7 men’s hair myths debunked

You’d be surprised how many mistakes you’re making

Beauty Crew Beauty Editor / May 25 2017

Just like skin care, men should follow their own set of rules to women for their hair grooming and maintenance due to their hair’s difference in texture, length and style. We wanted to clear the biggest misconceptions for men’s hair and find out the truth, so we called upon hairstylist Elyston Hayden for his expert advice.

Myth #1 / All styling products are created equal

Far from it: in fact, each styling product has a unique selling point and technique for how to use it. “Sea salt sprays are great for adding instant texture with a little hold; pomades can add shine and are designed to be used with hairstyles that require refining with a comb; clays can be used for textural styling and give a matte finish; whereas pastes have more of a firm hold and usually have a semi-shine finish,” says Hayden.

Toolkit:

Original & Mineral K-Gravel Texture Clay is a clay made with beeswax and soya wax to give grip, pumice stone for texture, and kaolin clay for a matte finish.

Add Toni&Guy Men Messy Salt Spray to cart immediately; it can instantly add texture to styles for a look that’s beachy but done, and not like you’ve spent hours on it.

We’re not sure what we love more about King Brown Original Pomade; the vintage design of the tin or the medium-sheen formula featuring beeswax and carrot oil to hydrate.

Original & Mineral K-Gravel Texture Clay

Toni&Guy Men Messy Salt Spray

King Brown Original Pomade

Myth #2 / Men need haircuts every six weeks

As men’s hairstyles generally require more styling, they need to visit their hairdresser much more often than women for ultimate upkeep. “Two to four weeks is optimum,” says Hayden.

Myth #3 / All hairdressers are the same

Consider hairdressing like a form of art; everyone can do it, but not everyone is good at it. “A good hairdresser will give you a cut that works with the texture of your hair and your face shape,” continues Hayden. “If you go for a $10 haircut, you will get $10 results.”

Myth #4 / Men can use women’s hair-washing products

We’re sitting on the fence for this one, only because it depends on what products she owns. “There’s no point in using a moisturising shampoo if your hair doesn’t need it, as it can actually leave your hair looking and feeling dirtier than you started with,” says Hayden. So, we suggest asking your hairdresser for their best advice on the kinds of products you need.

Myth #5 / Men don’t need to use conditioner

Conditioner can do much more than make your hair feel soft and look shiny. “It’s important to use conditioner after shampooing as it closes the cuticle, and will minimise damage made to your hair.”

Myth #6 / Men don’t need to brush their hair

Totally incorrect. “Using a comb is much more effective than just using your fingers as it encourages blood flow to your scalp, resulting in healthier hair growth,” explains Hayden. Just don’t press down too hard or your could end up irritating the surface.

Myth #7 / Men don’t need to blow-dry their hair

Yes, you can technically air-dry your hair after washing it, but a hairdryer will help seal the cuticles of your hair even further for a shiny, frizz-free finish. “This process can also give you more volume and texture if you need it  - invest in a Denman brush for a more polished look,” finishes Hayden. Psst… don’t forget a heat protecting spray to shield your locks from damage caused by using a hot tool.

Toolkit:

Denman Natural Bristle Small Grooming Brush has staggered bristles to help distribute your hair’s natural oils so your hair always looks healthy.

 Spritz TRESemmé Thermal Creations Heat Tamer Protective Spray into damp hair before blow-drying to protect against damage.

Made in Italy, VS Sassoon Milano 2220 AC Professional Dryer features a powerful motor to dry damp hair quickly.

Denman Natural Bristle Small Grooming Brush

TRESemmé Thermal Creations Heat Tamer Protective Spray

VS Sassoon Milano 2220 AC Professional Dryer

Take inspiration from this gallery of the best men's hairstyles to try this spring, or alternatively, try your hand at shaving your head at home

Image credit: Getty

Iantha is BEAUTYcrew's Beauty Editor, and has been part of the team since the site launched in 2016. Besides pinky-nude nail polish and wispy false lashes, she has a healthy obsession with face masks and skin care ingredients. Her previous work can be found in Virgin Australia Voyeur, Women's Health, and SHOP Til You Drop.