Do You Know Your Hair Type?
Do You Know Your Hair Type? by: Ashley Locke If you’ve ever found yourself wondering “what is my hair type,” you’ve come to the right place. Knowing your strand type is key to taking proper care of it. But figuring out exactly what type of tresses you have can sometimes be more confusing than it needs to be. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Below, we’re diving into the various hair types so that you can know which and for all which one you have. Straight Hair Types 1A Hair This strand type kicks off the straight hair category. One of the least common hair types, strands tend to be stick-straight and often thin and wispy. Tresses do get oily rather quickly so it’s important to wash your hair regularly. Volume is often something you lack, so volumizing products will be your BFF. However, you’ll want to make sure you don’t use too much product as it can have the opposite effect and weigh down your hair. Learn all about your 1A hair here! 1B Hair This type of straight strand is somewhat like the middle child. Your tresses are still fairly straight, though they have more volume and body than 1A hair. You may even have super straight strands until you get to the ends, which can sometimes be flipped. Flyaways, tangles, and frizz tend to be big issues for you, though your hair is relatively easy to manage. Discover everything you need to know about your 1B hair here! 1C Hair 1C hair rounds out the straight hair types. Though still straight, it tends to have a bit of a wave underneath. It’s not wavy hair by any means, though there is somewhat of a loose wave pattern going on. Your hair is a bit coarse and does require an extra bit of TLC to ensure it does what you want it to. To learn about how to care for it properly, read this 1C hair guide! If you’ve ever found yourself wondering “what is my hair type,” you’ve come to the right place. Knowing your strand type is key to taking proper care of it. But figuring out exactly what type of tresses you have can sometimes be more confusing than it needs to be. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Below, we’re diving into the various hair types so that you can know which and for all which one you have. Wavy Hair Types 2A Hair Starting off the wavy tresses, we have 2A hair. There is a soft S formation in the waves so they’re not super prominent though you can tell your tresses are wavy. Oftentimes, your strands will be straighter at the roots and get progressively wavier as you move down the follicle. Styling is pretty easy but your tresses can be somewhat flat given you have straighter roots. Learn how to care for your 2A hair here! 2B Hair This type of wavy hair is often what people picture when they think of wavy tresses. You sit perfectly in between straight and curly hair with your loose waves. With those blessed waves, it can be tricky to style them. A little extra elbow grease is needed if you want to straighten your strands. Discover how to care for your wavy hair, the best products, and more here! 2C Hair The final wavy hair type, 2C hair, is often mistaken for being curly—but it isn’t. It’s still wavy. You have a very defined S pattern that starts all the way at the root, which is why people often think your hair is curly. The other wavy hair types have waves that start further down their strands. Learn even more about your 2C hair here! Curly Hair Types 3A Hair Kicking off the curly hair types, we have 3A hair. You tend to have loose curls that are about the diameter of a piece of sidewalk chalk. Your curls can sometimes appear a bit flat, given your strands don’t have as much volume in them. However, this means you don’t have to deal with pesky frizz as much as the other curly hair types. Discover the right hair care routine, hairstyles, and more for your 3A hair here! 3B Hair You likely have 3B curls if they’re perfectly spiraled and about the width of a marker or a Sharpie. They can get dry fairly quickly, which is why you need to use moisturizing products. The plopping method and squish to condish method are great ways to define your curls. Discover all there is to know about your 3B hair here! 3C Hair 3C hair as an S wave pattern with somewhat tight coils that are corkscrew-shaped and about the diameter of a pencil or straw. So if you can fit one or the other through your coils, you likely have this curl type. Your hair is prone to frizz so you’ll want to focus on adding moisture to your ringlets. Learn even more about your 3C hair here! Coily Hair Types 4A Hair This hair type starts off the kinky, coily curl types. If you fall under this curl type, you have very tight small curls that are often super long when stretched out. There’s an S shape to your ringlets, though they are prone to shrinkage. Being gentle with your coils is the key to them living their best life. Find out more about how to care for your 4A hair here! 4B Hair This curl type is right in the middle of the type 4 curls. While also being kinky and coily, it has a defined Z shape curl pattern. Your curls will appear more bent than curly because of this. Some with this hair type don’t have a super-defined pattern, rather their coils are noticeably soft and fluffy. This guide will tell you everything you need to know about caring for your 4B hair. 4C Hair We’ve made it to the final hair type. Last, but certainly not least, we have 4C hair. This hair type is known for not having a distinctive curl pattern. Instead, your curls tend to
