Those natural oils are the best thing to hydrate your scalp.

Three to four times a week is best for most guys.

Theyre harder on the hair and lean more towards the cleansing side, without giving you enough hydration.

Man in sweatshirt with sunglasses outside in black and white photo

Unsplash / Design by Michela Buttignol

It helps soothe the skin from irritation and protect it from UV radiation damage.

You should blot it with the towel, dont rub it, he says.

Get in there with your fingers and nails to gently exfoliate your scalp, says Kyle.

For everyone else, every few weeks is enough.

Use Sunscreen Even on Your Scalp

We all know the importance of wearing sunscreen when outside.

If you have thinning hair or bald spots,protecting your scalpis key.

According to Bennett, that means wearingsunscreenon any exposed parts when youre outside.

She recommends spray sunscreens, since lotions can get greasy and clog the follicles.

Even with a spray, you should shampoo after you come back inside to minimize buildup.

Theyre also about keeping the rest of your head tidy.

A clean neck is what makes a haircut look fresh, even ifyou have long hair.

Bring Examples

Instead of trying to describe what haircut you want to your barber, bring pictures.

Your barber will also be able to tell you if that particular style will work for you.

Its like buying a nice watch.

Do you want a Casio or a Rolex?

You dont need to break the bank, but a haircut is not the place to pinch pennies.

Find a barbershop or salon where you feel comfortable paying their prices, and you vibe with their work.

You might not think anyone can tell the difference, but they can.

Texture actually makes a haircut last longer, says Mr. Natty.

If you cut a straight line into hair, it grows out very quickly and looks sloppy.

They resist laying flat like the rest of our hair and can be frustrating to style.

Instead offighting a cowlick, Bennett recommends working with it.

Its about finding the right kind of blend for the haircut, she says.

If youre not willing to put in the time, its not the right haircut for you.

But going from a high-and-tight fade to surfer waves takes time and patience.

you gotta have something to work with.

Once it starts to get long, ask your barber for a shape-up, not a cut.

Use a Blow Dryer

Many guys dont think aboutblow dryingtheir hair, but they should.

Pay attention to the airflow and point the dryer in the direction you want your hair to go.

Blow drying can also give extra volume for thinner hair that needs extra shape.

Don’t Use More Product Than You Need

More is better, right?

Not in the case ofhair products.

Men generally use more hair product than they actually need.

Start with a pea-size amount if youre using something like pomade, says Bennett.

If you cant run your fingers through your hair, youve used too much.

It will help ensure a more even coating and wont form clumps in your hair.

you’re free to always add more product to the front if you need it.

Find Your Natural Part

If youre going to part your hair, dont force it.

Everyone has a natural part somewhere, says Bennett.

If you comb all your hair back, youll see the natural separation.

Utilizing your natural part will help keep your part in place and look the most suited to your head.

But dont part your hair if you want it to look casual, says Mr. Natty.

A crisp part is a very classic, gentleman style, he says.

Most people look better with more textured separation than a true part.

When you have thinner hair, salt spray can make it look thicker.

The salt adds grip to the hair and puffs it out, creating texture and volume.

Spray it onto damp hair and let it air dry or use a blow dryer.

Know The Difference Between Pomade and Clay

Traditionally, pomades have more hold and more shine.

They give you a wet look and are for side parts or slicked back styles, says Mr. Natty.

Creams are lighter products, and its harder to go overboard with them, he says.

Dont spray it directly onto your hair, though.

Spray the hairspray onto a brush first and then run it through your hair, he says.

It will help keep the shape, but not make it look like a helmet.

The bonus is that they help soak up oil and keep your hair looking clean longer.

Just never use them on wet hair.

Spray it on dry roots and massage it in, says Kyle.

Go shorter on the sides and finger length on the top, he says.

And if you dont have enough on top, whack it all off with clippers.

Shorter hair holds volume better and will give the illusion that theres more than there is.

When hair lays flat to the head, it actually exposes more scalp, says Bennett.

A barber will be able to take control of the situation, says Mr. Natty.

Theyll be able to look at your scalp objectively and advise you on the best solution.

Its an emotional experience, he says, but your barber has your back.

Color Regularly

When it comes to color, it’s best to get on a schedule.

And if you work with a stylist, you’re able to outsource the color selection to them.

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