Max Tomlinson was born in Cape Town, South Africa and his early years were spent outdoors, rock climbing and surfing. He moved to Sydney where he qualified as a Naturopath in 1986, having studied medical herbalism, homeopathy, nutrition, iridology, reflexology and remedial massage. Max practised in Sydney for several years, appearing regularly on television and presenting his own television show on Foxtel cable television. Max moved to London in the late 90's. He has made regular appearances on The Big Breakfast on Channel 4 and Home Malone on Anglia TV.

Max currently resides in London where he combines practising in his busy Fulham and Harley Street clinics with lecturing and writing about natural therapies. Max pioneered the resurgence of the detox concept and ran his first detox programme in London in 1989. He has a high profile client list that includes top celebrities and business personalities, and his highly respected detox programme has featured in Vogue, Marie Claire, The Daily Mail, The Express, The Sunday Times and Time Out. Max wrote his first book, Clean Up Your Diet, in 2006 which was published by Duncan Baird.  He was also a columist for Grazia Magazine.