We all condition our hair to gain good measure with our strands: to be smoother, softer, tangle-free, and frizz-free. We’ll even turn to conditioners for preventative measures against further damage and breakage. Needless to say, the benefits of conditioning can seem endless. But during a time when we’ve been encouraged to shampoo our hair less and less, (in true Carrie Bradshaw fashion) I can’t help but wonder--are we conditioning our hair enough?

Between density, porosity, and texture, every one of us has our own unique hair type. Wavy, fine, dry. Straight, thick, silky. Fine hair, but lots of it! And on top of all that, we have to consider our styling habits, our chemical treatments, sun exposure, water filtration, diet, and all sorts of other factors that come into play when considering our hair’s state of health. It’s understandably difficult to pinpoint the right formula for hair care, let alone conditioners, but no matter what you’re working with, conditioner is not to be skimped.

While shampoos manage our scalp health, conditioners are the shields for our strands. Its purpose is to help us fight all of those outside barriers. To get things started on the right foot and simplify the decision making process, we’re here to play matchmaker for your strands' conditioning game.

Thick Hair 
Thicker strands need a ton of hydration, so conditioning plays a very important role in your hair's health and should be used on a daily basis. Even if you're skimping on shampooing your hair, the same rule doesn't apply to conditioner (unless your desired end game is dry, brittle ends). Whether you're a gym rat or just a firm believer in minimal shampoos, your thick mane needs to stay moisturized, so be sure to get it wet and apply conditioner every day.

Color Treated Hair
With color treated hair, we suggest using a deep conditioning treatment 1-2 times a week on top of regular conditioning to help rebuild cuticles from the inside out. Hair that's been colored or bleached has been stripped and its porosity has been heightened by bleach and/or peroxide (meaning, your hair absorb moisture but can't actually retain it). A deep conditioner will keep your strands soft and smooth and will fight against treatment-induced frays and breakage. As for your daily conditioner, there's a slew of them out there that can actually support your color from getting stripped or altered by minerals (or other buildup), and we've rounded them up for you here.

Dry Hair
Dry hair could be a result of heat styling too often, or a reaction to a change in your climate. The key word needed in your conditioner is moisturizing, and it's a word you'll want to frequent in your hair care regime. Moisturizing conditioners are going to smooth out any frailties. You can get away with conditioning every other day, but there are also other protective measures we recommend: Use a conditioning oil, cream, or leave-in spray to add extra moisture to your hair after the shower. You'll also want to do a deep treatment conditioning masque once or twice a month. Sticking with this frequency will keep your hair on the shinier side and provide a barrier against drying out.

Conditioning is a crucial part of our hair's overall health. When it comes to how often we condition—whether it be a leave-in spray, deep treatment, or attempt at breakage prevention—the moral of the story is more is more. ​

Air-drying your hair isn’t exactly rocket science, but for a lot of us, it’s also not as simple as letting nature take its course. As an anti-morning person who savors every minute of additional sleep, I try to avoid heat styling at all costs. But as much as I prefer to leave my strands au naturel, it can cause my extremely straight hair to turn limp and staticky, especially as the brutal winter months roll around. But don’t worry—that doesn’t mean you have to resort to frying your strands. With the products and technique, you can style your hair sans heat and just enough effort to look effortless. Below, my exact air-drying routine that will ensure nature dries your hair like a high-powered Dyson.

1 Towel dry your hair
When your hair is soaking wet, it is weaker, fragile, and more susceptible to breakage. To get scientific, hair is made up of protein bonds called keratin that are protected by your cuticles (kind of like a shield of armor). When hair is wet, your cuticles open and those proteins form weaker hydrogen bonds, making it easier to stretch and break. That means you have to take extra care not to manhandle your hair when it’s wet. Friction is wet hair’s worst enemy, so gently squeeze excess water from the ends instead of wringing or rubbing aggressively. Another styling tip? Skip the cotton towel and opt for a microfiber towel instead. Not only does it dry hair quickly and gently, it also keeps frizz at bay for a smoother look post-styling.

2 Reduce air-dry time with air-dry cream
An air-dry cream is a product specifically designed for ditching the dryer. When applied to damp hair, it shaves precious minutes off your dry time and enhances your hair's natural texture. One of my all-time favorites is Joico Zero Heat Air Dry Styling Creme ($20; ulta.com), which doesn’t require any heat to activate the product. Squirt a dime-sized amount into the palms of your hands and work it through the mids and ends of your hair.