13 WEIRD HAIR HACKS OR GENIUS IN DISGUISE?
13 WEIRD HAIR HACKS OR GENIUS IN DISGUISE? by: myrevair.com We all get into this mode where we will literally try anything to make sure our hair is healthy. Sometimes it is because we see something viral going around the internet, other times we just get curious and want to put our recent Pinterest pins about hair care to the test. Regardless of why — there are a myriad of hair care routines out there and some of them are hidden gems, while others may seem strange. Because of this, we decided to collect 13 of the weirdest hair tips and tricks for you to put to the test and figure out whether they are strange or one of your hidden gems. Remember not all hair care routines are created equally for YOUR hair type, so some of these may be perfect for you and others not so much. WEIRD HAIR HACKS OR GENIUS IN DISGUISE 1. Deep conditioning with mayonnaise Running out of your deep conditioner doesn’t have to be a problem… especially if you stock your kitchen regularly with mayonnaise. Yes, mayonnaise. It is a great substitute for your favorite deep conditioner. Massage a generous amount of mayo on your damp hair from mid hair shaft and comb through to the ends. You should focus on your ends because they need the most TLC. Let the mayo mask soak into your hair for twenty minutes. Try wearing a hair cap or shower cap to 1. Not make a mess and 2. Lock in all the moisture. After the twenty minutes, wash and style your hair as usual. Hopefully the end result is mayo-free shiny locks. 2. Egg Hair Mask What you eat is important to how healthy your locks are, but what if we told you what you eat can also be used ON your hair? Eggs, ignoring the texture, are known to replenish hair and restore softness. With that, crack a few egg whites into a bowl, apply to damp hair, and comb through. Like a normal mask, keep it on for ten to twenty minutes and afterwards wash it out. 3. Tomato Juice Savior Apparently this has been tried and tested multiple times and works, as crazy as it is. If you have blonde hair and left the pool or ocean only to see your hair turn green then this is the hack for you. Get rid of those unwanted green tones by soaking your hair in tomato juice. The red in the tomato juice neutralizes the green and helps your blonde out a little. Leave the juice soaking in your hair for twenty minutes and then wash your hair as you normally would. 4. DIY Dry Shampoo Want to make your own dry shampoo with things in your home? Well, here’s a recipe. Mix two tablespoons of cocoa powder, two tablespoons of cornstarch, and a dash of cinnamon. Apply at your roots and shake through with your fingers for a refreshed hair. If you are looking for an even simpler solution to dry shampoo try baby powder. Dusting a bit of baby powder on your roots and massaging it in will get rid of excess oil like dry shampoo. It will absorb the grease from your strands and help to make your locks look fresher. 5. DIY Highlights Okay these aren’t crazy colored highlights or anything, but they’re subtle for when going to the salon is just a no-go. Squeeze an entire lemon into a dish, dip a toothbrush into the juice and comb it through your hair. Then, go sit in the sun for about an hour. Keep doing this once every two weeks and the sun in combo with the lemon juice will naturally lighten your hair. 6. Flyaways? Try a toothbrush Those little baby hairs hate our perfectly polished styles and love to ruin them by sticking up and out. To keep your flyaways flat spray a toothbrush with hairspray or use a little gel and brush over your hairline. This technique keeps everything smooth without making the hairstyle crunchy. 7. Crushed aspirin isn’t only for Acne In case you were wondering what else you could add to your shampoo to keep your hair healthy and strong — aspirin is your answer. Crushed up aspirin is a typical acne treatment but using the powdered aspirin in your shampoo can help your hair. Every two weeks, crush up on aspirin into your shampoo routine. Basically, the salicylic acid content in aspirin helps banish dullness from your hair by clearing build up to reveal healthy-looking locks. 8. Get Rid of Static Static hair is an embarrassment no one wants to deal with, so here is a quick hack to save yourself. Dryer sheets. They are not only used to keep your laundry static-free but can also be used on your hair. As ridiculous as it may feel, take dryer sheets and rub them down your hair to get rid of any static pieces that are standing up. As an added bonus, the dryer sheets will leave your hair smelling fresh like your favorite laundry scent. 9. Use that old T-shirt To reduce frizz when drying your hair trade in your towel for a cotton t-shirt. Regular towels cause friction when using it to dry your hair which disrupts the cuticle and thus creates frizz. The cotton t-shirt replacement absorbs water without causing friction, making it a great way to dry your hair. Make sure to squeeze your hair, not rub, when drying because rubbing creates more friction which creates frizz. 10. Sock + Hair = Perfect Bun This is a great hack for when you’re running late and still want a picture perfect bun! You can create it in a matter of minutes just by using a sock. Take a sock, one that resembles your hair color, and cut off the toe end. After that, roll the sock into itself until you’re left with a donut hole sock. Once you have your sock bun this
Hey Man; Here are Life Hacking Tips to Prolong Your Life
