Let’s face it: in reality, most guys don’t tend to spend too much time obsessing over hair care.

Yet, even a little bit of TLC towards your locks can go a long way, regardless of the length or style you are sporting these days.

Yes, that means that even if you’re a guy who likes to rock the barely-there short hair, it’s important that you take care of it – as redundant as it may seem to you. The scalp is just like any other part of our skin, if not even more sensitive! Which means that, every once in a while, it needs a bit of pampering and nourishment. And if you take good care of your scalp, then your strands will also be encouraged to grow shiny and strong.

If you are not sure where to start, fret not – we are presenting you with hair care for men 101. Incorporate these tips into your day-to-day routine and you can rest easy knowing that your mane will remain healthy and luxurious.

Avoid Over-washing

It’s very easy to fall into a trap of washing your hair daily, especially if you’re a kind of guy who likes to keep it ultra-short. You must be thinking: if I already have next to no hair, how bad can washing my scalp every day be, really?

Well, let’s just say it can be bad enough to make you reconsider your everyday showering habits.

Over-shampooing your hair can strip the follicles of their natural oils and dry out your scalp. This means you might start noticing more dandruff, itchiness and other annoying things you’d rather not worry about.

Still, we understand if you have still have reservations. Maybe if you are really used to shampooing every day, you may worry that your hair will quickly become greasy if you skip a day or two.

However, this shouldn’t be a problem – over time, your follicles will adapt to reduced shampooing and your hair’s oil production will slow down. The result will be healthy, hydrated scalp and hair that remains looking fresh for a few days in a row.

Don’t Be Too Harsh on Your Scalp

Do you tend to dry your hair using the fastest and simplest method? Does this method by any chance amount to aggressively rubbing your scalp with a towel until you’ve decided your hair is dry enough?

We have some bad news for you: this practice can be extremely bad for your hair.

We get it, we get it – you’re in a hurry, you just woke up, you’ll be late for work, you’re just looking to rush out the door as quickly as possible. Who has time to dry their hair properly, anyway?

Be that as it may, you should still keep in mind that rough movements can irritate the scalp and cause damage to your hair. When wet, your hair tends to be even more brittle and prone to breakage than usual.

To prevent further damage, once you get out of the shower, it’s best to gently pat your hair dry with a soft cotton towel.

Use Conditioner on the Regular

You know how in ads for hair care products, you always have that one scene of a guy sensually running his fingers through his impossibly silky hair?

What’s the key to unlocking that supreme softness? You’ve guessed it: it’s conditioner.

This essential hair care product can be especially useful for men who have longer hair, as the moisturizing ingredients found in conditioners can boost the volume and vitality of your strands.

Although it doesn’t hurt to use it if your hair is on the shorter side, either – regular conditioning will prevent itchiness and flaky skin.

Find the Right Styling Product for Your Hair

As simple as men’s hair care might sound, once you actually walk into a drugstore, you might find yourself overwhelmed by all the different types of products lining its shelves.

We understand if the sea of hair gels, creams, waxes, pomades and what-have-yous might tempt you to forget about the whole thing and just shave it all off. However, knowing how to use the right kind of product for your hair could completely transform your styling routine and instantly make you go from frumpy to fashionable.

Just so you know what to grab next time you’re find yourself in the hair care section, here is a basic primer on styling products:

• Gel

  The most recognizable styling product, modern gels tend to come in a wide variety. They typically tend to harden overtime, providing your strands with high hold.

• Wax

  Unlike gel, hair wax tends to be easier to work with, as it remains pliable throughout the day. It’s ideal for short hairstyles and it should always be applied on dry hair.

• Pomade

  If you are looking for a product that will give your hair a decent hold paired up with that classic 1950s shine, then pomade is just the thing for you.

• Clay

  This one is for the fellas who’d like to avoid shine altogether while still having structure to their hair.

• Mousse

  This product is godsend for guys whose hair is on the thinner side, as it can provide your hair with an extra boost of volume.

• Hair spray

  Typically used as a finishing product, hairspray is there to lock in all your hard work and give your style a neat, polished look.

• Dry shampoo

  Ideal for low-maintenance guys whose hair tends to be on the longer side, dry shampoo will instantly soak up the grease from your scalp and give your strands perked up, voluminous appearance.

Sunscreen is a Must

Even though most people tend to shield their skin with sunscreen when they know they will be spending prolonged periods of time in the sun, the fact that our scalp is also a part of our skin can easily slip your mind.

That’s way it’s important to always remember to protect the top of your head with SPF-infused products. This especially goes for dudes who rock a shaved head or whose hair is on the thinner side.

Just think of it this way – it’s better to be safe than sorry. Burnt scalp is no joke!

