Having great hair is more than the cut and hairstyle. After a visiting a barber or stylist, it’s up to you to care for and style hair. What that entails depends on your hair type because fine and thick, straight and curly hair have different needs. By grooming according to the specific needs of your hair type, you will make the most of your cut and style.
Here’s how to look like you left the barbershop every day.
Hair type is based on several things. The most obvious is it straight, wavy, or curly? Next, is it thick or fine? Thick hair can refer to having a high volume of hair on the head and/or a larger circumference of each hair strand. Fine hair has a smaller circumference while thin hair means having fewer hairs per scalp area. It is possible to have a thick head of fine hair or thin thick hair. When you have combination hair, care for it according to the dominating feature. In the cases above that would be fine and thin hair.
There’s one easy tip that works for all hair types. While shampoo companies tell you to wash hair every day, hair professionals will tell you otherwise. Ever notice that second day hair looks better than the day before? That’s because scalp oils have a chance to moisturize hair and add texture that makes hair easier to style. Try skipping the shampoo every other day and then see if you can go even longer. For most guys, this simple change will improve the appearance of hair and its health too.
Thick Hair
Thick hair refers to having a lot of hair and/or individual strands that are wider than other hair types. While having thick hair is enviable, the volume and coarser texture can also be a challenge. Make the most of your thick hair with these easy tips.
- Condition – Too many guys shampoo every day and skip the conditioner. Instead, condition every day and shampoo only as often as necessary for softer, more manageable hair.
- Go very short or longer – For thick hair, short cuts can cause hair to stick up. The solution is to go even shorter or grow it out. Longer hair has more weight to help it lie flat and area for styling product to work with.
- Product – Styling products benefit all hair types but arguably do the most for thick hair. Look for strong hold waxes or pomades to control hair and sculpt it into any style you want from slick to spikes.
Fine and Thin Hair
Fine hair strands are smaller in circumference than other hair types. Fine hair can be thick, with a full head of fine strands. Sometimes thin hair (not to be confused with thinning hair), with lower density per square inch, is referred to as fine hair but it is the thickness of the individual strands, not to the quantity of hair, that makes hair fine. While fine hair differs from thin hair, the goal of styling and products is the same – to add volume and boost thickness. Here’s how:
- Thickening Products – Give hair a good foundation by starting with a thickening shampoo (not everyday) and conditioner. Some products made for fine or thin hair also plump up hair strands while providing hold.
- Natural Oils – One of the best things you can do for hair is cut down on shampooing, which removes the oils your scalp produces to keep skin and hair moisturized. A cheap and easy way to make fine hair thicker is make the most of sebum production by skipping shampoo (but not conditioner) as often as works for you and distributing natural oils by combing hair or massaging the scalp. Don’t be afraid of the hair that comes with brushing or combing. An average of 50-100 hairs are shed a day so these aren’t being ripped from the scalp but lost naturally while more are growing in.
- Hair Dryer – The best way to achieve more volume in hair is using a blow dryer. There is no excuse not to for men because it only takes a few minutes. Work a volumizing mousse into damp hair and the result will be hair with maximum thickness and control. Finish hair with a blast of cold air to set hairstyles all day.
- Hair Products – Stay away from heavy or oil-based products that weigh hair down. Blow drying and mousse will be enough hold for many of the best hairstyles for fine hair. If you need more, look for a lightweight wax or pomade.
- Hairstyles – Just like with clothes, not every hair trend is going to work for you. Pick and choose from popular hairstyles looking for ones that add volume, texture, or both.
Wavy and Curly Hair
The label curly hair refers to any hair that isn’t straight. There is a wide range of curls from looser wavy hair to tight kinky hair. Despite this diversity, there are general rules that apply to keeping waves and curls healthy and looking it’s best.
While you frequently see celebrities with curls rocking hair that has been straightened (we’re looking at you Justin Timberlake), many men like Adrian Grenier, Seth Rogen, and James Franco embrace their waves and curls and we encourage you to do the same.
- No-Poo – The most common problem for all types of curly hair is moisture. Oils from the scalp do not travel from root to tip for curly hair, resulting in dry hair. The first step is eliminating shampoo or switching to a curl-friendly formula.
- Conditioning – Curls require additional moisture to look their best. In addition to using a curl-specific conditioner, some curly men benefit from a monthly deep conditioning treatment with a commercial product or natural oil like coconut.
- Haircuts – Curly hair has fewer styling options than straight. The key to getting the style you want is all in the haircut. To get variety, mix up the cuts.
- Drying Hair – One of the keys to how hair will look is what happens after the shower. Rubbing hair with a regular towel can cause hair damage and frizz. Instead, gently squeeze hair dry with paper towels, on old t-shirt, or microfiber towel. Then work product through hair with fingers and let it dry without touching hair at all. If you blow dry hair, use the diffuser attachment that comes with the dryer, which disperses the air flow to reduce frizz.
- Product – Curly hair looks best with a leave-in conditioner or curl enhancing cream that defines curls and minimizes frizz. Apply product to damp hair. Wet hair dilutes the product and reduces effectiveness while dry hair won’t distribute product evenly and can look clumpy, sticky, or greasy.
extracted from: MENSHAIRSTYLETRENDS.COM