Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Advertisement
Advertisement
If there’s one thing that unites humanity, it’s that we all want great hair, but I’ll be the
first to admit, achieving it is a struggle. When good hair days feel few and far between,
it’s easy to settle for just okay. Well, fellow men, we don’t have to.
The goal of most men is to spend as little time in the bathroom as possible. That’s why we
tend to cut our hair shorter. Less hair means less maintenance, right? But, the pitfall of
this thinking is that the tenants of good hair apply no matter how long your hair is, what
texture it is, or how much you have. Attaining great hair doesn’t take a lot of effort,
https://www.byrdie.com/hair-tips-for-men-4690570 1/51
4/20/2020 35 Hair Tips for Men, According to Experts
either, as long as you know what to do. Here are the best tips for all men to achieve their
best hair possible, straight from the experts.
01 Don'tAdvertisement
Wash Your Hair Every Day
Advertisement
of 35
Advertisement
Advertisement
You might think you’re getting extra clean by washing your hair every day, but you could
actually be doing more harm than good. “If you’re over-shampooing, you’re stripping
away oils from your scalp,” says Jen Bennett, barber and manager of education at Rudy’s
Barbershop. “Those natural oils are the best thing to hydrate your scalp.” Even someone
with a short buzz-cut shouldn’t shampoo every day, but it’s especially important the
longer your hair is. Three to four times a week is best for most guys.
https://www.byrdie.com/hair-tips-for-men-4690570 2/51
4/20/2020 35 Hair Tips for Men, According to Experts
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
https://www.byrdie.com/hair-tips-for-men-4690570 3/51
4/20/2020 35 Hair Tips for Men, According to Experts
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Washing your hair with cheap shampoo is like washing your car with hand soap.
Shampoos formulated with lots of harsh ingredients, usually found in cheaper products,
can strip away too many of those natural oils that protect and hydrate your hair. When
it's time to wash your hair, use a gentle formula that is sulfate-free and has natural
ingredients, instead (like Aveeno's Pure Renewal Shampoo).
https://www.byrdie.com/hair-tips-for-men-4690570 4/51
4/20/2020 35 Hair Tips for Men, According to Experts
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement SHOP
https://www.byrdie.com/hair-tips-for-men-4690570 5/51
4/20/2020 35 Hair Tips for Men, According to Experts
Advertisement
Advertisement
Knowing what hair type you have—straight, thin, curly, dry—and buying a shampoo
designed for it can make a huge difference. It’s not just marketing; these shampoos
contain specific ingredients that certain hair types benefit from. For instance, “curly hair
needs something with more moisturizing ingredients,” says Bennett, whereas formulas
for thin hair contain ingredients to help volumize.
https://www.byrdie.com/hair-tips-for-men-4690570 6/51
4/20/2020 35 Hair Tips for Men, According to Experts
Advertisement
Advertisement
We all want to save time in the shower, but washing your hair without conditioning
afterward can cause serious damage. Conditioners replenish moisture and essential oils
that even sulfate-free shampoos can get rid of. If you have short buzzed hair, you should
always use conditioner after shampooing to keep hair healthy, but it’s especially
important for longer hair, says Bennett, even on days when you’re not washing your hair.
“For anything longer than three inches, you should condition your hair every day,
whether you shampoo or not,” she says.
https://www.byrdie.com/hair-tips-for-men-4690570 7/51
4/20/2020 35 Hair Tips for Men, According to Experts
Advertisement
Advertisement
SHOP
Advertisement
Advertisement
https://www.byrdie.com/hair-tips-for-men-4690570 8/51
4/20/2020 35 Hair Tips for Men, According to Experts
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Short hair doesn’t require much conditioner, but according to Bennett, the longer the
hair, the more conditioner you need. Don’t focus as much on the roots; make sure you’re
lathering the full length of your hair conditioner and focusing on the ends, which tend to
get dry more easily.