And if you’re not sure which sunscreen to choose, it’s best to err on the side of caution and pick a water-resistant formula with that has an SPF of at least 30.

If you plan on remaining exposed to sun rays for longer than a couple of hours, you should also remember to reapply your sunscreen regularly. Be generous with it, too – only a thick layer will provide your scalp with an effective block from sun’s harmful effects.

Treat Your Scalp to an Oil Massage

Yes, you’ve read that right – what better way to give your scalp some loving than with a pampering oil massage?

Not only will a little rub relax your muscles and reduce stress levels, studies have also shown that massaging your scalp regularly can promote hair growth and thickness. Sounds like a win-win situation!

Before you start, you should find out what is the most beneficial kind of oil for your hair and scalp. If you are not sure, here are some basic pointers:

• Peppermint oil can help cool down irritated scalp
• Lavender oil will hydrate your skin; it’s also good for natural stress relief
• Chamomile oil has potent soothing properties if your scalp is itchy or irritated
• Coconut oil is great for reducing dandruff and boosting moisture levels of your skin

Once you’ve decided on your favorite oil, take a small amount and warm it up with your fingers. Put it on the crown of your head and massage it in using gentle, circular motions.

We guarantee that you’ll have no problem making a habit out of this hair care practice!

Keep Dandruff at Bay

By far one of the most annoying skin and hair conditions, dandruff occurs when skin cells on your scalp accumulate to the point they begin causing flakiness and itchiness.

Not to mention how irritating dandruff can be if you’re a fan of dark shirts and sweaters.

The most common causes of dandruff may include:

• Skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis
• Cold weather
• Stress

So, how to solve this oh-so-stubborn skin irritation?

The key to successfully combating dandruff is to regularly wash your hair using shampoos that contain one or more of the dandruff-eliminating ingredients. They are:

• Salicylic acid
• Zinc pyrithione
• Selenium sulphide

If you commit to a dedicated anti-dandruff hair care routine, you will notice your symptoms will improve over time.

However, it that’s not the case, you might want to consult your dermatologist for further treatment.

Ditch the 2-in-1 Products

We totally get it if you’re the kind of dude who doesn’t like to take longer than two minutes in the shower. In fact, maybe that’s the reason why you always grab that 2-in-1 shampoo and conditioner when you’re in the shop.

We have to disappoint you, though: these seemingly convenient products might cause more harm than good in the long run.

Besides, think about it: if they are really so great that they can replace the real thing, why are most people (including those who work at hair salons and barber shops) still using regular shampoos and conditioners?

This is why.

When used regularly, 2-in-1 shampoo and conditioner can cause product build up, which can weigh your hair down and make it look lifeless and dull. And while they may give you the desired effect in the beginning, using them continuously might have the opposite result.

That’s why it’s best to simply buy the two products separately. Yes, it might take you a minute longer to get out of the shower, but your hair will eventually be thanking you for it.

Protect Your Hair in the Swimming Pool

If you are a dedicated swimmer, you might want to consider taking a few extra steps to keep your hair healthy and safe next time you decide to take a dip in the pool.

Why should you do this?

Well, water in most swimming pools contains chlorine, a chemical disinfectant used to kill nasty bacteria that can harm our health.

And while it’s great not having to swim in water infested with germs, constant exposure to chlorine can wreak havoc on your hair, especially if it has been treated (with chemicals like dye, perms or relaxers). The same goes for hair that’s already dry or thinning.

It’s not all bad news. Here are some steps you can take to prevent chlorine from further damaging your locks:

• Always wear a swimming cap
• Saturate your hair with clean tap water before going into the pool
• Wash your hair with shampoo as soon as you’ve finished swimming
• Condition it well to lock restore moisture levels in your hair

Sticking to these simple, yet effective preventive measures will mitigate the chlorine damage, allowing you to focus on what you truly love – swimming!

Avoid Combovers

If you are battling hair loss, brace yourself, because you probably don’t want to hear this.

But it simply has to be said: you have to ditch the combover.

Not only does this style look kind of tragic, it can also contribute to hair damage and even further hair loss. Which is surely the last thing you want!

By constantly manipulating your hair to hide spots on the scalp where your hair is thinner, you are actively causing your strands to become weaker and even break in the process.

If you suffer from hair loss, the best thing you can do is simply – gasp! – cut your hair short to the point it flatters your overall appearance. Not only will you feel massively liberated, you will also give off a neater and more stylish vibe.

All in all, we hope these tips help you in achieving those healthy, shiny locks you’ve been longing for. As long as you put a little time and effort into your everyday routine, we’re sure your hair game will be on point!