1. Choose Shampoo and Conditioner Wisely: Shampoos and conditioners are not all created alike (as is believed by most men). Choose products that work well with your hair type so your hair will look the best it can be. If possible, go for sulfate-free shampoo and silicone-free conditioner; these ingredients are hard on hair and cause it to look dry and dull over time. Check the label. Here’s a short guide to what products work well with what hair types:
- For dry hair that’s prone to getting frizzy, look for moisturizing or hydrating products that contain oils, butters and other nourishing ingredients.
- For oily or fine hair, look for clarifying products that contain ingredients like tea tree oil and chamomile.
- For hair that breaks and frays easily, look for restorative products that contain proteins like collagen and keratin.
- If your hair gets greasy fast, consider doing a water-only wash on the days when you don’t shampoo. Water will cleanse your hair without stripping away the oils.
- When you first start washing less, your hair will keep overproducing oil for a week or so until things balance out. Just be patient, and soon your hair will stay clean longer.
4. Spot Dry Your Hair Instead of Toweling it Roughly: Hair is weak when it’s wet, since water causes the keratin molecules in hair to stretch. That’s why doing a rough towel dry treatment can break your hair. Instead, use a towel to dab your hair dry and get rid of the excess water, then let it finish air drying.
5.Take Regular Trips to the Barber Shop: A great routine won’t make a difference if you’re working with unkempt hair to begin with. Some men get it trimmed once a month, while once every three months is sufficient for others. Find your routine and keep up with it.
6. Have a Balanced Diet: There are a few essential nutrients that help hair stay thick and strong. Make sure your diet is well-balanced to nourish your hair from the inside out. Using topical products will only get you so far if your diet isn’t healthy for your hair. Here’s what you need:
- Protein. Eat meat, eggs, nuts, beans, and other sources of protein to keep your hair healthy.
- B vitamins. These are found in meat, eggs, and leafy green vegetables. If you’re a vegetarian, you may want to start taking a B vitamin supplement.
- Omega 3 fatty acids. Salmon, sardines, avocados, and walnuts have loads of this important nutrient.