Even men are faced with endless choices and countless decisions when it comes to hair styles and care. We all want to keep that “fresh-from-the-salon” look going for as long as we can. Here are some helpful tips on products, hair colour, shampoos and conditioners especially with men in mind.
A good haircut is the first step. Speak to the hairstylist who can help you choose a cut that suits your lifestyle, tastes and personality. Once you have the right cut, you’ll need the products to keep it top-notch.
Choose the Right Styling Products
Pomades: creates a sleek look or short and textured styles.
Waxes: used for short styles, adds shine and control.
Gels: especially used for wet look styles and those that need a strong hold.
Creams: these are good for fly-away and frizzy hair control, and for those with a more conservative style.
Muds or Fibers: use when you have a longer style, or for a disheveled look.
Hairspray: helps with volume and creates control.
Hair Colour
Always use the healthiest colour you can find. Consult your stylist to choose the colour and brand of hair colour to suit your hair and style.
Blond is the most common and used, with brown and black often used to cover any gray. Today, gray hair when groomed and cut correctly creates an attractively mature look. It is totally fine to colour your sideburns, beards and mustaches.
The bigger problem than gray hair for men is hair loss or thinning. This can be handled with a proper hair cut, correct grooming and often some colour.
About Shampoos and Conditioners
Shampoos
Most men have short hair, so regular shampoo will work well. If you need something for oily or dry scalp, your choices will be guided by those issues.
Normal Hair Shampoo: won’t strip natural oils, and is usually gentle. It works for most men.
Oily Hair Shampoo: holds special cleansers that will remove the oil in the hair. It will dry the scalps of men with normal hair.
Dry Scalp Shampoo: also moisturizing shampoo, created to add moisture to both your scalp and hair. It will add weight to normal hair.
Volumizing Shampoo: thickens the hair with glycerin, adds volume and body.
Dandruff Shampoo: designed to stop itching and flaking. You should have dandruff to use this type of shampoo.
Clarifying Shampoo: This type of shampoo removes buildup of soaps and other products.
Conditioners
Moisturizers: retains moisture. It should be used by men with dry, coarse or curly hair.
Thickening: also called volumizing. It puts a layer consisting of protein on the hair. It also helps damaged hair and smoothes the hair.
Leave-In Conditioner: works like skin cream. This type of conditioner is very nourishing. Hair is often made more manageable.
So men, don’t be intimidated by the long shelves of products and shampoos. It’s ok to be picky when choosing what goes into your hair, mustache or beard. If you need help choosing what’s best for you, speak with your hairstylist, they are full of knowledge and are there to make you look your best.