Healthy Hair, Definitely Care!

Like your car, your hair needs maintenance! Here are some great ways to keep your hair and scalp healthy year around!

1.) USE A PROFESSIONAL SHAMPOO AND CONDITIONER

A professional shampoo will cleanse your hair without removing too many of the natural, essential oils. This is good because if you're removing too many of these oils, you could dry out your hair and scalp. Generally, professional products use gentler surfactants and higher quality ingredients that produce true results. Also, sometimes drugstore brand products can be watered down, where they are too thin and won't perform or they can be loaded with heavy ingredients, that will weigh down your hair and make it feel greasy. This is how they can afford to sell their products at such an affordable price. Another thing to take into consideration is the guarantee. Salons and stylists will recommend the best cleansing and conditioning products for your hair and scalp. If you get them from the drugstore you're on your own!

2.) DO MEN REALLY NEED CONDITIONER?

Think about conditioner as a lotion for your hair. When damaged, your hair's outer layer starts to stick out looking rough and dry. Conditioner smooths down that outer layer so your hair looks tame, soft, and healthy again! It also helps with the manageability of your hair, detangling, and protecting it from blow drying, the sun, and anything else that can be damaging. Also, if your shampoo is removing a lot of the essential, natural oils from your scalp, conditioner is a great way to add moisture back into your hair. There are lighter conditioners on the market so you don't have to worry about it weighing down your hair. If you really don't want to use a conditioner make sure you're using a professional moisturizing shampoo so that you're still getting the hydrating benefits! We recommend the VIR Men’s Natural Daily Hydrating Shampoo. This shampoo will give you all the benefits of using a professional, gentle shampoo and hydrating conditioner in one!

3.) AVOID OVER WASHING

Shampoo can strip away your hair's nourishing oils along with the grease and product buildup. You need these oils to keep your hair and scalp hydrated. If you strip away too many of these natural oils it can cause dry hair and scalp. Most guys, in this case, will start using an anti-dandruff shampoo thinking they have dandruff. However, all they need to do is shampoo less often and add in a conditioner, if they are not using one. Having at least 1-2 days to build up the natural oils on your scalp is ideal. Of course, it's different for all hair types. If your hair is finer, you might only be able to go one day in between shampooing but if you have thicker, coarser hair you might be able to go 3-4 days.

4.) GET REGULAR HAIRCUTS

Regular haircuts can keep your hair healthy, shaped and eliminate split ends. Even if you're growing your hair out, it is important to get regular trims to prevent the dead, split ends from splitting farther up your hair strand. This can cause more breakage and potentially hair loss.

5.) LIVE WELL

The condition of your hair can be a reflection of the overall health of your body. Make sure you are drinking enough water, eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, sleeping well and reducing stress. All of these things can affect your hair. Living well will also increase the rate of hair growth.

6.) SEE A PROFESSIONAL FOR YOUR COLOR

A lot of guys get their hair colored. DIY, at home chemical services that come in a box from the drugstore, can be very convenient but they can also be drying and damaging to the hair. Stylists use professional color that not only lasts longer but also moisturizes the hair and adds shine.

7.) SPECIALTY HAIRCARE PRODUCTS

During the winter and in dry climates men tend to struggle more with dry scalp. Even if you're doing everything right, unfortunately, sometimes it still happens. I recommend using a professional, hydrating mask on the hair 1-2 times a week. This will put moisture back into your hair and scalp. Most masks are more moisturizing then conditioners. Anti-dandruff shampoos are another good option. I recommend using these 1-2 times a week depending on how dry your scalp is. Most anti-dandruff shampoos have an active ingredient called Zinc Pyrithione, which if overused can cause dry scalp. Make sure you're following your stylist's instructions to get the most out of your products!

8.) WATCH THE HEAT

Blow drying your hair can help you create great styles! But keep an eye on how hot the heat is on your blow dryer. Extra hot air can cause breakage. Medium heat is usually perfect. Using a conditioner and styling products can help protect your hair from the heat of the blow dryer. Also, giving your hair a day off from blow drying, every once in a while, is great too!