Hey Man; Here are Life Hacking Tips to Prolong Your Life By: Manly Curls Here are some life hacking tips for men that will ensure that you add some high-quality years to your life. A great way to welcome the new year and the many years ahead! Become a healthier longer-living dude by reading these tips! It is with such enthusiasm that I bring you guys a lifestyle hacking post by Erick. As many of you know, Manly Curls isn’t just a blog about having luscious curls, and lifestyle hacking is a big part of the ethos of Manly Curls. Without further ado, I give you Erick and his life hacking tips to prolong your life. Hey guys, this is Erick, it’s great to be here at Manly Curls and posting in one of the leading men’s lifestyle blogs! I’m like a lot of you guys; just a regular guy who is always looking for ways to improve his lifestyle. Since eating healthy and exercising is already a given for a better lifestyle, I’d like to show you what else you can do to possibly prolong your life with the following healthy habits. So here are some simple ways to help you live a longer, happier life. Play Head Games Challenge your brain! Keeping your mind stimulated not only boosts your brainpower and memory, it also slashes your risk of developing dementia in half, according to studies conducted at the University of New South Wales in Australia. For example, try brushing your teeth with your non-dominant hand, memorize the phone numbers that you have programmed and make calls without using speed dial or your mobile phone’s address book, and mentally tally the total cost of your groceries as you drop each item into your shopping cart. Go social and get your friends involved and start a monthly trivia game night. Buy Yourself Some Flowers Having flowers in your home isn’t just for decoration anymore and these days it’s perfectly acceptable even for the manliest of dudes. Research from Rutgers suggests that looking at flowers can actually put you in a brighter mood. Also, in three different studies, receiving flowers was shown to have both immediate and long-term positive effects on a person’s emotional outlook. Flower power, anyone? Spice It Up Try flavoring your foods with fresh herbs and spices rather than salt, butter or sugar. This will not only naturally cut the sodium, fat, and calories in your food, but it will also improve the overall health benefits of the food. Suzanna Zick, N.D., a naturopathic physician at the University of Michigan says, “Many herbs such as thyme and oregano are similar to green, leafy vegetables in that they’re higher in vitamins and minerals.” Saffron and basil are believed to contain cancer fighters, while “warming” or spicy herbs, such as nutmeg and black pepper, may also help lower blood pressure. Don’t Forget To Floss Many of us forget to floss until right before a dental visit. Cleaning between your chompers is actually very important to your body’s overall health, in addition to your smile. Flossing your teeth helps get rid of bacteria-laden plaque that causes gum disease and a plethora of other problems, including heart disease, stroke, and premature births. Remember to get those nasty bacteria out of your mouth and out of your body. Wash Your Hands Before Going To The Bathroom Take a minute to consider all of the germs that you come into contact with while pushing that grocery cart, touching a gas pump, handling your child’s toys, or the germs that get M.D., a urologist in Charlotte, NC, advises that you thoroughly wash your hands for at least ten seconds before peeing to avoid transferring germs to your private parts (this doesn’t mean though that you should not wash your hands after peeing too). Sip Some White Tea White tea may soon replace green tea as the ultimate health brew. Both teas contain cancer-fighting antioxidants called polyphenols. However, the leaves and buds used to make white tea require less processing than green tea leaves. This results in the white tea retaining more antioxidant power. Studies are also now showing that white tea extract may help fight some common bacterial infections, including strep and staph. Chew, Chew, and Chew Some More The director of the gastroenterology division at the University of South Alabama, Jack A. Di Palma, explains that taking the time to thoroughly chew and break up your food makes it easier for the body to extract, assimilate and absorb nutrients and even enhance any body recomposition efforts. Furthermore, keeping food in your mouth for a longer amount of time does in fact increase the production of saliva, which helps to neutralize the extra stomach acids that cause reflux. An additional bonus to chewing thoroughly is that because it takes about twenty minutes for the stomach to signal to the brain that you’re full, the slower you eat, the fewer calories you are likely to consume before you are ready to drop your fork. It only takes a few minutes each day to dramatically improve your health. Remember that these lifestyle tweaks have been proven to have a major impact on overall health, so don’t let the small nature of them fool you. Get started today with these easy live-long tricks and become a better dude for the long term! And stop in for a great haircut because when you look good, you feel good and I’m sure that helps you live longer too…maybe.
100 Best Hair Jokes Around: Hair-larious
