Summer Hair Tips for Men

We recently sat down with Sarah Rappolt, senior stylist at Bumble and Bumble’s Downtown NYC Salon to ask her a few questions about how guys should take care of their hair. She gave us a few special tips for keeping your quaff cool on hot summer days and for that crucial transition into a night out without looking like you’ve just returned from 3 months in the jungle. And no, none of them include using your girlfriends shampoo.

How often should a man, with reasonably normal thickness/texture hair, shampoo his hair? during the summer? During the winter?

I recommend that men do NOT wash their hair everyday. Often I feel like men tend to over-cleanse, which removes natural oils that actually benefit the hair and scalp by preventing dryness and enhancing texture. Twice to three times per week is a good schedule for the summer, and you can get away with even less in the winter because there’s less chance for sweat/oil to build up. If you’ve gone to the gym and you’re feeling like you want to wash more than that, just rinse hair with water instead.

Is there anything special a guy should do to take care of his hair during the summer? Winter?

I’d say the rules are pretty much the same for both seasons.

Since most working guys won’t get a chance to go much this summer, is there any way a guy can get that “just came back from the beach” hair? The sort of coarse, starchy but light hair feeling?

Again, not washing your hair too often comes into play here because when you skip washing, your true texture and wave have a chance to develop. Cuts are getting longer – not so barbered and short – so there’s more to work with. I love Bumble and bumble Surf Spray for creating back from the beach hair. Just spray into dry hair and work in with your fingers for great naturally wavy texture.

What are your favorite styling products for men?

Bumble and bumble Sumotech is a fantastic wax with a matte texture (not a shiny one like most waxes) that I love because it doesn’t look so groomed but it keeps hair in place with a natural finish. Bb. Gel is a wonderful new product that isn’t flakey like gels of the past, so you can apply it to damp hair, and brush it out for long lasting, flexible hold.  For longer, wavier, natural looking locks, I use Bumble and bumble Grooming Creme. Applied to damp hair, it works to enhance natural texture and offers a healthy, movable finish.

What can a guy do to avoid the greasy, gel look when styling their hair?

To avoid the greasy gel look when styling hair, start by rinsing (not washing) every day. If you’re hair is super oily, try Bumble and bumble Hair Powder. Apply it to dry hair at the roots, wait for it to dry, and shake it out with your fingers to cut oil and get a matte finish.

Does a guy need to condition? How often?

Guys don’t really need to condition unless their hair texture is extremely dry.

Besides the old ‘head and shoulders’, is there any practical way to reduce dandruff?

Dandruff is buildup of oil in the scalp, so regulating oil is really the key. If you have super oily skin, you’re not going to wash your face 3 times per day because you’ll throw the balance off. The same goes for the scalp – don’t over-cleanse.

What is the ideal summer hair cut for men? Not counting the buzz cut of course

I always say that fads don’t work for everyone. Find a cut that works for you and do it. Right now, I’m liking hair that’s longer on top and shorter on the sides. I’m also seeing a lot more embracing of natural texture.

Transitioning from a warm, sometimes sweaty day at work to a night out in the city, is there a way a guy can ‘freshen’ up his hair without taking a shower?

I try to remind guys not to freak out about their hair because to me right now, it looks good a little rough around the edges. Think Clive Owen – he looks great with a little more hair that’s manly yet polished. If you feel like your hair is getting super oily, apply a little Bumble and bumble Hair Powder at the roots and shake it out to get back to a matte texture.

Most important aspect of mens hair care, ie what does a man absolutely need to do on a consistent basis to maintain color, shine and volume in their hair?

Men need to be more comfortable using products! I think more and more focus on skin care and groomed but present facial hair is looking great on guys, and the hair should be another way to express yourself. Start being open to using styling products to achieve a given look. Next time you’re in the salon, don’t be afraid to ask your stylist for step by step instructions and product recommendations so you can recreate that look once you leave the salon.