Healthy Hair for Men: Barber's Guide to Hair Care
Most blokes think about their hair when it's time for a haircut. You book in, get a fresh cut, walk out looking sharp, and you're sorted.
But here's the thing we tell our clients at Rezz: a good haircut is only part of keeping your hair looking its best.
The condition of your hair and scalp, how you wash it, the products you use and how you look after it between cuts all play a part. As barbers, we see plenty of different hair types every day. We also see the difference a decent hair care routine can make.
You don't need a bathroom shelf full of products or a complicated 10 step routine. A few simple habits can go a long way towards keeping your hair looking healthy and your haircut looking better for longer.
Start With a Good Haircut
It might sound obvious coming from a barber, but your haircut plays an important role in how healthy and manageable your hair looks. Regular trims help keep your style in shape and remove damaged or split ends that can make hair look dry and untidy.
A good haircut also works with your natural hair type. If you've got thick hair, your barber can remove some weight and create texture. If your hair is finer, the right cut can add structure and make it appear fuller. If you've got curly hair, you will need a different approach again.
Your hair should be cut around your hair type, growth pattern, face shape and how much effort you actually want to put into styling it, that's why we don't believe in one haircut that works for everyone.
How Often Should Men Get a Haircut?
There's no magic number, but most men benefit from getting their hair cleaned up every few weeks. Short cuts, fades and tapers tend to lose their shape faster, so regular visits help keep the sides, neckline and overall style looking sharp.
If you've got a longer style, you can usually go a little longer between cuts. The bigger point is consistency.
You don't need to wait until your hair is completely out of control before visiting your barber. Regular maintenance makes it easier to keep your preferred style and means you aren't starting from scratch every time you sit in the chair.
Don't Overwash Your Hair
One of the most common things we see is blokes washing their hair too often. You might think washing your hair every day is the best way to keep it clean, but shampooing too frequently can strip away some of the natural oils your scalp produces.
How often you should wash your hair depends on your hair type, scalp and lifestyle, overwashing can leave your hair feeling dry, rough or harder to manage.
If you work outdoors, train regularly or sweat a lot, you may need to wash more often. If your hair is naturally dry, washing less frequently may work better.
Not sure how often to wash your hair? Ask your barber. They'll be able to recommend a routine based on your hair and scalp. The important thing is paying attention to how your hair and scalp feel rather than automatically reaching for shampoo every morning.
Look After Your Scalp
Good hair care starts at the scalp.
Your scalp is where your hair starts, so it's worth giving it some attention. Hair product build-up, excess oil and sweat can sometimes clog the pores around your scalp, leading to small pimples or bumps. Keeping your scalp clean and washing out styling products properly can help keep these breakouts under control.
A healthy scalp provides the foundation for healthy looking hair, keeping it clean and avoiding excessive product build-up can help your hair feel fresher and easier to manage.
If your scalp feels particularly dry, oily or irritated, it can also be worth looking at the products you're using and how frequently you're washing your hair.
Use the Right Hair Products
The right product can make a big difference. The wrong one can leave your hair greasy, heavy, dry or difficult to style.
The right shampoo depends on your hair and scalp. Oily hair may benefit from a clarifying or oil control shampoo, while dry or fine hair often suits a gentler, lightweight formula that cleans without leaving it feeling heavy.
Your scalp and hair also benefit from products designed to support their condition and overall appearance, which is why we always recommend choosing products based on what your hair actually needs.
Don't Go Overboard With Styling Products
Hair products are great when you use them properly. The problem starts when you keep piling product onto your hair every day without properly washing it out.
Too much product can leave your hair feeling heavy and create build-up around the scalp, you don't need a handful of clay or pomade to get your hair sitting right.
Start with a small amount, work it through properly and add more only if you need it.
As barbers, we'd much rather see a bloke using a small amount of the right product than drowning his hair in something that makes it look greasy.
Give Your Hair a Break From Heat
Hair dryers and heated styling tools can be useful, especially when you're trying to get a particular style.
But excessive heat isn't great for your hair, and while hot showers won't make you go bald, very hot water can dry out your hair and scalp, so keep it warm rather than boiling.
For most men's hairstyles, you don't need to blast your hair until it's bone dry. If you're blow drying your hair every day, avoid using the highest heat setting and don't hold the dryer in one spot for too long.
A little care here can help your hair stay in better condition over time.
Eat Well and Look After Yourself
Hair health isn't only about what you put on your head. Your overall health and nutrition also play a role in how your hair looks and feels.
You don't need to overthink it. Eat a decent range of foods, stay hydrated and look after yourself. A balanced diet, enough water and good general habits all contribute to your body's ability to support healthy hair.
Your hair is one of many things that can benefit from it.
Consider a Hair Health Product
If you're already keeping up with regular haircuts and have your basic routine sorted, you may also want to add a dedicated hair health product.
At Rezz, we stock Alpha Hair, a hair health product designed to support healthier looking hair and scalp as part of your regular routine.
It's not about replacing your haircut or turning your bathroom into a chemist, think of it as another part of looking after your hair between barber visits.
If you're not sure if it's right for you, have a chat with us next time you're in the chair and we can explain how it fits into your routine.
Your Haircut and Hair Care Should Work Together
One of the easiest ways to keep your hair looking good is to make your haircut and hair care routine work together.
For example, a textured crop might need a different product and washing routine to a longer slick back. A skin fade may look sharp when you leave the shop, but keeping the hair on top healthy and manageable will help you maintain the overall style between appointments.
The same goes for curly, thick or fine hair. Your barber can recommend products and maintenance habits based on the style you're actually wearing.
Simple Hair Health Tips for Men
If you want to keep things simple, start with these:
- Get regular haircuts to maintain your shape
- Use shampoo suited to your hair and scalp
- Don't overwash your hair
- Avoid using excessive styling product
- Wash out product properly
- Limit unnecessary heat exposure
- Keep your scalp clean
- Stay hydrated and eat a balanced diet
- Use quality hair care products when needed
- Ask your barber for advice based on your hair type
You don't need to completely change your routine overnight. Start with one or two habits and build from there.
Healthy Hair Starts With the Basics
You don't need an expensive routine or a cupboard full of products to look after your hair, simple habits can make a noticeable difference.
If you're due for a fresh cut, come see us at Rezz in Flemington. We'll get your haircut looking sharp, help you choose the right products for your style and give you some practical advice for keeping it looking good once you leave the chair.
Book your appointment online or drop by our shop in Showgrounds Village and let's get your hair looking its best.
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