Hair care is something that women and men should deal with. I know, it’s usually a “girl thing” but guys also have to deal with issues like hair breakage, greasiness, dandruff and product buildup.
How should men deal with these things, anyway? Well, we’ve talked to a few stylists in salons like Fantastic Sams and got these bits of advice.
1. Thinning Hair
Men will start to notice hair thinning when in our 30s and the issue becomes more apparent once we reach our 40s. To make your hair appear thicker and easier to manage, you should use a matte styling clay or paste which absorb light thereby giving the appearance of thickness.
2. Haircut
If you want to make sure you get a good hair cut, you should go to the salon at the start of the day (or if this is not possible, go there at the end of the day). This way you get your barber’s undivided attention.
3. Styling
Aside from using a product to style your hair, you also need a “pre-styler” such as a hair serum, sea salt spray, or mousse which is something you apply when the hair is damp. Another thing to note about styling the hair is, less is more. That means use only a small amount of the product to sport a more natural look instead of ending up with greasy or heavy hair.
4. Shampoo
Choose a shampoo that is appropriate for your hair. You may want to ask your barber specifically for a recommendation on which product to get. After shampooing and rinsing your hair, avoid rubbing towel all over in an effort to dry your hair fast. This will only cause breakage.
Moreover, you should also avoid overwashing your hair. Limit washing your hair to no more than twice a week and make sure you follow it up with a conditioner. Washing your hair every day will make it dry.
5. Hair Protection
There are various ways you can protect your hair. For example, if you swim in a pool, your hair could drench up on chlorine which chemically bonds with the hair’s proteins and make it brittle, dry and dull. To reduce the effects of chlorine, wash your hair with clean water before swimming to dilute the chlorine and then wash it thoroughly after swimming. It’s also a good idea to apply conditioner before you go into the pool.
Another way you can care for your hair is to avoid using heating tools as these things can cause hair to become damaged and frizzy.
6. Homemade Hair Products
A lot of store-bought hair products like shampoo, conditioner and hair stylers can build up on the hair and scalp. It may be best to use some home remedies instead of introducing more chemicals into your hair. Try some of the following:
- Use vinegar as a washing up liquid once a month to restore the pH balance of your hair. Just apply and massage onto the hair for two minutes and rinse thoroughly.
- Massage raw eggs into the hair 1-2x a month to improve hair texture and strengthen the strands.
- To treat dry hair, make a concoction of olive oil and yogurt and apply onto the hair and scalp. Leave it for 10 minutes and rinse thoroughly.
Finally, it’s also a good idea to take supplements that help keep the hair healthy and strong such as zinc, as well as vitamins C and D. Hair thinning is a common problem, but with proper stress management and a balanced diet you can keep that crowning glory shiny and healthy for a long time.