A Definitive Guide to Proper Hair Care for Men

A common misconception among men is that they don’t need to do anything special to their hair to maintain it. After all, they usually keep their hair short, unlike many women with long locks that need many products.

But just because men’s hair tends to be short and easy to clean doesn’t mean the lather, rinse, repeat routine is all there is to hair care. If you want to keep your hair healthy, try our hair care tips for men below.

Choose hair care products suited to your type of hair

No two manes are created equal, so just because another man you know recommended one type of shampoo doesn’t mean using it will give you equally favorable results. So how should you choose the product that meets your hair care needs?

First, identify your scalp type, which could be one of the following:

Oily scalp – You’ll know you have an oily scalp if your hair often feels greasy, despite being freshly washed. If so, you should avoid “moisturizing” or “hydrating” hair care products and instead choose those labeled as “strengthening” or “balancing.”
Dry scalp – If your scalp often feels itchy or you have dandruff problems, you may have a dry scalp. Minor dryness can benefit from hydrating products but for extreme dryness, make sure to use hair care products with extensive moisturizing properties.
Normal scalp – If your scalp doesn’t get too dry or greasy, lucky you! All you need to do is find hair care products that can keep your scalp and strands clean and moisturized.

Consider your hair type, too. There are four types of hair based on texture: straight, wavy, curly, and coily.

Straight hair – One of the most common types of hair on men, straight hair is resilient against damage and weather conditions but tends to get oily as your scalp’s natural oil simply goes straight down your strands. If so, use hair care products for oily scalps.
Wavy hair – This type of hair has a slightly discernible curl pattern and doesn’t get as oily as straight hair. However, it’s prone to frizz. It can also get flat when inundated with products, so be sure to use light products like mousse and add hair oil or moisturizer to keep the wave.
Curly hair – With a defined curl pattern, curly hair is one of the most sensitive hair types. It’s easily damaged and susceptible to frizzing from humidity. To avoid frizz and damage, refrain from combing your hair, especially when dry, and use silicone-free anti-frizz hair products.
Coily hair – Thick and dense, coily hair is the most fragile hair type despite its coarse texture. It’s prone to dryness since the natural oil from the scalp takes longer to make its way through the strands. For this reason, it’s best to use gentle, moisturizing products to keep hair hydrated.

Don’t over-wash your hair

Now that you know all about your scalp and hair type, it’ll be easier to do other important hair care steps—including washing your hair. The shampoo and conditioner you use shouldn’t be your only consideration. You also have to mind the frequency with which you wash your hair.

Men with straight hair can clean and condition daily. This holds true for those with oily hair. If you have wavy hair, you can wash it three times a week or whenever it starts to feel dirty or greasy.

For those with curly or coiled hair, it’s best to avoid shampooing your hair every day as this strips your hair and scalp of the natural oils they need. Instead, clean your hair just up to twice a week and make sure to use a moisturizing shampoo.

Dry your hair the right way

Many men rub their hair vigorously with a towel to dry their locks after a shower. But doing so stretches vulnerable hair, which may lead to damage and frizz.

If you do this as well, it’s time to break the habit. Instead, pat your hair dry and gently squeeze water out of the strands. As much as possible, it’s also good to leave your hair to air-dry.

Go easy on heat application

As mentioned above, air-drying is the best option for men’s hair. The heat from blow dryers can damage your hair, especially when used frequently. This is especially true for men on the go who tend to use the highest heat setting to get the job done faster.

If you really need to blow-dry, use the lowest heat setting possible and don’t dry your hair completely. Leave your hair when it’s still slightly damp to prevent over-drying.

Use the right amount of hair products

There’s nothing wrong with using hair gels, waxes, and hair sprays. They help you achieve the hairstyle you want, and some of them even have hair care properties like moisturizing and volumizing. But, like with skincare, you can’t overdo it with haircare products.

Too much product can make your hair look and feel heavy. It can also clog your scalp and coat your hair strands, making them unable to absorb other hair care products as well as they should. Use only the amount you need, but more importantly, use only the products your hair needs.

Don’t do a comb-over

Some men with thinning hair on top of their heads but still abundant on the sides opt for a comb-over hairstyle. This is when you cover the bare spots on top of your head with the hair on the sides.

For one, this is never a good look. In fact, it’s one of the worst hairstyles to cover baldness. It’s better to get a haircut that suits your thinning hair instead.

Hair Loss Treatment and Hair Care for Men

While on the subject of thinning hair, it’s important for men to recognize that hair loss is a natural part of aging. It’s more prevalent among men because of genetics, but it can also be influenced by medical issues and lifestyle. This is one of the reasons proper hair care is essential.

But just because you’re showing signs of baldness doesn’t mean you have to endure it. Vargas Face & Skin Center offers hair regrowth services for men.

With our hair transplant procedure, men with male pattern baldness or those who lost hair due to scarring or illness can restore their locks and achieve natural-looking results.

Discuss your hair regrowth options with us today.