https://www.byrdie.com/hair-tips-for-men-4690570 9/51
4/20/2020 35 Hair Tips for Men, According to Experts
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
https://www.byrdie.com/hair-tips-for-men-4690570 10/51
4/20/2020 35 Hair Tips for Men, According to Experts
Advertisement
Advertisement
It might be tempting to use multi-use products to save time, which is how we can explain
the popularity of two-in-one shampoo/conditioners, but they’re actually not good for
your hair. “Shampoo is meant to cleanse, and conditioner is meant to moisturize, so two-
in-one products are counterproductive because you’re really only getting the benefit of
one,” says Bennett. “They’re harder on the hair and lean more towards the cleansing side,
Advertisement
Advertisement
without giving you enough hydration.”
https://www.byrdie.com/hair-tips-for-men-4690570 11/51
4/20/2020 35 Hair Tips for Men, According to Experts
Advertisement
Advertisement
https://www.byrdie.com/hair-tips-for-men-4690570 12/51
4/20/2020 35 Hair Tips for Men, According to Experts
“The coarser and curlier the hair texture, the more moisture it needs,” says Bennett. Using
a co-wash, which is a gentle cleansing conditioner, in place of shampoo will help retain
Advertisement
Advertisement
even more moisture. Following with a leave-in conditioner will ensure that coarse and
curly hair stays hydrated and healthy. It’s especially necessary for African-American hair,
says Bennett, “which needs to be hydrating with oils and deep conditioners more often” to
keep it from drying out.
Advertisement
Advertisement
SHOP
https://www.byrdie.com/hair-tips-for-men-4690570 13/51
4/20/2020 35 Hair Tips for Men, According to Experts
Advertisement
Advertisement
SHOP
https://www.byrdie.com/hair-tips-for-men-4690570 14/51
4/20/2020 35 Hair Tips for Men, According to Experts
of 35
Advertisement
Advertisement
Using a lightweight hair oil after the shower will help seal in moisture and is especially
important for curly, coarse, and textured hair. Bennett recommends argan oil and sweet
almond oil, which are lightweight, won’t make hair look greasy, and also won’t build up
on the scalp.
https://www.byrdie.com/hair-tips-for-men-4690570 15/51
4/20/2020 35 Hair Tips for Men, According to Experts
Advertisement
Advertisement
SHOP
Advertisement
Advertisement
https://www.byrdie.com/hair-tips-for-men-4690570 16/51
4/20/2020 35 Hair Tips for Men, According to Experts
Advertisement
Advertisement
Aggressively drying your hair with a towel can do more damage than good, says celebrity
hairstylist Patrick Kyle, especially if you already have voluminous hair. “You should blot it
with the towel, don’t rub it,” he says. Being too rough can make curly or wavy hair frizzy
and decrease volume on all hair types, especially thinning hair.
https://www.byrdie.com/hair-tips-for-men-4690570 17/51
4/20/2020 35 Hair Tips for Men, According to Experts
Advertisement
Advertisement
No matter what type of hair you have, taking care of your scalp can make all the
difference in the health of your hair (and help keep it around, if thinning is a concern).
The first stepAdvertisement
is to give yourself a scalp massage whenever you shampoo. “Get in there
Advertisement
with your fingers and nails to gently exfoliate your scalp,” says Kyle. “It will help get rid of
dead skin cells and buildup at the roots, plus it always feels good.”
https://www.byrdie.com/hair-tips-for-men-4690570 18/51
4/20/2020 35 Hair Tips for Men, According to Experts
SHIRONOSOV / GETTY
GETTY IMAGES
IMAGES
“Scalp scrubs activate hair follicle growth and deep clean,” says Bennett, who recommends
using a scrubAdvertisement
with tea tree oil once a week if you use a lot of products. For everyone else,
Advertisement
every few weeks is enough. “It’s just like exfoliating your face,” she says, which will help
prime your scalp for optimal hair health.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Briogeo Scalp Revival Charcoal + Coconut Oil Micro-Ex foliating Shampoo ( $11 )
SHOP
https://www.byrdie.com/hair-tips-for-men-4690570 19/51
4/20/2020 35 Hair Tips for Men, According to Experts
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
TRAVELSOULS / GETTY
GETTY IMAGES
IMAGES
If you have thinning hair or bald spots, protecting your scalp is key. According to
Bennett, that means wearing sunscreen on any exposed parts when you’re outside. She
recommends spray sunscreens, since lotions “can get greasy and clog the follicles.” Even
with a spray, you should shampoo after you come back inside to minimize buildup.
