Men's Hair Care Routine for Any Hair Type

We couldn’t be more proud of you for mastering your beard care routine. That fuzz is looking fresh, my guy. But you didn’t think we’d let you out without a winning mane to match, did you? 

Straight hair? We got you. Waves? We’re grabbing our boards. Curly coils? He’s electric. Got some kinks? Don’t we all? 

We’re giving you the play-by-play of men’s hair care routine success. Read on for the best hair care routine for men with straight, wavy, curly, and kinky hair. 

Why Is Hair Type Important in Your Routine?

Understanding your hair type is an integral part of establishing the best hair care routine. This is because different hair types have unique characteristics and needs. 

For instance, straight hair tends to become oily more quickly due to the ease at which natural oils from the scalp can travel down the hair shaft. Conversely, kinky hair is more prone to dryness and breakage, due to the shape and structure of the hair strand, which hampers the natural oils from adequately coating the hair.

Straight and wavy hair types generally require more frequent washing to control oiliness, while curly and kinky hair types benefit from less frequent washing to avoid stripping the hair of its natural oils. 

Properly identifying your hair type not only helps you choose the most suitable hair care products but also enables you to better tailor your hair care practices to meet the specific needs of your hair. When in doubt, head into your local barbershop and have a conversation with your barber, who has an up-close understanding of your hair. 

What Are the Benefits of a Good Hair Care Routine?

A well-implemented hair care routine does more than just make your hair look good; it contributes to overall health and wellness in a number of ways. Here are some of the health benefits that come from maintaining a proper hair care routine:

Scalp Health

A healthy scalp is the foundation for healthy hair. Regular cleansing with a quality men’s shampoo helps to remove excess oil, sweat, and dead skin cells from the scalp, preventing issues like a build up of dandruff and scalp acne.

Conditioning treatments provide necessary hydration and nutrition to the scalp, which can help to soothe irritation and reduce inflammation.

Minimizes the Look of Hair Loss

Many factors can lead to hair loss, including poor nutrition, stress, hormonal imbalances, and bad hair care practices. Regular gentle brushing or massaging of your scalp can stimulate blood flow, promoting healthier hair follicles and potentially reducing the appearance of hair loss. 

Also, using products that are specifically designed to combat hair loss can support healthy hair strands, reducing breakage and shedding.

Enhances Appearance and Self-Confidence

Healthy, well-groomed hair can significantly improve your physical appearance, contributing to a more polished and professional look. This can boost your self-confidence and positively influence social and professional interactions.

Stress Relief

Many aspects of a good hair care routine, such as scalp massages and deep conditioning treatments, can be quite relaxing. This can contribute to stress relief and overall mental wellness.

Early Detection of Issues

Regular hair care routines provide opportunities for early detection of potential health issues. For instance, sudden changes in hair texture, extreme hair loss, or changes in the scalp could be indicators of underlying health conditions, such as hormonal imbalances or nutritional deficiencies. Early detection allows for prompt medical intervention.

Promotes Healthy Hair Growth

A proper hair care routine will often include a well-balanced diet rich in essential vitamins, minerals, and proteins that promote hair growth. Combined with good hair care practices, this can lead to healthy, strong, and shiny hair.

A good hair care routine is an integral part of overall personal health care. It’s about more than just vanity; it’s about wellness and quality of life. Regularly taking the time to care for your hair can result in both immediate and long-term benefits for your overall health.

The Supply Lineup

First, let’s talk men’s grooming supplies. If you want healthy hair, you’re going to need a quality shampoo—or 2-in-1 if you’re into the whole convenience thing—and a few other tools to round out the routine. 

• Shampoo – It sets the foundation, so stick to the good stuff.
• Conditioner – A 2-in-1 is probably sounding pretty appealing right about now.
• Beard wash – Please, we beg of you, don’t go near the beard with regular shampoo.
• A bath towel – Optional if you’re more of an all-natural guy—respect.
• Hair product of your choice – Gel, wax, pomade, you get the idea.

We’re about to comb over our expert hair care tips for straight, wavy, curly, and kinky hair. We hope it goes without saying, but every routine should include head hair and beard hair. 

The Start to All Hair Care

Before you dive into your hair routine, there are a few things you should start with.

