Healthy Hair, Today: Top Stylists Share Favorite Items – And What to Avoid

Jack Martin

Colourist operating from the Golden State who focuses on platinum tones. His clients include Jane Fonda and renowned personalities.

Which bargain product do you swear by?

I swear by a gentle drying cloth, or even a soft cotton T-shirt to dry your hair. Most people don’t realise how much harm a typical terrycloth towel can do, particularly for grey or color-processed hair. A simple switch can really minimize flyaways and damage. Another affordable staple is a large-gap comb, to use during washing. It protects the hair while detangling and helps keep the health of the hair shafts, notably following coloring.

What item or service justifies the extra cost?

A high-quality styling iron – made with advanced materials, with smart temperature control. Grey and blonde hair can become discolored or suffer heat stress without the right iron.

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 biggest gambles you can do to your hair. I’ve witnessed clients melt their hair, break it off 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 too aggressive for already fragile strands and can cause lasting harm or color changes.

Which typical blunder stands out?

Clients selecting inappropriate items for their particular strand characteristics. Some overuse toning shampoo until their silver or blond hair looks lifeless and muted. Others rely too much on strengthening conditioners and end up with rigid, fragile strands. The other major issue is heat styling without protection. When applying hot tools or dryers without a defensive spray or cream, – notably with color-treated strands – you’re going to see brassiness, lack of moisture and splitting.

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

Hair loss needs a multilayered approach. Externally, minoxidil remains a top choice. I often suggest scalp serums with caffeine or peptides to boost blood flow and aid in hair growth. Incorporating a clarifying shampoo regularly helps remove residue and allows solutions to be more efficient. Internal support including clinical supplements have also shown great results. They work internally to benefit externally by addressing hormonal imbalances, tension and dietary insufficiencies.

For people looking for something more advanced, PRP therapy – where your own platelet-rich plasma is injected into the scalp – can be beneficial. Still, my advice is to consulting a skin or hair specialist initially. Hair loss is often tied to underlying health issues, and it’s important to identify the source rather than pursuing temporary solutions.

Anabel Kingsley

Trichologist and brand president of Philip Kingsley services and items for shedding.

What’s your routine for trims and color?

I schedule cuts every ten to twelve weeks, but will snip damaged ends myself every two weeks to keep my ends healthy, and have color touches every two months.

Which low-cost item is a game-changer?

Toppik hair fibres are remarkably effective if you have thinning spots. They attach using static to your strands, and it comes in a range of colors, making it almost invisible. It was my go-to post-pregnancy when I had significant shedding – and also now while experiencing some significant shedding after having a bad infection previously. Because locks are secondary, it’s the first part of you to suffer when your intake is insufficient, so I would also recommend a well-rounded, nutrient-rich diet.

What justifies a higher investment?

For those with genetic thinning in women, I’d say prescription hair-loss topicals. Regarding increased shedding, or telogen effluvium, buying an over-the-counter product is fine, but for FPHL you really do need clinical interventions 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 hair trend or treatment would you never recommend?

Using rosemary essential oil for thinning. It doesn’t work. This idea originated from a limited 2015 research that compared the effects of 2% minoxidil to rosemary oil. A mild formula such as 2% is inadequate to do much for male pattern hair loss, so the study is basically saying they provide similarly low results.

Additionally, excessive biotin. Rarely do people lack biotin, so taking it is unlikely to do your hair any good, and it can skew thyroid readings in blood tests.

What blunder stands out often?

I think the term “hair washing” should be changed to “scalp cleansing” – because the primary purpose of washing is to remove buildup, flakes, perspiration and dirt. I notice clients skipping washes as they think it’s damaging to their locks, when in fact the reverse is correct – notably in cases of dandruff, which is intensified by sebum accumulation. When sebum remains on the skin, they decompose and cause irritation.

Sadly, scalp requirements and hair preferences may conflict, so it’s a balancing act. But as long as you are gentle when you shampoo and handle wet hair with care, it shouldn't harm your hair.

Which options help with shedding?

With female pattern loss, minoxidil is essential. 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 simply don’t want to or can’t use it, you could try micro-needling (under professional care), and perhaps injections or laser devices.

For TE, you need to do some detective work. Noticeable thinning usually relates to a health trigger. Occasionally, the reason is temporary – such as flu, Covid or a period of intense stress – and it will improve spontaneously. Sometimes, hormonal problems or dietary gaps are responsible – 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