https://www.byrdie.com/hair-tips-for-men-4690570 20/51
4/20/2020 35 Hair Tips for Men, According to Experts
SHOP
Advertisement
Advertisement
RYANJLANE / GETTY
GETTY IMAGES
IMAGES
Regular haircuts are about more than just keeping the shape of your hair in check.
They’re also about keeping the rest of your head tidy. “You’ve got neck hair growing out,
you need to trim your eyebrows, and there’s ear hair,” says Mr. Natty of Tuft NYC. A
clean neck is what makes a haircut look fresh, even if you have long hair.
14 Bring Examples
of 35
Man at a barbershop
https://www.byrdie.com/hair-tips-for-men-4690570 21/51
4/20/2020 35 Hair Tips for Men, According to Experts
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
MASTER1305 / GETTY
GETTY IMAGES
IMAGES
Instead of trying to describe what haircut you want to your barber, bring pictures.
“Pictures help a ton,” says Bennett, “and be able to point out what you like and don’t like
about it.” Showing your barber a picture or two of the kind of haircut you want will
ensure they understand exactly what you're going for. This will help eliminate the risk of
something getting lost in translation and ending up with a result you’re not happy with.
Your barber will also be able to tell you if that particular style will work for you. “The
only time your barber will tell you they can’t do something is if your hair physically can’t
do it,” says Kyle.
https://www.byrdie.com/hair-tips-for-men-4690570 22/51
4/20/2020 35 Hair Tips for Men, According to Experts
Advertisement
Advertisement
SHIRONOSOV / GETTY
GETTY IMAGES
IMAGES
Trying to speak your barber’s language can lead to disaster, yet another reason to rely on
visuals instead of words. “Clients who try to use barbering terms rarely know what they
Advertisement
Advertisement
actually mean,” says Bennett. “The most commonly misused term is fade.” A true fade is a
skin fade, which means the hair is shaved to the skin around the ears then tapered up to
the crown. “What they really mean is they want their haircut blended, and they still want
half an inch on the sides.” It might sound cool when you hear your barber say those
words, but you should just whip out your phone and show them an inspiration photo
instead.
https://www.byrdie.com/hair-tips-for-men-4690570 23/51
4/20/2020 35 Hair Tips for Men, According to Experts
Advertisement
Advertisement
“The biggest mistake people make is getting a cheap haircut and thinking no one will
know,” says Mr. Natty. “It’s like buying a nice watch. Do you want a Casio or a Rolex?”
You don’t need to break the bank, but a haircut is not the place to pinch pennies. Find a
barbershop or salon where you feel comfortable paying their prices, and you vibe with
their work. You might not think anyone can tell the difference, but they can.
Advertisement
Advertisement
https://www.byrdie.com/hair-tips-for-men-4690570 24/51
4/20/2020 35 Hair Tips for Men, According to Experts
Advertisement
Advertisement
One of the biggest differences between a cheap haircut and a more refined one is texture.
Adding texture to a haircut will not only be easier to style, but it will look better as it
grows out. “Texture actually makes a haircut last longer,” says Mr. Natty. “If you cut a
straight line into hair, it grows out very quickly and looks sloppy.”
https://www.byrdie.com/hair-tips-for-men-4690570 25/51
4/20/2020 35 Hair Tips for Men, According to Experts
Cowlicks, parts of our hair that grow in a different direction from the rest, are a reality of
life, especially for men who have shorter hair. They resist laying flat like the rest of our
hair and can be frustrating to style. Instead of fighting a cowlick, Bennett recommends
working with it. “It’s about finding the right kind of blend for the haircut,” she says. “You
can either cut it really short, so it’s not able to stand up, or it needs to be long enough to
lay down (at least two inches).” A seasoned barber will be able to know which of these
options is best for the haircut you want and advise you on how to style it.
