Is less really more? When it comes to hair care, one expert says the answer is often “yes.”
“It is liberating to do less,” said Paul Labrecque, the creative director, master stylist, and colorist with Paul Labrecque Salon and Skincare Spa.
Indeed, society hasn’t maxed out on minimalism. Everything from traveling light to scaling back 12-step skincare routines into simple regimens is having a major moment. Now, hair care is joining the party.
Labrecque recalls spending hours of his youth in front of a mirror styling his hair with a round brush and mousse. His mother told him he’d go bald, and he eventually listened to her and pared down his routine. Now, he recommends his clients do the same and embrace hair minimalism. To do so, he and other pros recommend skipping specific overrated hair care tips and prioritizing must-dos for maximum impact.
Overrated hair care steps to skip
While hair minimalism is trending, so, too, are products that promise the world when it comes to helping grow and strengthen your locks. Black seed oil, anyone? However, not all of these trends are worth trying. Heck, even steps that come second-nature to most guys are rather overrated. Experts got to the root of hair care steps you can cross off your to-do list — some of them surprised us, too.
Round brushing
Long live the “Feathers” era.
“Round brushing is a thing of the past for men, and it makes everything look too contrived,” Labrecque said. “Instead, use a Mason Pearson brush to get your scalp oils flowing… this is a much better alternative.”
Blow-drying your hair
This one may floor you — blow drying is a mainstay in hair care, especially if you have longer locks. However, you can often keep the dryer in your drawer.
“Blow drying is definitely one that can be skipped if you have shorter hair,” said Cody Renegar, a celebrity stylist and master barber. “Because short hair dries fast, it’s not worth the heat damage if you have a wash-and-go style. If you want to blow-dry your hair, I would say do it more during the colder months, because going outside in the cold with wet hair can cause it to become brittle and break.”
Labrecque has loved every minute of his post-drying life.
“I felt so liberated when I incorporated hair oil into my routine and let my natural waves dry on their own,” Labrecque said.
Deep conditioning
Deep conditioners sound as luxe as an everything shower. Yet, they aren’t necessary, especially for short-haired guys.
“They are meant to hydrate, moisturize, and protect longer strands, so overusing them when you have short hair will cause build-up and make your scalp greasy,” Renegar said. “If you do feel like you need that extra moisture in your hair and scalp, use a deep conditioner once a month.”
Other buzzy products
Scalp exfoliators and hair serums? “Unnecessary” for most men, said Dr. Viktoryia Kazlouskaya, a dermatologist.
“They often do not provide extra benefits and may even irritate the scalp,” Dr. Kazlouskaya said.
What is the best hair care routine for men?
The best hair care routine for men is personal. A good baseline? “For the average man with medium to long hair, using both shampoo and conditioner is considered the minimal standard,” Dr. Kazlouskaya said. “Men with longer hair or those who want a specific style may need more steps in their routine.”
Here are the top tips for finding your version of the best haircare routine.
Choose the right products
Like skin, different hair types require specific products to look their best.
“Make sure you are picking products that support your specific hair type and ones that address any hair concerns you may have,” said Dr. Anna Chacon, a dermatologist. “Some examples would be a clarifying shampoo for dandruff or a moisturizing
The shower basics
Once you have the products in hand, it’s time to use them at the right frequency. Renegar suggests:
- Washing your hair every two to three days to remove product and oil build-up.
- Conditioning about twice a week to help replenish the scalp’s natural oils and keep your head moisturized.
- Gently dry with a cotton t-shirt to prevent breakage.
“If you have a dry scalp, or need to amp up your curl, or give your hair some volume, this is where you would add that extra product, before applying styling products like wax or gel,” Renegar suggested.
Labrecque said a pomade can prevent frizzing.
Maintenance mode
Labrecque said you’ll also want to be on a first-name basis with your local preferred barber. It’ll allow you to truly embrace hair minimalism without second-guessing it.
“Get a great cut by a professional so all you have to do to look your best out of the shower is add in pomade, comb in place and get on with your day,” Labrecque said.
Should men always condition their hair?
Conditioning every time you shampoo is generally considered best practice.
“I always recommend conditioning when you wash, but in a pinch, you can drop the conditioner,” Dr. Chacon said. “However, I would [use] oil or serum for a bit of extra moisture if opting out of the shower conditioner. Conditioning hair does help it stay hydrated and prevents the hair from getting dry. It will specifically help protect hair from breakage or damage.”
Renegar agrees.
“Most men need to shower, shampoo and condition,” he said.
The bottom line on hair minimalism
Hair minimalism can help you save time and money, all while strengthening your locks. Hair care pros say that the best hair care routine for men generally involves shampoo and conditioner (around three times weekly). It’s best to pat dry with a towel and avoid heat styling and blow-drying if possible, and ensure the
