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Jack Martin

Hair Color Expert operating from the West Coast who specialises in silver hair. Among his clientele are Hollywood stars and renowned personalities.

What affordable item can't you live without?

I swear by a gentle drying cloth, or even a smooth cotton shirt to dry your hair. Most people don’t realise how much stress a typical terrycloth towel can do, notably with silver or chemically treated hair. A simple switch can really minimize flyaways and damage. Another inexpensive must-have is a wide-tooth comb, to use in the shower. It shields your locks while smoothing out tangles and helps preserve the strength of the individual hairs, especially after lightening.

Which investment truly pays off?

A top-tier thermal appliance – made with advanced materials, with adjustable temperature options. Silver and light-coloured hair can yellow or burn easily without the right iron.

What style or process should you always avoid?

At-home lightening. Online tutorials can be misleading, but the truth is it’s one of the biggest gambles you can do to your hair. I’ve witnessed clients melt their hair, experience breakage or end up with bands of colour that are incredibly challenging to remedy. It's best to steer clear of chemical straightening processes on pre-lightened strands. Such treatments are often excessively strong for weakened hair and can cause long-term damage or discoloration.

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

People using the wrong products for their specific hair needs. Some overuse violet-based cleansers until their lightened locks looks flat and dull. Others rely too much on protein-rich treatments and end up with stiff, brittle hair. Another significant problem is using hot tools sans safeguard. In cases where you employ flat irons, curling irons or blow dryers without a heat protectant, – particularly on bleached locks – you’re going to see brassiness, lack of moisture and splitting.

What would you suggest for thinning hair?

Shedding demands a multifaceted plan. For direct application, minoxidil is highly proven. I also recommend scalp formulas with active ingredients to boost blood flow and support follicle health. Applying a cleansing scalp wash often helps remove residue and allows solutions to be more efficient. Oral aids like specialized formulas have also shown notable improvements. They work internally to benefit externally by balancing body chemistry, anxiety and lack of vital nutrients.

For those seeking higher-level solutions, PRP therapy – where a personalized serum is applied – can be successful. That said, I always suggest 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

Scalp and Hair Scientist and leader in hair health services and items for shedding.

What’s your routine for trims and color?

My trims are every couple of months, but will trim off splits at home fortnightly to maintain tip integrity, and have highlights done every eight weeks.

What affordable find is essential?

Toppik hair fibres are absolutely amazing if you have see-through sections. These particles bond to your existing hair, and it comes in a range of colors, making it virtually undetectable. It was my go-to post-pregnancy when I had noticeable thinning – and also presently during some marked thinning after having a bad infection previously. Since hair is non-vital, it’s the initial area to show decline when your nutrition is inadequate, so I would also recommend a balanced, nutritious diet.

Which product or treatment is worth splurging on?

In cases of hereditary hair loss in females, I’d say prescription hair-loss topicals. Regarding increased shedding, or telogen effluvium, buying an retail solution is fine, but for FPHL you really do need clinical interventions to see the most effective improvements. From my perspective, minoxidil combined with additional ingredients – such as balancing elements, inhibitors and/or calming components – works best.

Which hair trend or treatment would you never recommend?

Rosemary extracts for shedding. It's ineffective. This idea originated from a limited 2015 research that compared the effects of a mild minoxidil solution versus rosemary extract. A 2% strength minoxidil isn’t enough to do much for hereditary thinning in males, so the study is basically saying they work as little as each other.

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

What’s the most common mistake you see?

Personally, I prefer "scalp cleansing" over "hair washing" – because the main goal of cleansing 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 intensified by sebum accumulation. When sebum remains on the skin, they decompose and cause irritation.

Regrettably, follicular health and strand desires can differ, so it’s a delicate equilibrium. Provided you wash delicately and manage wet locks gently, it won’t be damaging to your strands.

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

For genetic thinning in women, start with minoxidil. 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 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. In some instances, the trigger is short-term – such as illness, infection or high stress – and it will resolve on its own. In other cases, thyroid imbalances or vitamin/mineral deficiencies are the driving factor – 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