“Hair today… might be gone tomorrow.”
Steven Smith looks at the face of the future in haircare.
OK, I am 65 and have been blessed with a good head of hair—still very much my crown and glory. Sure, it’s not quite the huge bush it once was, but I still get the comments, and in our world, that counts. While many of my male peers have been quietly losing theirs—or not so quietly dashing off to Turkey and various clinics—my highlighted blonde locks have, thankfully, stood the test of time.
That said, I don’t take it for granted. I’m often asked, “How do you look after your hair?” and the truth is, there’s no mystery or magic potion—just consistency and good habits. Like your skin, your hair reflects how well you treat it. As a former celebrity hairdresser, I was always drumming this into my clients: invest in proper haircare. It doesn’t have to be extortionate, but it does have to be good.
Early in my career, I trained with René Furterer, the Paris-based pioneer who was years ahead of his time. Long before the explosion of hair clinics we see today, he offered detailed scalp analysis and bespoke treatments tailored to the individual. It wasn’t just about washing and styling—it was about understanding the scalp as living skin. In many ways, it was the equivalent of a facial, but for your hair. That philosophy has stayed with me throughout my career.
Equally, Philip Kingsley has built a reputation as one of the most trusted names in hair health. Their clinics and products are grounded in trichology—the science of the hair and scalp—and they’ve been quietly delivering results for decades. These are not fads; they are foundations.
One piece of advice I gave repeatedly—and still stand by—is to change your haircare routine every six to seven months. Even if it’s just for a short period before returning to your favourites, it allows the hair to reset. I’ve always found that hair can become overly accustomed to one product, and the benefits can plateau. Think of it as a holiday for your hair—it comes back refreshed.
There are, of course, exceptions. Watermans, for example, recommends consistent use of their shampoo and elixir several times a week, and I have seen very good results with clients who follow that regime properly. The key, as always, is consistency and choosing the right product for your specific needs.
Now, let’s address the elephant in the room: hair loss. If you are experiencing noticeable or sudden thinning—whether you’re male or female—your first step should never be the internet or a miracle cure. It should be a doctor or a reputable clinic. Blood tests can reveal a lot. Hormonal imbalances, stress, nutritional deficiencies, or underlying health conditions can all play a part. Too often, people skip this crucial stage and jump straight into expensive treatments that promise the world but deliver very little .
And let’s be honest—there are plenty of so-called “solutions” out there that border on modern-day witchcraft. Expensive, persuasive, and ultimately ineffective if the root cause isn’t addressed. If your hair loss is genetic or medical, you must deal with that first. Otherwise, you’re simply throwing money at the problem.
For men in particular, it’s worth remembering that less can sometimes be more. We all know a few incredibly attractive bald men. Jason Statham springs to mind immediately, as does Grant Mitchell. Confidence carries more weight than any follicle. A well-cut, closely cropped style can often look far sharper and more intentional than desperately holding onto thinning hair.
That said, treatments have come a long way. PRP—Platelet-Rich Plasma therapy—is one I’ve experienced personally, under the expert care of Iryna Stewart. The process involves taking your own blood, spinning it to concentrate the platelets and growth factors, and then reintroducing it into the scalp to stimulate repair and growth. It sounds clinical, and it is—but it works. My hair felt stronger, healthier, and more responsive for months afterwards. The downside? It’s not a one-off. You need maintenance sessions every three to four months.
Stem cell treatments are also gaining traction, though they are still evolving, and results can vary. Hair transplants, of course, are the big-ticket option. Some are incredibly successful—but I’ve also seen cases where the results don’t hold, and people find themselves back at square one within a couple of years. It’s a personal choice, but one that should never be rushed.
So, once you’ve ruled out underlying issues and considered your options, it all comes back to routine. A solid haircare regime is your best defence. Simple touches, like finishing with a cold rinse before applying conditioner, can make a noticeable difference—helping to seal the cuticle and boost shine.
If you’re looking for tried-and-tested haircare, the names mentioned earlier will always serve you well. However, I recently came across a newer brand that genuinely caught my attention: Hair Gain. And I have to say, I was pleasantly surprised.
Their now-famous little pink mousse bottle was my introduction, and the results were immediate. My hair looked fuller, thicker—almost as if I had twice as much. Not in a theatrical, over-the-top way, but in that subtle, “you look good, what have you done?” way we all secretly love.
In a market saturated with bold claims and empty promises, the Hair Gain range feels refreshingly grounded. It takes a holistic approach, combining supplements with topical treatments to support hair growth from both the inside and out. It’s not about chasing miracles—it’s about building healthier hair over time.
At the heart of the range is nutrition. Strong hair depends on the right internal support—biotin, zinc, and essential vitamins that promote keratin production and overall follicle strength. These are the fundamentals, and Hair Gain understands that. By feeding the hair at its root, it creates the conditions needed for real, sustainable improvement.
On the outside, the shampoos, conditioners, and serums focus on scalp health—something that is so often overlooked. Ingredients such as caffeine and plant extracts help stimulate circulation and energise the follicles, encouraging growth and improving overall texture. The difference isn’t just visual—it’s tactile. The hair feels healthier, stronger, and more alive.
What I particularly like is the accessibility. This isn’t an intimidating, clinical system. It’s something you can incorporate into your daily routine without fuss. No extremes, no drama—just consistent, thoughtful care. And that, in my experience, is where the real results come from.
Hair Gain doesn’t pretend to be an overnight fix, and that honesty is refreshing. Hair takes time. It grows in cycles, and any meaningful improvement requires patience. This range leans into that reality, positioning itself as a long-term investment rather than a quick win.
For anyone noticing thinning, lacklustre strands, or simply wanting to elevate their hair game, it offers a modern, balanced solution. One that respects the science, supports the process, and delivers visible results when used properly.
And from someone who has spent a lifetime in the hair business before stepping into the world of writing, I don’t say this lightly—this little pink miracle may not cure baldness, but if my hair is anything to go by, it will certainly turn heads.
2Shades Magazine 