🪞 Best At-Home Hair Habits for Men

You don’t need a five-step salon ritual. Just swap a few bad habits for better ones, and your hair will thank you.

🧻 1. Towel-Drying Like a Grown Man

If you’re still rubbing your hair like you’re drying off a dog, stop.

What to do instead:

• Gently squeeze out excess water with your towel
• Pat-dry or wrap for a minute – don’t rub
• If your hair’s long, use a microfiber towel (less friction, less frizz)

🧠 Why it matters: Rubbing roughens the hair cuticle, leading to breakage and frizz – especially if your hair is thinning.

🪮 2. Use the Right Tool: Brush vs. Comb

Short hair: Wide-tooth comb or fingers. You’re not detangling – just shaping.
Medium to long hair: A boar bristle brush helps distribute oils and smooth the surface.
Curly hair: Use fingers or a wide-tooth comb in the shower with conditioner.

🧠 Rule: Never brush dry curly or coiled hair. Ever.

🧴 3. Don’t Fear the Oil or Leave-In

You don’t have to turn into a product junkie – but a little oil or leave-in conditioner goes a long way.

Use it to:

• Calm frizz
• Add shine without grease
• Lock in moisture after a wash

🧠 Top picks: Argan oil, jojoba oil, or a lightweight leave-in with aloe or glycerin.

Pro Tip: Apply when your hair is damp, not soaking wet or bone dry. One pump or a few drops is plenty.

💇‍♂️ Easy Weekly Maintenance That Makes a Difference

Your hair doesn’t need constant attention – but a little care once a week can prevent bigger problems down the line (like buildup, irritation, or just looking… off).

🧴 1. Scalp Exfoliation: Because Your Scalp Has Pores Too

Just like your face, your scalp builds up oil, sweat, and product residue.

How to exfoliate:

• Use a scrub with fine particles or chemical exfoliants (like salicylic acid)
• Massage gently into your scalp (not your hair) for 1–2 minutes
• Rinse thoroughly and follow with a hydrating conditioner

🧠 Why it matters: It prevents clogged follicles (which can lead to hair loss), reduces flakes, and makes your scalp a healthier foundation.

✂️ 2. Trim Your Neckline and Sides Between Cuts

Nothing ruins a fresh cut like a messy neckline or overgrown sideburns.

What to do:

• Use a trimmer or razor to clean up your neckline every 1–2 weeks
• Fade the sides slightly if you’re comfortable, or just tidy around ears and sideburns

🧠 Why it matters: Keeps your haircut looking sharp longer – and gives you a cleaner, more put-together look between barbershop visits.

🧪 3. Clarify If You Use Styling Products Often

Gels, pomades, and waxes can build up over time – even if you wash regularly.

How to clarify:

• Use a clarifying shampoo once every 2–3 weeks
• Follow up with a deep conditioner (clarifying can be drying)
• Don’t overdo it – it’s a reset, not a routine

🧠 When to do it: If your hair feels heavy, greasy no matter what, or you’re not getting the same styling results.

🧠 Hair Care Based on Your Hair Type (Short, Long, Curly, Thinning)

Your hair type isn’t just a style – it’s a system. What works for short and thick won’t work for long and fine. Here’s how to make your routine smarter, not harder.

✂️ Short Hair (Buzz Cut to 2 inches)

The vibe: Low maintenance, high visibility. Every detail counts.

Tips:

• Wash 2–3 times per week (daily only if you sweat hard)
• Don’t skip conditioner – it keeps your scalp healthy
• Trim your neckline every 7–10 days
• Use a light styling product (cream or matte paste) for texture

🧠 Watch for: Dry, flaky scalp – it shows fast on short cuts.

💇 Medium to Long Hair (3+ inches and growing)

The vibe: Style potential, but needs structure.

Tips:

• Wash less (2–3x/week); rinse or co-wash in between
• Use a wide-tooth comb – no rough brushing
• Deep condition or use leave-in 1x/week
• Trim ends every 6–8 weeks to avoid breakage

🧠 Watch for: Tangling, greasy roots, or frizzy ends.

🔁 Curly or Textured Hair

The vibe: Volume and shape – but high maintenance if you skip the basics.

Tips:

• Co-wash or use sulfate-free shampoo
• Use conditioner every time you wash
• Detangle only when wet and coated in conditioner
• Lock in moisture with a lightweight oil or curl cream

🧠 Watch for: Dryness, breakage, or shrinkage from over-cleansing.

🧑‍🦲 Thinning or Receding Hair

The vibe: Keep what you’ve got, and make the most of it.

Tips:

• Avoid overwashing – 3x/week is enough
• Use lightweight, volumizing products (avoid heavy waxes)
• Massage your scalp regularly to improve circulation
• Consider caffeine or biotin-infused products
• Wear hats loosely – tightness can worsen thinning

🧠 Watch for: Product buildup and stress-related shedding.

🚫 Common Hair Mistakes Men Make at Home

These aren’t epic grooming fails. They’re the little habits that quietly mess with your hair health over time. Let’s clean them up.

❌ Overwashing

What you might think: “The cleaner, the better.”
What’s actually happening: You’re stripping natural oils, which can lead to dryness or an oil overproduction spiral.

🧠 Fix: Wash 2–4x/week based on your hair type and activity level.

❌ Skipping Conditioner

Why it’s a problem: Conditioner doesn’t just make hair soft – it strengthens, hydrates, and protects against breakage. Without it, you’re fighting frizz and fragility.

🧠 Fix: Apply from mid-length to ends after shampoo. Rinse. Done.

❌ Using 2-in-1 Shampoos

Why it’s tempting: One bottle. One step.
Why it’s not helping: Most 2-in-1s don’t cleanse or condition well. They’re often packed with harsh sulfates and waxy fillers that coat your scalp without nourishing it.

🧠 Fix: Separate products are worth the extra 20 seconds.

❌ Rough Towel Drying

What you’re doing: Rubbing your head like you’re sanding down a table.
What you’re causing: Friction, frizz, breakage – especially if your hair is thinning.

🧠 Fix: Gently pat or wrap with a soft towel (or microfiber).

❌ Ignoring the Scalp

Why it matters: A dry, flaky, or clogged scalp impacts hair growth and appearance. And it doesn’t go away on its own.

🧠 Fix: Weekly exfoliation, hydrating oils, and a clean-rinse routine.

❌ Wrong Product for Your Hair Type

Why it happens: You grab whatever’s on sale or in the gym locker room.
Why it backfires: Heavy pomades on fine hair? Instant grease. Volumizers on thick curls? Frizz explosion.

🧠 Fix: Choose based on your texture and end goal – matte for volume, oil-based for control, lightweight for thinning hair.