The secret to your best curls ever
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If you’ve ever visited a hair stylist who specializes in curls—or are a fan of Ouidad products for curls—chances are you’re familiar with the rake and shake. For those who are new to this method, you’re in for a treat because this might just be the trick to your best curls ever.

Ouidad, a brand focused entirely on letting curls do their thing, was founded in 1984 and has since become a go-to source for natural-looking curls. They currently have three flagship salons, including one in Fort Lauderdale, FL; in addition to certified salons throughout the country. One benefit of visiting an Ouidad-certified salon, or any stylist that specializes in curls for that matter, is learning about the proper technique for caring for your curls. One such method that has changed the way we style our curls is the rake and shake.

To give it a try, start with a product lineup specifically designed for your curl type. Ouidad breaks down the ideal formula on their site for loose, classic, tight, or kinky curls.

Working from the nape of the neck upward, divide hair into five sections. Apply a small amount (about a quarter-size depending on the thickness of your hair) of styling product to each section, raking from root to tip. Raking through the curls with your fingertips will help to detangle and smooth, section by section.

As your fingertips near the end of each section as you’re raking, shake your hand to loosen-up strands. The shake is what will help your curls form in their most natural way. Remember when we used to scrunch? This is the new and improved version that actually promotes your curls doing their thing all on their own.

Diffuse to dry, with your tool set on a low, warm setting—just be sure you don’t touch your hair with your fingers as you dry. Messing with your curls will promote frizz. Finally, once your strands are dry, top it off with your favorite finishing product for curls that will last all day.
 
This article first appeared on Southern Living

Does caffeine shampoo really work? Or is it just another marketing ploy – targeting men who are balding or have thinning hair?

Will a caffeine shampoo restore your head of hair to its former glory?

There is sublime genius in finding ways to use inferior grades of coffee that can’t be sold for human consumption. A good marketing campaign featuring a so-called expert wearing a white coat can sell anything to a man whose self-esteem is going down the plug hole… along with his hair.

There’s a German product called Alpecin, an ‘After Shampoo Liquid’. Alpecin claims to grow hair back as a result of its caffeine content.

Its manufacturers have commissioned research and – unsurprisingly – found it to produce positive results for hair growth. Unfortunately, these results came about by detaching hair follicles from balding men and growing them artificially in a laboratory.

The follicles were exposed to a dose of testosterone and some were exposed to caffeine. There was reduced growth in the testosterone-dosed follicles, which is what happens in male pattern baldness. Meanwhile, in the ones that were exposed to testosterone and caffeine, some new growth was stimulated.

It should, however, be noted that growing hair follicles in a test tube or petrie dish is not a reliable indicator of how well this can work on a man’s head.

Does caffeine help or hinder hair health?

Interestingly, the caffeine we consume orally could have a role to play in hair growth. As a chemical, caffeine targets the hormone DHT (dihydrotestosterone) which is the culprit in hair loss.  DHT clings on to hair follicles and stops them from absorbing the important proteins, minerals and vitamins that perpetuate the hair’s growth cycle. Caffeine can keep DHT from attaching itself, thereby allowing the growth cycle to continue.

You probably consume caffeine in a myriad of ways; through chocolate, energy drinks, colas and of course, coffee and tea. Several studies have been carried out on the effects of caffeine and hair loss and they’ve unanimously shown that caffeine doesn’t contribute to baldness or hair loss. If anything, caffeine can be a friend to the balding man. Just don’t count on it to perform miracles!

The reviews: What do users of caffeine shampoos have to say?

Look around on the internet and you’ll be sure to find plenty of men singing the praises of caffeine shampoo, insisting it’s been the magical cure to their male pattern baldness.

The thing about reviews sites is that they don’t come with proof of veracity. Many times, they’re fake; fabricated reviews posted by representatives of the manufacturers to promote their products, and no one is keeping watch on who’s telling lies or the truth. Others aren’t true representations of factual outcomes. If a man looks in the mirror and sees a miserable hairline one day and after using a caffeine shampoo for a month or so, looks in the mirror again and sees thicker hair, would you call that scientific proof?

More often, perceived results are the result of the placebo effect. People often feel better because they’re doing something … anything. And if the outcome is that they feel better, then that must be a good thing in itself. That said, if they want 100 per cent, irrefutable facts such as a hair count per square inch, then they may just be disappointed.

Consider also that if the guy is experiencing intermittent hair loss, and not classic male pattern baldness, then his use of a caffeine shampoo could actually coincide with his hair growth cycle  rather than the shampoo being a miracle cure.

On the other hand, when people are moved to post a negative review, you can pretty much count on the graphic detail being a result of personal experience. Reports of burning scalps, skin redness, pain and discomfort can likely be counted on as truth because the men who post them usually don’t have a vested interest in the product’s success or failure. If anything, they’ll want to warn other consumers away from them.

