When the weather gets warmer, most of us are more active and have less and less time to spend managing our hair. To help streamline your routine, I offer these five tips on spring hair care.
Get Buzzed
One of the easiest spring haircuts for the active guy is the buzzcut. The cut requires almost no maintenance (except a little sunscreen), and many coordinated guys can even give themselves a buzzcut at home.
A buzzcut can also help keep you cooler as well. For maximum style and comfort, here is what I recommend: Since a lot of your body heat escapes through the back of your neck, go with a really tight fade on the sides and back (this will allow the breeze to get to your scalp). Take the top short enough that you don’t need styling product, but leave enough to give your head a little shade on top (about a #3 or #4 blade).
Buzzcuts work fairly well for most head and face shapes (and, if you like it, the look is appropriate year-round). A good buzz also works well in cold weather, too, as it simplifies styling during times you are often wearing a hat for warmth.
Shampoo Daily
Because you are going to likely be outside and sweating more often, your body (including your scalp) is going to get dirty. This can cause clogged pores. I recommend shampooing every day using a good clarifying shampoo such as Redken Clean Brew. If your hair or scalp is prone to dryness, I recommend opting for a good moisturizing shampoo (or leave-in conditioner) or shampooing less frequently.
Use Hats and Sunscreen
Not only do hats protect your head from the sun, but they can also add a little flair to your warm-weather attire.
If you can’t use a sunscreen, a hat is an absolute must. If you’re not a hat guy, before you head out into the sun, rub some sunscreen all over your scalp. Axe Buzzed Look Cream is great for this purpose, but most any sunscreen will do. Should you accidentally burn your scalp, treat it kindly — only brush with a soft bristle brush and avoid anything with alcohol.
Banana Boat Aloe After Sun Spray can help soothe and moisturize the scalp. If you experience pain and over-the-counter pain medication can help (but check with our doctor first).
Protect Your Hair From Pool Water
Chlorinated pool water can totally wreck your hair and leave it frizzy with a sickly green hue. When possible, swim in a pool that is sanitized with salt water, which is less damaging. Before you get in the pool, saturate your hair with a mixture of water and leave-in conditioner (a few teaspoons of Paul Mitchell Leave-In Conditioner mixed with water in a spray bottle will do the trick). If your hair does get damaged, unfortunately, there is not a lot you can do except wait for the hair to grow out and cut it off. Salt water pools (and ocean water) can also dry and damage the hair (although not as much as chlorine), so use similar precautions when swimming in the ocean or a salt water pool.
Minimize Your Gym and Travel Routine
Of course, getting a short haircut will certainly help making your hair easier to maintain, but if you hit the gym or hit the road, you need to do so with a lighter grooming toolbox and streamline your gym routine. I recommend using a two-in-one shampoo and conditioner (eliminating the need for separate products). Your shampoo can also serve double-duty as a body wash, eliminating the need for extra products. If you have relatively short hair, you can also allow your facial moisturizer to serve as a light styling product as well (yeah, that really works).
With a little planning, you can still look great and save plenty of time and effort on your spring grooming routine. Now, get out there and have some fun!