Understanding Men’s Hair and Scalp Care

Hair care for men is often reduced to whatever shampoo is in the shower. That works for some, but a little knowledge helps with the issues men most often face: an oily or flaky scalp, thinning hair and protecting an exposed scalp from the sun. Here is what matters.

Washing and conditioning

The American Academy of Dermatology advises washing hair according to how much oil the scalp produces.

• Oily scalp: you may need to wash daily.
• Dry scalp or textured, curly hair: wash less often.
• After exercise or heavy sweating: rinse or wash.

Concentrate shampoo on the scalp, where oil and product build up, and conditioner on the lengths. Rinse thoroughly. A mild product such as our Gentle Daily Shampoo is suitable for frequent washing.

Scalp health

A healthy scalp is free of persistent itching, flaking, redness or soreness.

Dandruff

Dandruff causes white or gray flakes and sometimes itching. It is not caused by poor hygiene and is not contagious. Dermatologists’ advice:

• use a dandruff shampoo and follow the instructions on the bottle; some need to be left on for a few minutes;
• if one shampoo stops working, try one with a different active ingredient;
• protect your scalp from the sun, particularly with products containing coal tar.

See a dermatologist if flaking does not improve after several weeks, or if the scalp is red, swollen or sore. Conditions such as seborrheic dermatitis and psoriasis need different treatment. Read more in our guide to dandruff and scalp care.

Build-up

Styling products such as waxes and pomades can accumulate. An occasional wash with a clarifying product such as Scalp Care Shampoo removes residue.

Hair loss in men

It is normal to shed some hair every day. Noticeable thinning is different.

Male pattern hair loss

The most common cause of hair loss in men. It is hereditary and linked to hormones, and typically shows as a receding hairline and thinning at the crown. It develops gradually and is not a sign of illness.

Other causes

• Stress, illness or surgery, which can cause temporary shedding some months later
• Certain medicines
• Thyroid problems or nutritional deficiencies
• Patchy hair loss from alopecia areata, an autoimmune condition
• Scalp infections
• Tight hairstyles that pull on the hair

Treatment options

The NHS notes that most hair loss does not need treatment and is either temporary or a normal part of aging. For male pattern hair loss, medical treatments exist, and none works for everyone. They need to be continued to maintain any effect and have possible side effects. Discuss options with a doctor or pharmacist before buying anything. Be wary of products that promise regrowth without evidence.

When to see a doctor

• Sudden hair loss
• Bald patches
• Hair coming out in clumps
• An itchy, burning or painful scalp
• Hair loss that worries you

Caring for thinning hair

• Handle hair gently; pat dry instead of rubbing hard.
• Avoid very hot blow-drying.
• Choose lightweight styling products.
• A shorter cut often makes thinning less noticeable.
• Eat a balanced diet with enough protein.

A shaved or bald scalp

The scalp is skin, and without hair it is fully exposed.

• Sun protection: apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, or wear a hat. The scalp is a common site for sun damage and skin cancer. See Daily Sunscreen SPF 50.
• Cleansing: wash daily with a mild cleanser or shampoo.
• Moisturizing: use a light, non-greasy moisturizer.
• Shaving: use a sharp blade and gel, and shave with the grain to reduce bumps.
• Checks: look for new or changing spots, or ask your barber or partner to.

Beard and facial hair

Wash the beard regularly, dry it well and use a little oil to soften coarse hair and reduce itching of the skin underneath. Flaking in the beard is often the same process as dandruff and may respond to the same shampoos, used as directed.

Styling and products

• Use the smallest amount that does the job.
• Wash products out before bed if they irritate your scalp.
• Avoid sharing combs, brushes and hats, which can spread infections.
• Hair dyes can cause allergic reactions; follow patch-test instructions.

Lifestyle and hair

Smoking, crash diets and chronic stress do hair no favors. Adequate protein, iron, zinc and vitamin D support normal hair growth, but supplements help only if you are deficient.

Common myths

• Wearing hats causes baldness. It does not.
• Frequent washing causes hair loss. Washing only removes hairs that have already been shed.
• Shaving makes hair grow back thicker. It does not change thickness or growth rate.

The bottom line

Wash to suit your scalp, treat dandruff early, protect an exposed scalp from the sun and see a doctor about sudden or patchy hair loss. Find shampoos in our hair care range and grooming essentials in our men’s health department.

Sources

1. American Academy of Dermatology. Tips for healthy hair.
2. American Academy of Dermatology. How to treat dandruff.
3. MedlinePlus. Hair Loss.
4. NHS. Hair loss.