Men’s hair care is an important aspect of grooming and appearance for men. But few men have had access to an educational program on hair which is based on the best available evidence. Men have been faced with hair problems, some of which are quite different from those of women such as androgenetic alopecia, scalp diseases, and suffer from hair injuries due to improper manipulations in hair styling (Shapiro, 2007).
This complete guide presents five basic methods of hygiene of the hair that will enable men to maintain their hair in a healthy and strong condition by the application of a scientifically based technique recommended by hair care experts. The problem of hair care is not one of mere cosmetic value, for a strong, lustrous growth of hair is evidence of general health and well-being of the individual and an important factor in his development of self-confidence and self-respect (Cash, 2001).
Unfortunately many grooming programs for the hair are followed which produce harmful and damaging effects upon the hair due to expensive modes of selecting hair products, too much heat used in changing the structure, form, and configuration of the hair, and due to improper food factors and erratic hair care program. This guide tells of and presents the scientifically established facts and principles of care which will enable men to produce a normal condition of the hair and to diminish the unnecessary conditions of structure and relativity thereof, such as thinness of hair structure, burned or dry hair, hair breakage and scalp conditions. This guide presents methods which have been shown scientifically to be successful in improving hair both as to health and to increase the beauty of its structure.
Strategy 1: Choose the Right Cleansing Products
How to Select the Best Shampoo
The starting point of the whole hair care program is the selection of the shampoo. The scalp excretes a natural oil, which is called sebum, which acts to protect both the skin and the hair, but if there is kept in the scalp an excessive amount of this sebum, in addition to dirt and other environmental factors tending to coalesce on the scalp, it acts to injure the hair (Draelos, 2010). In any selection program applicable to men the shampoos selected should have a moistening agent, like panthenol and aloe vera in their composition. These substances supply the demand for moisture, without placing an undue weight on the hair of individuals whose hair may be either fine or thin.
Professional dermatologists recommend that a size of a dime to a quarter of a size of shampoo be used in each washing of the hair. It is recommended that the shampoo be worked into a lather before applying it to the scalp (Trüeb, 2009). To effectually free the scalp from dirt, excess oils and dead skin epithelial cells, the shampoo should be thoroughly rubbed in for about one minute. This acts to effectually distribute the shampoo to get it on all of the hair and to effectually cleanse the hair without stripping off the requisite protective natural oils of the hair. Careful attention should be paid by men in the selection of the cleansers.
On the market today there are cleansers known which have surfactants, which are injurious. The commonest one of these which should be avoided is sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS). SLS offers an excellent cleansing foam that will strip the natural scalp oil production from the hair, thus rendering it dry, brittle, susceptible to damage, and unhealthy appearing (Draelos, 2010). Research studies have shown that formulations not containing sodium lauryl sulfate tend to retain moisture and establish more healthy and balanced hair integrity. This has particular relevance for men with color treated and/or chemically treated hair. Any shampoo purporting to be super moisturizing and/or super conditioning should be avoided because these formulations will incorporate heavy silicones and other conditioning agents which can lead to unnecessary buildup and weight of the hair.
Consideration should be given to a natural cleanser or clarifying type shampoo which will thoroughly cleanse the scalp and hair, but without the additional burden to the hair of any added heavy product residues. Explore sulfate-free shampoos that cleanse effectively without stripping moisture. Due to talks with many people in the dermatological field, shampoo formulations are available for men with thinning hair. These shampoos are volumizing or thickening in nature and they create the temporary visual effect of fuller heavier hair, because the hair follicles actually receive a temporary plumping with the addition of some new natural ingredient(s). Benefits can be enjoyed by those individuals so afflicted with thinning hair (Sinclair, 2007).
Strategy 2: Master Conditioning Techniques
Why Conditioning Is Essential
Conditioning represents a very important, and often ignored aspect of the male hair care program. Conditioners are needed after the cleansing of natural oils and body wastes resulting from the shampooing process. This generally is accomplished through replacing the lost moisture, improving the ability of the hair to either be smoothed or curled, and giving some added protecting power to the hair and scalp to lessen the detrimental effects of the environment (McMichael 2007). High quality conditioners accomplish this by enclosing the hair shaft with a layer of lipid and protein materials which, by coating and smoothing this cuticle layer, decrease the friction factors and lessen the mechanical breakage of the hair.
