Hair Aware
Establishing a hair care routine is just as important for the guys as it is for the girls. And with a great selection of products available exclusively for men, there are no excuses left for leaving your locks limp!
Check the Label
That said; not all shampoos and
conditioners are created equal. And with so many products and brand names out there to choose from, how exactly are you supposed to decide which product is right for you?
First thing’s first: check the label! If possible, opt for sulfate-free shampoo and silicone-free conditioner. These ingredients can strip your hair of its natural oils, making it look dull and lackluster over time.
Here’s how to find a product that works best with your hair type:
Normal hair is self-explanatory. If it feels the same throughout the day and doesn’t feel oily or dry, you have normal hair, which also means you have the flexibility of using “normal hair” shampoos, conditioners and hair-care products.
Dry hair is another story. Dry hair means that the absence of oils leaves the scalp itchy and dry. To avoid irritating the scalp, guys with dry hair should wash their hair every three days or so with a moisturizing shampoo. A leave-in conditioner with hydrating products that contain oils, butters and other nurturing ingredients are great for restoring dried out hair and roots.
Oily hair tends to feel (and look) greasy and unkempt. For guys who have oily hair, use conditioner sparingly and only use it on the ends of your hair. Look for components like tea tree oil, chamomile and/or menthol. These ingredients will help to remove excess oil and soothe the scalp and cleanse the hair.
Overall
Whether your hair is dry, normal or oily, a good rule of thumb is to wash your hair two or three times a week. Any more, and the product may begin to strip your hair of the natural oils in your scalp. Even if your hair is greasy, some oil is beneficial to preserving the hair follicles and keeping them healthy.
Rinse your hair with warm or cool water to keep your hair shiny, since the heat from hot water tends to dry out the hair, causing it to look dull and blah.
And while the drugstore brands may be convenient and less expensive, it’s always worth it to pay a bit extra for a quality product proven to keep your hair healthy.