Let’s face it; the past year has taken its toll on all of us in one way or another, leaving most of the population feeling more stressed out and anxious than ever before – and with barber’s shops closed for months on end, it’s likely we’re looking less than our best, too. With little time to care for ourselves over the last few months and enough bad news to turn our hair grey – not to mention, in some cases, even accelerating hair loss – searches for the cost of hair transplantation on Google are at an all-time high. If you’re one of the men who has been suffering with issues like these, then you might be wondering what to do to restore your locks to their former glory – but the good news is, it’s easier than you think.
It’s great to see that things are looking up as we head into summer, with shops, restaurants, pubs – and of course, barber shops – throwing their doors open to the public once again. And, with social occasions and events now firmly back on our agendas, it’s time to start doing the prep for a suave, shiny and healthy-looking head of hair that will see you through each of them in style.
If you’ve already managed to get in with your favourite high-end stylist to get your cut back in shape, then it’s a good start to regaining your sartorial standing, but there’s a lot more that goes into maintaining a healthy head of hair than you might think. If you’re the type of guy who likes a low maintenance style and you do little to take care of your scalp and lengths, however, then now is the time to start giving them the attention they deserve, stimulating healthy growth and looking after the hair you have to maximise longevity and score additional style points, too.
Here, we take a look at some of the biggest need-to-knows of men’s hair care, and the steps you should be incorporating into your daily routine. Put in the work now, and you’ll have fewer issues to contend with later down the line – and your future self will almost certainly thank you for it.
Shampoo
We all wash our hair on a regular basis, but are you using the right shampoo for your hair type? Instead of picking up any old bottle next time you’re out shopping, take some time to understand what your locks really need, as this will improve their condition no end.
Shampoo is designed to cleanse the scalp and lengths of dirt, debris, and excess oils – but the aim here is NOT to leave it feeling squeaky clean. Whilst it’s important to remove surplus oils, you don’t want to strip the hair completely of its natural lubricants, which are essential to maintain health and shine.
If your hair is particularly dry already, then be sure to choose a shampoo designed for dry or damaged hair, as this will be gentler and more moisturising. Conversely, if your hair is oily then a light clarifying shampoo will help to restore balance without stripping those all important oils out entirely.
Condition
While conditioner is a staple in most women’s hair care regimes, it’s a step that is often skipped by men, with many believing it is unnecessary or that it will leave their locks feeling limp and lifeless – which couldn’t be further from the truth.
Conditioner is essential for smoothing the hair’s cuticle and infusing moisture to keep it looking healthy and shiny – but it won’t take away from your volume. Unconditioned hair can appear dry, damaged or even frizzy, quickly spoiling even the smartest of cuts, so add a lightweight conditioner to your routine a couple of times a week, massaging into the ends but avoiding the scalp. Leave for around three minutes, then rinse, and you’re guaranteed to notice a difference. With short hair, remember the mantra that less is always more, and take care not to overload your lengths with too much product.
Take care of your scalp
Now that we’ve got your hair back into good condition, it’s important to pay some additional attention to your scalp. Optimal scalp health is essential for stimulating new growth and preventing early onset hair loss, and there are some simple things you can do to give it a helping hand.
A healthy head of hair begins with healthy follicles, and one of the best things you can do to support them is maintaining a healthy routine. We’re not just talking about hair care here, but your lifestyle overall – so be sure to implement a healthy diet and take regular exercise, as well as taking steps to reduce stress.
Getting regular scalp massages and using a dermal roller daily can help to stimulate blood flow to the scalp and encourage new hair growth. It might seem tedious, but if you’re noticing thinning already then now is the time to act – because taking these steps now can slow the process of balding and help you to maintain a healthy head of hair for longer.
Combat hair loss
Of course, if you’re past the point of no return then this might not be enough to restore your locks to their former glory. By the age of 30, half of all men have begun to suffer from thinning and hair loss – with receding hairlines one of the most commonly reported issues that continue to increase with age.
But thanks to ongoing advances within the medical field, a hair transplant is now a real possibility if you need some additional help. Multiple high-profile celebrities have undergone the process in recent years, and shown off some enviable results, so it’s certainly worth considering if thinning and hair loss are affecting your confidence.
Keep dandruff in check
Around 50 percent of men in their twenties and thirties have dandruff, which can be an embarrassing problem to have – and while most are of the belief that it is caused by dry skin, this actually isn’t the case. The real culprit? A tiny fungus called malassezia globosa, which begins to grow too rapidly and disturb natural cell renewal.
The solution? Try to wash your hair less often and opt for natural ingredients that won’t irritate the scalp. Again, the goal is not for hair to feel squeaky clean, as this can upset its natural balance – so choose a gentle, lightweight formula that is free of harsh chemicals like SLS.
The bottom line
When it comes to maintaining a healthy head of hair, prevention is often better than cure – and by taking a little more time out of your week to implement some additional hair care tips, you’ll enjoy strong, thick and shiny hair for many years to come.
