For the majority of men, hair care is very much a wash-and-go kind of affair, with perhaps a few extra minutes spent on styling for important meetings, dates and occasions. But contrary to popular belief, it’s just as essential for the male of the species to have a regular routine in order to nourish locks and keep them healthy – and failure to do so can result in a host of hair and scalp issues later on.
Stressors such as UV rays and humidity, as well as poor diet and rough handling when wet can all lead to breakage, split ends, frizz and eventually, even hair loss, but the good news is that all it takes to keep things in check – give or take those genes we can’t do much about – is a few extra minutes a day to focus on the basics.
Because hair care is particularly important during the warmer weather, we’ve put together the ultimate men’s haircare guide for summer to keep your locks looking and feeling their best throughout.
Keep UV rays at bay
Most men tend to opt for a shorter haircut during the summer for added freshness, but this does come with its perils as well as its perks. Shorter hair means your scalp is more exposed to the elements, which can put you at particular risk of sun damage – particularly if you’re planning on jetting off to sunnier climes, so be sure to protect the area with a good quality SPF. There are plenty of heat protectant sprays to choose from, which are a good choice thanks to their invisible formula and thin consistency, but if you have any balding patches then you’ll need to apply some sun block to avoid any nasty burns.
If you prefer to keep your hair a little longer, then don’t think this means you’re off the hook – you might have a little more protection from your hair itself, but it’s still vital to apply SPF, whatever your style happens to be.
Infuse moisture
Around 70 per cent of our bodies are made up of water, and our hair is no different. Our locks alone are between 10 and 13 per cent water, which means it’s vital to keep them hydrated and moisturised to ensure they stay looking and feeling as healthy as possible. Start by upping your daily water intake – around eight glasses, or 2.5 litres a day is a good amount to aim for.
Beyond that, adding a hair conditioner to your washing routine is important, too. Simply add a small amount to the ends of your hair after shampooing and, and leave to soak for two to three minutes before rinsing thoroughly. If your hair is particularly thick and lustrous, then a weekly hair masque won’t go amiss, either.
Reassess your diet
It’s true what they say; healthy hair really does start from within, and while drinking more water is certainly a step in the direction, eating a healthy, balanced diet that is rich in vitamins, nutrients and minerals, is key. Ensure that you’re eating your five portions of fruits and vegetables a day, and opt for plenty of colour to ensure you’re taking in a diverse range of the good stuff.
Protein is the main building block of hair, so adding a portion to every meal is also really important. Failing to do so can lead to dryness, breakage and even contribute to hair loss.
Stay a step ahead of hair loss
Male hair loss is a broad issue that, as well as being genetic, can be exacerbated by environmental and dietary factors, too. Aside from a regular and consistent haircare routine, there are a few other things you can do to help keep this to a minimum – starting with taking a biotin supplement to help keep follicles healthy and boost hair growth.
Hair can be particularly fragile when wet, so if you’re guilty of drying yours a little too vigorously with a towel post shower, then stop this and try to pat dry instead, gently squeezing out any moisture.
