In general, we gentlemen are very meticulous when it comes to the grooming of our hair. In the past, we were satisfied with a simple gel. Your hairstyle generally suffers a lot. External influences such as: sun (UV-A), sea (salt), chlorine (swimming pool), air pollution are damaging.
An outdated climate control system at the office also takes a toll on your hair. And what about wearing a helmet every day? When you take it off after a ride, it feels like a dead succulent is vibrating on your head. So you want to protect and maintain your hairstyle as best as possible.
Fortunately, there are more and more products to clean and nourish your hair (and scalp). Materials that increasingly consist of 100% natural, organic, or vegan components. Benefit: little to no impact on your health and the environment. Below we explain how to get and keep your hairstyle in top shape.
How often should you actually wash your hair?
Washing your hair every day with a shampoo is not the best way to maintain your hairstyle. Shampoo removes the most essential oils present in your hair and follicles. The scalp is also not happy when a blob of shampoo is rubbed in every day.
Of course, you shower every day or maybe even take a bath. Then it's really not necessary to massage your hair with a shampoo or conditioner every time. Especially not if you have dry and brittle hair.
Your hairdresser can tell you exactly what type of hair you have and how best to handle it. And of course, you can feel and see for yourself if it is (extremely) dry. But with (very) dry hair, you should wash your hair a maximum of 2 times a week with shampoo or conditioner to avoid further damage.
Summary: Wash the hair a maximum of 2 times a week with a high-quality soft and natural shampoo and/or conditioner. This way, you retain the natural nutrients and oils necessary to keep the hair healthy.
Is it better to use hot or lukewarm water to wash your hair?
It is recommended to wash your hair as much as possible with lukewarm/warm water. If you wash your hair (too) often with hot water, damage occurs. It opens the hair cuticles, making the hair dull, dry, and porous.
Hot water can also damage the hair fibers and even limit its growth. It's best to rinse the hair with cold(er) water so that the hair cuticles close. This keeps it shiny and healthy. For completeness, here are the disadvantages of washing with hot water:
- Hair can become porous
- Hair Fibers can be damaged and thus grow less quickly or not at all due to damage
- Washing with hot water causes you to lose essential natural oils that provide protection to the hair and the root
- With water that is too hot from the tap, you also risk burning your scalp
So if you want to keep your hairstyle in good shape and healthy, it's important to avoid hot water and only use lukewarm water. Your hair will thank you for it.
How do you best dry your hair?
Normally, using a dry towel is the most obvious choice. Gently patting dry is the best way to dry the hair. Do not knead, rub, or scrub with the towel like a wild person.
Note: never use a comb or brush through wet hair. This will damage them down to the fibers. You literally break them off. Besides, you run a high risk of pulling the hair out of the scalp with the root and all.
Of course, there are also men who start using a hairdryer after patting the hair dry. That's possible. When the hair is towel dry. Do not aim the hairdryer directly at wet hair because then you are a: taking a long time and b: you can seriously damage the hair. So pat dry.
Make sure you have the hairdryer set to the lowest possible temperature. With too much heat, you can obviously damage the hair considerably. Preferably blow as cool as possible. Oh yes, don't forget to mount the attachment with the brush on the head.
Last tip about blow-drying: before you start with this, massage some argan oil into the hair, or use a good pre-styler. This forms a coating that protects your hair from the heat of a hairdryer.
What products are best to use for washing your hair?
Always try to use a natural gentle shampoo. With as few or preferably no chemical components. For certainty, we give you a few examples below of shampoos with ingredients you should definitely avoid:
- Mineral oils (parafinum liquidum, mineral oil, or petrolatum)
- SLS/SLES
- Silicones
- Parabens
- Fragrance
Below you will find some of our natural shampoos with only the very best ingredients for a safe and nourishing hair care.
Of course, this also applies to good conditioners. With these products, you can be sure that you are optimally cleaning your hair and providing the right nutrition so that the hairstyle looks healthy and shiny.
Tips: how do you keep your hair healthy?
Let's start by working on the internal side of the story. If you maintain a healthy lifestyle, you will see that reflected in your hairstyle. Bad hair days are related to poor food consumption.
Too many E-numbers and fatty foods do not lead to a healthy head of hair. Let alone good health. Smoking and (too much) alcohol also affect the condition of the hairstyle.
So make sure you drink enough water, about 1.5 liters a day, and consume enough vegetables and fruits. You know the saying. At least 200 grams of each! When you have a strong, shiny hairstyle, it often says something about your sleep regime. If you get at least 8 hours of sleep, you will see that reflected in the good condition of the hair.
How can you best style your hairstyle?
A bit of a man uses premium pomade . Preferably homebrewed in small batches. Pomades and pastes are available in various versions and holds. Both water-based and oil-based. We will list a few for you. Unique products that not only style your hair but also nourish it to the root! This kind of natural, artisan-brewed hairstyling is quite different from the standard supermarket gels. You can feel and smell it!
Check out this article for some homebrews and try one out.
Visit the Barber!
Of course, a visit to the barber is a real treat for your hairstyle. A professional who ensures that the split ends are trimmed. These experts will fully restore your hairstyle's strength. Be sure to go once every 4 to 5 weeks. You will see that it does your hair good.
A beer or top espresso on the side. Done deal.
Anyway, we hope you have become much wiser now and will take care of your hair like a true PRO from now on! Without compromises. Your hair deserves it!
Greetings from your friends,
The Alpha Men.