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MEN'S GUIDE TO HAIR CARE

Close-up of a man receiving a professional hair wash at a salon.

Hair care is vital to personal hygiene, significantly impacting our health and appearance. Proper hair care techniques prevent issues such as dryness, breakage, dandruff, and hair loss, while promoting shine, strength, and ease of styling. Maintaining healthy hair involves regular shampooing, conditioning, and scalp treatment, customized to your hair type, texture, and scalp. Whether your goal is to grow longer hair, improve its natural texture, or keep it looking great, understanding the fundamentals of hair care is key to achieving these goals.

Before we can develop a routine, we need to understand our hair and scalp type, as this will determine the kind of products we will use.

Hair Types

Coily Hair

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Coily hair is a natural texture characterized by tight, densely packed curls or coils, often resembling a spring or zigzag pattern.

Curly Hair

Side profile portrait of a young man with curly hair wearing a white tank top and gold jewelry.

Curly hair is a hair texture characterized by strands that form spirals or loops, rather than growing straight.

Straight Hair

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Straight hair is a hair texture characterised by the absence of natural curls or waves, with hair strands typically falling flat from root to tip without any bends or curves.

Wavy Hair

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Wavy hair is a hair type that falls between straight and curly, characterized by its loose “S” shaped waves.

Scalp Types

Normal Scalp

A normal scalp has balanced oil production (not too oily or dry), no itching, flaking, or redness, and manageable and healthy-looking hair.

Dry Scalp

A dry scalp has low oil production, tightness, flakiness (dry dandruff), or itchiness. Hair from a dry scalp may feel rough, brittle, or frizzy. Dehydration, weather changes, harsh products, or over-washing can cause dry scalp.

Oily Scalp

Oily scalps produce excess sebum (oil) and have hair that appears greasy or flat, especially near the roots.

Sensitive Scalp

A sensitive scalp is easily irritated, often red, itchy, or inflamed.

Shampooing

Once we have identified our hair and scalp type, we can move on to the first step in any hair care routine, shampooing. Shampooing helps to keep your hair clean by removing dirt, sweat, oil, and hair products, preventing it from becoming greasy, heavy, or odorous. It also helps to prevent your scalp from becoming itchy and developing dandruff, fungal infections, and yeast overgrowth (such as Malassezia). Shampooing further supports hair growth and appearance, and allows other hair products to work more effectively.

Types of shampoo:

Anti-dandruff Shampoo

Anti-dandruff shampoos target flakes, itching, and scalp irritation caused by dandruff or seborrheic dermatitis. 

Clarifying Shampoo

Clarifying shampoos deep clean hair and scalp by eliminating heavy buildup from products, oils, and hard water. They are ideal for oily hair, swimmers, or those using heavy products. They should be used no more than 1-2 times a month (does not replace regular shampooing), as excessive use can dry out hair.

Color-protecting Shampoo

Color-protecting shampoos help preserve hair color and prevent fading. 

Hydrating/ Moisturising Shampoo

Hydrating shampoos add moisture, softness, and shine to hair. 

Strengthening/ Repairing Shampoo

Strengthening shampoos fortify weak or brittle hair with proteins like keratin or collagen. 

Sulfate-free Shampoo

Sulfate-free shampoos clean hair without harsh detergents like sulfates that strip natural oils. 

Toning (Purple) Shampoo

Toning shampoos neutralize yellow or brassy tones in blonde, silver, or grey hair. 

Volumizing Shampoo

Volumizing shampoos gently cleanse without weighing hair down, enhancing body and lift. 

Best type of shampoo for each hair and scalp type:

  • Anti-dandruff Shampoo is best for Dry Scalp.
  • Clarifying Shampoo is best for Oily Scalp.
  • Color-protecting Shampoo is best for Color-treated Hair.
  • Hydrating/ Moisturizing Shampoo is best for Coily and Curly Hair.
  • Strengthening/ Repairing Shampoo is best for Damaged or Breakage-prone Hair.
  • Sulfate-free Shampoo is best for Sensitive Scalp.
  • Toning/ Purple Shampoo is best for Bleached, Highlighted, or Grey Hair.
  • Volumizing Shampoo is best for Wavy and Straight Hair.