100 Best Hair Jokes Around: Hair-larious Listen, we know hair jokes can be a tad lame, but they’re also funny! We live and breath hair, so wanted to share some of these gems we found along the way. From bad haircuts to play on words, these jokes will at the very least put a smile on your face. So, join us on this Hair-larious adventure through bad puns and rough punchlines. 1. What was the reason behind Pavlov having such soft hair? He had soft hair because he knew how to condition it well. 2. How can the moon cut its own hair? It can cut its own hair because eclipse it! 3. What happened when the famous wig robber was seen in the area? The police started combing the area! 4. How did the one hair propose to the other? It proposed by saying, “I love you unconditionally!” 5. What is the kind of hair that loves going on vacation on different beaches of the country? The wavy hair! 6. Why did the barber come first in the race to finish cutting hair the fastest? This was because he had taken a short cut! 7. Why do all types of bees in the world have hair that is sticky? This is because they always honeycomb their hair! 8. What is the name of the thing through which all the hair on your head makes music? They make music by using headbands! 9. Why do most people prefer to watch sports matches while visiting the barber at the barbershop? This is because, although the coverage is the same, the highlights at the barbershop are way better! 10. What should one use when either a long hair or short hair on our head is injured? In such situations, we should use a hairspray! 11. Why did the guy lose all his hair during the war? This was because he got stuck in the middle of an enemy hair raid! 12. What did a bald historian say when he found an antique comb in the ruins? He said that he was never going to part with it! 13. Why couldn’t anyone in town see the bald man walking in the street on a sunny day? This was because the shine from his head was blinding everyone! 14. Why did the King ban all the men and women in the kingdom from having a haircut? Because it was considered an act of hair-esy! 15. What did the old man with a dozen short hairs on his head tell the barber? He asked the barber to highlight them! 16. What did the barber say when he shaved someone’s thick hair? He said, “Hair comes trouble!” 17. What happened when the barber cleaned his shop? The barber felt a breath of fresh hair! 18. What did the barber use when his shop got flooded during the monsoon? He used the hairdryer! 19. What did the father hair need after a long day of work? The father hair needed some long hair conditioning! 20. What did the barber need to survive in a desert? He needed some scissors and some hairspray because they are the hair necessities in his life! 21. In the Star Wars franchise, who was the one who tied Princess Leia’s hair? It was none other than Darth Braider! 22. What was the favorite rom-com movie of all the hair families, be it short hair, thick hair, or curly hair? It was the movie ‘When Hairy Met Sally!’ 23. Why was the barbershop located on the hill slope so trendy among people? This was because it was a cut above the rest! 24. Why did the barber start getting emotional when he saw his old barbershop? This was because that shop had been his home and, of course, home is hair the heart is! 25. How did the town guide introduce the tourists to the world’s longest strand of human hair? He said, “Welcome to the main hair-itage attraction of our town!” 26. Why did my young daughter put a bun on her hair? Because her mother had told her to tie a bun! 27. What did the woman in Kansas who had a wavy hair bun sing? She sang, “Carry on My Wayward Bun!” 28. What should we name a bee who is having terrible hair problems? I guess we could call it a frizz-bee! 29. What is the one hairstyle that will last forever? The perm-anent hairstyle! 30. Why did so many men buy the $1o wig from the barbershop? They bought it because it really was a small sum toupee! 31. Why was the hair always angry with the woman? Because the woman kept on teasing the hair! 32. What is the name of the natural hairstyle that most birds prefer to have? They prefer to have the mo-hawk! 33. What did the little boy say when the barber asked him whether he wanted a hair cut? “No”, he replied, “I want a shave!” 34. What did one thick hair say to the other thick hair when they had a fight? “Guess, we don’t gel well with each other! 35. Why was the hair salon so famous in the locality? Because it had a sign outside the shop saying, “We will either color your hair perfectly or we will dye tying!” 36. What do you say about someone who has got a new and glamorous hair cut? That person is tressed to kill. 37. What is the name of the haircut that most fungi want to get from a barber? They love the mushroom cut! 38. Why did Bruce Willis tell his hairstylist that he wants to radically change his hair color? This was because it was a ‘Good Day to Dye Hard’! 39. What is the name of the place where horses get their hair styled and cut? It is the state of Maine! 40. Why did the fortune teller choose Wednesday to get a new hairstyle? Because he had checked
Barber Shop Near Me in Denver
Mug Shoppe: Barber Shop Near Me A haircut near me – we know you’re looking for us and here we are! At the Mug Shoppe, we are a Barbershop near you that specializes in amazing cuts (for both men & women) as well as beard services, waxing, color, and an overall fantastic experience. Our specialty is hair and our vibe is music and the community. We provide a space for local artists to perform and expose the community to their talents. From our own personal stylists, showing off their design talents to musicians, artists, comedians, and more. The Mug Shoppe is a place you can Make Yourself Happen! When you search for a “barbershop,” a “barbershop near me,” or a “haircut in Denver” we hope to not only show up on your search, but to be your first choice. Walk-ins are welcome and appointments can be made online HERE Our fun atmosphere provides you with arcade-game entertainment, great music, some pretty cool artwork on the walls, and our signature motorcycle greets you at the entrance. All of our stylists are excellent and can help you “Make Yourself Happen” with a new style and new found confidence in your look. Want a fade? We’ve got you! Looking for some design work to really make your cut stand out? Our stylists are artists! Color? Beard Trim? A completely new cut? WE’VE GOT YOUR BACK…or head in this case. Come on in and let us work our magic, you’ll walk out better than you arrived. And follow us on Instagram And stop in for a great haircut we may not use these weird hair hacks, but we’re weird in our own special way.
