It’s a common assumption that men, in general, are unconcerned about their hair and skincare problems, but that’s not always true. Since hair is such a big part of your appearance, keeping it well maintained is important.
Following the simple guidelines below will put you on your way to a vibrant looking head of hair.
Ingrown hairs and razor bumps
If quality products for African American skincare are difficult to find, black men’s skin care is almost impossible to find. It’s important to find products formulated to meet common needs most black men share like the need for added moisture, additional oil and problems with Pseudofolliculitis Barbae aka Razor Bumps.
For a black man, shaving can be a particularly painful task. It has been reported that 60-80% of black men suffer from razor bumps, at least to some degree. Other ethnic men suffer from these as well.
So what’s a brother who prefers to go beardless supposed to do?
The easiest solution would be to cut down the number of times you shave, but this is not always possible. Aside from that, you can use a single- blade razor or clippers to cut the hair short above the skin.
Keep skin moisturized and shave the beard in the same direction that the hairs are growing. Many men shave against the grain, which is incorrect. Have a barber “map” your face. Face mapping determines the direction in which you should shave so that it’s consistent with beard growth.
In terms of products, acids and alcohol are damaging to hair and skin and need to be avoided. Stick with products that include high-quality vitamins and oils that are friendly to your skin.
Dandruff & your scalp
Dandruff is the clear indicator that you have a dry scalp. A dry scalp makes it much harder to get waves. Dandruff can be caused by washing hair too much and stripping it of its natural oils too much or not washing it enough, and it is also caused by not oiling/moisturizing the scalp.
Waves will be easier to obtain if your scalp is moisturized and soft so waves can be formed easier than having a dry hard scalp. Keep your scalp moisturized but don’t put too much grease or moisturizer because this can clog the pores in your scalp and cause acne.
Shampoo less
Shampooing too often can cause short, black hair to become dry and brittle. This is because most retail shampoos contain a chemical called sodium lauryl sulfate, or SLS. SLS is a detergent responsible for cleaning the hair.
Unfortunately, it can also strip the hair of natural oils that protect it, leaving it dried and prone to breakage, notes HairLossBuddy.com. If possible, shampoo your hair only once or twice weekly to retain the natural oils in your hair or choose a shampoo that is SLS-free.
How (and when) to moisturize
Your hair needs to be moisturized daily, whether you shampooed or not, to replenish hydration that is lost through dry conditions or indoor heating. A simple oil can be applied to the roots of your hair to make your hair look softer and help you avoid flakes and dry scalp.
Try sweet almond or coconut oil; apply a little to your fingertips and run your hands through your hair to distribute evenly. Apply a little oil each day, especially when your hair feels dry or brittle to the touch.
Choose your style (Make a decision)
Be known for a certain look instead of one who just looks like “whatever” when you wake up in the morning. Choose a hairstyle that speaks to you and works with your face shape. Shaving your head is one option, as is cutting it close to the scalp with clippers and.
If you prefer a more ethnic look, hairstyles like a ‘fro, dreads, or braids can give you a low maintenance look that gives you a more individual style, but if you’re going to go that route, understand it requires some work! You don’t want to be a slave to your style, so choose something that is easy to maintain and that won’t need a lot of upkeep.
Product selection
Choosing products that are specifically made for you can help you get healthier, better-looking hair and skin. Most retail products readily available in drugstores are formulated for the smoother hair shafts of other ethnicities. Look for products free of alcohol and other drying ingredients and rich in oils and moisturizers.
You may find that shopping at a beauty supply store or neighbourhood barbershop will yield you a greater array of products you need
