Fact: The fastest way to ferociously fit hair is a haircut and, lest we forget, conditioning!  But all the leave-in treatments in the world won’t resuscitate raisin-dry strands and jumpstart lush-garden growth when your ends are done for. Doing away with dead ends does more for your mane than you think—trust us. But when’s the best time for a trim? Ahead, three hairstylists from LA’s hottest salons speak on the haircut tips you need to follow.
 
When’s the perfect time for a haircut?

“Summer time is usually when hair grows the fastest,” says hairstylist Nicolas Flores from Sally Hershberger LA, “so I push a major haircut right at the start of summer and let it grow for the next few months. I always recommend a haircut before a major color change up, or a routine maintenance every 6-8 weeks. Typically you want to get your haircut before highlighting your hair. I always prefer a client to get a cut right before a highlight so we don’t cut off all your new color, unless it is a base color which really doesn’t matter as long as you are following your maintenance appointments every 6-8 weeks for healthy locks.”

Alessandra Saman from MèCHE Salon says, “I always tell my clients to book in when their hair starts feeling draggy, heavy, dull—lifeless! That means it’s time to book in and get the body and bounce back again!”


Nine Zero One Salon’s Anthony Holguin tells us, “The perfect time for a cut, ideally for me, is after the color, because if you lighten the hair there are most likely some ends that need to be trimmed. I also prefer cutting after color because I like to see what the color is, then get inspired to do a cut that compliments the color. But a lot of the times I will trim before then detail the haircut after color.”

How many times per year should a person get a haircut if they want super healthy hair?

To control split ends, Anthony explains, “You should be getting a cut usually every three months, which is about four times a year. This way you can prevent split ends from splitting and manage a healthy mane. No matter what, our hair goes through some sh*t and needs a clean up more often than we expect. Especially if you’re addicted to going blonde and if you’re a stylist addict.”

Alessandra adds, “It all depends on your hair texture. Fine hair needs more lovin’ so it’s a good idea to get a trim every 3-4 weeks to keep nice healthy blunt ends. I also recommend for extension girls to always book a trim on your own hair before putting extensions back in.”

Why is it bad to not get routine trims?

Alessandra says, “Regular haircuts are good because it keeps the dry ends away for a healthy, shiny look!”

Thought routine trims were a waste of time? Think again. Anthony tells us, People have the impression that not cutting your hair is going to make your hair grow so long and beautiful. WRONG! If you just let your hair keep growing without getting trims, you hair is naturally going to produce split ends from brushing, flat ironing, and even blow drying. It’s bad to not keep up with a good haircut. Especially if you’re rocking a cute lob, you want it looking fresh. There’s nothing worse than having an outgrown haircut and split ends!”

Do you recommend DIY trims?

If you’re the ultimate DIY person, Nicolas suggests, “Try out a hair mask and save the cutting for your stylist.”

Alessandra advises, “As far as face frame layers or ends, book with your stylist! If you’re doing a DIY on your ends it sometimes causes a point to develop in the back. So when you go to your stylist, we usually have to remove it to even it out, which makes it feel like you have shorter hair. So just book in with your stylist!”

“I do not recommend DIY trims. We are professionals in this business for a reason. We know what we are doing. I’ve seen a lot of my clients do some DIY trims that have ended up with longer sides, shattered ends and, save the best for last…BANGS!!” Anthony says.


This article first appeared on Mane Addicts

Day in and day out barbers shoot the breeze with the wide variety of men who walk into their shops. As these men settle in the barber’s chair and get a trim, they share tidbits about their lives, their problems, and their observations on the world today. Since barbers spend so much time listening to and talking with other men, we figured they might have accumulated some pearls of wisdom on how men can live life well. So we asked 8 barbers from a wide range of ages, experience, and backgrounds to answer this question: “What’s your best advice on being a man?” The responses we got range from the philosophical to practical style advice. Soak it up, and go have an enjoyable conversation and a relaxing shave with your local barber. 
 
Click on the image below for a little advice from 8 friendly neighborhood barbers.