SRDJANPAV / GETTY
GETTY IMAGES
IMAGES
Lots of guys don’t realize the work that goes into some haircuts (more on that later), so
when you’re showing your barber what kind of look you want, listen to what they tell you
https://www.byrdie.com/hair-tips-for-men-4690570 26/51
4/20/2020 35 Hair Tips for Men, According to Experts
about styling. If you’re not willing to put in the time, it’s not the right haircut for you. “If
somebody shows me a photo of something highly styled like a pompadour, but they tell
me they don’t want to spend any time on their hair, I’m not giving them that haircut,”
says Bennett.Advertisement
Think realistically about how much time you’re willing to put into styling
Advertisement
your hair and if you know it’s not a priority for you, go for something short and easy to
maintain.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Longer hair is trending right now, and more men are embracing it. But going from a
high-and-tight fade to surfer waves takes time and patience. “Hair grows about a half inch
per month on average, so you should let your hair grow for about three months before
you trim it,” says Kyle. “You need to have something to work with.” Once it starts to get
long, ask your barber for a shape-up, not a cut. “It won’t look as disheveled and sloppy
and will create the shape you want it to grow into,” he says. The key is patience.
https://www.byrdie.com/hair-tips-for-men-4690570 27/51
4/20/2020 35 Hair Tips for Men, According to Experts
Advertisement
Advertisement
Brushing your hair every day with a well-designed hairbrush can help evenly distribute
the natural oils along the length of the hair shafts, which helps to preserve moisture and
makes your hair look healthy. “It also stimulates the scalp,” says Mr. Natty, who
recommends a brush with natural bristles, not plastic, on dry or wet hair.
https://www.byrdie.com/hair-tips-for-men-4690570 28/51
4/20/2020 35 Hair Tips for Men, According to Experts
Advertisement
Advertisement
SHOP
After the shower, while your hair is still wet, “shape your hair into place using your
fingers or a comb, even if you’re not styling it right then,” says Bennett. As it starts to dry,
https://www.byrdie.com/hair-tips-for-men-4690570 29/51
4/20/2020 35 Hair Tips for Men, According to Experts
the shape will begin to get locked in, which will help make it easier to style once you put
in the product. And remember, “if you put on a hat while your hair is wet, it will dry flat
to your head,” she says.
Advertisement
Advertisement
23 Put in Products When Your Hair is Wet, But Not Too Wet
of 35
Advertisement
Advertisement
NASTASIC / GETTY
GETTY IMAGES
IMAGES
“Most products are water-soluble now,” says Bennett, “which will dilute if the hair's really
wet, but is harder to use if the hair is too dry.” She recommends towel drying or using a
blow dryer for “about 30 seconds, till your hair is about 60-70% dry,” before putting in
any product.
https://www.byrdie.com/hair-tips-for-men-4690570 30/51
4/20/2020 35 Hair Tips for Men, According to Experts
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
MONICA SCHIPPER / GETTY IMAGES
Many guys don’t think about blow drying their hair, but they should. “You should blow
dry any hair that’s over two inches long, especially if you’re trying to wear it up and back
off your forehead,” says Bennett. Pay attention to the airflow and point the dryer in the
direction you want your hair to go. “Don’t think of it only as getting your hair dry, but as
directing it the way you want it,” she says. Blow drying can also give extra volume for
thinner hair that needs extra shape.
https://www.byrdie.com/hair-tips-for-men-4690570 31/51
4/20/2020 35 Hair Tips for Men, According to Experts
Advertisement
Advertisement
SHOP
Advertisement
Advertisement
More is better, right? Not in the case of hair products. Men generally use more hair
product than they actually need. “Start with a pea-size amount if you’re using something
like pomade,” says Bennett. If you can’t run your fingers through your hair, you’ve used
too much. You can always add more product if you need it, but if you go too far, the only
thing you can do is get back in the shower.
