Sometimes guys just want to be lazy, but if there’s a place we should invest a bit of our time (and money) it’s on our hair! Skip these common hair mistakes and get stylish hair without a ton of effort.
1. Using 2-in-1 Shampoo and Conditioner
We’re all busy. We all want to get in the shower, wash up as quickly as possible, and then move on with our day. But it’s worth spending the extra time to use a separate conditioner and a deep cleaning shampoo that will help clean your scalp properly. The improvements your hair will make over time will make it more than worth the extra effort.
2. Washing Too Often
You wash your body every day of the week, so it only makes sense that you’d was your hair every single day as well, right? Turns out it’s actually better to skip a day and wash your hair every other day, as washing removes all of the oils that your hair actually needs to grow thick and strong. So before you load up your hand with shampoo, think about when the last time you washed. If it was yesterday, try skipping a day and see how your hair feels.
3. Not Accepting Baldness
Unfortunately, some guys go bald. It sucks, but it’s a fact of life many guys have to deal with. Just because you’re going bald (or are already there) doesn’t mean you can’t still look good. And what’s the best way to look good without all of your hair? Getting rid of what’s left. A combover or skullet doesn’t look good on anyone, and it just draws attention to the issue. Shaving your head will look much better (though you may not look like Vin Diesel), and no one will be able to tell if you’re going bald or you just choose to shave your head because you like the style.
Bald head shavers, like the Skull Shaver Pitbull Gold PRO Head Shaver, make it super easy to maintain your new do, or un-do.
4. Getting Haircuts That Don’t Suit Them
We’ve all seen a celebrity on TV and thought about copying that hairstyle. We walk into the barbershop or salon with a picture of said celeb and ask the barber to make us look like the photo. However, we don’t all have the same hair and face shape as that celebrity, and pulling off that look might not look right on you. A better strategy is to show the beautician or barber the look and ask if they can do something similar that’ll work best for you. Any skilled haircutter should be able to assess your hair and face shape to find a cut that works perfectly for you. It may not be the exact style you’ve dreamed of, but it will be a style that fits you properly.
5. Using Too Much Hair Product
Hair product is important for creating all sorts of styles. Once you know that you’re using the right product for the look you’re trying to create, you need to stop and think about how much product you’re actually using. For most types of product, less is more. When the instructions say to use a pea-sized amount, they don’t mean the giant mutant pea you saw at the country fair. They mean a pea. You can also add a little more product if you need to, but it’s always best to start small.
6. Cutting and Dyeing at Home
Everyone likes to save some money. But one place you really shouldn’t skimp is on your personal care, and this most definitely includes your hair. Rather than chopping up your hair and slathering dye on it at home, invest in yourself and find a stylist that you like and can afford. As mentioned, a good stylist can help you choose a style that suits you, which could open up a whole new look you never considered. Not only that but if you’re dyeing your hair, a stylist will be able to do it correctly while minimizing damage.
7. Messing Up the Sideburns
The sideburns are the final touch that turns a haircut from a good one to a bad one. You need to pair the sideburns with the hairstyle so they work in harmony. Personally, I prefer to go to a barber that also does shaves because they will shape the sideburns perfectly. If you’re more of a DIY sideburn kind of guy, make sure you don’t go too high with them. When in doubt, sideburns should end around the middle of your ear. You can go longer if you want, but you should never go any shorter.
8. The Towel Scrub
Who has time for a hair dryer? But, don’t make the all too common mistake of scrubbing your hair with a towel. Sure, it dries it, but it also damages the follicles, which leads to early hair loss. I think we can all agree this is something we’d rather avoid.
Treat your hair gently and just lightly dry it with a towel and then let it air dry. If you’re really in a hurry, grab a blow dryer. Believe it or not, it’s a manly tool that makes your hair look surprisingly good. For guys with thicker or longer hair, it’s much faster than air drying.
9. Having a Stressful Scalp
You’ve probably heard stress isn’t exactly great for your hair or body. But, it’s not like you can just eliminate all stress from your life. However, you can give your hair a break and avoid letting stress ruin your scalp. Either treat yourself to a professional scalp massage regularly or do it yourself at home.
Gently rub your fingertips around your scalp for five minutes once a day. It feels great and actually helps your entire body relax a bit. Or, use scalp massagers, such as the HEETA Hair Shampoo Brush (can be used in the shower) or the USAGA Head Scratcher.
10. Getting Too Rough
Scrubbing your hair and body as hard as you can to get rid of all the dirt and oil might seem efficient, but don’t do it. Just don’t do it. The shower’s the place to treat your body to a nice, gentle experience. Massage, don’t scrub, your scalp. Take it easy on yourself. A great shampoo will easily break up dirt, oil, and product without elbow grease. Clarifying shampoos, like Neutrogena Exfoliating Healthy Scalp Clarify and Shine Shampoo, do the heavy lifting for you. Also, brush your hair, don’t try to embed the bristles in your scalp for all time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is heat good for my hair?
No. Heat is never good for anyone’s hair. In fact, your hair will thank you if you rinse it in cool water. You don’t have to freeze yourself, but turn the temp down and avoid scalding your scalp.
If you’re using a hair dryer, either limit how long you use it or add a little bit of heat protectant spray to your hair before drying.
How do I know what haircut to get?
Go to a reputable salon or barbershop. Avoid the major chains, especially when you’re trying to find the right style for you. A great hairdresser can analyze your face shape to help you find what works best.
Image credit: Unsplash
