Fellas, let’s have a little chat about hair. Some say it’s just hair, but is it? Think about it. What does your hair do for you? While practicality and low maintenance are essential for most people, there’s a lot more that can go into caring for your mane.
GR8 guys, if you’re searching for the secrets to a healthy, well-coiffed look, let us assist you.
Be Gentle for Strand’s Sake
Jokes about men needing to be more gentle are over with. We know you can do it guys, we’ve seen you with a puppy. Now that that’s over, be kind to your strands! Cowlicks are stubborn, and fast-growing hair is a pain, but be nice with the head of hair you’ve been dealt with—trust me.
Work with What You’ve Got
This might be rich coming from a girl who steams her strands straight regularly—but try not to fuss with wanting to change the texture of your hair. Embrace your unique style. Go for a style that suits your texture, avoid fighting it. For example, if you go for a side part, choose the side where your part naturally falls. Avoid over washing hair as not to strip natural oils and create dryness. In the same arena of avoiding dryness, add a conditioning treatment to your routine. Shine is everyone’s friend.
Always Use Protection
Now that I’ve got your attention, your hair needs protection! Activities like being in the sun or pool can affect the hair’s health. Protect your skin and scalp by applying sunscreen, apply a protective product to your hair itself, or wear a hat occasionally to shield it from the sun. When being exposed to anything that might alter your hair’s natural state like chlorine in a pool, make sure to rinse thoroughly and combat dryness with conditioning.
Pay Attention to Your Process
The smallest tweaks to the way you style and treat your hair can make a significant difference.
Be a Natural Beauty
Yes, you, sir. You’re already natural beauty. So, when choosing products to style your hair with, go for the most natural possible to avoid polluting your scalp with chemicals that can ultimately dry and damage your hair. Men who keep shorter styles will experience less of this, but chances are you’ll be in better shape if you use ingredients that will keep damage at bay.
Careful with Your Comb
Go for a comb that’s going to work with your hair needs. Metal, carbon, and wooden combs are generally better options than plastic for their ability to prevent buildup while being easy on the hair and scalp.
Take It Easy with Your Towel
It’s tempting to shake that head dry and go to town on soaking every last drop up with your towel, but the time saved isn’t worth the damage. Don’t rub your hair abrasively, instead pat it dry or air dry. Some men love to use a blow-dryer, and while it’s not recommended as it can cause heat damage, a heat protection spray could work to combat it if you must.
Some Final Tips for Your Tips
Beyond the practices you engage in regularly, don’t forget to consider these simple insights.
Keep Stress at a Minimum
Stress can affect your hair growth, yes, I know, not the best news. Stress on a chronic level can cause hair loss, but thinning may also be a result of regular stress. The hair follicles begin to tighten, causing stress on the roots. Scalp massages may help to reduce these effects, but of course, so will managing stress.
Make Sure Your Barber is “The One”
Choose a barber who understands your needs, demonstrates expertise, and cares about what you have to say. Try to snag appointments during early and late hours as there tends to be less traffic and more time and attention for you. In choosing your shop, it may be wise to go with a place with open windows that shows there’s nothing to hide.
Well, there you have it. Hair is just one of those things, but with just a pinch of extra attention—you’ll be GR8FUL you went the extra mile.