​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.  

Hair is not immune to the aging process; just like the rest of our body, it changes as we get older. Strands very gradually get finer in diameter and are unable to grow as long as they once could. The degree of change is in large part down to the genetic hand we are dealt, but it is also reliant on hormones, diet and general health.
 
30s
20s and 30s are the most common time for women to have children, and this can impact the hair. 6 - 12 weeks after giving birth, approximately 50% of women experience a type of hair shedding known as ‘post-partum hair fall' – and this is in fact one of the most common hair concerns for women in their 30s. However, it can happen to a woman of any age who is having a baby.

While the overall thickness of the hair can drastically decrease, post-partum hair loss is temporary; the shedding should stop and growth resume as usual. Eating a healthy diet and managing stress levels can help the hair to recover as fast as possible.
 
30s/40s
Ferritin (stored iron) deficiency is also a common issue for women in their 30s and 40s – and remains common up until menses stops at menopause. Ferritin is needed by the body to produce hair cell protein and a deficiency can cause excessive daily hair shedding, as well as loss of length – particularly around the temple areas. To improve and maintain ferritin levels, try to eat red meat at least twice a week. Dietary supplements containing Iron, Vitamin C and Vitamin B12 can also be very helpful such as Philip Kingsley Tricho Complex – and are essential where ferritin levels are already below normal levels.
 
40s
Volume reduction can occur at any age, but for the majority of women it usually becomes noticeable in their 40s. It is not that woman in this age group have less hairs in number than they used to, each hair is simply slightly finer. Daily application of stimulating anti-androgenic scalp drops can help to slow down the thinning of individual strands. To immediately improve the appearance of thickness, use a thickening protein spray when styling.
 
50s
The average age of menopause is around 52. While subtle changes to the hair can and often do occur long before this, menopause speeds up these changes. As the body produces less oestrogen, and the percentage of androgens (male hormones) increase, the hair's diameter and the length to which it will grow gradually decreases. Again, daily application of stimulating anti-androgenic scalp drops can help to slow down the thinning of individual strands – and applying thickening protein sprays throughout the length of the hair can give the appearance of more body.

Finer hairs are weaker, so it is important to take extra care when styling so as not to snap strands. Choose a brush that is gentle – the best are cushioned at the base with rounded, plastic prongs.
 
60s +
Sebum (oil) secretion tends to diminish in our 60s and 70s plus and this can make the hair dry and brittle. To restore moisture, strength and elasticity, use a weekly intensive pre-shampoo conditioning treatment.

Hemoglobin levels also tend to decrease during our 60s+ and this can affect the hair. Improve hemoglobin levels by taking a daily supplement containing Iron and Vitamin C.
 
This article first appeared on ukhairdressers

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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The idea of training your hair to be less greasy may seem like a bit of a farce, for obvious reasons. Namely, the fact that your hair is not alive and the amount of sebum that is created at your scalp can be heavily reliant upon your diet, genes, and various other factors. But there is a reason why this topic is oft-discussed — it's because there's actually some truth to it.

No surprise here: Having to lather up every day is not ideal for many of us, especially when lived-in texture and easy-to-copy updos are so en vogue. (And yes, the majority of us want extra sleep and an "I just woke up like this" moment every so often.)

While you cannot train your hair to do much of anything in the traditional sense of the word, you can train yourself to adopt a few key modifications. That is, things that can help reduce the buildup of oil, distribute the oil that you are creating, and avoid the products that are doing more harm than good in this universal quest for fewer wash days. Spoiler alert: You're using that dry shampoo completely wrong.

For pro guidance, we consulted a few Hollywood red-carpet hairstylists for exactly what they tell their celebs clients. (Celebs like Jaime King, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Jenny Slate, to be exact.) Ahead, a five-step pro-approved technique that can help you squeeze more days between washes — without having to look like you dunked your head in a deep fryer.

Step 1: Distribute Oil Like A Pro

Step 2: Pick The Right Shampoos (& Use 'Em Correctly!)

Step 3: Go Easy On The Conditioner

Step 4: Apply Dry Shampoo Early... Or Not At All!

Step 5: Try A Treatment