OMG! This is What Extreme Weather is Doing to Your Hair
OMG! This is What Extreme Weather is Doing to Your Hair by: Ally Kolsky With global temperatures on the rise, the weather is getting increasingly difficult to predict. Between horrendous hurricane seasons to the powerful polar vortex, people everywhere are experiencing the effects of extreme weather. And with these wild variations in temperature and humidity comes a difficult set of hair and scalp stresses. We sat down with Dr. Jessica Wu, M.D., a Los Angeles-based dermatologist and author of Feed You Face, to find out just what extreme weather does to your hair and how you can prevent intensive damage. Read on for our breakdown of this climate phenomenon. Air Pollution Leads to Hair Breakage Air pollution just adds fuel to the fire when it comes to climate change. Your everyday environment has a massive impact on your hair health, and increased air pollution can have serious and lasting effects on your strands and scalp. “Recent research shows that increased ultraviolet (UV) radiation from more sunny days, along with pollution, can damage hair fibers, leading to weaker strands and easy breakage,” Dr. Wu explains. “Pollution can also trigger scalp sensitivity, which includes symptoms such as itching, prickling, and/or burning pain.” Extremely High Temperatures Come With an Increased Risk of Cancer Recent years have seen an uptick in the number and intensity of super-hot days. With these warmer temperatures comes an increased risk of sun exposure and the side effects that come with it. “Extreme high temperatures and sunnier weather may encourage people to spend more time outdoors, potentially leading to an increased risk of skin cancer on the scalp,” says Dr. Wu. This risk is amplified if you have fair hair or consistently part your tresses in the same place. Make sure to take the proper precautions when you spend time outdoors. You may want to consider protecting your scalp and strands with a hat or an SPF product. Low Temperatures Lead to Dryness In general, your scalp is super-resistant to lower temperatures. “In fact, many women use a ‘cold cap’ when undergoing chemotherapy to help prevent hair loss,” Dr. Wu explains. But that doesn’t mean that cold weather is good for your hair. “Hair itself can become dry and brittle in cold weather if the humidity is low,” Dr. Wu continues. “Wind and low humidity can make your scalp dry, your hair brittle, and your skin flaky, red, and irritated.” With weather events like the polar vortex increasing in frequency, you’ll want to add a moisturizing treatment into your routine. Changes in Humidity Can Have Serious Side Effects Your skin and scalp are super sensitive to environmental changes. While cold, dry weather can lead to scalp flaking and hair breakage, sudden increases in humidity can also have serious side effects. “Warm and humid weather events, such as hurricanes, can stimulate the growth of bacteria, virus, and fungus infections,” Dr. Wu warns. Seborrhea, a type of dandruff, is caused by yeast overgrowth on the scalp. According to Dr. Wu, this condition can worsen when the weather is humid and warm. Daily Precautions Make a Difference While wild weather is certainly cause for concern, there are some simple steps you can take to limit the impact these extreme events have on your hair and scalp. Dr. Wu suggests a hat or a headscarf on super sunny days. “If a hat isn’t your thing, try to put sunscreen on your part,” Dr. Wu recommends. “Look for a gel, mousse, or powder formula.” When it comes to increased humidity, anti-frizz products are your go-to. These products help seal your hair and repel moisture, protecting your scalp and keeping those strands frizz-free. Drier weather requires a different approach. Dr. Wu recommends moisturizing conditioners and masks to combat the effects of low humidity. Air pollution presents a different problem altogether. “If you live in an urban area or are otherwise exposed to pollution, try to wash your hair as soon as you get home to minimize the damage,” Dr. Wu explains. She also recommends sticking to a healthy diet to keep your hair and scalp strong.Dr. Wu recommends high protein consumption to assist the keratin-based structure of those strands, as well as omega-3 fatty acids (found in salmon, almonds, and flaxseeds) to help lubricate the hair and scalp. And stop in for a great haircut and product tips to keep your hair safe from the extreme weather
Growing and styling very long hair for men
Learn all about growing and styling very long hair for men by: Men’s Hair Blog The beyond-shoulder length hairstyle requires that you to grow your hair beyond shoulder length. A good length to aim for is chest length or mid-back because, at this length, your locks will be hanging down without the need of hair products while expressing great follicular volume: a true lion’s mane! Now, before proceeding on how to get the Beyond Shoulder Length hairstyle, let’s talk about what actually is beyond-shoulder-length hair. As I’ve documented on this site and in both my books (The Curly Hair Book and The Men’s Hair Book), you will need about 12 inches of hair length to reach your shoulders (i.e. shoulder-length hair); men with curly hair typically require 18 to 24 inches of hair length due to the intrinsic shape of curly hair eating up inches of visible length. Ergo, for hair that is longer than shoulder length (i.e. beyond-shoulder length), you will need at least 14 inches of hair length, which will take about 3 years if grown from a buzz-cut haircut. Long hair has become a trendy thing among young males ever since 2013 when males all across the United States and Europe had grown bored of those politically-correct medium hairstyles of the late 2000s and early 2010s. Thus, since 2013, we’ve experienced an increasing interest in long hair for men that still goes strong in 2016 and for which I’ve dedicated a whole section of this website to long men’s hair. Outside of this website, I recommend that you take a look at this useful website for long hair men which has all the great advice and information that is necessary for growing and styling your long mane as well as for keeping it nice and lustrous. Incidentally, you will also find that the Shoulder Length hairstyle is among the best long hairstyles for men in the aforementioned website’s huge hairstyle guide; not just that, but I