D
ressing well is an important part of presentation, but by no means do appearances end there. Nothing gives away a man’s true colors more than evidence of bad grooming habits, no matter how nice your suit or shoes may be. One of the easiest ways to clean up your look is by defining a hair care routine that works for you. Take these 5 steps into consideration when it comes to tackling your locks, and soon enough, your hair care routine will become a no-brainer.
BUILDING A SOLID HAIR CARE ROUTINE
1. CHOOSING YOUR PRODUCTS
It’s not enough to choose a shampoo and conditioner from your local drug store because of its price alone. Often times, these cheap products are riddled with harsh chemicals (sulfates) that, over time, will leave your hair brittle and unruly. Low-sulfate and sulfate-free products are the way to go, and are well worth the few extra bucks.
2. FINDING YOUR FREQUENCY
Now that you have the proper products in your arsenal, you need to determine how often your hair needs washing. If you work up a sweat often, you’ll probably need to wash just about every day. But if you can afford to hold off until every other day, do so. Washing too often strips your hair of natural oils and leaves it dry and damaged. For most guys, two or three shampoos a week is sufficient. Men with curlier hair should aim for one or two. Now, we’re not saying don’t shower every day (please, do). On the days you’re not shampooing your hair, you can either not get it wet altogether or just wash it with a small amount of conditioner. Guys with curly hair especially should try to condition frequently in between shampoo sessions. Your hair may feel greasy and odd for the first few weeks as it adjusts to the new routine, but before you know it you’ll have smoother, healthier hair that’s easier to manage.
3. WASHING AND DRYING
We all love a hot shower, but our hair thinks differently. It’s better to use cool or warm water to keep your hair in good shape, but if you can’t fathom the thought of a less- than-steamy shower, try just taking the last minute or so of your rinse to tone the temperature down and wash your hair so that it dries shiny, not dull. Once you’re out of the shower, try to air dry or spot dry your hair with a towel, rather than vigorously toweling it off. Use a blow dryer only when you’re in a rush or when it’s absolutely necessary, as excessive use will cause hair damage.
4. STYLING
If you like to style your hair rather than just letting it dry, using a gel or pomade while your hair is still wet is key. Use a small amount (too much will make your hair look greasy) and comb it through your damp hair to style. Gels work best for normal and thin hair types, whereas pomades and creams will work best for thick and curly hair. Avoid hair wax unless you want to keep your hair stiff for a few days at a time, as it is hard to remove. Whatever styling products you use, make sure to choose something that is alcohol-free, as alcohol is harsh and damaging.
5. MAINTAINING
Of course, no hair care routine would be complete without the upkeep of your cut. Take a trip to the barber often—however, just how often will depend on a myriad of factors, such as your hair’s growth rate, your hairstyle, and of course, your budget. Some guys can get by with a fresh cut every 3 months, whereas others may have to visit the barber every 2 or 3 weeks. Find out what works for you, and stick to that schedule as best as possible.
ADD-ONS FOR COMMON HAIR PROBLEMS:
PROBLEM: THINNING HAIR
Add this to your styling routine : Noxin Thickening Hair Spray
SOLUTION: Try to reverse thinning hair by massaging your scalp in the shower, which increases blood circulation and, ideally, hair growth. You could also massage your scalp pre-shower with coconut oil to nourish the hair and promote growth. Additionally, visit your barber every month on the dot to keep your hair kempt—whether you like it or not, you’re not fooling anyone by trying to keep your hair as long as possible. A fresh cut might not, you’re not fooling anyone by trying to keep your hair as long as possible. A fresh cut might actually help it look less noticeable.
PROBLEM: OILY HAIR
Add this to your washing routine : Phyto Phytocedrat Purifying Treatment Shampoo
SOLUTION: Don’t brush your hair as much, firstly. Over-brushing causes natural oils from your scalp to spread. Secondly, try to shampoo with a product made specifically for oily hair, or rinse your hair out post-shampooing with lemon water. The acid from the lemon should help to reduce excess oil buildup.
PROBLEM: DRY/FRIZZY HAIR
Add this to your styling routine : Malin + Goetz Sage Styling Cream
SOLUTION: Avoid overly hot water, and try to air dry/spot dry your hair rather than drying it vigorously with a towel.
PROBLEM: DANDRUFF
Add this to your washing routine : Majestic Pure Fractionated Coconut Oil
SOLUTION: A dandruff-preventing shampoo can work wonders. But so, too, can other DIY remedies like massaging with coconut oil or salt pre- shower, or rinsing with lemon water while in the shower to regulate your scalp’s PH balance.
PROBLEM: BALDING
Add this to your maintenance routine : Infinite Growth - Hair Regrowth Treatment
SOLUTION: Although balding is, for the post part, unavoidable, you can try to slow down the inevitable effects of nature by maintaining a healthy, protein-rich diet. If that’s not cutting it for you, you can always try topical treatments or more extreme measures like laser therapies or surgery.