https://www.byrdie.com/hair-tips-for-men-4690570 32/51
4/20/2020 35 Hair Tips for Men, According to Experts
Advertisement
Advertisement
The key to applying hair product is to make sure you completely coat your hands and
fingers with it before putting it in your hair. “Men tend not to distribute product
enough,” says Kyle, who says to make sure you get the product between your fingers as
well as on the palms of your hands. It will help ensure a more even coating and won’t
form clumps in your hair.
https://www.byrdie.com/hair-tips-for-men-4690570 33/51
4/20/2020 35 Hair Tips for Men, According to Experts
Advertisement
Advertisement
SRDJANPAV / GETTY
GETTY IMAGES
IMAGES
Once the product has completely coated your hands, massage it into your hair; starting
from the back and working your way to the front. “Distribute the product completely
Advertisement
Advertisement
through your hair first, then go back and shape it into place,” says Bennett. “You can
always add more product to the front if you need it.” Starting from the back keeps your
style from veering into There’s Something About Mary territory.
https://www.byrdie.com/hair-tips-for-men-4690570 34/51
4/20/2020 35 Hair Tips for Men, According to Experts
If you’re going to part your hair, don’t force it. Use your natural part instead. “Everyone
Advertisement
Advertisement
has a natural part somewhere,” says Bennett. “If you comb all your hair back, you’ll see the
natural separation.” Utilizing your natural part will help keep your part in place and look
the most suited to your head. The only way to force it apart somewhere else is by using a
blow dryer and a lot of product to keep it in place, according to Bennett. But don’t part
your hair if you want it to look casual, says Mr. Natty. “A crisp part is a very classic,
gentleman style,” he says. “Most people look better with more textured separation than a
true part.”
Salt sprays are the most versatile, yet underrated, styling products for men. “They are
incredible because they act like a styling product as well as a fixing product,” says Mr.
https://www.byrdie.com/hair-tips-for-men-4690570 35/51
4/20/2020 35 Hair Tips for Men, According to Experts
Natty. “When you have thinner hair, salt spray can make it look thicker.” The salt adds
grip to the hair and puffs it out, creating texture and volume. Most sprays also have a
light hold, so that they can be used in place of heavier pomades and gels. Spray it onto
damp hair and let it air dry or use a blow dryer.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
SHOP
https://www.byrdie.com/hair-tips-for-men-4690570 36/51
4/20/2020 35 Hair Tips for Men, According to Experts
Advertisement
Advertisement
Traditionally, pomades have more hold and more shine. “They give you a wet look and
are for side parts or slicked back styles,” says Mr. Natty. On the other hand, clay is matte
and gives a dry, natural look with no shine. Pomades are ideal for slicker styles, whereas
Advertisement
Advertisement
clays are better for messy texture. Which one you choose should depend on what look
you’re going for, but the application rules are the same (see above).
SHOP
https://www.byrdie.com/hair-tips-for-men-4690570 37/51
4/20/2020 35 Hair Tips for Men, According to Experts
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement SHOP
https://www.byrdie.com/hair-tips-for-men-4690570 38/51
4/20/2020 35 Hair Tips for Men, According to Experts
Like pomades and clays, it really comes down to shine and hold. “A cream will dissolve
into your hair, whereas a gel is more aggressive and coats your hair,” says Kyle. Cream
will give a more natural look, and gels have a shinier finish, thanks to a higher alcohol
content (which is also responsible for the crunchy feeling, if you use too much). “Creams
Advertisement
Advertisement
are lighter products, and it’s harder to go overboard with them,” he says. Most creams will
still have a slight amount of hold and are ideal for drier hair since they also offer
moisture.
Advertisement
Advertisement
“Most guys don’t think about hairspray because they think it won’t look natural,” says Mr.