personally have Beyond Shoulder Length hair with my coiled curls (currently on my way to hip-long hair), so I can attest to how useful that particular website is and to how awesome having (well-cared) long hair is! With regards to Beyond Shoulder Length hair and long hair in general, I do get a lot of questions from my readers on how to grow long hair and my main tip is to stay patient and to take care of your hair over the long haul (there’s lots more to growing long hair which I’ve covered in The Men’s Hair Book, but this tip alone is useful for all men regardless of their hair type or genetics). Anyway, enough with the talking of long men’s hair; let’s now go through the Beyond Shoulder Length hairstyle! Hair-length category Long: the Beyond Shoulder Length hairstyle falls under the category of “long hair” in my hair length guide. Informally, I do use the word “super long” for hair that is longer than shoulder length since, once your hair is over 12 inches in length, its care and daily grooming require more effort and time when compared to long hair that is between 6 to 12 inches in length. Suitable hair type Straight hair, wavy hair, coiled hair, kinky hair. Haircut for Beyond Shoulder Length hair: To grow your hair for the Beyond Shoulder Length hairstyle, you merely have to grow your hair from an initial haircut that had your hair trimmed all around the head at the same length. Avoid any further haircuts until your reach your desired length; only get further haircuts if you have damaged the tips of your hair. Haircut difficulty: 2 out of 5 (relatively easy, you can do it yourself). How to style beyond shoulder length hair for men: For the Beyond Shoulder Length hairstyle, you can have your hair slicked back, parted to the side, put into a ponytail or bun, or simply have the long locks worn freely. Likewise, for those of you guys with long curly hair, you too can straighten your mane with a flat iron, although I highly recommend that you use a heat-taming product prior to straighten your lengthy curls or that you simply avoid straightening your very-long curly locks as you can easily damage your hair by straightening it too frequently. Use a leave-in conditioner as your main hairstyling product, and add some hair gel, mousse or styling cream as you see fit. Styling difficulty 2 out of 5 (relatively easy). Male reference NFL player Troy Polamalu of the Pittsburgh Steelers is the perfect example of what coiled hair grown beyond shoulder length can look like. Recommended men’s hair products to use for Beyond Shoulder Length hair The following men’s hair products are the ones that I recommend for lustrous long locks: Leave-in conditioner: a leave-in conditioner is an exceptionally-handy product for long-haired men irrespective of their hair type. You can use a leave-in conditioner to style your mane every single day or with other styling products like hair gels, hair mousse or styling creams (see below). Conditioner: to be used every time that you shampoo your mane. Always follow your shampoo with a conditioner. A good frequency of shampoo use for men with such long hair is twice per week. Light-hold hair gel: this type of hair gel is best for styling (long) straight hair. Hair mousse: a good hair-mousse product is what I usually recommend for very-long wavy hair. Styling cream: a good styling cream works best for curly-haired men with very long hair as styling creams allow the curls to retain moisture and thus look their best. Use any of the 4 men’s hair products above to style your Beyond Shoulder Length hair. However, whichever product you choose should not be mixed with the others, except for leave-in conditioners. As described in my book The Men’s Hair Book, if you want to use a leave-in conditioner with any other hair-styling product, you must first (and always!) apply the leave-in conditioner to your hair and, once you’ve coated your long mane with the leave-in conditioner, you then apply the
Here’s How Often You Should Wash Your Hair.
Here’s How Often You Should Wash Your Hair, Depending on Your Hair Type by: Nashia Baker Follow these expert-approved tips to keep your strands healthy. When it comes to caring for your hair, sticking to a wash routine is pretty common. For some people, it’s once a day. Others, however, opt for anywhere from once to twice a week. But could you be washing your hair too often—or worse, not often enough? We asked experts to weigh in on the best hair washing frequency to make sure your strands look and feel their best. How to Often to Shampoo Based on Hair Type Your hair type plays a big role in how often you should wash your hair. But rather than just sticking to a strict schedule, you should let your scalp and hair tell you what they need, says Philip B, a scalp expert and founder of Philip B Hair Care. “Signs that you need to wash include itching, flaking, product buildup, greasy strands, or naturally any unpleasant smells,” he says. Straight Hair Michael Dueñas, a celebrity hairstylist and the founder of Veluer Creative, recommends that people with fine, straight strands (type 1) wash their hair two to three times every week to help combat oil buildup. Since there’s less surface area for oil to gravitate to on the scalp, those with fine strands tend to experience a greasier feel quicker throughout the week, he says. Wavy to Curly Hair Those with wavy to curly hair have type 2 or type 3 strands, which are bendable “S” shape curls and buoyant loop curl patterns. This hair type requires more oil on the scalp to keep strands hydrated, so Dueñas recommends washing about once a week, possibly twice, at most. Coily Hair Coily textures have type 4 hair classification, which includes 4A, 4B, and 4C. 4A has an “S” or ringlet pattern, 4B is a tighter coil with a less defined curl, and 4C is a zig-zag pattern. If you have a coily texture, sticking to weekly washes is best. Washing too frequently can strip this more fragile hair type of oils needed to keep the strands hydrated, says Jasmine Rilington, a hairstylist, licensed cosmetologist, and the founder of The Glam Room. Shampooing once a week with the right products can allow the nutrients used on hair to absorb into the scalp. “If your curls are dry, you will need to use a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner,” Rilington adds. The Impact of Over-Washing So, how often is too often to shampoo? The hair