Best Conditioning Products for Men
In choosing conditioners it is well to see that they contain balancing natural moisturizers such as: organic aloe vera, borage oil, or avocado oil. All of these natural substances are tissue rejuvenating agents and provide the necessary deep cleansing of acquired moisture properties without the deceptively attractive greasy feeling, which most men so hate. Hair care experts, using these various products, recommend that conditioners be used after all the cleansing agents, so that the proper hydrating agent is given to hair and scalp, the moisture balance is obtained, together with the conditioning agents to lessen the ill effects of life outside in the world.
Proper Application Methods
Proper application technique is extremely vital in accomplishing good results in the use of conditioners. In this phase of the conditioner, it should well be put on the hair all over thoroughly, its application being given mostly at the mid-lengths to the ends of the hair. This is the area generally involved with damage but in this area should be given careful consideration in regard to the conditioner used, especially if the man possesses a naturally oily scalp. The conditioner should be allowed to remain on the hair and penetrate for two or three minutes, thus giving it time to work into the follicles of the hair before rinsing well with lukewarm water (Robbins, 2012).
If the hair is dry, hard and dyed, the applicator may allow it to remain on for a longer time, or use a mass treatment. In this way, again, the conditioner penetrates into the shaft of the hair and it is a more effective treatment. For men with oily hair, the application should be to the ends of the hair only, and washed out in a shorter time, as this only adds to the oily scalp.
Strategy 3: Protect Hair from Heat Damage
Understanding Heat-Related Hair Damage
Heat seems to be among the most common of all causes of the damaged condition of the hair. The great heat to which the hair is subject through the blow dry, hot comb, the flat iron or instruments used for curling the hair is apt to so change the easily susceptible protein structure of the hair that it itself is altered. The temperature employed is apt to be of such degree as to easily bring about brittleness, roughness and easiness of breakage of the hair (Robbins, 2012). Excessive heat defined, as temperatures in excess of 300 degrees Fahrenheit (150 degrees C) brings about erosion of the outermost cuticle layer (the layer which forms a protective barrier) of the hair, and subsequently a loss of moisture in the hair shaft, and in consequence a weakness in structure.
Heat Protection Strategies
For the men who use heat-producing hair styling appliances on a regular basis, which ordinarily will be heat-modulating sprays, should be utilized before styling of the hair to afford protection to the hair. These appliances produce amid the heat barriers and equalizes the emitted heat and also produces uniformity in the degree of heat damaging to the hair shaft. Good heat protectants usually contain silicones and/or polymers which serve to coat the hair to afford protection against excessive loss of water during the hair shaft’s appearance as well as proteolysis of the hair shaft (Draelos, 2010).
Whenever possible, drying of the hair should be done by natural air drying or all appliances producing heat should be run on the minimum heat possible. However, should the man elect to blow-dry his hair, it should be kept not less than 6 inches from the scalp surface and should be kept in constant motion so that the heat is not applied to any one area of the hair shaft. Care should be exercised to minimize the frequency of use of the heat appliances to about 2 or 3 times a week so that the hairs have an opportunity to recuperate between usages of the heating appliance to the hair.
Non-Heat Styling Alternatives
Alternately, purposeful investigation for non-heat devising techniques may save the hair of the man in a cumulatively excessive amount of destruction by heat exposure over a period of time. By giving the hair natural air-dry and subjecting it to good hair styling products, such as light-hold gels, creams, or the like, a professional coiffure can be attained with no thermal irritation to individual hairs being apparent. For men, naturally wavy or curly types of hair need specially formulated curl-enhancers with hair beneficial effects such as moringa seed oil and certain extracts to strengthen the structure of hair, giving the man the best of both worlds: increase the impact of his normal wave or curl while giving him a strong supportive structure of his hair.