Caffeine shampoo: The bitter aftertaste

No clinically viable evidence currently exists to prove that caffeine shampoos work. In the UK, only two treatments have been clinically proven to grow hair back. They are Finasteride (a prescription pill) and Minoxidil (available as a lotion or foam that you apply to your scalp).
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Don’t go investing in coffee stocks… counting on a caffeinated miracle cure for your baldness! Save your pennies and buy your daily cappuccino so you can enjoy drinking your caffeine the way nature intended. You never know, that coffee could actually go to your head.
 
This article appeared on Man for Himself

Hair problems happen, you know it’s true, and you’re here looking into some of the most common solutions. We can’t say we know what you’re going through exactly, but we can say that we’ve seen almost all of the possible problems, and we’re well equipped to handle them. There are as many problems as there are people in the world, and they don’t all call for the ionic ceramic flat iron. Some of them are simply going to call for you to break out a few of the solutions that we’re going to list for you below. Let’s start with some of the most obvious.

Limp Hair
The Ceramic Flat Iron Won’t Help with This One
This is something that will happen if a person has thin hair and they’re using too much product. This, unfortunately, adds weight to the hair, so pay attention to what you’re using, and use a clarifying shampoo at least once per week to get rid of the product buildup. In addition to that, you need to make sure that you’re reducing oil on the scalp. One of the other tricks that you can use, is to apply conditioner to the roots of your hair rather than the scalp.

Fix the Frizzy Hair
If you have a problem with frizzy hair, there are a few different items that could have led to it. For example, they might bovver-styling (Cockney slang for bother. I would interpret as rough-drying) and drying their hair using a higher heat setting. You will need to figure out how to use a blow dryer properly, which means pointing it down at the hair shaft. At the end, use the cool air setting to close the cuticle and lock in the shine. It’s an extra step, but it’s well worth it to get the hair you want – without the frizz.

Clear out that Greasy Hair
This is probably one of the biggest hair problems that people will face, and it can definitely become more than a bit frustrating. The first thing that you need to know, is that greasy hair is most often caused when the scalp overproduces a natural oil by the name of sebum. This is where it gets a little tricky because you would think that washing your hair would get rid of the grease. Actually, you want to skip a few washes as this will help to slow down oil production. In between washes, you can keep your hair in good shape by using a dry shampoo or conditioner. You can also use powder products that will soak up excess oil, and when you’re ready to wash, use a light weight shampoo.

Those Pesky Split Ends
If you’re a regular user of ceramic irons, then there is a good chance that you’ve been warned about split ends. Well, yours might not actually be caused by your flat iron. In fact, they can be caused by over-processing and even over-styling. Your dead hair cannot repair itself, so if you have a split end, it’s just going to travel further up the shaft, and if you’re dealing with split ends on a regular basis, then you should consider getting a regular trim. In fact, you should do it every six to eight weeks, combining that with a deep conditioner at least once per week. You may need to do a bit more upkeep, but it’s well worth it. As you can see, there are quite a few hair problems to consider, and if you’re dealing with any of these, then it would be within your best interest to figure out how to solve it and most importantly, how to do it right.
 
This article first appeared on HSI Professional

​Every man with curly hair knows the struggle is real. This hair type can be unruly and hard to tame most of the time. While some may think that curls should be shaved off or may not work for their face shape, we have got you covered with sexiest curly hairstyles and haircuts for men that will change the way you channel your wavy locks.

Haircuts for Curly Hair Men
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Curly Undercut
The undercut may be military-inspired, but done with curls and it is an entirely different look. Curls add a bit more dimension and fullness to this favourite hairstyle. Channelling your curls in an undercut is a great approach to tame your locks for a few reasons. Particularly for gentlemen with unruly curls, an undercut boasts shorter sides, meaning the only curls you will need to manage are the ones up top. Further, an undercut looks great with different lengths, so you are free to go for any length that suits your individual face shape.

​Curly Pompadour
The pompadour is a statement in itself, and curls take this hairstyle popularized in the fifties to a new level. Curls will boost the thickness and fullness that a pompadour already possesses. The trick to ensuring that a pompadour works best for your curls is to manage your natural waves so your hair is kept neat and in place. Work with your natural hair type for a redefined pompadour.

Men’s Short Wavy Hairstyles

Slicked Back Curls
We are talking about statement hairstyles for men with curly hair and slicked-back curls are certainly attention-grabbing. Matte or glossy, utilize a product that will complement your hair’s natural texture and will be long-lasting. Also, be conscious of your hair length and ensure that a slicked back styling will suit your face shape. Men with longer curls will be afforded more versatility when slicking back their hair, as they can switch up how they part their hair and the way the curls will sit.

Curly Side Part
The staple hair trend of the twenties and forties, the side part is one of the most iconic and timeless hairstyles of all time. Men with curls should rejoice for this ‘do because curls maximize the volume of a side part and lend well to the vintage aesthetic this hairstyle brings with it. Ensure that you part your hair on the side that suits the way your hair naturally grows and opt for a sleek glossy finish for a true retro revival.

The Curly Quiff
One of the best hairstyles for men of different age groups is the quiff. It’s classic and very well suited to gentlemen with curly hair. Quiffs are styled by brushing the hair upwards and away from the face, but for men with curly hair, things may not be that simple. The key to perfecting a curly quiff is to experiment with the way your hair falls, rearranging sections so that your curls are enhanced and not overly scrunched. Try refraining from blow drying your natural curls for a quiff, as you want to capitalize on your natural hair type.

