Depending on their hair type, men may need to care for their hair in different ways. Using the most appropriate hair care method may help improve the appearance and health of a man’s hair and scalp.
Choosing the most suitable type of hair care for their hair type may help a man minimize hair loss, improve scalp health, and manage other hair and scalp concerns.
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Maintaining hair and scalp health with suitable hair care and good hygiene may help prevent and manage certain conditions and improve hair appearance.
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- Sebum buildup: Sebum is an oily substance produced by the sebaceous glands in the skin. If the skin overproduces sebum, it can build up on the scalp and lead to oily, flaking, and itching skin. Males may have a higher risk of sebum buildup, as they generally
produce more sebum than females. - Other buildup: If a person does not wash their hair often enough, residue from hair products, dirt, dead skin, and sweat may also gather on the scalp. This can lead to unpleasant odors, greasy hair, and a higher risk of infection.
- Scalp conditions and infections: Good hair and scalp hygiene can help treat or prevent infection and certain scalp conditions, such as dandruff.
According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), the following can help promote healthy hair growth and prevent damage:
- air drying hair or wrapping hair in a towel instead of towel- or blow-drying
- using heated tools such as blow-dryers or flatirons sparingly and on their lowest heat settings
- avoiding frequent brushing, which can cause split ends and breakage
- avoiding pulling hair back into tight hairstyles like buns or ponytails
- minimizing the use of products that offer long-lasting hold, which can cause hair to become brittle and breakable
Tips for caring for curly hair include:
- washing hair only when necessary with products formulated for curly hair to avoid dryness
- moisturizing hair with thick conditioner from roots to ends, and applying leave-in conditioner after washing
- gently detangling hair between washes by wetting it, applying leave-in conditioner, and combing through gently with a wide-toothed comb
- treating dandruff by applying dandruff shampoo only to the scalp and using moisturizing shampoo on the rest of the hair
As people age, they produce less melanin. Melanin is the pigment that turns hair, eyes, and skin darker. Hair strands that lack melanin become gray and can develop a more brittle texture.
Men with gray hair can minimize damage by:
- using moisturizing shampoo and conditioner
- using a leave-in conditioner
- protecting their hair from the sun
- avoiding or minimizing the use of heated styling tools
- leaving as long as possible between dying, for men who color their hair
People may also wish to use purple shampoo. Purple shampoo is a pigmented shampoo that can reduce yellow undertones to blonde or gray hair.
Hair loss and thinning hair can occur for various reasons. These include aging, health conditions, and androgenetic alopecia, which experts also refer to as male pattern baldness and female pattern baldness.
Males may experience more hair thinning from androgenetic alopecia due to a higher production of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), an androgen that plays a role in hair loss.
Men with thinning hair may be able to minimize hair loss and breakage by:
- washing with gentle shampoo and applying moisturizing conditioner after every wash
- using a leave-in conditioner
- avoiding rubbing with a towel or blow-drying
- avoiding hair coloring and other harsh treatments
- avoiding tight hairstyles
- stopping smoking
- eating a healthy diet
- eating enough calories each day
Oily hair can occur in people who overproduce sebum.
Men may care for oily hair by:
- using a clarifying shampoo
- using hair products that contain anionic surfactants, which help remove excess oil
- applying a lightweight conditioner to the ends of the hair, avoiding the roots
- avoiding wax or oil-based hair products
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- using an exfoliator on the scalp to get rid of buildup
- choosing an appropriate shampoo and conditioner
- washing hair regularly
- brushing and detangling hair to help break up buildup
According to the AAD, general hair care should include:
- choosing shampoo and conditioner that is formulated for a person’s hair type
- concentrating shampoo on the scalp while washing
- using conditioner after every shampoo and concentrating it on the ends of the hair
A person should wash their hair if it appears dull or oily or there is buildup on their scalp. Men with some hair types should wash their hair more or less often than others.
- If a person has curly, coiled, or textured hair, they may want to wash it once a week, or every second week
- If someone has oily hair, they may want to wash it every day.
- If someone has gray, brittle hair, they may want to wash it less often.
After washing, people with drier hair types may want to add a leave-in conditioner. If possible, a person should leave their hair to dry naturally.
Black people have unique hair structures, and their hair has a higher risk of damage. Hair and scalp care tips include:
- washing the hair once a week or once every two weeks
- tailoring the hair care to the characteristics of their hair type and texture
- using conditioner after every shampoo
- using heat-protecting products if necessary
- using a hot oil treatment twice a month to add moisture
- ensuring braids, cornrows, or other styles that pull on the hair are not too tight
Black people may have a higher risk of developing eczema, which can affect the scalp. Those who experience eczema on the scalp may want to:
- shower or bathe in warm — not hot — water
- use gentle, fragrance-free products on the scalp
- loosen tight hairstyles to avoid scalp buildup
- apply specialized shampoos to the scalp, avoiding the hair shaft
East Asian people typically have straight hair, which may become oily more quickly than some other hair types.
People with straight and oily hair may need to wash their hair more often than those with other hair types, exfoliate, and wash the scalp regularly to prevent buildup.
A person should ensure they choose the most suitable hair care products for their hair type. This will help treat and prevent hair and scalp concerns, such as hair breakage and scalp buildup.
Shampoo
A person should choose a shampoo according to their hair type:
- Curly or coily hair: Men with this hair type should use a shampoo specifically formulated for curly or coily hair to prevent dryness and breakage.
- Gray hair: Gray hair may be brittle and prone to damage. Someone with this hair type should use moisturizing shampoo.
- Thinning hair: Someone with thinning hair should use a gentle shampoo that will not cause further hair loss or damage.
- Oily hair: People with oily hair should use clarifying shampoo.
Conditioner
Men with all hair types should use conditioner after shampooing to help prevent breakage and damage.
- Curly or coily hair: Those with curly or coily hair should use an intensely moisturizing conditioner to prevent dryness.
- Gray hair: Gray hair may also require an intensely moisturizing conditioner.
- Thinning hair: People with thinning hair should use a lightweight conditioner to avoid traumatizing the hair.
- Oily hair: People with oily hair should use a lightweight conditioner.
Styling and other products
Men with dry hair may want to use a leave-in conditioner to provide more moisture. Those who use heated styling tools may also want to apply a heat-protecting product.
The AAD advises against using styling products that offer long-lasting hold, which can damage hair.
If someone has concerns about the health of their hair or scalp, they should see a hair care professional or a dermatologist.
These may include problems such as:
- thinning hair
- scalp tenderness or inflammation
- scalp acne
- scalp eczema
- increased hair loss
Men may improve the health and appearance of their hair and scalp by adapting their hair care to suit their particular hair type.
Caring for the hair and scalp can help treat and prevent certain health issues, such as infection and a buildup of sebum on the scalp.
Some hair types may require more or less frequent washing and the use of different products to provide moisture and protection.