Let your hair down. If you’re a fan of a man bun, ponytails, or weaves, you’ll want to let your hair down. More specifically, you need to loosen the hair near your head so products like shampoo and conditioners can reach your head. 

Brush it out. Before jumping in the shower, grab that brush. You need to get rid of severe tangles, especially if you have long hair. 

Choose the right products. We enjoy a good beard oil, and skincare remains a major aspect of your overall hair growth, so it’s important you use the right products. Get a proper hair conditioner and shampoo designed to work with your hair type. 

For Straight or Wavy Hair

Straight and wavy hair makes for a hair routine men tend to appreciate—an easy one. Before mastering your straight or wavy hair care routine, we suggest first nailing the cut. A cut that feels and flows right will make hair styling all the breezier. 

A couple of classic straight-or-wavy styles to consider: 

• The short fringe
• The Gosling fade
• The blow-dried quaff
• The middle part shag
• The high top 

Hair Care Routine for Straight or Wavy Hair

Now presenting your routine for slow-walking through gawking crowds forever:

Shampoo often – Straight, wavy, and fine, thinning hair tends to oil up more quickly. If you’ve got oily hair, fight off the extra sheen with a shampoo or 2-in-1 a good 4–5 times per week. 

Blow dry to perfection – Sometimes, all this hair type needs is a fine-toothed comb and a blow dryer. Blow dry your hair in the direction you want it to sit and stay.

Palm a pomade – For a rugged-meets-put-together look, finger comb some low- or medium-hold pomade through your hair in the morning to lift it and keep it there. 

For Curly Hair

Curly hair strikes a look all on its own—that ladies usually can’t resist. It’s best not to get in the way of your natural Chalamet. Give those coils what they need, and they’ll do the work. 

A few things curls need on the regular: 

• Extra moisture to tame frizzy hair
• Protection against humid environments
• A stronger styling product to smooth style

Hair Care Routine for Curly Hair

Make your way to curly hair mastery by following these tips.

Shampoo less often – Too-frequent shampooing can dry out and break your curls—not a good look. Wash 2–3 times per week with a moisturizing shampoo.

Use nature’s dryer – For you, curly-haired king, the blow dryer might add unwanted frizz to your game. Let your hair dry naturally while you inevitably win the day. 

Apply a hair cream for curls – Yes, products designed for men’s curls exist, and yes, you should be using them. If you think Kit Harington wakes up like that, you’re wrong. 

For Kinky Hair 

You’ll see kinky or afro-textured hair rocked close to the scalp or several inches out—and it’s all good. Like straighter hair, the maintenance largely depends on the starting style. 

A few kinky hairstyles that make an entrance: 

• The clean-cut buzz
• The classic fade
• Braids for days
• The immaculate afro

Hair Care Routine for Kinky Hair

No matter the style, that dreamy, coarse, thick hair is highly prone to breakage, so proper care is vital to showing off this uniquely fresh look. 

Shampoo sparingly – To avoid drying out kinky hair, reserve shampooing to once or twice a week with a sulfate-free shampoo. 

Towel pat to dry – Like curly hair, kinky and coarse hair doesn’t love the blow dryer. Use a bath towel to pat dry after a shower to avoid damaging hair strands. 

Condition and moisturize – If your kinks are causing more headaches than head nods, they might be thirsty. Lather and lock in moisture daily with silicone-free hair care products.

Hair Health Beyond Products: Diet and Lifestyle

While products are crucial in any hair care routine, the role of a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle in maintaining hair health cannot be overemphasized. Nutrients such as proteins, vitamins, and minerals are vital in promoting hair health and growth. 

Proteins provide the building blocks for hair growth, while vitamins such as A, B, C, D, E, and minerals like iron, zinc, and biotin promote scalp health and hair growth, and protect the hair from damage.

A healthy lifestyle also plays a significant role in hair health. Regular exercise promotes good circulation, which can stimulate hair growth while ensuring adequate rest and managing stress can help prevent conditions such as hair loss and premature graying.

Navigating Hair Care in Different Seasons

Hair care is not a one-size-fits-all approach, and even with a solid routine, it's essential to understand how changes in the seasons may necessitate changes in your hair care practices. 

For instance, during winter, when the air is drier (and you are more likely to use hot water when you shower), your hair may require additional moisture to prevent dryness and breakage. This dry hair care may come in the form of hair oil or leave-in conditioner, depending on your hair type.

