Fact: Flat, limp hair does not look good on anyone. If you suffer from dull, lackluster hair then Male Standard is going to show you some straightforward techniques that can bring your do back to life. Great hair is shiny, healthy, manageable hair that has a degree of added ‘bounce.’ This bounce factor is what gives hair that fresh, touch me look, and is lacking from flat hair.
Robert Patterson leaving a lackluster impression on the red carpet.
Photo credit: Hair on the Brain
Flat hair could be genetic, but it is more likely to be a symptom of poor hair care and using too many products. Over time, product build up can mix with the natural oils in the scalp and create sluggish, lifeless hair. No matter how long your hair is, it should bounce back to shape after touching it. If it doesn’t, then it could mean that you have a moisture or protein deficiency, which is shaping the hair quality from the inside.
Try out each of these top five tips for men:
1. Oily Hair: Avoid Over Washing
If you suffer from oily hair, then a deep cleanse might make you feel better (and cleaner) for a little while but the oil returns vigorously. This is because your scalp is similar to your face and can identify the levels of oil produced. If it feels there is oil missing, or not enough to protect the hair, it creates more. This leads tens of men to wash their hair often, causing damage, and being rewarded with obscenely oily hair.
Suave Professionals Keratin Infusion Dry Shampoo, 5 Ounce
Instead of falling into the over washing hair trap, switch to a dry shampoo which soaks up oil without stripping the scalp of essential nutrients. Another great advantage of switching over to a dry shampoo is that you can touch up specific areas or during the day if you notice that oil is building. The added keratin will boost the protein in the hair, and leave you to get on with your day with a spring in your step.
2. Limp Hair: Add Volume
Limp hair is a form of flat hair that seems to be facing an identity crisis; it’s dry, but not overly so, it’s greasy but not dripping, either way, limp hair is a common problem for men, and there are a few ways you can manage it. Firstly, invest in a haircut that has layers if you have mid to long length hair. This will give it room to move and be free. Secondly, find a root booster that will prop up limp hair between frequent washing.
Sexy Hair Big Sexy Hair Powder Play Volumizing and Texturizing Powder, 0.53 Ounce
Adding a volumizer to the roots of the hair only will help you to breathe life into the hair without weighing down the ends. The problem with limp hair is that it is sensitive, and those who are prone to touching, restyling, or being active are more likely to need to care for their hair too often. Once your style is set, avoid these temptations to help build a long-lasting style. Once the day is done, remove the product and start again.
3. Flat Hair: Add Texture
If you can’t go up, go out! OK, so it’s not the most logical argument in the world, but if your hair is flat and won’t stand up (or however else you like to style it), consider turning it out with some added texture instead. There are a few hair types this trick won’t work on, we’ve narrowed it down to no hair, buzz cuts, and that’s it! Texture gives hair added appeal due to its more interesting appearance.
Davines Defining Texturizer Styling Spray
Apply a texturizing spray to damp hair before drying and styling. Make sure to apply to the roots first, and then comb the rest of the product through the hair length. Longer hair will gain a beach look, with shorter hair looking choppy. If you suffer from flat hair then adding texture is one of the simplest ways to switch things up. You can also find texturizers in most product formats (such as gels, waxes, hair sprays etc.).
4. Dull Hair: Add Shine
Not all flat hair is literally sticking to the side of your head; it just looks that way. Dull hair is unforgiving and makes hair look less healthy, limp, and lifeless, but the answer is simple and easy to fix. Add shine. Shine should not be confused with greasy or oily hair. Shine is what gives hair depth; it makes it look thicker and fuller of life. By adding a small amount of shine serum to dull hair, the colors become more vibrant and ‘pop.’
Garnier Fructis Haircare Weightless Leave-In Anti-Frizz Serum
When looking for a quality shine serum, look for one that has added benefits such as a de-frizzer, or moderate style hold. This will save you overloading hair with other products, which can weight dull hair down. Apply the shine serum in as small amounts as possible, working the product into your hands before smoothing through the hair. This will keep it looking glossy and feeling fresh all day.
5. I Hate My Hair: Deep Conditioning
If you’re still having a tough time getting to grips with your hair, then a deep conditioning is in order. Conditioning replaces lost nutrients from your hair and allows new hair growth to come through fuller, thicker, and healthier. It also does wonders on existing hair, but be sure to follow up your conditioning treatment with regular haircuts. While this won’t magically transform your hair into a new hair type, you will be amazed.
Barlean’s Organic Oils Extra Virgin Coconut Oil
Apply extra virgin coconut oil to your scalp, massaging the product in for at least three minutes; you can also leave it in overnight. At less than 40 cents per serving (yes, we did the math), this is an affordable treatment that can be used once a day, once a week, or once a month based on your hair needs. Wash the oil out thoroughly using a formulated cleansing shampoo after (not before) conditioning to remove the residual oil.
So there you have it! Five quick tricks that you can use on any hair type to bring back body and thickness, shiny, manageable hair that won’t fall flat! Hair doesn’t have to be dull and flat, and now you know what to do, the rest they say, is history. Leave a comment below and let us know which one you want to try. Bonus points if you come back and tell us how awesome your results were!