Brushing Too Much  (1 / 14)

The old “100 strokes a day” beauty tip is a myth. Brushing your hair too much can cause split ends. Over time, it could even lead to hair loss.

​Health Tip:
Teach Your Kids Healthy Hair Habits​

(HealthDay News) -- Kids should learn healthy ways to take care of their hair at an early age, the American Academy of Dermatology says.

The group offers this advice:
​

• Wet hair and scalp with warm water before using shampoo.
• Use only a quarter-size drop of shampoo.
• Massage the shampoo gently into the scalp.
• Rinse all of the suds from the hair with warm water.
• Cover hair with a towel to absorb water. But don't rub wet hair, which can damage it.
• Comb out damp hair gently with a wide-tooth comb.
• Make braids and ponytails loose, and use covered rubber bands.
• Select styles that don't require heat and chemical treatment.
• If using heat on hair, use the lower setting.
• Chemicals in relaxers, dyes and other hairstyling products may damage the hair. So try to maximize the time between treatments.
• When outdoors, wear a wide-brimmed hat to protect hair from the sun.

Copyright © 2018 HealthDay. All rights reserved.

​How easy is brushing hair?

Simple, right? You do it every morning…

Same technique, same tool…

But what if I told you…

You’ve been doing it wrong your whole life?

Sounds kind of silly? Hear me out…

There might be a BETTER brush you’re unaware of…

that could breed a hairstyle that gives you more confidence…

It’s possible – with the right info.
​

​Straight Thin Hair
When it comes to straight hair in general, there’s a 3-inch rule: if your hair doesn’t bend within the first 3 inches of length from the scalp, it’s straight.
Here are some details that distinguish thin straight hair from its thick counterpart:

• Thin straight hair has a more fragile texture, which means it has to be brushed more carefully.
• It’s more lightweight and tends to fall flat over your head.
• There’s more difficulty in increasing its volume (which is why some men choose a side part hairstyle to shape it up).
• It can get weighed down by hair products, causing the strands to look stringy.
• It’s more prone to becoming oily.

​Straight Thick Hair
These are the key points about thick straight hair that separate it from its thin equivalent:

• Thick straight hair covers the scalp better.
• It contains all 3 hair layers – the cortex, cuticle & medulla – which means it takes more time to dry up.
• The texture isn’t as fragile as thin straight hair, so it can be styled in different ways more easily.
• It may be resistant to certain chemical treatments/relaxers or hair coloring.
• It can have more volume if layered correctly by a stylist
• It tolerates heat better

Wavy Hair
This category refers to the wave-like patterns created by slightly curving hair. The hair shafts do NOT coil up within the first 3 inches of length. Instead, they resemble loose and stretched out S-shapes.

You can grow out wavy hair to resemble a mini lion’s mane and enjoy plenty of texture. However – this will require more maintenance.

One advantage of this hair type is flexibility – it can be styled in several different ways. It’s also less likely to be tousled by the wind than straight hair is. But it also frizzes easily, so it’s important that you maintain the waves.
 
Coiled Hair (Curly With Large Curls)
Large curls require that the shafts create very distinct S-shapes (the more extreme ones being E-shapes) within the first 2 inches from the scalp. People with coiled hair are blessed with lots of coverage over the head.

There are guys who get to grow their hair out and become a “white boy ‘fro.” They don’t have to resort to the same fancy styles that straight-haired men use to add volume.

The actual hair strands here can either be coarse or fine (although it’s more often fine). Coarse strands are more prone to frizziness while with fine strands, it’s harder to create well-defined curls.
 
Kinky Hair (Curly With Tight Curls)
This is the most textured hair type. Its coiled intervals are so short that the shafts form sharp Z-shaped twists (hence “kinky”). These twists form within the first half-inch of length from the scalp.

Kinky hair is most commonly found in men of African descent. The hair can be grown into a classic Afro and gain lots of volume. You can also choose to shave it off and make it a fade cut.

The downside is these coils aren’t as well-defined as large curls, due to their naturally short state. They require much more maintenance since they can look fuzzy and unkempt after some time. Dryness and shrinkage may also be serious problems if you’re not careful.
​

​Choosing the right hair brush can solve different problems your hair might face, or even prevent them from happening at all. That’s why you need to start by knowing the anatomy of a brush.  