3 Hydrate with leave-in conditioner
Thickening mousses and texturizing sprays work wonders for fine hair, but come with a slight caveat—the dryness and stiffness that follows. Applying a leave-in conditioner prior to styling can prevent that from happening. Think of it like lotion for your hair—it inserts moisture that was lost in the shower back into your hair and doubles as a primer for your other products. Try Aveda Nutriplenish Leave-in Conditioner ($33; amazon.com).

4  Add volume with thickening mousse
Volume is usually the biggest concern for fine-haired folk. Since air-drying can cause your roots to fall flat and limp as it dries, a pro tip for achieving max volume on air-dried hair is to apply a volumizing mousse on your scalp. My big-hair hack is applying an egg-sized handful of Living Proof Thickening Hair Mousse ($29; ulta.com) on my roots to give my 'do that extra tjzuzh. 

5 Prevent split ends with a protective hair oil or serum
Next it’s time to give some love to your ends. I typically interchange between a hair oil or serum to prevent split ends, tame flyaways, and inject much-needed moisture to dehydrated strands. Just be careful when selecting your oil of choice as heavier oils can weigh down your hair—and your volume goals. That isn’t to say you can’t find a hair oil for baby-fine hair; there are a ton of shine-injecting, ultra-nourishing oils on the market that deliver amazing results to delicate strands—if you know where to look. Try customized haircare brands like Mon Shampooing and Function of Beauty, which provide personal formulas tailored to your exact hair type.

6 Boost color with UV protectant spray
Just like sunlight is damaging for your skin, it can also take a toll on your hair by fading your perfect color and drying out your strands. Think of UV protectant spray like sunscreen for your hair—it defends hair from the oxidative stress that happens with excessive sun exposure. My go-to is Oribe Invisible Defense Universal Protection Spray ($44; dermstore.com), which also has plant-based collagen to make your strands healthier over time (plus, it smells amazing).

7 Add shine with an all-over shine spray
Hair sprays are to hold as shine sprays are to, well, shine (a bit of word association for you). They’re full of light-reflecting agents that lightly bounce off your tresses and impart a luminous sheen. I’ve tried a ton of finishing sprays in my lifetime, but a personal favorite is Color Wow Extra Mist-ical Shine Spray ($29; amazon.com), which emits a fine mist that evenly coats the hair with a glass-like finish. But a word of advice: use sheen sparingly. While we all love glossy hair, using too much can cause buildup on the hair and scalp, which contributes to bigger issues than dull hair (read: dandruff and itchy scalp).
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8 Brush everything out
Try a Tangle Teezer or wide-tooth comb, both of which are gentler on damp strands. My Tangle Teezer of choice is Tangle Teezer Ultimate Finisher ($12; amazon.com), which was literally designed as a finishing brush to your routine. The teeth on this brush are a bit longer and softer than most standard brushes, which allows you to brush through without pulling at your scalp. And voila! As your hair dries, you should be left with a voluminous blowout quality that looks like you walked straight out of a salon.

The word Barber, is derived from the latin word “barba” meaning beard.  It is a person whose occupation is to cut hair, perform shaves and trim beards.

Hairstylist or Cosmetologist, is derived from the Greek word “kosmetikos” meaning “skilled in adornment”, and is the study of the application of beauty treatments (haircutting/hairstyling, skin care, cosmetics, manicures/pedicures and electrolysis).

Barbers are also trained to provide facials, color and perm hair. This is quite similar to the services the hairstylist would perform; however, there are two very distinct differences between them.

(1) Shaving – the art of shaving with a straight-razor can only be performed by a licensed barber.

(2) Manicure/Pedicure – these two services can only be performed by a licensed cosmetologist or nail technician, not a barber.
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There are many men that seek out hairstylists for that “new” more trendy hairstyle, and in many cases the people they choose are perfect for that goal. But, don’t discount your barber just yet! The growing importance from men to look their best, is constantly putting pressure on barbers to expand their skill-sets.  And, that’s pretty exciting for the barbering world!

What is the difference between a Barber and a Hair Stylist?  Does it matter?  Well, when it comes to male grooming, guys have a couple of options.  Aside from swanky shaving boutiques, “watch sports while you get your haircut” salons, and the classic men’s barbershop, the options for a men’s haircut boils down to two options: a Barber or a Hair Stylist.  While knowing the core differences between the two professions can be helpful, we argue that choosing one over the other because of their title isn’t the best way to go.