Moisturizing/ Hydrating Shampoo:

Volumizing Shampoo:

Toning Shampoo:

Color-protecting Shampoo:

Strengthening Shampoo:

Anti-dandruff Shampoo:

Sale
Head & Shoulders Anti-Dandruff Shampoo, Clinical Strength Intensive Itch Relief Twin Pack, 1% Selenium Sulfide, Seborrheic Dermatitis Relief, Itch Relief, 13.5 fl oz Each Intensive Itch Relief – Cooling Menthol
  • INTENSIVE ITCH RELIEF: 35% more dandruff fighting power* *fights Malassezia after 1 wash vs ordinary anti-dandruff shampoos
  • PRESCRIPTION STRENGH*: Made with 1% Selenium Sulfide for prescription strength* dandruff relief and flaking protection *flake protection vs prescription dandruff shampoo 2% ketoconazole
  • CLINICALLY PROVEN: Up to 100% dandruff protection* *visible flakes; with regular use
  • EXTRA STRENGTH: Provides relief from severe dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis
  • MULTI-SYMPTOM RELIEF: Offers proven protection from flakes and itch* *Flakes and itch associated with dandruff

Clarifying Shampoo:

Aveeno Apple Cider Vinegar Clarifying Shampoo, Shine Enhancing, 12 fl oz
  • Clarifying Action: Removes excess oil and buildup for a cleaner scalp and hair
  • Gentle Formula: Sulfate-free, parabens-free, and dye-free for a gentle cleansing experience
  • Nourishing Ingredients: Promotes scalp health, balancing oil production without drying out hair
  • Enhanced Shine: Leaves hair looking shiny and vibrant, enhancing its natural beauty
  • Daily Use: Suitable for regular use to maintain clean, healthy hair without irritation

Sulfate-free Shampoo:

Vanicream Hair Shampoo 12 Oz
  • Formulated for sensitive skin – Free of fragrance, dyes, parabens, lanolin, formaldehyde releasers, and botanical extracts for a gentle yet effective cleanse.
  • Cleans and conditions scalp – Helps remove scaling, flaking, and build-up from conditioners and styling products while leaving hair soft and manageable.
  • Daily use for all hair types – Suitable for the whole family with sulfate-free, betaine-free, and gluten-free formulation that supports a healthy scalp and hair.

Conditioning

Hair conditioning helps maintain your hair’s overall health, strength, and appearance. Conditioners hydrate the hair shaft, which prevents dryness and brittleness. They also reduce frizz and tangles, making your hair more manageable and giving it a healthier look. Conditioners also strengthen and protect hair through ingredients that reinforce the hair structure and shield it from heat, chemicals, and UV rays. Regular conditioning is crucial in any hair care routine to keep hair looking and feeling its best.

Types of Hair Conditioners:

Deep Conditioner

Deep conditioners are intensive, rich treatments designed to penetrate deeper than daily conditioners. They deeply hydrate, repair, and restore damaged or dry hair and are best for chemically treated, colored, dry, brittle, or over-processed hair.

Hair mask (Intensive Conditioner or Treatment)

A hair mask is a thick, nourishing treatment like deep conditioners, but often richer in texture. It restores moisture, repairs severe damage, and improves elasticity and shine. It should not be used more than 1–2 times a week.

Leave-in Conditioner

Leave-in conditioners are lightweight, no-rinse formulas applied to damp hair after washing. They offer long-lasting moisture, frizz control, and easier detangling, making them ideal for dry, frizzy, curly, or damaged hair. They are also excellent for heat protection and styling preparation.

Leave-on Scalp Conditioner

A leave-on scalp conditioner is designed to be left on the scalp instead of rinsed out. It works to nourish, hydrate, and strengthen the scalp barrier.

Rinse-out Conditioner

Rinse-out conditioners are standard conditioners used after shampooing. They soften, detangle, and hydrate hair and are suitable for all hair types.

Protein Conditioner

Protein conditioners contain proteins like keratin, collagen, or silk amino acids. They help strengthen hair by rebuilding the protein structure and reducing breakage. However, they are usually not used daily, as too much protein can make hair stiff.

Best type of conditioner for each hair and scalp type:

  • Deep Conditioner is best for Bleached, Color-treated, Grey, or Highlighted Hair.
  • Protein Conditioner and Hair Mask are best for Damaged or Breakage-prone Hair.
  • Leave-in Conditioner is best for Coily and Curly Hair.
  • Leave-on Scalp Conditioner is best for Dry and Sensitive Scalp.
  • Rinse-out Conditioner is best for Wavy and Straight Hair, and Oily Scalp.

