How often do you think about your hair or your scalp, or your hair and scalp at the same time? We’re betting not a lot. Which may translate into you also not doing a lot with either. And yet, a good hair and scalp routine can contribute to helping remove dirt, oil and grime. Nicole Pidherny, the founder of Pomme Salon in Kelowna British Columbia shares four key tips every man needs to know about his hair and/or scalp.
1. Your hormones contribute to how your hair and scalp looks and feels
Hormones can affect both your scalp and hair, which can lead to increased oil production, itchiness and dandruff. Hormonal shifts can also impact your hair growth patterns such as shedding, balding and changes in texture. “Men’s scalp barriers are naturally weaker than women’s, therefore can result in more scalp issues and hair loss,” affirms Pidherny. “Typically, hormonal shifts begin around age 30 and can affect oil production, hair loss, hair growth and more.”
2. Exfoliate
Your haircare products don’t need to be expensive, but they do need to do the job. So take note on how your hair and scalp look and feel, so that you can purchase the appropriate shampoo and conditioner for your needs. Regardless of your hair type, start with a deep cleansing shampoo/scrub to exfoliate dead skin cells, dirt, grime, pollution and styling product build-up from your hair and scalp. Use it once a week instead of your shampoo and then follow-up with your conditioner. “These [exfoliating cleansers] will not strip your hair but rather gently cleanse it without being harsh on the skin,” adds Pidherny. Next, find the right shampoo and conditioner combo for your hair.
3. Use the right shampoo and conditioner
Picking the right products based on your hair and scalp needs can be as simple as looking in the mirror. What does your hair look and feel like? Do you have any pain points? These key identifiers can range from: “dull hair that is flat with no shine or volume,” expands Pidherny. “Dry hair is hair that dries fuzzy or frizzy with no shine and loses its shape. If there is wave or curl it is lacking. It can also have breakage due to dryness, possible dry scalp and flakes. Oily hair has no volume, an over production of sebum and wet flakes. Dry scalp, may have dull and frizzy looking hair with an itchy and/or red scalp with flakes and the hair will not style.” Using the right products with descriptors on the label that match your needs is ideal. “Choose a cleanser that will target your main issue and the correlating conditioner to help balance out the PH,” adds Pidherny.
4. Yup, you need to accessorize
Got the perfect comb or brush? Maybe you like a hair texturizer or deep conditioning mask. The key is to find your favourite, never-leave-the-bathroom-without products and accessories and then, always have them on hand. “Whether that is an all-in-one product or your hairbrush,” affirms Pidherny. “A scalp scrubber is also an excellent tool to use. You will get deep into the follicle and exfoliate the scalp and hair to get a cleaner end-result and help with circulation on the scalp. Use it daily.”