Environmental Protection Tips
As well, the excessive heat of the sun’s rays, through the application of ultraviolet rays might also inflict unnecessary brittleness of the hair and fading of its natural color. Particularly true in the summer months (Draelos, 2010). Men who feel they will be spending a reasonable period outdoors should consider the use of hair care lines manufactured with hair protective UV filters or protective head gear. These preventive therapeutic regimens will protect the hair from photodamaging conditions but also serve to protect its general health and appearance.
Strategy 4: Optimize Nutrition for Hair Health
The Nutrition-Hair Connection
The healthy performance of the hair is dependent upon feeding since the hair follicles require the occurrence of a sufficient supply of proteins, vitamins, minerals and essential fatty acids for their growth and preservation (Guo & Katta, 2017). Hair is a metabolically active tissue and therefore some nutritional deficiency may produce cessation of hair growth, ratio of growth and of poor quality of the hair. It is of prime importance to understand the nutritional association of the diet and hair performance in order to assist in making the informed, intelligent dietary choices that will favorably influence the growth and appearance of the hair.
The following nutritional needs are necessary for the hair growth:
Proteins
Hair is composed of keratin, a protein of structure, and in order to have the growth of hair be proper, it is necessary that a proper nutritional supply of proteins is supplied in the diet. The body should be given the proper lean meat proteins from fish, chickens, eggs or legumes which will give to the body the necessary amino acids for the growth of keratin and the operation of the hair roots or bulbs (Guo and Katta, 2017). Men should take in about from 0.8 to 1 gram of protein per kilogram of their body weight on an average per day to protect their hair health and their general physiological health.
Vitamins and Minerals
Much may be said about the benefit of various vitamins and minerals in relation to health of hair. Vitamin A, for instance, is important since it assists in the production of the fat of the skin and the growth of tissue, while vitamin C is beneficial as it assists in the absorption of iron and in the formation of collagen, both of which substances are pre-requisites to the health of hair structure (Almohanna et al., 2019). The fact that there are receptors of vitamin D in the hair follicles indicates the importance of this vitamin in the hair growth and cycling, while vitamin E acts as an anti-oxidant and protects against the forced products of oxidation.
Iron deficiency is one of the quite common nutritional deficits so far as the cause of hair loss is concerned, particularly in men who take restrictive diets (Almohanna et al., 2019). Zinc holds a position as constant support for the growing and repairing of the hair tissues and in the continuing of the oil glands around the hair bulbs. Biotin, the B vitamin which has received considerable attention on account of the health of the hair, is very rarely found to be inadequate in the well-balanced diets such as many with average diet. It is important.
Essential Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acids which are found in the oily fish like salmon and mackerel are of benefit in promoting the health of the scalp. These oils promote the inclination of hair to gain a proper moisture and sheen (Guo and Katta, 2017). These anti-inflammatory substances may help in controlling the inflammatory process to be found in the scalp and also tend to assist in the health of the hair bulb. The inclusion of these substances in the diet from 2 to 3 times each week will be of benefit in securing both quality of hair and the health of the scalp.
Building a Hair-Healthy Diet
Men who want to achieve hair health through nutrition should eat a wide variety of whole foods like fatty fish, eggs, nuts, seeds, leafy greens, and brightly colored fruits and vegetables. Vitamin E and beneficial fatty acids are found in almonds and sunflower seeds. Iron and vitamins and antioxidants are found in spinach and kale and help promote hair vitality. Vitamin C in sweet potatoes, berries and citrus fruits helps utilize iron and promotes collagen formation.
A diet without the correct nutrients can lead to various hair problems, including dullness, excessive shedding and slowed growth. Research has shown that low levels of protein, vitamins and minerals can weaken the structural components of hair fibers, causing them to become more fragile and prone to breaking and thinning (Guo & Katta, 2017). Men who suspect they have a nutrient deficiency related to their hair health should consult with healthcare professionals and/or registered dietitians.
Strategy 5: Schedule Regular Professional Trims
Why Regular Trims Matter
Many people are unaware of the importance of maintaining your hair through regular hair trims. There is also much misconception about how hair growth is affected by trimming. While haircuts cannot make your hair grow faster than normal – as hair growth is genetically based on the rate of hair follicles – regular hair trims can prevent split ends from traveling up the hair shaft and damaging the hair further (McMichael et al., 2007).