Rinse-out Conditioner:

Leave-in Conditioner:

Mielle Organics Pomegranate & Honey Detangling Conditioner for Curly Hair - Deep Moisturizing Conditioner to Help Strengthen Strands, Prevents Breakage and Split Ends & Improves Hydration (12 Fl Oz) 12.07 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
  • Keep Your Moisture on Lock - Designed for thick, curly, and Type 4 hair, our curly hair conditioner deeply hydrates and locks in moisture, keeping curls soft and manageable all day long.
  • Strengthen & Smooth with Every Use - Infused with Pomegranate Seed Oil & Honey, this deeply nourishing & defining curl enhancer fortifies strands to reduce breakage while enhancing softness and shine.
  • Detangling Made Simple – With its creamy texture and slip, this formula helps release knots and tangles, minimize breakage and prepare hair for styling.
  • How to Use - Use the moisturizing conditioner after shampooing to nourish and prime curls for styling. Pairs seamlessly with Mielle’s Pomegranate & Honey Leave-In Conditioner and other curly hair products for the perfect routine.
  • Healthy Ingredients, Healthier Hair – At Mielle, we do more than care for hair. We champion it. Our formulas are scalp-loving, innovation-driven, and made to nourish, strengthen, and support your hair care journey with intention and performance in every drop.

Deep Conditioner:

Sale
Pantene Miracle Rescue Deep Conditioner with Melting Pro-V Pearls - For Dry, Damaged, or Color-Treated Hair - Intense Moisture & Repair - 8.0 Oz 8 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
  • Deep Conditioning Moisture Boost: Revive over-processed or brittle strands with this ultra-nourishing deep conditioner. The formula penetrates the hair fiber to melt away damage from the inside out, leaving hair visibly stronger, shinier, and healthier
  • Repairs 6 Months of Damage in 1 Use: Transforms damaged hair for smoother, shinier results after just one application
  • Deep Repair with Pro-V Pearls: Melts away damage from within, helps protect hair bonds, and works to soften, repair, restore, and strengthen dry or damaged hair for visibly healthier results
  • Pro-V Nutrient Blend: Infused with Pantene’s Pro-V formula, designed to strengthen hair against future damage while deeply conditioning each strand
  • Salon-Quality Results at Home: Achieve smooth, manageable, healthy-looking hair after just one use. Perfect for daily deep conditioning or weekly hair repair treatments - no salon visit needed

Hair mask (Intensive Conditioner or Treatment):

Sale
Arvazallia Hydrating Argan Oil Hair Mask and Deep Conditioner for Dry or Damaged Hair (8.45 oz Jar) 1 Count (Pack of 1)
  • Deeply hydrates and moisturizes dry, damaged hair leaving it soft, silky, and easier to manage
  • Repairs and restores weak, overprocessed hair improving texture, elasticity and shine
  • Infused with argan oil to nourish hair with essential vitamins and nutrients
  • Sulfate-free and paraben-free, suitable for all hair types including permed, natural and curly

Protein Conditioner:

Sale
Elizavecca cer-100 collagen coating hair protein treatment 100ml Limited Edition 3.38 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
  • Including Ceramide 3, collagen ingredients just five minutes with setting brimming with purity of your hair
  • Quick and convenient in-home care possible hair product.
  • Recommend! Damage-hair of Intense heat or in the sun.
  • A rich, deep repairing treatment mask for damaged, over-processed hair of all textures.
  • All type hair / Volume 100ml (3.38 oz)

Leave-On Scalp Conditioner or Scalp Treatment:

Sale
Pacifica Scalp Love Rosemary Mint Serum - Dry, Flaky, and Itchy Scalp Serum, Hydrating, Moisturizing, and Calming Treatment Formulated with Witch Hazel, Vegan and Cruelty-Free - 2 Fl Oz
  • Helps Clarify Scalp & Removes Buildup – This rosemary scalp treatment works as a clarifying scalp exfoliator that helps dissolve excess oil and buildup. Ideal for scalp care routines, this hair scalp serum supports better absorption of nutrients.
  • Helps Provide Comfort for Dry, Itchy & Flaky Scalp – A powerful dry scalp treatment infused with aloe vera, peppermint, and rosemary. This scalp treatment for dry itchy scalp doubles as an itchy scalp treatment that calms, hydrates, and nourishes.
  • Supports Hair Growth & Strength – Formulated as a scalp serum for hair growth and dry scalp, this hydrating scalp serum improves circulation and promotes stronger strands. Use it as part of your hair care routine to reduce breakage and shedding.
  • Lightweight, Non-Greasy Formula – Unlike heavy scalp oils, this dry scalp serum is a lightweight, leave-in scalp moisturizer for dry scalp that absorbs quickly. It’s suitable for all hair types. Use as a scalp serum for itchy dry scalp overnight.
  • Vegan, Clean Ingredients – Crafted with clean botanicals, this scalp serum for dry flaky scalp is vegan and cruelty-free. Enriched with rosemary, witch hazel, and sage, it’s a scalp moisturizer that nourishes while respecting your skin and the planet.

