Common Hair Care Mistakes That Men Make

For most men, washing and cutting their hair is as non-negotiable as applying antiperspirant roll-on and using deodorant. It’s almost like muscle memory.

But in their quest for the perfect hairstyle, some men make a few mistakes that do a lot of harm to their hair in the long run. Here are five common hair care mistakes to avoid:

Using 2-in-1 Shampoo and Conditioner

Shampoo and conditioner are two separate products with different functions. Shampoo products clean your hair by opening the pores on your scalp while conditioner closes the pores to give hair a cleaner appearance. Shampoo your hair first and rinse it out thoroughly before drying and using conditioner.

Washing Your Hair Every Day

Most men wash their hair every day, which is far too often. Washing your hair daily strips it of the natural oils that protect it, leaving it weak, brittle and prone to breakage. Wash your hair two to three times a week and rinse or spritz it with plain water in between washes.

Not Being Gentle With Your Scalp

Giving your hair a rough, vigorous wash may seem like the best way to get rid of dirt and dandruff, but you aren’t doing your scalp any favours by not being gentle. Rough washing and brushing can damage hair follicles, which leads to hair loss and slower growth. The solution is simple: gently massage your scalp when you’re washing or brushing it.

Using too Much Hair Gel or Wax

Less is more when it comes to hair care. Using more hair gel or wax won’t make your hair healthier or easier to style. The best way to avoid this mistake is by applying gel or wax only once your hair is completely dry. Wet hair makes it difficult to determine how much wax or gel your hair needs, so either towel dry or blow-dry your hair before applying any products to it.

Waiting Too Long for the Next Hair Cut

The longest you should wait before doing touch-ups on your hair is two weeks. Wait any longer, and you’ll have that “overdue for a haircut” look. This doesn’t mean you have to go to a barber every two weeks. If you have clippers, a three-way mirror and some patience, you can maintain your own hair every two weeks, especially if the outline of your last visit to the barber is still visible.

You’ll have a hard time finding a man who doesn’t understand the importance of hair care. While some men can get away with a hairstyle like the messy man bun, most have to devote some time to maintaining their hair. Avoid the common mistakes we listed and you’ll sport the best hair 24/7.