Have you been dousing your hair with countless oils, serums and shampoos? With a slew of products being introduced frequently, it is easy to fall down a rabbit hole! However, it is all futile if you don’t know exactly what your hair needs. Being well-versed with your hair type and scalp will help form a strong foundation for an effective hair care routine.
There are three important cornerstones of curating the best hair care routine for men – knowing your hair type, understanding the concerns, and purchasing the right hair care products. Sounds like a lot? We promise it’s not! Keep reading as this guide summarises the process step-by-step.
Hair Type
The two things that can help determine your hair type are shape (straight, curly, wavy) and texture (rough, soft, coarse, etc.). If your hair has high porosity, it means that your hair struggles to retain moisture or hydration. That’s why it’s also easily prone to breakage and frizz. If your hair has low porosity, it can be difficult for moisture to penetrate or escape the hair shaft. Medium porosity means that it can easily maintain moisture levels lending the hair proper nourishment and softness.
Hair Concerns
Concerns like hair fall, hair loss, dandruff, and frizz can either be due to underlying issues like genetics and health concerns or could be spawned due to change in environment, lifestyle choices, and dietary intake. Identifying the root cause (pun intended) is the perfect gateway to decide what combination of hair care products will work wonders!
Hair Care Products
Be it reel life or real life, having bathroom shelves and vanities stocked up with hair care paraphernalia is very aesthetically pleasing. But the truth is that you don’t always need a deluge of products to achieve healthy hair.
Now that you’re equipped with this knowledge, we’re going to simplify this journey a bit more. Haircare is a multifaceted self-care chore that can be perfected only over a period of time through trial and error. Here are some fundamental steps and products that will help pave the way to endless good hair days!
Pre-Wash Essentials
A hair care tip that’s stood the test of time is a deep, relaxing oil massage. What we made a fuss about as children is actually heralded as a ‘cannot-do-without’ hair care step in the Indian hair care space, and rightfully so!
It deeply conditions the hair strands, nourishes the scalp, and most importantly, improves blood circulation. A pure carrier oil like coconut oil is always a go-to when you want to revive your hair from within. Sesame oil, almond oil and argan oil are great options too. If you wish for more nourishment, you can add a few drops of essential oils. Keep in mind they’re highly concentrated, so you only need 2-3 drops to mix in with a carrier oil of your choice. While rosemary is great to combat hair fall, peppermint and tea tree are great to soothe itchiness and reduce dandruff.
If you’re a fan of one-and-done hair oils, you have several options to try like thePlum Onion And Bhringraj Hair Growth Oil with Amla & Curry Leaves Oil, which is specially formulated to combat dullness and hair fall.
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Cleanse Smart, Not Hard
Harshly cleansing the scalp and hair renders any product useless. Using a heavy hand can strip the natural oils from the scalp and even lead to scalp inflammation. So, even if you’ve picked the best shampoo that suits your needs, it is important that you use gentle, circular motions while washing your hair.
There seems to be quite the confusion on sulphate shampoos and sulphate-free shampoos. The truth is there is no scientific evidence to prove that sulphates are harmful. Sulphates are surfactants that effectively draw out excess oil and impurities to cleanse. Yes, sometimes sulphates can be a little too stripping, and that could be due to two reasons – either you’re using too much shampoo or you have dry hair and scalp.
While we’re on the subject of shampoos, let’s bifurcate its usage – If you have an oily scalp that gets greasy quickly, then a sulphate-based shampoo would be a better option as it efficiently foams up to remove all the dirt and build-up. For dry scalp, go for a sulphate-free shampoo. It is as effective as its sulphate-induced counterpart but is much milder. This ensures a clean scalp that doesn’t feel stripped.
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Restoration, In Progress
Conditioners play a vital role in restoring moisture levels of the hair. Its creamy formula also strengthens the bonds and tames frizz.
The key to getting the best out of a conditioner is to use the right amount depending on hair thickness and length. Using less leaves the hair feeling dry, and using more can weigh down on it. Also, you should avoid using conditioners on the scalp. Since it has a thicker consistency, it can clog the pores, negating the cleansing benefits of a shampoo.
Want to treat your hair to a deep, restoring treatment? A tub of rich hair mask is the answer to your prayer. Hair masks are a thicker, concentrated version of conditioners that tackle signs of extreme damage. It’s best to use a hair mask once a week. It can also be used as a pre-wash treatment in lieu of hair oil. The best part? You don’t have to follow it up with a conditioner as it already repairs and conditions the hair pre-wash. Lazy hair care routine lovers, take notes!
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Post-Wash Treats
Maintaining a good post-wash hair care routine is good to retain the health and appearance of the hair. A lightweight serum is a great option that can be applied to wet and dry hair. Most hair serums are silicone-based to give the hair a glass-like shine.
If you want something more hydrating, choose a lightweight hair cream. It not only keeps dullness and brittleness at bay, it can also be used for simple, low-maintenance hairstyles.
Avoid using hair products every day if you have oily hair and scalp.
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Here are a few more tips to incorporate into your hair care routine:
- Avoid washing your hair frequently as it can strip away the natural oils of the scalp.
- Before following any recommendations, make sure to understand whether or not they align with your hair type and concerns.
- Don’t wash your hair with hot water as it can damage the lengths and rid your hair of its natural shine. Always rinse your hair with lukewarm/cold water. This seals the cuticles and retains a healthy appearance.
Hair care routine is very subjective! What works for someone might not work for you. We have made the perfect map with all the knowledge you need. Now, it’s your turn to find a way that leads to your healthy hair goals. Happy hair care journey!