As shown above, each hair brush type is totally dependent on the 3 major parts.  

Oval hairbrushes are usually the oval version of the Paddle brush, which does a fantastic job in massaging your scalp and redistributing hair oils.

Rectangle hairbrushes range from the Denman brush or Vented brush to the thinner, rectangular kind of Paddle brush. All of these can create more volume at the roots, flip up the hair or curl it under.

Square hairbrushes are basically the original Paddle brushes (as they resemble paddles). They’re useful in getting rid of frizz or tangles without putting much pressure on the hair.​

Round hairbrushes have either natural or synthetic bristles all over the head. When partnered with a blow dryer, they work great for shaping your hair into multiple styles. But they also come in various sizes – compatible for tight curls or even long waves – so choose the brush size carefully based on your hair length.

​Each Type Of Men’s Hair Brush

Below are the other men’s hairbrush types which are worth considering. Each one of them has its own set of advantages.
 
Pocket Comb

• I love how simple yet effective the pocket comb is. The teeth are closely packed together, allowing it to evenly distribute moisture or product all over the hair.
• Smaller versions can grab at the roots better, which makes it easier to smooth the hair out or style some bangs. This comb also helps if you use any medication for your scalp.
• Best for: Thick Short Straight Hair

Rectangle Brush

• This is a less common form of the paddle brush with a longer and narrower head.
• Best for all hair types

Vented Brush

• This is an all-purpose type of hairbrush. It styles your hair without flattening its shape or hindering the texture. It’s a great choice for adding more volume.
• The bristles are flexible, widely spaced and they pass through the hair smoothly. Holes are included along the backside to allow more airflow. These so-called vents speed up the drying process while heat from the blow dryer targets the hair from different angles.
• Best for: Thin/Thick Straight Hair (any length), Wavy Hair (any length), Coiled Hair (any length)

Military Palm Brush

• If you want ultimate control whenever you brush your hair, this is the type for you. It’s usually made of nylon bristles that efficiently detangle and smooth the hair.
• There’s a durable strap on the back that helps keep your hand stable as you move it around.  It only takes a couple of strokes – going in the direction of the hair growth – to fix up your hair fully.
• Best for: Thin Short Straight Hair, Short Wavy Hair, Coiled Hair (any length), Kinky Hair

Wide-Tooth Comb

• This comb has a row of teeth which are more widely spaced than the average comb or pocket comb.
• The material is normally wood or plastic, but wooden combs are better in distributing oil/product evenly without causing static.
• It runs through the hair smoothly, making it easier to detangle strands.
• It doesn’t require much pulling on wet hair, so there is less risk of damage.
• Best for thin/thick short straight hair, kinky hair and coiled hair (any length).

Oval Brush

• This is an oval version of the paddle brush, with bristles that are more tightly packed.
• Best for wavy hair (any length) and coiled hair (any length).

Paddle Brush

• This brush effectively flattens out frizz, adds more shine and massages the scalp.
• The bristles emerge from a soft rubber cushion that makes them collapse as they touch the scalp – preventing hair from getting split or stretched out.
• The tips are designed to minimize scalp damage or hair snagging.
• It’s recommended that you use it before flat ironing.
• Best for thin/thick long straight hair.

Round Brush

• This cylinder-shaped hairbrush comes in different sizes (smaller ones form tighter curls) and bristle types.
• A round metal barrel (which contains the bristles) gives it a more defined movement.
• The handle comes in a variety of grips that provide traction.
• It’s useful for styles in which the strands have to bend more.
• It’s perfect for men who want to fix up their curls or wavy patterns. 

Denman Brush

• This men’s hairbrush is also known as the classic styling brush.
• The head is designed to bend the hair slightly while you’re brushing it.
• There are traditionally 5, 7 or 9 rows of bristles in order to undo all tangles.
• It does a great job in redistributing oil – adding more shine to your hair.
• Best for short-haired guys who want their hair to appear slightly thicker.

