As a professional makeup artist and beauty expert, I’ve worked with countless men who struggle with something as simple yet crucial as hair care. Most guys might think haircare is just a woman’s game, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. The way your hair looks can change your entire appearance, and taking good care of it can bring out your true potential. In this blog, I’m going to break down the perfect haircare routine for men, step-by-step, so you can have healthy, vibrant hair every day.
Why Haircare is Essential for Men
Before we dive into the actual haircare routine, let’s talk about why haircare is so important for men. You might think, “Hey, I wash my hair every day, isn’t that enough?” Well, the short answer is no. Most guys use cheap drugstore products that end up stripping their hair of its natural oils, making it look dull, dry, and lifeless.
Did you know that 99% of guys have no idea what their hair type is? And even fewer know how to choose the right products for their hair. This is a huge problem because your hair type determines everything about how you should be treating your hair, from how often you should shampoo to which styling products will actually work for you. Using the wrong products will only make your hair look worse.
In fact, there’s a reason why the no-shampoo trend has gained popularity. People have realized that most commercial hair products are actually damaging their hair more than helping it. But does that mean everyone should ditch shampoo altogether? Absolutely not. Your haircare routine depends on your hair type, and I’ll help you figure that out.
Let’s Get Started
In this guide, I’ll teach you:
- How to identify your hair type
- The best practices for each hair type
- How to choose the right products to bring out the best in your hair
Let’s jump into it!
Understanding Your Hair Type: The Foundation of Good Haircare
Forget What You Think You Know About Hair Types
When most people think about hair types, they often refer to terms like curly, straight, wavy, or hair categories like 1a or 3c. While those terms are useful in some cases, they don’t tell the full story when it comes to haircare for men. Every guy’s hair falls into one of three categories:
- Fine Hair
- Medium Hair
- Coarse Hair
Regardless of your ethnicity, you fall into one of these three types, and this classification doesn’t change throughout your life. This is the foundation of your haircare routine, so understanding your hair type is key to unlocking the best version of your hair.
Fine Hair: Care and Tips
If your hair becomes greasy quickly and lacks volume, you probably have fine hair. This type of hair tends to lie flat on your scalp, making it look thin and lifeless after just a day or two without washing. Here’s how you can tell if you have fine hair:
- Your hair becomes oily within 24 hours of washing.
- It tends to clump together and look thinner as the day progresses.
- You struggle to keep volume or body in your hair.
Fine Hair Care Routine
- Shampoo Frequency: Fine hair needs to be washed more frequently than other hair types. Aim to shampoo every 1-3 days depending on how quickly your scalp gets oily.
- Avoid Heavy Products: Anything that adds weight to your hair—like oils or thick creams—will only make it look flatter. Instead, go for lightweight products that give your hair a lift.
- Choose Volumizing Products: Look for shampoos, conditioners, and styling products designed to add volume. These products will help your hair look fuller and healthier.
Pro Tip:
Avoid the no-shampoo trend if you have fine hair. Going days without washing will leave your hair greasy, smelly, and full of dandruff. You definitely need to shampoo more often to keep it looking fresh.
Best Products for Fine Hair:
I’ve curated a list of the best volumizing and lightweight products for fine hair that you can check out [here]. Trust me, using the right products will transform how your hair looks and feels.
Medium Hair: Care and Tips
Medium hair is the “Goldilocks” of hair types—it’s not too fine, and it’s not too thick. It’s just right. This hair type doesn’t get greasy as quickly as fine hair, and it typically holds volume better. However, it still requires careful maintenance to look its best.
Here’s how to tell if you have medium hair:
- Your hair gets greasy after 3 days or more without washing.
- It has some natural volume, but not to the point where it becomes hard to manage.
- You can easily add texture or body to your hair with the right products.
Medium Hair Care Routine
- Shampoo Frequency: You can go a bit longer between washes compared to fine hair. Try shampooing every 3-4 days, depending on how oily your scalp gets.