experts we spoke to all agree that washing your hair every day is excessive. “Your hair needs those oils to stay hydrated,” says Dueñas. “If you feel the need to wash every day due to working out, I recommend mixing shampoo and conditioner in one while washing, as this helps impart more hydration into the hair and makes the shampoo gentler.” Dulling One common side effect of over-washing is loss of shine, since your hair is being stripped of its national oils, says Rilington. This is especially true if you have color-treated hair and your product does not protect color and the keratin protein, says Philip B. Scalp Imbalance When you wash your hair too much, it can disrupt balance, scalp microbiome, and pH, says Philip B. The result? Your hair will be left with a straw-like feel and your scalp will feel dry, inflamed, and irritated. “The sebum, our natural scalp and hair food, is the oil produced by the scalp,” he says, adding that it provides moisture and smooths the strands. “Washing too much away leads to imbalance and that can lead to a tight, dry scalp and dry, coarse strands prone to breakage.” Dueñas adds that if you have an overactive, oily scalp, over-washing your hair can make it even oiler. Plus, hair can grow limp and struggle to hold a style. If your hair begins to become desensitized, Clariss Rubenstein, a celebrity hairstylist with MONAT, recommends using a thickening shampoo or conditioner, like the MONAT IR Clinical Thickening Shampoo ($46, monatglobal.com) and MONAT IR Clinical Thickening Conditioner ($52, monatglobal.com), to help it regain its strength and fullness. The Impact of Under-Washing While deciding how long to go without washing your hair really depends on you as an individual, Dueñas says that once you start to see oil buildup on your scalp and your strands start getting flatter, it’s likely time for a wash. “Once you have buildup on the scalp, you need to detoxify it to remove excess sebum and dirt,” he says. Scalp Conditions Like washing your face and body, you will avoid skin concerns on your scalp by washing your hair. “If you wash very infrequently, [oil] could start to build up in layers, which can plug scalp follicles, cause hair loss, and [stimulate] acne on the scalp,” says Dueñas. Philip B notes that not washing your hair can also cause psoriasis, alopecia, and dandruff. “Cleansing is also great for circulation, scalp stimulation, oxygenation, relaxation, and de-stressing the tresses to make it a ritual that works for you—not a cleaning ‘chore,’” he says. And stop in for a great haircut to help you feel confident!
Is Dry Shampoo Bad for Your Hair and Scalp?
Is Dry Shampoo Bad for Your Hair and Scalp? Here’s What the Experts Say by: Madeline Buiano While the product quickly refreshes greasy hair, using it too often may have adverse effects. When your hair needs a quick refresh, but you don’t have time for a shower, dry shampoo is an easy solution—with just a few sprays, your greasy strands look clean again. While the hair product certainly works, concerns about the product’s safety, and whether or not it contributes to hair loss and damage, have recently surfaced. Although dry shampoo does make your strands look better temporarily, it can also block the hair follicles and negatively effect your scalp over time. How Dry Shampoo Works Dry shampoo absorbs the dirt and sebum on the scalp that build up between washes. Sebum is produced by the hair follicles and softens the scalp, says Paul Rus, an Irresistible Me hair stylist partner. While it’s essential for a healthy hair environment, the oily substance also makes your hair look greasy, which is where dry shampoo comes in. “The active ingredients used in dry shampoo soak up the sweat from our hair, making it look clean and fresh,” he says. Dry shampoo is most commonly made up of chalky powders and alcohols, which soak up moisture in the hair. According to Helen Reavey, board certified trichologist and founder of Act+Acre, the product also contains aerosols that allow for an easy spray application and artificial fragrances to mask odor. How Dry Shampoo Affects Your Hair and Scalp Despite the immediate benefits of dry shampoo, it can cause unwanted damage to your hair as it accumulates on the scalp. Reavey says that the harsh ingredients in certain dry shampoos can also strip away the healthy oils the scalp needs to thrive. Hair Loss As dry shampoo builds up on the scalp it can prevent nutrients from being able to reach the hair follicle. Reavey says overusing the product can result in inflammation of the scalp and blockage of the follicles. “Over time, this can weaken the follicle, causing increased shedding and hair thinning,” she says. Dandruff The most common issue people run into when using dry shampoo is dandruff. “Dandruff is typically caused by an oil imbalance that causes skin cells to build up, then shed liberally,” Reavey says. “To help prevent dandruff, it’s incredibly important to keep your scalp clean and balanced, which is hard to do if you continually rely on dry shampoo to extend the life of your hair.” How Often to Use Dry Shampoo To avoid overusing dry shampoo, Reavey recommends against using the product more than two times in between washes. “Ideally, you should never use dry shampoo to replace washing your hair, only as a means to freshen up your look as needed,” she says. But if you need a quick fix for greasy hair, Rus recommends choosing a product that has a safe formula. He says to avoid six specific ingredients: sulfates, parabens, polyethylene glycols, synthetic fragrances, talc, and alcohol. Alternatives to Dry Shampoo The best alternative to dry shampoo isn’t a true swap—you should wash your hair more frequently. “Your scalp and its follicles are the bedrock of healthy hair growth and a clean scalp provides an optimal environment for hair to flourish,” says Anabel Kingsley, the owner and consultant trichologist at Philip Kingsley. She adds that dry shampoo won’t remove the oil and grime in your hair. It will only mask it and keep your scalp dirty. If you’re concerned that washing your hair daily can damage it, Reavey says not to worry. “It really is a myth that you shouldn’t wash your hair too often,” she says. “Dead skin, pollution, and sweat can all contribute to the hair shaft weakening and causing unhealthy hair growth.” And stop in for a great haircut to help you feel confident!
