Whether you are spotting a fresh cut every so often or an afro, taking care of your hair is an important step in maintaining a well-groomed look. And we have heard time and time again that a well-groomed man is more successful at work.

Maintaining healthy hair is not just about using the right products. There is a lot that goes into making sure your hair and your scalp are healthy. A blend of the tips I am about to give you will help you

Know Your Hair Type

Hair

Knowing your hair type is the first step in understanding how to take care of your hair. This will help you know what to use on your hair, how to take care of it, and what hair styles best suit you.

Hair mainly falls into four categories. However, three main hair types characterize black hair-curly, wavy, and kinky or coily. Each of these types is further broken down into letters(a, b, and c) depending on how tight or loose the curl is.

● Wavy. This type of hair is also known as type 2. This type can easily be straightened and styled.
● Curly. This is also known as type 3 on the hair chart. Men with curly hair have a more defined curl than those with wavy that can range from loose to corkscrew-shaped curls. This type of hair frizzes when there is humidity and can easily be damaged.
● Coily/Kinky. This type of hair, also known as type 4, has the tightest curl compared to the first two. It is very thick and shrinks a lot when wet. It can get really dry and is sensitive to damage.

Find the Right Products and Tools

Products

Once you know your hair type, finding the right products will not be as complicated. For example, the conditioner you use for type 3a may not be the same for type 4c, which you can easily find at cleverlybeauty.com.

There are mainly three products that you will use in your hair care routine:

● Shampoo. A shampoo aids in removing any grease and dirt from your hair.
● Conditioner. A conditioner is great for detangling hair and adding extra moisture to your hair.
● Moisturizer. A moisturizer is another essential product used to keep your scalp hydrated and your hair moist. It also locks in moisture for longer. This prevents excessive breakage and damage to your hair.

 

Look for products that do not have harsh ingredients, such as sulfate or alcohol. Harsh chemicals harm both your scalp and hair. They cause irritation and strip your hair of its natural oils and ultimately cause breakage and hair loss.

Tools

Choosing whether to use a brush or comb depends on your type of hair and how long it is. Some experts recommend brushing short hair and combing long hair, and others recommend the opposite. However, the choice is up to you.

Whichever tool you use, make sure that it causes minimal breakage. For instance, if you choose a brush, select one with softer bristles. If you decide to go with a comb, go for a wider-toothed one

Establish a Hair Care Routine

Having a hair care routine will help you in your healthy hair journey. This routine does not have to be a complicated one and can be as simple as washing and conditioning your hair once or twice a week and getting a trim, depending on your preferred hairstyle.

It is not advisable to wash your hair with shampoo every day. Nevertheless, running your hair underwater frequently is an easy way to ensure that your hair is moisturized. This is especially beneficial if your hair is prone to dryness.

Adding a moisturizer to your hair routine will help your hair flourish. You can either use a cream or essential oils.

Brushing or combing your hair should be part of your routine. Do this when your hair is damp and not wet to avoid any breakage and further damage. Brushing or combing your hair will give you a neater look.

Once you choose a routine that works for you, be consistent.

Eat Right

You are what you eat is a statement that not only applies to weight management but also to maintaining healthy hair. Just as there are foods that can trigger hair loss, there are key nutrients that promote healthy hair.

Go for unprocessed, healthy foods that will provide you with the nutrition you need for a healthy lifestyle and healthy hair. Protein is vital for hair growth, so make sure you add it to your diet.

Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. Water hydrates your hair from within and works towards healthy hair.  You can also add vitamin, iron, zinc, and omega-3 supplements as boosters.

Protect Your Hair

hair cut

Harsh conditions or weather can slowly damage your hair. Excessive heat and cold can dry out your hair. You can protect your hair by covering it with a cap or woolen hat. If you are spotting an afro, consider twists or cornrows as protective hairstyles that will give your hair a break.

Another way to protect your hair is to pick a low-maintenance hairstyle, preferably one that makes you look good is easy to maintain, and avoids damage.