Having a bad hair day? Hair can be a complete nightmare to get right and it’s often the first thing a person notices about you. However, even the slightest alterations to your hair care routine can completely transform your appearance.
Most men share the same problem when it comes to washing their hair. They usually do at least one of three things. Firstly, they don’t use any kind of hair care product and assume that a bar of soap will do the job. Secondly, they rely on their shower gel to clean their hair, or lastly, they use the ever growing popular all-in-one bottle that they purchased years ago. But why is this a problem?
For starters, shower gels and soaps are formulated to remove dirt and grime. That’s fine for your body, but using it on your hair will rid its natural protective oils.
Men using an all-in-one product will definitely be better off in comparison; however it’s still not the best way to wash your hair. These total solutions may be handy when you’ve not got much space left in your suitcase when travelling, or haven’t got much time to spare, but they lack the balanced nutrition that your hair needs.
These all-in-one products don’t provide you with the exact formulation that’s right for your hair type and scalp. These products have been designed for everyone in mind, regardless of your hair type, colour, thickness and body. So, are these products designed for a man with fine, oily hair? Are they suitable for a man with thick, blonde locks? The answer is no. So, what types of products are right for your hair?
Firstly, you need to identify the type of hair you have. Take a look at the following examples below and try to match at least one of the descriptions of each hair type to your own. This will determine the type of products you use. Most men will be a mix of the categories, so keep this in mind while constructing your type.
Men’s Hair Types
Normal – Most men have this type of hair. It’s neither dry nor oily and easy to manage. It has consistent texture and no issues with thickness. Use regular, normal shampoo and conditioner for this hair type.
Dry / damaged – Hair is uncharacteristically weak, and may break easily. It lacks moisture and often feels rough. Use moisturise-enriching shampoo that’s specifically designed to add moisture to the hair and scalp. Avoid shampoos that contain alcohol as this will dry out the follicles.
Oily / greasy – Hair looks wet all the time and attracts dirt easily. Avoid using waxy creams. Instead use natural enhancers where necessary and balancing formulations created specifically for oily and greasy hair.
Thick – Hair is highly textured and heavy looking. Avoid using any products that add volume and only use a small amount of conditioner.
Fine / thin – Hair lacks volume and looks lifeless. Avoid using moisturising formulations that give you a flat dull look. Instead use thickening shampoo that contains glycerine, which helps retain water and swells the hair strand by lifting the cuticle. Follow up using a thickening conditioner.
Wild / Wavy – Hair is hard to manage and frizzy. It’s inconsistent in texture and volume. Keep it under control by using frizz control agents and avoid shampoos that add volume.
What Products Should You Buy?
The brand of shampoos and conditioner isn’t important. What is important is that you choose the correct product from the same collection. Don’t mix and match as most shampoos and conditioners in the same range are formulated to work with each other. Also don’t be cheap but at the same time don’t spend a fortune.
When buying your hair care range, stick to the basics – shampoo and conditioner. The shampoo you choose should be based on the hair type you identified earlier. If you have dark, thin, oily hair, then buy a shampoo that’s formulated for dark, thin, oily hair. If you have light, thick, dry hair, go for shampoo designed for light, thick, dry hair. Everything that you need to know will be written on the bottle, including full care and usage instructions.
How to Wash Your Hair
To be able to wash your hair correctly there are some easy steps for you to follow. Many men make basic mistakes when washing their hair which can cause it to get damaged, dry or greasy and even cause split ends, stopping healthy hair growth.
Before washing your hair, make sure you brush out any tangles first, whilst the hair is still dry. This makes the washing process a lot easier and quicker. Wet your hair with lukewarm water, making sure your hair is completely wet, then apply shampoo onto the roots and massage into the scalp and then into the roots. After, wash thoroughly.
Once you’ve completely rinsed out all the shampoo, it’s time to apply conditioner. The same process is used as with the shampoo, however leave the conditioner in your hair for approximately two minutes, then rinse with lukewarm water.
Once you’ve finished washing your hair, don’t towel dry as it can damage your hair causing it to split. The best way to dry your hair is to let it do so naturally and then comb through. If you’re going to use a hair dryer and style your hair, it’s recommended that you use a heat protector serum or spray to ensure that your hair doesn’t get damaged.