Scalp Care

Caring for your scalp is essential for healthy and strong hair. While shampooing and conditioning do a good job of keeping your scalp clean, additional measures can be taken to maximize scalp health.

Scalp Massager

A scalp massager is a tool for massaging the scalp. It is helpful because it promotes hair growth by increasing blood flow to the hair follicles, which can help deliver nutrients and oxygen essential for healthy hair growth. Using it while shampooing or conditioning can help to distribute product throughout the hair more evenly and clean the scalp more effectively.

FREATECH Scalp Massager Hair Growth, Scalp Scrubber Shampoo Brush with Soft Silicone Bristles for Dandruff Removal and Hair Care, Wet & Dry Hair Massager Scalp Exfoliator for All Hair Types, Black
  • 【FREATECH Shampoo Brush (1st Gen)】 It was created as a game changer for shampooing, which perfectly replaces the finger operation and allows you to enjoy the head spa during the hair and scalp cleansing process.
  • 【100% Food-grade Silicone Teeth】 Really hygienic and safe. Gentle spikes effectively scrub the scalp without scratching, which are flexible enough to move through the hair without tangling or pulling. Tourmaline contained activates cells and increases blood flow.
  • 【Ergonomic Design】 The mouse-like handle fits your palm perfectly, non-slip grooves ensure a stable grip even in the shower. The concave brush surface formed by 25 tips fits the scalp for maximum working area.
  • 【Simple Hair & Scalp Care Routine】 In daily hair washing, it thoroughly removes the flakes and build-up from the scalp and spreads hair care products deeply, leaving your hair cleaner and fresher. Gentle massage on dry or wet hair to invigorate your scalp.
  • 【Use Tips】 1. Work on anyone regardless of gender and age; pets will also enjoy this brush for bathing or hair removal. 2. For health, we recommend that each family member have an exclusive one. 3. Just rinse it with water and hang to dry after each use.

Scalp Scrub

A scalp scrub is a cleansing treatment designed to exfoliate the scalp by removing dead skin cells, product buildup, and excess oil. Use it with a scalp massager once a week before shampooing.
Sale
Scalp Scrub, Rosemary Scalp Exfoliator Scrub Shampoo, 2-in-1 Scalp Treatment with Mint Oil, Hair Treatment to Clarify and Remove Build Up with Silicone Scalp Massager, 10.6oz/300g
  • 【SCALP DETOX SCRUB 】Our rosemary scalp scrub can effectively remove product buildup, impurities, dead skin cells and relieve itchy, can balances a dry, flaky and oily scalp for long-term scalp health, keeping the scalp clean and breathable
  • 【PLANT-BASED FORMULAS】Infused with rosemary essential oil, peppermint oil, sea salt, jojoba seed oil, honeysuckle flower extract with a refreshing scent that lasts. This scalp exfoliator scrub with natural formula make it a soothing treatment for itchy scalp
  • 【PROMOTE HAIR GROWTH & STRENGTHEN HAIR ROOTS】Made with premium ingredients that will improve scalp health, Our hair scrub with rosemary essential oil, and promotes hair growth and strengthen hair roots. Peppermint oil can soothes itchy scalp and moisturize the scalp
  • 【SAFE FOR ALL HAIR TYPES】Our 2-in-1 hair care scrub is formulated with100% Vegan and Cruelty Free. Made without parabens, phthalates, silicones, gluten, alcohol and artificial colors. Using our scalp scrub once a week will help to deliver a deep and exfoliating clean, no matter your hair type
  • 【SILICONE SCALP MASSAGER】It comes with scalp exfoliator scrub with fresh-smelling formula and a silicone scalp massager. Make sure hair is thoroughly wet, apply scalp scrub on your hair roots and delicately massage with fingertips, then massage with scalp massager. Enjoy scalp spa care and priming your scalp relief at home

Summary

Shampooing & Conditioning:

Scalp Care:

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