Maintenance Best Practices
To ensure that you keep your hair healthy and looking its best, it is recommended to get a haircut every 6-8 weeks to remove split ends and to maintain the shape and style of your hair. Men with short haircuts may require more frequent visits to the barber or stylist to get the desired look. Men with long hair may go longer between hair trims and still remove split ends.
Professional Trim Benefits
In addition to removing split ends, hair trims can provide other benefits. A consistent regular hair maintenance schedule allows you to maintain the same shape to your hair and removes weak or damaged areas of hair. Additionally, hair trims create the illusion of thicker and fuller hair when you eliminate tapered and wasted ends of hair. For those experiencing thinning of the hair structure, strategically cutting and styling your hair can allow for the maximum amount of volume and coverage. This can create a more attractive appearance and increase self-confidence. Each time you visit the barber or stylist after your last haircut, you can add new hairstyles with light hair care products that will give your hair added support and texture, while preventing the hair from becoming weighed down with product buildup or residue. Pomades, waxes and cream hair care products can provide many options for creating different hairstyles while utilizing the benefits of the regular maintenance cuts.
Conclusion: Your Complete Hair Care Action Plan
Achieving and maintaining a strong, healthy head of hair requires a multi-faceted approach to using the correct products, practicing the best hair care and grooming techniques, proper nutrition and regular hair maintenance. The five strategies discussed above provide men with scientifically-supported recommendations to assist them in dealing with the most common issues with their hair. Combining these strategies with the potential improvements in the long-term health and appearance of their hair, men can significantly improve the quality of their hair and resolve problems with dry hair, breakage and thinning.
Using the optimal selection of cleaning and conditioning products, steamers and heating appliances, along with an increased focus on nutrition and regular professional hair trims, men can significantly improve the quality of their hair. These strategies are supported by professional hair care systems and dermatology research studies and can be used by men of all ages and backgrounds seeking to improve the quality of their hair, regardless of the demands of their lifestyles.
These strategies produce measurable improvements in the problems associated with men’s hair. However, men must realize that hair care is a very unique and personal issue for each individual. Therefore, the results achieved by one man could vary greatly from another man. Men who have experienced ongoing difficulties with hair care are encouraged to seek out the assistance of trichologists or dermatologists who can develop specific treatments for the man’s individual problems and idiosyncrasies. Each man’s situation will be evaluated and potential treatment options will be developed, taking into account his specific needs and circumstances.
References
Almohanna, H. M., Ahmed, A. A., Tsatalis, J. P., & Tosti, A. (2019). The role of vitamins and minerals in hair loss: A review. Dermatology and Therapy, 9(1), 51-70. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13555-018-0278-6
Cash, T. F. (2001). The psychology of hair loss and its implications for patient care. Clinics in Dermatology, 19(2), 161-166. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0738-081x(00)00127-9
Draelos, Z. D. (2010). Essentials of hair care often neglected: Hair cleansing. International Journal of Trichology, 2(1), 24-29. https://doi.org/10.4103/0974-7753.66909
Guo, E. L., & Katta, R. (2017). Diet and hair loss: Effects of nutrient deficiency and supplement use. Dermatology Practical & Conceptual, 7(1), 1-10. https://doi.org/10.5826/dpc.0701a01
McMichael, A. J., Pearce, D. J., Camacho, F. T., Feldman, S. R., Balkrishnan, R., & Fleischer, A. B. (2007). The truth about African American hair: It’s not all the same. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 56(6), AB166. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaad.2006.12.006
Robbins, C. R. (2012). Chemical and physical behavior of human hair (5th ed.). Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-25611-0
Shapiro, J. (2007). Hair loss in women. New England Journal of Medicine, 357(16), 1620-1630. https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMcp072110
Sinclair, R. (2007). Male pattern androgenetic alopecia. BMJ: British Medical Journal, 334(7592), 435-439. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.39142.734670.80
Trüeb, R. M. (2009). Oxidative stress in ageing of hair. International Journal of Trichology, 1(1), 6-14. https://doi.org/10.4103/0974-7753.51923