- Lightweight Products are Still Key: Like fine hair, medium hair responds best to lighter products. Using something too heavy will weigh it down and make it look greasy faster.
- Add Texture and Volume: You have the advantage of being able to style your hair with more texture. Use texturizing sprays or volumizing mousses to get that perfect look without going overboard.
Pro Tip:
If you want to stretch out the time between washes, using a good dry shampoo can be a game-changer. It helps absorb excess oils and keeps your hair looking fresh.
Best Products for Medium Hair:
Finding the perfect lightweight products is key for medium hair. Check out my recommended list of styling products that bring out the best in medium hair without weighing it down.
Coarse Hair: Care and Tips
Coarse hair is the thickest of all hair types. If you have coarse hair, you’re in luck—this hair type can go days and even weeks without needing a wash. It also holds volume easily, which can be both a blessing and a curse depending on how you like your hair styled.
Here’s how to tell if you have coarse hair:
- Your hair is thick and feels full, even without styling products.
- It doesn’t get greasy easily; you can go a week without washing it and it still looks fresh.
- After a shower, your hair might look like a “puff ball” due to its natural volume.
Coarse Hair Care Routine
- Shampoo Less Often: Coarse hair doesn’t need to be washed as frequently. You can get away with shampooing once a week or even less, depending on how your scalp feels.
- Moisture is Key: Coarse hair needs a lot of hydration to maintain its health and shine. Look for shampoos and conditioners that provide intense moisture.
- Use Heavier Products: Unlike fine or medium hair, coarse hair benefits from heavier products like oils and creams that help weigh it down and control its natural volume.
Pro Tip:
If you’re one of the guys who has had success with the no-shampoo trend, chances are you have coarse hair. You can go long stretches without washing, but remember to keep it hydrated with moisturizing products.
Best Products for Coarse Hair:
The right oils and moisture-rich products can make coarse hair easier to manage. Take a look at my recommended products [here], which are specifically designed to keep coarse hair looking smooth and healthy.
Styling Tips for Each Hair Type
Now that you know how to care for your hair based on its type, let’s talk about styling. Haircare and styling go hand in hand, and the products you use can either make or break your look.
For Fine Hair:
- Go for Volume: Use lightweight styling mousses or sprays to add volume without weighing the hair down.
- Avoid Heavy Oils: Stick to water-based or foam-based products to keep your hair looking fresh.
- Blow-Dry Upside Down: If you’re using a blow dryer, flip your head upside down to add natural lift and volume.
For Medium Hair:
- Add Texture: Medium hair works well with texturizing sprays and pastes that give it a bit of grit and hold.
- Keep It Light: Don’t overload your hair with products. A small amount of mousse or gel will do the trick.
- Experiment with Styles: Because medium hair is so versatile, don’t be afraid to try different looks, from sleek to messy.
For Coarse Hair:
- Tame the Volume: Coarse hair holds volume naturally, so focus on products that smooth and flatten the hair to keep it under control.
- Use Oils for Shine: Oils are your best friend—they hydrate the hair and give it a sleek, polished look.
- Low-Maintenance Styles: Coarse hair often looks great without much styling. Consider natural, effortless styles that embrace your hair’s natural volume.
Conclusion: Ditch the Drugstore and Invest in Your Hair
Taking care of your hair as a guy doesn’t have to be complicated. It’s all about understanding your hair type and using the right products that work with your natural texture. Whether you have fine, medium, or coarse hair, the key is to avoid cheap, drugstore products that strip your hair of life and use quality products that enhance your hair’s natural beauty.
Remember, your hair is one of the first things people notice about you. It’s worth taking the time to learn how to care for it properly. If you’re still using random shampoos and conditioners from the drugstore, it’s time to step up your game and invest in your hair.
By following this routine and using the recommended products for your hair type, you’ll not only look better but feel better too. Happy haircare, gentlemen!