Making the Right Choice

We’ve put together a thoughtful infographic detailing everything you need to know about Barbers and Hair Stylists – the tools they use, the skills they possess and the education they must attain.  It may surprise you to learn just how much the two professions have in common!  Make sure to read through to the end as we include our recommendation on how to choose the best option for you at the bottom.

How to Choose between a Barber and a Hair Stylist

The main difference between a barber and a hair stylist is the fact that a barber can use a straight edge razor to shave your face.  Now, the education piece is important as well.  While cosmetologists learn a variety of skills during their time at school, Barber’s do spend more time learning about the different cutting and styling techniques on men’s hair.  

With that being said, we argue that your decision between a barber and a stylist should come down to the professional and not the profession.  In our opinion, it doesn’t matter which license they hold – the quality of service, the integrity of the person, the commitment to their craft and their passion for the industry should matter much more.
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Making Your Decision

The next time you are in need of a new stylist or barber here is our recommendation on how to choose between the two.

1. Determine your desired cut/style – the type of style or cut you are after will help you narrow down the pool of potential hair cutters.
2. Research your area’s best salons and barbershops (look at their work on their website or social media, read their online reviews, drop in for a quick consultation, or ask your friends and family for suggestions)
3. Once you’ve chosen your preferred location, communicate with the guest services team.  More than likely they will know the ins and outs of each stylist or barber who works there – what they specialize in, what types of styles they are good at, what they enjoy doing, etc.  The guest services team will be able to place you with a person who can help you achieve the look you are going for.
4. Over-communicate!  Every time you visit a new stylist or barber make sure you tell them exactly what your vision is.  Don’t be afraid to speak up during the appointment if the cut isn’t short enough or the look isn’t turning out as you thought it would.
5. Bring in a photo as an example.  It never hurts to have a visual example of what you are looking for.

All in all, it is important to remember that most stylists these days are well trained and well equipped to handle any type of men’s haircut or style.  On the flip side, most barbers are equally as trained to handle women’s cuts and styles. 

What would men’s magazines have done for the past year or so, I wonder, without the re-emergence of Brad Pitt as the style icon he was back in his 1990s heyday? From the chisel-jawed one’s gilded turn in Tarantino’s Once Upon a Time in Hollywood last year to his more recent Brioni tux-clad series of red carpet appearances, Pitt has proved beyond any doubt that style and sex appeal don’t go anywhere after 50.

One of the key areas in which Pitt excels is with his hair. Though recent years have seen the actor opt for darker hues and shorter cuts, his most recent honeyed slick-back is not only incredibly complimentary to both his bone structure and his skin tone, but it’s also a look that speaks of a certain glamour only Hollywood can truly muster, and it goes as well with a tux as it does with a beaten-up band tee and jeans, as Pitt so deftly proved in OUTH.

Pitt’s red carpet train chasers Ansel Elgort and Timothée Chalamet have also tried the cut out recently, both with equal levels of success. Here, our resident barber Joe Mills explains how to get the look yourself.

The styling guide

1. Who does it suit? This cut suits medium to thick hair, ideally with a slight wave. You need to have a good four to six inches of hair on the top, and it should be left heavy, with a little texture added.

2. How should I have it cut? The back and sides should be a good three inches in length, which will allow it to be swept back. Texture needs to be added here too, so that your hair has some movement and doesn’t look too “Lego-head”. Ask your barber for a longer, classic layered cut with some texture and no hard lines around the back and sides.

3. How do I style it? Ideally, you’ll need to get the hairdryer out for this. Use a texture spray when your hair is freshly shampooed, then blow dry the hair back from your face using a vent brush. When it’s almost dry, apply a styling cream that will give it enough hold but will allow you to still be able to run your fingers through it.

The products you need

1. A lightweight, non-aerosol volumizing spray - spray on damp hair before blow-drying.

2. A light cream pomade for all hair types - apply to damp hair for a wet-look finish, or dry for a more natural, matte style.

3. A Vent Brush - like this one by Denman

4. A Hair Dryer (I have some recommendations for you here)
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When we want to dry hair fast, we normally reach for a hairdryer, often with some remorse for all the blow drying hair damage we are going to cause. What if I told you that I know how to make hair dry faster and with less damage at the same time?

Read on to see some ‘healthy hair drying’ myths busted and to adopt the best drying routine.

