Healthy Hair for Men: Hair Care Tips From Your Barber
For most blokes, hair care starts and ends with the haircut.
You book your appointment, get the sides cleaned up, leave with a fresh style and get on with your day. But looking after your hair properly involves a little more than what happens when you're sitting in the barber's chair.
The way you wash your hair, the condition of your scalp, the products you use and what you do between haircuts can all affect how your hair looks and feels.
At Rezz, we work with plenty of different hair types and styles. Over time, we've seen that you don't need a complicated routine to keep your hair in good condition.
You don't need ten different products lined up in the bathroom either. A few straightforward habits can help keep your hair and scalp healthier while making it easier to maintain your haircut between visits.
A Good Haircut Is the Starting Point
It probably isn't surprising that we're putting the haircut first, but there is a reason for it.
A well planned haircut can make your hair easier to manage and help it maintain its shape. Regular trims also remove damaged or split ends, helping prevent your hair from looking untidy or overly dry.
A good haircut should also take your natural hair characteristics into account.
Thick hair may benefit from removing some weight or adding texture. Fine hair can often be shaped to create more structure and the appearance of greater volume. Curly hair requires a different cutting approach again.
Your hair type, growth pattern, face shape and preferred styling routine should all influence the cut. There's no single hairstyle that will suit every bloke.
How Frequently Should You Visit the Barber?
There isn't one haircut schedule that works for everyone.
Men with short styles, skin fades and tapers will generally notice their haircut losing its shape sooner than someone with a longer hairstyle.
Getting your hair cleaned up every few weeks can help keep the sides, neckline and overall shape looking sharp.
Longer hairstyles can usually go a little longer between appointments. The main thing is staying consistent rather than waiting until your hair has completely lost its shape.
Regular maintenance also means your barber can keep building on the style you want instead of having to make major changes every time you come in.
Washing Your Hair Too Often Can Be a Problem
Keeping your hair clean is important, but washing it constantly isn't necessarily better.
One common mistake we see is blokes assuming they need to shampoo their hair every single day. Depending on your hair and scalp, frequent shampooing can remove some of the natural oils that help keep your hair conditioned.
There isn't a universal answer for how often men should wash their hair. It can depend on your hair type, scalp, lifestyle and how much you sweat.
If you're training regularly, working outdoors or sweating heavily throughout the day, you may need to wash your hair more frequently.
On the other hand, someone with naturally dry hair may find that washing less often leaves their hair feeling better.
Pay attention to how your hair and scalp respond rather than following a routine simply because you've always done it.
If you're unsure, ask your barber. They can give you advice based on your particular hair type and hairstyle.
Your Scalp Deserves Attention Too
Healthy looking hair starts with the scalp underneath it.
Oil, sweat and styling product can build up around the scalp if they aren't properly washed out. For some people, this can contribute to small bumps, pimples or irritation.
Keeping the scalp clean and making sure products are properly removed can help prevent unnecessary build-up.
It is also worth paying attention to how your scalp feels.
If it regularly feels very dry, oily or irritated, your shampoo, styling products or washing frequency may need to be reconsidered.
Looking after your scalp doesn't need to involve a complicated routine. Good washing habits and avoiding excessive product build-up can make a noticeable difference.
Choose Hair Products That Suit Your Hair
The product that works brilliantly for one bloke might not work particularly well for someone else.
Using the wrong product can leave your hair looking greasy, feeling heavy or becoming difficult to style.
Your shampoo should be appropriate for your hair and scalp. Someone with oily hair may prefer a product designed to help manage oil and build-up, while someone with dry or fine hair may benefit from a gentler and lighter formula.
The same principle applies to styling products. Think about what your hair actually needs rather than automatically buying the same product your mate uses.
Your barber can also help you choose products that suit the hairstyle you're wearing.
Don't Use More Styling Product Than You Need
Hair clay, pomade and other styling products can make a big difference to the finished look, but more product doesn't necessarily mean a better hairstyle.
Using too much can leave your hair heavy or greasy and can contribute to product build-up if it isn't washed out properly.
Start with a small amount and work it through your hair evenly. If you need more hold, you can always add a little extra.
This is particularly useful when you're trying a new product. It gives you more control and makes it easier to work out how much your hair actually needs.
From a barber's perspective, we'd much rather see you using a small amount of a suitable product than covering your hair in something that weighs it down.
Be Careful With Heat
A hair dryer can be useful for creating volume, directing your hair into position or achieving a particular finish.
There's nothing wrong with using one, but excessive heat can contribute to dry or damaged hair over time.
You also don't need to use the hottest possible setting to get your hair styled.
If you blow dry your hair regularly, use a moderate temperature and keep the dryer moving rather than concentrating heat on one section for too long.
The same applies in the shower. Very hot water can dry out your hair and scalp, so warm water is generally a better option.
You don't have to completely avoid heat. The goal is simply to avoid unnecessary exposure.
Your Lifestyle Can Affect Your Hair
Hair care isn't limited to shampoos, conditioners and styling products.
Your general health and nutrition can also contribute to the condition and appearance of your hair.
There's no need to make things complicated. Eating a balanced range of foods, drinking enough water and maintaining generally healthy habits all support your body's normal functions, including those involved in maintaining your hair.
Think of hair care as part of your overall routine rather than something that only happens in front of the bathroom mirror.
Adding a Dedicated Hair Health Product
Once you've got the basics covered, you may also want to consider adding a dedicated hair health product to your routine.
At Rezz, we stock Alpha Hair, a hair health product designed to support healthier looking hair and scalp.
It's not intended to replace regular haircuts or the basic habits that keep your hair clean and manageable.
Instead, it can be considered as another part of your overall hair care routine.
If you're unsure if it's suitable for your needs, speak to us when you're next in the chair. We can explain the product and how it can fit into your existing routine.
Match Your Hair Care Routine to Your Hairstyle
Your haircut and your hair care routine should complement each other.
A textured crop, for example, may require a different styling product and maintenance routine from a longer slick back. A skin fade may only require a small amount of product on top, while curly or thicker hair can need a different approach altogether.
Your washing habits can also vary depending on your hairstyle and hair type.
This is one of the advantages of talking to your barber. They can see how your hair naturally sits and recommend practical ways to maintain the style after you leave the shop.
The aim isn't to make your routine more complicated. It's to make it work better for the hair you actually have.
Easy Hair Care Tips for Men
If you want to keep your routine straightforward, start with the basics:
- Keep up with regular haircuts
- Choose shampoo that suits your hair and scalp
- Avoid washing your hair more than necessary
- Use only as much styling product as you need
- Properly wash products out of your hair
- Avoid unnecessary heat
- Keep your scalp clean
- Drink enough water
- Maintain a balanced diet
- Choose quality hair care products when appropriate
- Ask your barber for advice about your specific hair type
You don't need to change everything at once.
Pick one or two habits that could improve your current routine and build from there.
Looking After Your Hair Doesn't Have to Be Complicated
Good hair care doesn't require an expensive collection of products or a complicated daily routine.
Regular haircuts, sensible washing, suitable products, less unnecessary heat and basic attention to your scalp can all help keep your hair looking and feeling better.
If you're due for a haircut, come and see us at Rezz in Flemington. Along with getting your style cleaned up, we can help you choose products and give you practical advice based on your hair and the style you're trying to maintain.
Book your appointment online or visit us at Showgrounds Village and we'll help you keep your hair looking its best between cuts.
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