Short and Thick Curls
If you are in possession of thicker, fuller curls, use your hairs natural body to your advantage. While many people may tend to feel intimidated styling thicker curls, a shorter hairstyle can help you manage the length. Be sure to use a high gloss product which will distinguish your curls better. Matte products can make thicker hair a bit more difficult to work with.

Short Loose Curls
Loose curls shouldn’t be fussy or too thought out. You should aim for a lightweight product that will work with your natural curls but not overwhelm the shape. For men with curlier hair types, a quick blow dry when styling your hair will allow you to get looser curls without making them too straight. Loose curls also rely on natural texture, lending a more relaxed feel to your hair.

​Short Tight Curls
Many men naturally have smaller, tighter curls. You can enhance your natural curls with a pomade or styling mousse, working product in with your fingertips. Also, be sure to start off with a smaller portion of hair product, then build your way up to using more should you feel the need to.

Men’s Mid Length and Long Curly Hair 

Beachy Curls
Well suited for casual days, beachy curls rely on much more texture than a typical glossy ‘do. Beachy curls are also a great statement hairstyle for the gent who isn’t too highly strung when it comes to styling because it allows you more freedom when it comes to drying your hair and applying the product. Yep, that’s right, beachy curls are best done messily. That being said, achieving messier hairstyles can at times be more difficult to perfect. Our tip is to find a great sea salt hairspray for carefree styling when your curls get unmanageable.

Curly Fringe
The curly fringe relies on a thick mane of hair. You want to be able to have a lot of thickness when you are styling this take on curls. After styling your hair with a shiny pomade, apply a bit of hairspray to ensure everything sits right. Also, ensure that you have enough hair length to work with.

Curly ‘Bob’
A curly ‘bob’ for reference in this article refers to longer curls that have grown out but are not long enough to hit below the chin or shoulders. ‘Bob’ in this context is thus referred to in inverted commas because your hair may not reach your chin, but you may still have a lot of lengths to work with. When curly hair grows out, there are certain lengths where its styling works most favorably. Curls with medium length frame most gentlemen’s faces more effectively, lending a bit more distinction to your natural jawline and cheekbones.

Messy Curls
Ironically, the art of perfecting messy curls is a bit trickier than just rolling out of bed. While you want to give the impression that you have done nothing at all to your hair, know that great messy curls can take time. As it can be a little harder to manage longer curls, apply a styling foam or mousse to your damp hair and scrunch and curl using your fingers to get the desired body you want. For control over longer and thicker hair, consider the angle of your cut to add dimension.

Curly Afro
For those with thicker curls that are more stubborn to work with, embrace your natural hair type and opt for a well thought out afro. We are not talking about an extra large mop of hair, but a strategically cut version that will allow you to control your hair.  Be sure to find a great barber who will know how to cut your hair to emphasize your curls without making them look too overwhelming.

Blow-dried Curls
While blow-drying your hair may make it look straighter, we propose that blow-drying curls can be done to add volume and can work to redefine your natural bounce. Working product into your hair before and after you take a hair-dryer to your hair will also allow you to curl your hair with your fingers, lending more of a bouncy curl. Technically, you could say you are blow-drying your hair only to curl it again, but natural curls already bring added volume and allow you to redefine curls in a more effective manner.

Rock Star Lob
The male version of the popularized women’s haircut called ‘the lob’ is a rockstar-inspired take on curly hair which can be achieved with a matte product. You want to add a bit of texture, so don’t be too fussy with styling, it should look a little messy. Think grunge, but with a twist; you also want the hair to look thicker, so be careful with what product you use, opt for one that maximizes your natural volume.

Hairstyles for Long Curly Hair

Curly Man Bun
Another popularized hair trend that looks even better with natural curls is the man bun, it works tremendously with coifed locks. Growing out curls can be a little frustrating for the first few months, but they usually have a great wave when your strands reach your chin or shoulders. To maximize your curly man bun, go for a textured, slightly messy approach. Utilize a matte product and work it in with your fingers until you reach desired waves.

Long Glossier Curls
A different way to channel longer curls is to style them with a product that has a subtle gloss. Particularly well suited for semi-formal or formal occasions, ensure your curls have a bit more shine and are well styled, as opposed to flaunting drier or more textured finishes. A low slicked back ponytail is also another way to channel longer curls for dressier occasions, adding a bit of sleekness to your longer curls, and still making a statement.

Long Curls with Texture
For gentlemen with longer curls, you will need to make sure that your hair does not look too dry, so ideally you should aim to boost shine. The type of product you use should be your primary consideration. A mousse that emphasizes the natural shine in your hair can be used to enhance the look of your curls, giving a sleeker finish to your natural waves as opposed to registering messy and unwashed. Opt for one that is higher in quality as you will be using more for longer hair and it will be more evident.

Bet you hadn’t realized there were SO many options for your curls.  

This article first appeared on TheTrendSpotter