Men's Hair Care and Grooming
What to buy for a man's hair.
Some men wear one style at work (parted and combed conservatively to the side) and another (spiked up with styling gel, for instance) when they go out. No matter how you style your hair, a few products can help you look your best.
Men's Shampoos
For basic cleaning, just about any basic shampoo will do, dermatologists say. "There are dozens of brands, with all kinds of things added, like botanicals and antioxidants. But there's no real evidence that one is better than another," says Dee Anna Glaser, MD, a professor of dermatology at Saint Louis University. "If you like the smell and feel of the shampoo you're using, that's all you need to know."
Dandruff Shampoos
If combing your hair releases a flurry of white flakes, you probably have dandruff. Then you do need a special shampoo.
"Dandruff is an overreaction to a normal yeast found on the skin, which leads to inflammation and flaking of the scalp," says Carolyn Jacob, MD, a dermatologist at Chicago Cosmetic Surgery and Dermatology. Fortunately, dandruff shampoos can quickly relieve the problem.
Products on the market contain a wide variety of active ingredients, including ketoconazole, salicylic acid, zinc, selenium sulfide, and tar. All of them are equally effective, experts say.
Use a dandruff shampoo three to four times a week for a month. "If your dandruff isn't under control, switch to a product with a different active ingredient," says dermatologist Jacob. If that's not enough to get rid of flakiness, make an appointment with your doctor. You may need a prescription-strength dandruff shampoo.
Hair Conditioners for Men
Conditioners, like shampoos, come in a confounding number of brands. All work the same way: by coating your hair so that it's less likely to tangle. Conditioners that promise to add extra body simply add more coating.
"If you have straight or very short hair, you probably don't have to use a conditioner at all," says Glaser. "Or you can get away with using a combination shampoo/conditioner. But if you have curly, kinky, or long hair, you may want to take the time to use a separate conditioner."
What to buy for a man's hair.
Some men wear one style at work (parted and combed conservatively to the side) and another (spiked up with styling gel, for instance) when they go out. No matter how you style your hair, a few products can help you look your best.
Men's Shampoos
For basic cleaning, just about any basic shampoo will do, dermatologists say. "There are dozens of brands, with all kinds of things added, like botanicals and antioxidants. But there's no real evidence that one is better than another," says Dee Anna Glaser, MD, a professor of dermatology at Saint Louis University. "If you like the smell and feel of the shampoo you're using, that's all you need to know."
Dandruff Shampoos
If combing your hair releases a flurry of white flakes, you probably have dandruff. Then you do need a special shampoo.
"Dandruff is an overreaction to a normal yeast found on the skin, which leads to inflammation and flaking of the scalp," says Carolyn Jacob, MD, a dermatologist at Chicago Cosmetic Surgery and Dermatology. Fortunately, dandruff shampoos can quickly relieve the problem.
Products on the market contain a wide variety of active ingredients, including ketoconazole, salicylic acid, zinc, selenium sulfide, and tar. All of them are equally effective, experts say.
Use a dandruff shampoo three to four times a week for a month. "If your dandruff isn't under control, switch to a product with a different active ingredient," says dermatologist Jacob. If that's not enough to get rid of flakiness, make an appointment with your doctor. You may need a prescription-strength dandruff shampoo.
Hair Conditioners for Men
Conditioners, like shampoos, come in a confounding number of brands. All work the same way: by coating your hair so that it's less likely to tangle. Conditioners that promise to add extra body simply add more coating.
"If you have straight or very short hair, you probably don't have to use a conditioner at all," says Glaser. "Or you can get away with using a combination shampoo/conditioner. But if you have curly, kinky, or long hair, you may want to take the time to use a separate conditioner."
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