Barbers' Rules For Healthy Hair
Being handsome starts with being individual. How you live your life and the choices you make along the way tell your story and define your very own style. What you wear, how you spend your summer holiday, the books you read… everything communicates who you are. From a barber’s point of view however nothing represents 'Brand You' better than your hair. And whether your style is to keep it long, ultra short or sport a man bun, we are determined to help you keep a healthy head of hair and avoid some common pitfalls that most guys fall into.
How To: Wash Your Hair - Shampoo
Good hair needs a healthy scalp. You can’t build anything solid without getting the basics right, so think of your shampoo as a strong foundation and make it a considered choice. Reaching out for whatever happens to be in the shower won’t cut it.
Wash your hair as often as you need, even daily, provided you use a shampoo that’s suited for regular use and one that has the right pH. This will prevent drying the scalp or hair follicles. Most importantly avoid anything with Sulphates e.g. Sodium Laurel Sulphate (SLS) or Sodium Laureth Sulphate. Unfortunately most shampoos for men still contain these foaming agents. They strip the hair of natural oils, making it more prone to damage. Sulphates can also irritate the scalp, causing all sorts of issues. For example, lots of men don’t have dandruff despite thinking so. They actually just have dry scalps caused by chemicals in their shampoo. For a sulphate-free option, try our
Quince and Oakmoss Shampoo. The frequent-use-formula gently foams and like all Murdock Clean Label products, does not contain ingredients that gamble with your health.
Top Barbers' Tip
When applying shampoo don’t scratch the scalp with your nails because you will end up irritating it. Instead, use the pads of your fingers. By moving in a circular motion, you massage the scalp rather than attack it. The firm movement will help to boost blood circulation bringing more nutrients to the follicle, helping your hair grow stronger. Rinse your hair thoroughly afterwards.
How To: Wash Your Hair - Conditioner
Following with conditioner is as important as using the right shampoo. A shampoo is a treatment for your scalp. But it’s the conditioner that’s serious about your hair. When applying it, run it through damp hair concentrating on the ends and allow it to absorb before rinsing. Especially if you have medium to longer hair - conditioner should be a staple, not just an infrequent accompaniment. The right one will strengthen and add volume, making hair softer and easier to style. In a good conditioner look for hair fortifying ingredients like Provitamin B5 or Wheat Protein. To condition like a pro, try our
Quince and Oakmoss Conditioner.
Top Barbers' Tip
Don’t unknowingly become your hair’s own enemy. There are many factors that can contribute to hair loss (stress, poor nutrition, illness or hereditary inclinations) but you can for sure avoid one. Your hair is most fragile when it is wet, therefore never rub vigorously when towel drying it. This not only damages the hair cuticles but also over time could make the weakened hair fall out prematurely.
After shampoo and conditioning inject some instant volume and texture to your hair by spritzing it with
Murdock Sea Salt Spray. Ideally use it on wet hair before styling. Sea Salt Spray is a ‘go-to’ at our barbershops for most hairstyles. Compared to other salt sprays, the inclusion of oils of Tangerine, Orange, Lemon and natural Sea Salts provides less sticky grit to play with and a refreshing zesty fragrance.
Leave your hair to dry or if you are after a specific, more defined look, pick one of the expert Hair Tins. Created and used by our barbers, they are pliable and easy to use giving the perfect finish you’re after:
For a firm hold and dry finish, apply a small amount of
Matt Mud through damp or dry hair. This non-shine shaping clay is ideal for shorter hair.
For a flexible, low-shine and separated look work some
Texture Paste through dry hair.
For a slick, vintage look use water-soluble
Vintage Pomade, combing it through dry hair.
And if your hair is mid to longer length, apply a small amount of
Hair Play before or after drying for a very soft, loose finish.
You can learn plenty more about our Hair Tins
HERE.