On the other hand, in summer, when it's warmer and more humid, you may need to switch to lighter hair products and increase the frequency of washing to deal with excess oiliness and sweat.

Can the Wrong Hair Care Routine Damage My Hair?

Engaging in certain practices can significantly harm your hair, resulting in issues such as breakage, dryness, split ends, and dullness. 

Here are several actions that can negatively impact your hair health:

• Over-washing: Excessive washing can strip your hair of its natural oils, leading to dryness and brittleness. The frequency of washing depends on your hair type and lifestyle, but generally, washing every other day or less is typically recommended.
• Using heat styling tools excessively: Regular use of heat styling tools such as flat irons, curling irons, and blow dryers can cause damage to the hair cuticles, leading to dry, brittle hair prone to breakage.
• Chemical treatments: Chemical processes such as perming, relaxing, or coloring your hair can cause significant damage if not done correctly or if done too often. These processes can weaken the hair structure, leading to breakage and dryness.
• Poor diet: Your hair needs essential nutrients to grow and stay healthy. A diet lacking in key nutrients like protein, vitamins, and minerals can lead to hair loss and dullness.
• Rough handling: Being too rough when brushing or combing your hair, especially when it's wet, can cause breakage. It's best to gently detangle your hair using a wide-tooth comb or a brush designed to prevent breakage.
• Neglecting sun protection: Prolonged exposure to the sun's UV rays can lead to dryness and make your hair brittle. It's important to protect your hair by wearing a hat or using a hair product with UV protection when you'll be in the sun for extended periods.
• Using harsh hair products: Many hair care products contain harsh chemicals such as sulfates, parabens, and alcohol, which can strip your hair of its natural oils and leave it dry and brittle. Opt for gentle, sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners instead.
• Tight hairstyles: Regularly wearing tight hairstyles such as ponytails, braids, or buns can put a lot of tension on your hair follicles, leading to a condition known as traction alopecia, which can cause permanent hair loss.

Maintaining healthy hair involves a balance of good hair care practices, a nutritious diet, and a healthy lifestyle.

What Are Hair Care Tips for Men Experiencing Hair Loss?

Hair loss is a common concern among men, with factors such as genetics, age, hormonal changes, stress, and poor nutrition contributing to this condition. 

If you're experiencing hair loss, consider the following tips:

• Choose gentle, sulfate-free hair care products: Sulfates are harsh cleaning agents that can strip the hair of its natural oils, leading to dryness and potential hair damage.
• Don't skip the conditioner: Conditioner helps replenish moisture and nutrients, which can keep your hair strong and less prone to breakage.
• Consider treatments: From hair growth serums to supplements, there are various treatments available that can aid in slowing hair loss and promoting hair growth. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment.
• Massage your scalp: Regular scalp massages can stimulate blood flow and promote hair growth.
• Avoid heat styling: Excessive heat can damage hair and exacerbate hair loss. Try to limit the use of blow dryers and other heat-styling tools.

Creating a hair care routine that's tailored to your specific hair type and needs not only improves the look and feel of your hair but can also boost your overall confidence. Remember, at the Beard Club, we're not just about beards, but about supporting you in mastering your complete grooming routine. 

Our new 2-in-1 Shampoo & Conditioner, coupled with our top-rated beard oil, is here to help you do just that. So let's embrace all types of hair and celebrate the individuality they bring. Hair care starts here.

Get into your Hair Flow with The Beard Club

Let’s face it, guys. Hair care is about more than just the beard (even though the beard is a wildly crucial part). Caring for all the hair gracing that gorgeous crown of yours brings the whole look together. 

We created Beard Club as an unassuming, unobtrusive space for dudes to be dudes—which we felt the men’s hair and beard space was painfully lacking. We’ve got quality beard products, no-fuss bundles, information for days, and no B.S. 

Oh, and did we mention our new 2-in-1 Shampoo & Conditioner is finally here? Our wives have been deep-sniffing our scalps for weeks. And, of course, treat that face lace to the good life with our top-rated beard oil jam-packed with nourishing ingredients, such as essential oils to help support beard growth. 

Sources: 

How to stop damaging your hair | AAD

Hair Follicle: Function, Structure & Associated Conditions | Cleveland Clinic

Seasonal changes in human hair growth | NCBI