Hair care tips every man should know

Hair loss can be due to hormonal imbalance, genetics, stress, heat styling, or a medical condition, and it can begin at any age. Like any other part of your body, hair needs to be cared for to remain strong and healthy. When you neglect your hair, it begins to thin and may eventually cause baldness. In this article, we’ll discuss tips that you can incorporate in your hair care routine to avoid a dry scalp, hair loss, or any other hair concerns.

1. For hair loss

Male pattern baldness is common. It's primarily associated with aging, so when it happens to the millennials, their self-esteem gets affected. While the extreme remedy is transplant, you can find non-surgical hair loss treatment online, but before you begin using any medication or hair treatment, consult a doctor to find the root cause of your hair problem. The most common and FDA approved medication is Minoxidil and Finasteride.

• Minoxidil: Using a spray bottle, you topically spray it twice daily and should avoid wetting your hair or sweating for at least four hours after application. Its side effects are mild
• Finasteride: It’s a pill taken once daily. This medication is available on prescription, as it may have side effects such as erectile dysfunction and low libido

2. For a dry scalp

A dry scalp is usually a result of insufficient moisture and affects irritation, itching, and flaking. It’s different from dandruff that causes scalp flakiness due to fungal infection or other scalp conditions. Understanding the difference between a dry scalp and dandruff will help you choose the right hair products. A dry scalp may result from dry air, especially during winter, skin diseases like eczema, and excessive washing. To prevent or reverse a dry scalp condition:

• Use a moisturizing shampoo
• Avoid frequently shampooing your hair
• Use less irritating shampoos
• Use a humidifier to keep your moist
• Drink a lot of water

Keeping your scalp clean can also help with dryness and getting rid of dandruff.

3. For oily hair

Natural hair oil excreted by oil glands gives your hair a shiny, healthy look, and it protects your hair strands from splitting, weakening, and frizzing, but what do you do when your hair is overly greasy?

• Avoid combing or brushing your hair too much, as that stimulates the oil glands to release more oil
• Stick to a shampoo formulated for oily hair, and avoid those with added oils
• You may also use natural products such as lemon juice and vinegar to reduce excess hair oil. If using the lemon juice, squeeze out two lemons and mix with a quart of distilled water. For vinegar, mix two tablespoons of white vinegar with a cup of water. Use any mixture of your choice to rinse your hair, then later wash off the residue with warm water
• Examine your scalp to see if it's dry. A dry scalp produces a lot of oil, and if that's the case with you, use the dry scalp shampoo
• Avoid conditioning as conditioners add shine to your hair, and if you must condition, use natural ingredients like egg yolks with lemon to make a conditioner

4. For curly hair

Curly hair dries up quickly because the natural oils produced by the oil glands cannot reach the ends of hair due to the curls. Avoiding hot water and frequent heat styling helps to keep the hair moisturized. Use curly hair conditioners to add moisture to your hair. Also, minimize or avoid using hairbrushes, as they may get stuck in your curls and damage your hair.

5. Lifestyle changes

A healthy lifestyle is beneficial for your hair health.

• Lack of protein weakens and makes your hair brittle. Eat foods rich in proteins for robust and healthy hair
• Micronutrients such as zinc and biotin are essential for hair growth; therefore, eat foods such as meat, whole grains, dairy products, and nuts to get all the required nutrients
• Avoiding smoking as it may cause hair loss
• Exposing your hair to UV light for long hours may damage it
• Regular exercising boosts blood flow to your scalp improving hair growth
   

6. How to treat dry, brittle hair at home

Use the following tips to treat dry, brittle hair at home:

• Shampoo your hair two to three times a week
• Use cool water to wash your hair and help you retain moisture
• Use shampoos and conditioners designed for dry hair
• Leaving leave-in-conditioners in your hair for 20 to 30 minutes leaves it moisturized
• Using boar bristle and nylon brushes helps in stimulating your scalp and distributing oil throughout your hair
• Let your hair air-dry to avoid damage caused by heat drying methods

Endnote

Your hair health is just as important as your general body health. Embracing these hair care tips will help you maintain healthy and robust hair.

Photo: iStock