Even though they probably won’t admit it, men hate a bad
hair day just as much as women do. I think it’s time to help the boys out with
some tips on hair care for men!
For some of us, taking care of hair
can seem like a daunting task. For women, we struggle with obtaining the
perfect hair color,
overuse of styling products, and using too many heating devices.
Frankly, a big issue is not having enough time in the morning to achieve the
perfect look. But ladies, we’re not alone. Men also face challenging bad
hair days. Gentleman, it’s time to devote some attention to your hair! My tips
on hair care for men will make it seem less daunting to achieve your desired
look.
My
top tips on hair care for men
Be
cool
We all love to take a hot, steamy
shower but this is not the best thing for hair. When the water is too hot, it
can strip the essential oils from your hair and scalp. This leads to dryness,
which can lead to an itchy scalp, which can leave your hair looking
lackluster. It’s a chain reaction gentlemen. Keep your shower water
at a nice, comfortable warm temperature and keep those essential oils
protected.
Take
it easy with the towel
For some reason men just love to
towel dry their hair in a feverish manner. They throw the towel over
their head and start to rub on both sides in a very rough and tough way. What
the heck?! It’s as if they are hoping to completely dry their hair with that
towel. Gentlemen, this type of towel drying is one of the biggest causes of
damage to your hair. When your hair is wet it’s very vulnerable to damage. When
you rub your hair with your towel, some of the hairs get tangled in the threads
of the towel. When this happens, the individual hair strands start to stretch
and in many cases, they stretch to the point of breaking. The result? You end
up with split ends and frizzy hair due to damaging the cuticle. The best way to
towel dry your hair is to first shake out the excess water. Instead of rubbing
your hair with your towel, just gently stroke it in the direction that it
grows. In other words, don’t go against the grain. It may take a bit longer for
your hair to dry but after a while, you’ll definitely notice a difference the
way your hair looks.
Use
the right tools
It’s never a good idea to use a
brush on wet hair, reach for a comb instead. Preferably a wide toothed comb
that can work through any tangles that you may have. It’s also important to be
gentle, this is not the time to be rough and tough. We don’t rip out our
tangles, we work through them. So get yourself a wide toothed comb or borrow
one from the lady in your life. She is sure to have a few.
Stay
trim
The best looking hair is always the
hair that is freshly trimmed. The only real way to repair damaged hair is to
remove any sections that may be damaged. By trimming your hair on a
regular basis, you can help eliminate split ends and potential frizz. Even if
you’re in between looks and are going for a longer hair style, keep it trimmed.
About every six weeks should do it.
Choose
a good shampoo and conditioner
There’s a big difference in
comparing shampoos and conditioners out there on the market. Gentlemen, there
are so many options available that can provide you with the benefits that
you’re looking for. There are products to strengthen, thicken, moisturize,
straighten your hair, and products to keep curls curly! Don’t simply reach for
the cheapest bottle you can find. I like to recommend sulfate free shampoos, as
they are less drying on your hair and scalp. If you dye your hair, they’re
definitely kinder to your color.
I also love Aloe Vera in my shampoo
and conditioner. Everyone can benefit from some added moisture, and aloe
has great hydrating properties. Remember, our hair is most prone to frizzing
when it’s dry. A good hydrating conditioner can make a world of difference. Now
is not the time to pinch your pennies, gentlemen. Invest in a quality shampoo
and conditioner right away for the sake of your hair.
Beware
men in hats
Men sure do love their hats and
that’s great. Hats are only a problem when they don’t fit properly. If you wear
a hat, or a ponytail for that matter, that’s too tight, you could be causing
damage to your hair. There is a condition called “traction alopecia,”
which is a condition where the hair is actually pulled out of the scalp. It’s
the constant tension and pulling over time that can result in damage, which
unfortunately can become permanent damage over time. Hats, braids and cornrows
can all lead to traction alopecia. Make sure your hats fit properly. If you
wear ponytails or braids, make sure they aren’t too tight to help avoid damage
and hair loss.
***
Ok, I’m not a dude and I certainly
can’t claim to understand everything you guys go through. But, I do have to
look at you and if just one of these tips can help you (or my husband), then
I’ve done my job. It’s important to remember that our hair is a direct
reflection of our overall health. If we maintain a balanced diet, drink plenty
of water, exercise regularly, get rid of some stress in our lives and sleep
well, we will look and feel great as a result.
Gentlemen, I would love to know your
hair care secrets. Please share with me in the comments section below about
your best tips on hair care for men. And ladies, I would love to hear how you
handle your man’s unruly hair. Do you try to fix it? Or have you just thrown
your hands in the hair and given up? I know I’ve been there, so please do
tell!
Written by beauty expert, Jacquie Carter.
Jacquie is Director of Outer Nutrition at Herbalife. Discover the HerbalifeSKIN line here.