Hair Pick

• This is a flat, squarish comb that’s equipped with long teeth and a handle along the midpoint.
• It’s useful for styling/grooming longer hair.
• Best for kinky hair.

Foldable Comb

• This comb is exactly what the name describes – foldable. The teeth are spaced together tightly.
• The handle also functions as a casing, which comes in handy if you want to take the comb with you to groom your hair throughout the day.
• Best for thin straight hair.

​Hair Brush Sponge

• This is a specialized men’s hairbrush made of high-quality, spongy material.
• It’s meant to run through the hair in small circular motions with a light touch.
• Tiny holes are designed to ensure ideal spacing between each of the twists of your hair.
• It must be used on hair that’s a little damp (using either water or gel).
• Best for kinky hair.

Hair Brush Bristle Types​

Here’s a breakdown of the different types of hairbrush bristles and the benefits of each one.  

Q. I like to wear hats and have to in the winter, in the hills. But they always leave me with hat head at work. Is there any solution?

A. Whether you are a hat guy who regularly wears a hat or you only wear one when the weather turns frigid, the problem of how to prevent unsightly hat head is a common winter question. Hat lovers have been seeking answers for years. For many, going out without a hat in the winter simply isn't an option. To keep you looking good when you take off a warm winter hat, here are some helpful suggestions.

To do the least amount of damage, choose a loose-fitting hat. Stiff brimmed hats like fedoras and close-fitting styles like stocking caps are the most likely to mess up your hair.

Make sure your hat is the right size. Hat head (sometimes called "hat hair") is most common when you wear a hat that is too small or too tight. Ideally, you should be able to fit a finger in between the hatband and your head; this will keep your hair from flattening and getting indentation crease marks around the brim. When possible, consider going up a size to minimize the pressure on your hair.

Or choose a knit hat with more breathable, looser stitching for less damage. Extremely fitted hats are more likely to leave your hair looking flat.

Select lightweight materials such as cotton or fleece rather than wool or other heavy fabrics. Heavy fabrics weigh the hat down and make hat hair worse. Wool -- although traditional -- also causes static electricity and fly-aways. To help fight it, rub the inside of your hat with an unscented dryer sheet, spritz static guard inside your hat, or spray your hair with just a little frizz-controlling hairspray.

Be sure your hair is totally dry before putting on your hat. Not wet, not even damp, but bone dry. When wet or damp hair dries underneath a hat, it will dry super-flat and take on the shape of the hat itself, literally causing hat hair.

Remove your hat as soon as you get indoors. The longer you wear it, the more damage it's going to do. When you're inside (on a train or in your car) during your morning commute, you can remove your hat to give your hair a little breather time.
Revive your hair when you remove your hat: simply shake your hair loose and rub a small amount of gel into your hair to restore it. Do not brush your hair to get rid of hat head; it is sure to make it worse.

Men should keep (besides a toothbrush and toothpaste) their normal hair product in their desk drawer. You can stop at a nearby bathroom when you arrive and do a quick touch-up with a comb before you even get your coffee. And later, if you need to head out to a meeting or get a last minute after-work invitation, you're ready to restyle your hair effortlessly.

Any of the usual hair-styling products works. It can be a splash of water or carry a small travel-size bottle filled with your favorite: a water-soluble gel, pomade, paste or cream. If you're going to fight frizz with water after you remove the hat, dampen your hands (not soaking wet), and run them lightly through your hair to maneuver it back into shape.

On hat days, another option to take with you or keep in your office is dry shampoo. Travel-size versions fit perfectly in your bag or your desk drawer. Dry shampoo has a dual role: not only does it absorb excess oils (its original purpose), but it's also great for bringing volume back into flat hair in no time.

Here's another solution. If you're outside for mere minutes rushing from building to car, consider wearing a hooded coat instead. It will do less damage than an actual hat. Or, if you don't have a coat with a hood, you might try a loosely tied scarf ... or a pair of earmuffs.
​
There are a few workarounds to avoid this situation in the first place, as well as quick fixes you can use to revive hair that has lost its shape. See which ones work for you.

By LOIS FENTON

This article appeared on Arkansas Online
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