Hair Care and Styling for Grooms
Some men after a trip to the barbers generally don’t worry if the cut is a good or bad one and unlike women will just ‘get on with it’ because it soon grows back again and as long as it’s easy enough to ‘comb and go’ they put up with it until the next haircut is due.
On the other hand there is a lot of men who know what they want with reference to their hair and will change barbers many times before they finally find the one that understands how their hair grows and gets the haircut he is really happy with.
Like us women, men have their bad and good hair days and getting regular haircuts is top of the list when it comes to maintaining good style and a head of healthy hair.
Any good hair stylist will know how your hair grows and what texture it is. Hair grows in a circular setting beginning at the crown and once your stylist understands which direction your hair moves the styling and maintaining is far easy to work out.
Different Hair Textures and How to Care for It
To get that perfect hairstyle for your wedding you first need to find out what texture of hair you have and how best to maintain it. Some of the difference textures are as follows:
Thick Hair
Thick Hair has a harsh texture and can be hard to keep under control. A good quality conditioner after shampooing is best used about three to four times a week but choose one without proteins as this will add volume where it’s not needed.
When blow drying keep the dryer about 5cm away and to avoid tangling your hair keep the dryer moving up and down. Gels and foamy creams will only leave thick hair stiff and rigid and appear even thicker. Ensure you use a hairbrush that has natural bristles.
Curly Hair
Curly Hair can be rough and wild and will need extra care because of its inclination of dryness leading to breakage. Wash regularly using a soft shampoo aimed at curly hair that will help soften and condition without destroying any of the bounce in the curves.
Towel dry after washing and use a thick comb to maintain the shape of the curves. Products especially for curly hair can be applied and then let the hair dry naturally. If you do blow dry then move the dryer constantly and hold it as far away from your hair as possible. Using a hairbrush will only destroy the natural shape of your curls.
Thin Hair
Thin Hair can end up looking limp, flat and lifeless if not cared for properly. A protein based shampoo is best used for thin hair and a lotion that contains Vitamin B will help fortify and give it a plumped up appearance as well as strengthen.
Hot water will stimulate the dilation of the scalp and give it consistency. If you use shampoo foam make sure you choose a non-alcohol one.
When using a blow dryer only dry the roots to give your hair more shape and volume. Dry and shape with your fingertips or a good hairbrush to get the best out of your thin hair. Using hairspray or a strong gel will help give your hair more staying power.
Wild Hair
Wild hair can be helped by shampoo being applied on the roots when washing and letting it ‘pour’ to the ends. When applying a conditioner leave it in and do not rinse. By adjusting the temperature and speed towards the end of drying just as you get to that almost dry stage will help towards ‘taming’ your wild hair.
Foams are not advisable for wild hair but using hairspray while stretching your hair gently to the ends can be done to get a straight style.
Dry Hair
Dry Hair is weak and fragile which is due to a moisture deficiency. There are many reasons why you end up with dry hair from chemical abuse to genetic or over exposure to the sun.
If it is because of chemical abuse you can turn this around by using care products that contain a combination of vitamins and additives.
Keep away from products that contain alcohol and don’t use hairspray. When blow drying always use it on the lowest setting otherwise too high a temperature will take away any of the natural moisture in the hair.
Oily Hair
Oily Hair does not have any volume and without constant care has that wet look. Like dry hair this type of hair can also be of a genetic origin as well as bad diet habits or a nervous system disorder.
Wash regular with a normal non alcohol free shampoo and then apply an oil reduction product, before rinsing well with tepid water.
Lemon or vinegar can be used to rinse and help keep in the natural pH of the hair and massaging your scalp gently will stimulate blood irrigation to add moisture levels.
Black Hair
Black Hair is more brittle and dryer and generally needs vitamins and moisture care to prevent the hair becoming more of a problem. Because the structure of black hair prevents the hair’s natural oils from travelling easily down the hair shaft it presents a problem of breaking points and black hair needs to be handled with great care.
Moisturisers and conditioners do not have that much of an effect on the natural Afro hair but with a regime of braiding and oiling it is possible to keep the texture soft and easier to manage.
Always use a wide tooth comb and don’t tug at the strands. Also avoid excessive use of blow drying.
As with most hair textures, daily care and weekly treatments are needed to maintain the natural balance of moisture and protein, and to restore strength and resilience.
Healthy Hair - Quick Advice
Some quick pointers to help to keep your hair healthy.
- Drink plenty of water.
- Eat a healthy and balance diet.
- Get regular haircuts.
- Use products that appertain to your hair texture.
- Don’t be over rough when towel drying.
- Keep blow drying to a minimum.
- Watch the temperature of your water. Very hot water will strip essential oils from the hair and scalp.
- Don’t use a brush on your hair when it’s wet.
- Don’t wear hair in a ponytail too tight.
Your Hair on Your Wedding Day
To get your hair into good shape for your wedding day can begin with you taking care of your hair and by following guidelines on the appropriate products you buy.
Get a good cut about a month before the wedding and then a trim the week before. This will then leave your hair enough time to settle and get into a good condition.
Wash and style your hair on the day and a light hairspray that nobody will know about can help towards keeping your style in place all day.