How Much Hair Is Normal to Lose Every Day?
How Much Hair Is Normal to Lose Every Day? by: Audrey Noble When you start to notice some extra hair in your brush or circling the shower drain, it’s natural to be come worried about hair loss. But shedding—even a lot of it—is often normal and happens to everyone. “Light shedding is normal and part of the hair’s life cycle,” affirms Amy McMichael, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and the spokesperson for the Reflections of Alopecia Areata campaign. “You may see this type of hair shedding when you shower or brush your hair.” Serious hair loss, on the other hand, happens when more hairs fall out than grow in, says Dr. McMichael, who specializes in hair and scalp diseases. Outside of genetics, this can be caused by stress, illness, tight ponytails and other hairstyles that cause traction, nutritional deficiencies, autoimmune conditions, thyroid issues, and other medical conditions, says Dhaval Bhanusali, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Skin Medicinals and Hairstim Labs. But how can you tell the difference between normal shedding and serious hair loss? While all experts agree that it is best to ask your dermatologist, there are a few things that you can keep in mind to help you gauge where you fall on the hair loss spectrum. Identifying your normal hair shedding rate is the first step—and there are a few places you should look to do so. Related: These Are the 7 Most Effective Hair Loss Treatments, According to Dermatologists and Trichologists General Hair Shedding The average number of strands that you should expect to lose each day depends on how thick and long your hair is, says Dr. McMichael. But if you’re looking for a range, she says it is generally normal to lose anywhere between 50 to 100 hairs per day. There is a discrepancy in this hard-and-firm amount, due to the difference in length of each person’s hair growth phase, says board-certified trichologist David Kingsley, FWTS, of the World Trichology Society. For this reason, he recommends not getting too hung up on the numbers: Hair loss amounts in this so-called-average range can still be considered excessive hair shedding if it’s abnormal to you. “For instance, if you count your hair over a few weeks and notice that about an average of 90 hairs fall out, you might decide that this is okay, because it fits nicely in the ‘normal’ range,” he explains. “However, if you were only losing 45 hairs per day [at one point], 90 is twice your normal average. This could mean that you have excessive hair loss.” The takeaway? Compare your own hair fall with your history—not with someone else’s, says Kingsley. In Your Brush There are a few instances when we notice hair shedding most, the first being when we brush our hair. The more often you brush (and shampoo) your hair, the less strands you should see fall out each time, says Kingsley. So, if you lose 45 strands per day on average, but also brush every day, you should see a smaller, consistent number in the bristles; you’ll see the bulk of normal shedding in the shower. If you brush your hair less often, like a few times a week, you can expect to see an uptick of hair shedding, since strands will accumulate from not being brushed everyday. Ultimately, how much you see in your brush is dependent on your daily habits. In the Shower The next place we notice hair shedding is in the shower, post-shampoo. What’s considered a normal amount depends on how much hair you have to begin with. Those with shorter and thinner hair tend to shed less than those with thick, long hair, explains Dr. McMichael. The range of how much hair you lose when washing it varies. The less you shampoo, the more hair you’re going to see shed when you do, says Kingsley, who explains that 75 to 80% of the hair you lose during the day comes away when you shower. Ultimately, tracking a pattern of hair loss that deviates from your baseline, as opposed to monitoring a numerical amount, is a better indicator of a problem, notes Dr. McMichael. In Your Hands Again, this is dependent on the person. It’s common for a person to lose five to eight strands when they run their hands through their hair, says Dr. McMichael—but you still have to take certain factors into account, such as hair type and texture, products, and stress levels. “Every person is unique,” she says. The normal amount of hair you lose daily shouldn’t change rapidly—and it’s important to differentiate between running your hands through your hair and pulling on your strands, notes Kingsley. The latter doesn’t accurately indicate whether your hair loss is normal or something to worry about, and Kingsley cautions about using this as a barometer due to its addictive nature. “I find that if a person pulls on his or her hair and does not see any hair the first time, he or she will repeat the action four or five times until hair comes out,” he says. “It is almost as if people want continuous proof that their hair is falling out.” When to See a Doctor According to Dr. McMichael, some obvious signs that your hair loss or shedding is abnormal include bald spots and patchiness; losing large clumps of hair and experiencing scalp symptoms, such as irritation and itchiness, should also be cause for concern. Remember that hair loss is not limited to the hair on your head: These symptoms might also apply to your eyebrows, lashes, and face—or anywhere on your body that normally has hair. Excess hair shedding lasting longer than 2 to 4 weeks requires medical attention, says Kingsley. And if you notice that your ponytail has grown thinner or that you can wrap a band around it more times than you could previously (assuming that the band is not stretched out), seek treatment—this could be another sign of abnormal hair loss. Whatever you do, all experts advise checking in with your doctor before taking any action. “Every form of hair loss is different and treatment depends on