We often see women fuss about their hair and take it as a reflection of their identity because it is both personal and public. But is it the same with men? For many years it was believed that men do not care much about their appearances. Several decades ago, most men would have suppressed this display of self-admiration. But times have changed, and research validates that men care about their appearance too.
Women tend to focus on the amalgamation of their entire appearance — hair, skin, make-up, clothes, and shoes. Men, on the other hand, tend to focus on very specific areas of their appearance, such as the silhouette of their hair, and cleanliness of teeth and skin. Hair has always been the primary indication of confidence for most men.
In a small Canadian survey conducted by Rosemary Ricciardelli, men identified hair as being the primary link between their youth and attractiveness. Social perceptions have undoubtedly defined how men feel about their hair. With hair, men feel more attractive and youthful because society parse media, models and the fashion industry has stamped an emphasis on hair being an attractive male trait. And with age, when their hair starts to turn grey or the hair fall leads to baldness, their confidence also tends to fade away.
Hair Care for Men
Most men wash their hair every time they take a shower. But that is not a very healthy habit. We have seen women take very good care of their hair but there are things men can do too! Here are a few things, if sworn by can do wonders to your hair.
1. Hair Products
It is very important to use the right products for your hair. Every hair type is different and so the same product might not work for everyone. The pollution, dirt, and various styling tools damage our hair from within. After all this torture which our hair goes through, we need a shampoo which deep cleanses our hair and provides it with the required nutrients. If you are using a shampoo that contains sulphur and paraben then you are exposing your hair to harsh ingredients that will harm the health of your hair. Therefore it is important to choose the right shampoo. Similarly, products like oils, hair serums, and conditioners can help improve one’s hair quality.
2. DIYs or Home Remedies
Hair products can sometimes be very pricey and not very much worth it. It can be very astonishing as to how things from our daily routine could help us restore our hair. Such home remedies can be used as a hair mask or merely used 30 minutes before your head wash.
- Banana protein smoothie. Blend two egg yolks, two ripe bananas, two to three tablespoons of honey, half cup of conditioner, and two tablespoons of olive oil, until fully pureed. It consists of amino acid-rich bananas and eggs to enhance hair elasticity, strengthen, and add thickness.
- Egg Yolks. Mix a little lemon into the yolks to lessen the egg smell and apply it to your hair. While dry, brittle hair is a struggle on its own, it can also lead to increased breakage and dullness. Egg yolks are an easy fix. They will help strengthen and nourish hair follicles.
- Onion Juice. The sulphur from onions may also help promote collagen production. Collagen in turn helps the production of healthy skin cells and hair growth. Applying onion juice to the hair and scalp could increase blood supply to hair follicles, which in turn improves hair growth.
There are many such home remedies that can help different hair types.
Tips for Men’s Hair Care
- Dry your hair the right way. Our hair is very susceptible to damage when it’s wet, and rubbing wet hair with a towel causes some of the hair to become caught in the threads of the towel and stretches hairs past their breaking point. So instead, pat dries your hair after you shake out excess water while gently stroking it in the direction it grows.
- Know your hair type. Using the wrong products for your hair type can damage your hair even more. It is important to know your hair type and its problems to solve them accordingly.
- Don’t overdo with the products. Using too much product can make your hair look unnatural and heavy, so use only the amount that you really need instead of applying excess amounts. Always remember that Less is More.
- Do not shampoo or wet your hair too often. There are some myths about washing your over and over. Do not trust on them. This will only lead to the weakening of the roots of your hair.
- Taking cold showers will help. Cold showers actually block the blood capillaries in the scalp. These blood capillaries carry essential nutrients and need to be active for optimum effect and suddenly constricting them would be disastrous for your hair health
- Avoid tights hats. As good as they look on you or go just rightly with your outfit, they lead to a lot of sweating and can damage your hair.
- Eat right. Both deficiencies, as well as excesses, of certain things in your diet can result in hair loss. Make sure you get an adequate amount of protein for your hair and keep yourself hydrated.
- Turn down the heat. Excessive heat can damage your strands. Try to keep using heat tools to a minimum—and when you do use one, make sure to apply a heat protectant beforehand and don’t turn the heat all the way up.
Hair Care Routine for Men
A proper hair care routine can never be underestimated. In fact, a well laid out plan for hair care is as important as a strict fitness routine. Haircare can often be challenging, especially if you are limited on time, but keeping your hair healthy and stylish can help you feel more confident and attractive. Creating a hair care routine is easy and involves maintaining the health of your hair and applying beneficial products to your hair.
- Shampoo your hair twice a week. If your hair gets used to being shampooed a lot, they will attract dirt more and damage the roots. Use a shampoo that is sulfur and paraben-free.
- Use a conditioner after your hair wash. Conditioners provide moisture to your hair and help smoothen your hair texture.
- Use a microfiber towel to pat dry your hair. Rubbing the towel against your hair can be damaging.
- A good serum can help protect the hair from pollution and dirt.
- It is also important to oil the hair at least once a week. Natural oils are the best way to moisturize your hair. Different oils like castor oil, coconut oil, tea tree oil, etc. help cater to different hair problems.
- Don’t over comb your hair. This habit can weaken the roots and increase hair loss.
- Using different home remedies can be a good way to treat your hair naturally.
- Get regular haircuts to avoid any split ends. Regular haircuts also boot hair growth.
- Avoid any hair products that can cause damage to your hair.
In the end, it important to accept our hair as they are. Sometimes using a lot of products can ruin the genetic component of your hair and worsen your problems. Eat right and take care of your hair as much as possible. Stick to your hair care routine and it will do wonders for you.