Undoubtedly, a man’s hair plays a significant role in his overall look. There’s a lot to consider, such as the products to use, how often you should cut it, its length, and style. This can often be overwhelming. No need to worry—we’re here to help with some helpful hair care tips for men.
Dry Your Hair the Proper Way
If you’re like most men who simply get out of the shower and rub their hair vigorously after washing or conditioning it, it’s time to stop. Your hair is more vulnerable to damage when it’s wet. Rubbing it with a towel can cause strands to get caught in the threads and stretch beyond their breaking point. This can damage the outer layers of your hair, causing frizz and split ends.
The best approach is to shake off excess water and gently stroke your hair in the direction it grows, then pat it dry. Be cautious when using a blow dryer. Ideally, air-drying your hair is best, but if you’re short on time, blow-drying is a good option. When blow-drying, always choose the lowest heat setting and leave your hair slightly damp to avoid over-drying.
Reduce the Heat
As mentioned earlier, lowering the heat setting on your blow dryer is a key part of any hair care routine for men. While a hot shower can feel refreshing, especially in cold weather, hot water can damage your hair by stripping away its natural oils, leading to dryness.
As stated above, air-drying is the best method for drying your hair. But if you do use a blow dryer, make sure to reduce the heat and leave your hair slightly damp to avoid over-drying.
Wear Hats Occasionally
It’s fine to wear a cap or a hat, but don’t overdo it. Keep in mind that tight hats can cause hair damage or even hair loss by pulling at your hair roots. Whenever possible, opt for loose-fitting hats to avoid this.
Avoid Overusing Hair Products
It’s perfectly fine to use hair waxes, hairspray, or gels to style your hair and achieve the look you want. However, overusing these products can make your hair appear heavy and unnatural. Stick to using just the right amount rather than applying excessive product.
Never Do a Comb-Over
If your hair is thinning on top but not on the sides, avoid covering the bare areas by doing a comb-over. It’s not a flattering look and can give off a creepy vibe, which might not win you any points with others. Instead, opt for a haircut that complements your thinning hair. This will do wonders for your appearance and confidence. Also, make sure to keep your hair as healthy as possible.
Wash Your Hair Only Once, Don’t Repeat
One common myth about hair washing is that you need to shampoo, rinse, and then repeat. Not only is this unnecessary, but double-washing can also dry out your hair.
Hair Tips for Growing Long Hair
Growing long hair requires the same patience and time as growing a full beard. If you’re aiming for long hair, be prepared to commit and give it the care and attention it needs.
Create a Plan
Ask yourself: What are your goals and reasons for growing long hair? Keep in mind that it requires total commitment, and make sure it suits your lifestyle. Also, ensure you have time for a grooming routine, as maintaining longer hair requires more attention than shorter styles.
Be Strong
You have to own it—growing long hair is your decision, and that means staying committed to the process, even when your hair doesn’t look great as it grows out. There will be mornings when no matter what you do, your hair may not cooperate. Shorter hair is easier to manage, but with longer hair, you need to be prepared for the awkward in-between phases.
It’s similar to growing a beard—there will be times you’re tempted to shave it off because you don’t like how it looks. However, pushing through those tough moments pays off in the end.
Decide how long you want to let it grow. If you’re interested in having long hair, commit to growing it for about a year before deciding your next move. As your hair grows, it will go through different phases, so be patient. Each month, you’ll have a new look to experiment with, including ponytails.
Obtain the Appropriate Tools
As your hair grows, you’ll need to invest in the right tools. It’s like doing a DIY project or working on your car—you need quality tools for the best results. A wide-tooth comb is ideal for hair care, as it’s gentler than a bristle hairbrush. If you’re trying out ponytails, use cloth-coated bands for a secure hold that’s also gentle on your hair.
Choose the Right Products
It’s fine to use a cheaper shampoo from your local drugstore if you have a buzz cut or short hair. However, it’s still recommended to invest in higher-quality products. The damage caused by cheaper shampoo on short hair is often offset by regular haircuts every few weeks.
But it’s not advisable to use lower-quality shampoos on long hair, as they can dry it out, cause frizz, or lead to split ends. It’s important to choose a shampoo suited to your hair type, whether it’s dry, oily, or somewhere in between. If you’re unsure, ask your stylist or barber. Hair oil can also help prevent dryness—simply apply it to the roots and scalp.
Neighborhood Cut & Shave offers haircuts and shaves. To book an appointment, call us at (212) 929-5555.
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