Natty, but really it’s just to keep your style in place. Don’t spray it directly onto your hair,
though. “Spray the hairspray onto a brush first and then run it through your hair,” he
says. “It will help keep the shape, but not make it look like a helmet.”
https://www.byrdie.com/hair-tips-for-men-4690570 39/51
4/20/2020 35 Hair Tips for Men, According to Experts
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
SHOP
https://www.byrdie.com/hair-tips-for-men-4690570 40/51
4/20/2020 35 Hair Tips for Men, According to Experts
Advertisement
Advertisement THOMAS BARWICK / GETTY
GETTY IMAGES
Thinning hair is a reality for a large percent of men (with risks increasing as we age). If
you start noticing your hair thinning, Mr. Natty recommends cutting it short. “Go
shorter on the sides and finger length on the top,” he says. “And if you don’t have enough
on top, whack it all off with clippers.” It might seem extreme, but in the long run, it will
always look better than long, wispy strands. Shorter hair holds volume better and will
give the illusion that there’s more than there is. “When hair lays flat to the head, it
actually exposes more scalp,” says Bennett.
Advertisement
Advertisement
34 Don't Cut it Yourself
of 35
https://www.byrdie.com/hair-tips-for-men-4690570 41/51
4/20/2020 35 Hair Tips for Men, According to Experts
Advertisement
Advertisement
If you’re panicking because you’re losing your hair, don’t reach for the clippers. “A barber
will be able to take control of the situation,” says Mr. Natty. They’ll be able to look at your
scalp objectively and advise you on the best solution. “It’s an emotional experience,” he
Advertisement
Advertisement
https://www.byrdie.com/hair-tips-for-men-4690570 42/51
4/20/2020 35 Hair Tips for Men, According to Experts
Classic pomades and gels can be too heavy for thin hair and make it appear even thinner.
Instead, use texturizing powders and dry shampoos. “They help build up hair and give it
more fullness and volume,” says Bennett, especially for shorter hair. The bonus is that
they help soak up oil and keep your hair looking clean longer. Just never use them on wet
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
SHOP
https://www.byrdie.com/hair-tips-for-men-4690570 43/51
4/20/2020 35 Hair Tips for Men, According to Experts
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
U P N E X T : 5Advertisement
Simple Tips for Treating Dry Hair in Men
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Related Stories
HAIRCUTS 11/11/19
HAIRCUTS 11/04/19
15 Best Wedding Haircuts For Men
The 25 Best Haircuts for Men Over 40
https://www.byrdie.com/hair-tips-for-men-4690570 44/51
4/20/2020 35 Hair Tips for Men, According to Experts
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
https://www.byrdie.com/hair-tips-for-men-4690570 45/51
4/20/2020 35 Hair Tips for Men, According to Experts
Advertisement
Advertisement
https://www.byrdie.com/hair-tips-for-men-4690570 46/51
4/20/2020 35 Hair Tips for Men, According to Experts
Advertisement
Advertisement
HAIRCUTS 02/11/20
Advertisement
Advertisement
https://www.byrdie.com/hair-tips-for-men-4690570 47/51
4/20/2020 35 Hair Tips for Men, According to Experts
Advertisement
Advertisement
HAIRCARE 03/02/20
Advertisement
Advertisement
FACE 03/25/20
https://www.byrdie.com/hair-tips-for-men-4690570 48/51
4/20/2020 35 Hair Tips for Men, According to Experts
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
https://www.byrdie.com/hair-tips-for-men-4690570 49/51
4/20/2020 35 Hair Tips for Men, According to Experts
Believe ItAdvertisement
or Not, Perms Are Back in Fashion
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
HAIRCARE 02/20/20
How to Ensure You Have the Perfect Hair Color for Your Wedding
https://www.byrdie.com/hair-tips-for-men-4690570 50/51
4/20/2020 35 Hair Tips for Men, According to Experts
Advertisement
Advertisement
This Is What It Means When You Start Noticing Changes in Your Hair Texture
Advertisement
Advertisement
you@example.com SUBSCRIBE
https://www.byrdie.com/hair-tips-for-men-4690570 51/51