?

I swear by a microfibre towel, or even a smooth cotton shirt to towel-dry your locks. Most people don’t realise how much stress a typical terrycloth towel can do, especially to grey or color-processed hair. This one small change can really lessen brittleness and splitting. A second budget-friendly essential is a large-gap comb, to use during washing. It shields your locks while removing knots and helps maintain the integrity of the hair shafts, especially after lightening.

Which product or treatment is worth splurging on?

A professional-grade heat styling tool – made with advanced materials, with precise heat settings. Grey and blonde hair can yellow or burn easily without the correct device.

Which hair trend or treatment would you never recommend?

Self-applied color lifting. Online tutorials can be misleading, but the actual fact is it’s one of the biggest gambles you can do to your hair. There are cases where individuals severely damage their locks, break it off or end up with bands of colour that are nearly impossible to correct. I also don’t recommend keratin or permanent straightening treatments on color-treated or grey hair. These formulations are often excessively strong for weakened hair and can cause long-term damage or color changes.

What frequent error do you observe?

Individuals choosing unsuitable formulas for their particular strand characteristics. Certain clients overapply violet-based cleansers until their lightened locks looks flat and dull. Others rely too much on strengthening conditioners and end up with unmanageable, weak locks. The other major issue is using hot tools sans safeguard. In cases where you employ hot tools or dryers without a protective product, – notably with color-treated strands – you’re going to see brassiness, lack of moisture and splitting.

What would you suggest for thinning hair?

Thinning requires a comprehensive strategy. Externally, minoxidil remains a top choice. I also recommend follicle treatments containing stimulants to stimulate circulation and promote root strength. Applying a cleansing scalp wash often helps clear out buildup and allows solutions to be more efficient. Supplements such as Nutrafol or Viviscal Pro have also shown great results. They support the body from the inside out by correcting endocrine issues, anxiety and lack of vital nutrients.

For those seeking higher-level solutions, platelet-rich plasma treatments – where a personalized serum is applied – can be successful. 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 seeking quick fixes.

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Anabel Kingsley

Follicle Expert and brand president of Philip Kingsley services and items for shedding.

How frequently do you schedule salon visits?

I schedule cuts every ten to twelve weeks, but will remove split ends personally fortnightly to maintain tip integrity, and have lightening sessions every eight weeks.

Which bargain product do you swear by?

Hair-thickening particles are absolutely amazing if you have see-through sections. They attach using static to your strands, and it comes in a variety of shades, making it almost invisible. I personally applied it after childbirth when I had a lot of hair fall – and also currently as I’m going through some significant shedding after having a severe illness recently. As hair isn’t an essential tissue, it’s the earliest indicator of health issues when your intake is insufficient, so I would also recommend a healthy, varied eating plan.

What justifies a higher investment?

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 prescription-strength formulas to see the most effective improvements. In my opinion, minoxidil compounded with other hair-supportive actives – such as balancing elements, inhibitors and/or calming components – works best.

Which popular remedy is ineffective?

Rosemary extracts for shedding. It doesn’t work. This idea originated from a limited 2015 research that compared the effects of 2% minoxidil to rosemary oil. A 2% strength minoxidil isn’t enough to do much for hereditary thinning in males, so the study is basically saying they are equally minimal in effect.

Likewise, mega-doses of biotin. Hardly anyone is biotin deficient, so taking it is unlikely to do your hair any good, and it can alter thyroid level measurements.

Which error is most frequent?

I think the term “hair washing” should be changed to “scalp cleansing” – because the main goal of cleansing is to clear away sebum, debris, sweat and pollutants. Many individuals refrain from cleansing 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 deteriorate and lead to inflammation.

Sadly, scalp requirements and hair preferences may conflict, so it’s a careful compromise. But as long as you are gentle when you shampoo and handle wet hair with care, it won’t be damaging to your strands.

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

With female pattern loss, minoxidil is essential. It's backed by strong research 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. Increased hair loss often stems from an underlying issue. Sometimes, the cause is transient – such as flu, Covid or a period of intense stress – and it will resolve on its own. 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