Does Blow Drying Damage Hair?

The short answer is yes, it does. Hairdryers expose your hair to heat, which makes it rough and brittle and causes split ends. Here is how it happens.

Your hair remains strong and shiny when its outer layer, the cuticle, is safely protecting the inner cortex containing water. Too much heat damages the cuticles and makes the trapped water form bubbles and break the hair.

Is cold blow drying bad for hair then?

You might have guessed right, it’s not. The sad part is that it won’t let you dry your hair fast either. Thus, while cold air drying does miracles defining shine and setting naughty strands in place, blowing cold air through your soaking wet mane is both vain and unpleasant.

Air Drying vs. Blow Drying

Before you ditch your hairdryer and start sacrificing time to air dry your hair instead, please be informed that it is not always better to let your hair dry naturally.

Adam Reed, ghd global ambassador, warns that hair absorbs much water while washing, and waiting for all the water to evaporate in the air takes much time. The problem here is not only that nobody has time for that; the longer time the hair stays wet, the more the cortex swells and cracks, causing permanent hair damage.

Recent research carried out in Korea confirms that a long-lasting wet stage is as harmful as exposure to high drying temperatures. More than that, researchers suggest that the right blow drying technique brings much better results than natural hair drying.

5 Steps to Drying Your Hair Quickly Without Damaging It

Thankfully, a healthy hair drying routine exists, and the process is not long or painful. Just follow these 5 steps and learn to avoid the mistakes women are prone to make.

1. Use Hair Conditioner
I can almost hear you saying that applying a conditioner is part of washing your hair, not drying it. But hear this: Hair conditioners not only nourish your hair and prevent breakage making it easy to detangle your hair after washing, but they also actually help your hair dry faster.

The secret is that conditioners create a gentle coating that repels water and prevents excessive soaking of your tresses. If you have curly hair, using leave-in conditioners will also let you stop hair frizzing after washing.

2. Be Gentle and Use the Right Towel
Drying hair with a towel is not a good way to dry your hair fast without a blow dryer. Instead, it is another myth that needs to be busted. The fact is, wet hair is very susceptible to damage, so rubbing the moisture out can seriously harm the cuticles.

To make your hair dry faster, use a super-absorbent hair-drying towel to blot excessive moisture or, if you have long thick hair, wrap it up, turban-style. Soft microfiber towels work best here, but you can also dry hair with a cotton T-shirt, piling your hair on your head for 10 to 20 minutes.

3. Fluff the Roots of Your Hair
Roots remain wet longer than the ends and leaving them half-dry can be dangerous, especially in cold weather. This is why so many women prefer to be safe than sorry and blow dry on high heat, running the risk of fried hair.

To dry your roots fast without causing damage, make sure they get as much airflow as possible. Shake your head from side to side, turn it upside down, or run your fingers through hair strands, thus opening up the roots. Needless to say, do this outside the humid bathroom where you have just showered.

4. Comb Your Hair
Note that brushing hair when it’s wet is one of the damaging hair habits stylists recommend to avoid. Still, using a wide-tooth comb to separate some hair strands will promote airflow and make your hair dry faster.

Another option is to use a microfiber brush with soft bristles that soak water. The brush does not damage the cuticles but allows getting down to hair styling faster.

5. Use Protective Blow-Drying Techniques
Now, when your hair is rough-dried, blow dry it to get the necessary volume and styling. To blow-dry hair without damage, follow these simple rules:
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• Stick to cooler temperatures;
• Use an ionic hair dryer that dries hair faster even on cooler settings;
• Hold the blow dryer 6 inches away from your hair;
• Move the blow dryer around letting separate strands cool down a bit before a new round of heat;
• Apply heat protectant products.
  

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You may finish styling with cold hair blowing; this will help close the cuticles and make hair smooth and shiny.

A Bonus Speed-Drying Hack
A tricky way to save time drying your hair is not washing it at all. In fact, there are many good reasons to stop washing hair daily, and escaping the chance to stress your hair with the drying routine is just one of them.

Wash less frequently or use dry shampoos every other day, and your hair will be more than grateful.

Bottom Line
​Drying your hair fast does not need to harm your tresses. Blot the moisture and rough-dry your mane, then blow dry it with warm air, holding the hairdryer at a distance and moving it around. Finish with some cold air blowing to fix your hairstyle, and here you are, ready to go out sporting your gorgeous, healthy and shiny hair.