Of course, men are concerned about an incipient baldness.They stress when they notice that their hair is becoming thinner and thinner, and are alarmed by the appearance of dandruff or itching on the scalp. But what are they really doing to remedy all these hair problems?
For many men, taking care of their hair still seems to consist of shampooing daily in the shower and disciplining their style with a dab of styling product from time to time.
Fortunately, things are changing and attitudes are evolving! However, the stereotype persists, perhaps because it largely reflects reality.
Taking care of yourself and using targeted hair care products to address various concerns (hair that's too dry, dandruff, thinning hair, etc.) is not, and is no longer, the exclusive preserve of women. Having beautiful, toned, shiny hair, a healthy scalp and - if possible - slowing down the effects of time and baldness is just as important for men as it is for women.
How - if at all - does men's hair differ from women's?
And as such, should they opt for "men's" products or not?
What hair and scalp care products are right for men? Clauderer tells you all about it and gives you recommendations for a simple, quick and above all effective men's hair routine to keep your hair looking good for as long as possible.
Men's hair, women's hair: similarities and differences
All the same?
The biological structure of hair is the same for both men and women.
It is generated by the hair follicle and goes through 3 phases that make up its normal life cycle:
- anagen phase
- catagen phase
- telogen phase
Male hair can therefore be straight, flexible, curly, very curly or frizzy. The differences in hair types are those linked to each individual as a function of genetics and heredity, and not as a function of gender.
Similarly, both men and women can suffer from dry scalp, dandruff and itching due to skin problems such as seborrheic dermatitis or psoriasis.
All the same, all different!
However, there are differences:
Hair lifespan
Contrary to popular belief, hair grows at the same rate regardless of gender. However, men's hair has a shorter lifespan. On average, men's hair lasts around 3 years, whereas women's hair lasts 5 to 6 years.
Why is this? Like many organs, our hair is dependent on the hormonal factor and oestrogen (the female hormone naturally more present in women) protects women's hair. This also explains the phenomenon of androgenetic alopecia which affects males earlier and more frequently.
Hormonal dependence also affects hair
Greasy hair
Sebum is produced by the sebaceous glands at the base of each hair follicle. Sebum is a natural lubricant for the scalp and hair, and its role is to protect the hair fibre from external aggression. Sebum is therefore essential for maintaining a healthy scalp (and hair). On the other hand, too much sebum, apart from the unintentionally unkempt appearance it can produce, is harmful: pores are blocked, impurities accumulate on the scalp, eventually causing itching and oily dandruff.
Here again, hormones play a role in the production of sebum. In fact, the hormone responsible for sebum production is testosterone, the main androgen (male hormone), secreted by the testicles in men and by the ovaries and adrenal glands in women (Larousse definition). This explains why men are more likely to have hair that greases quickly.
The result is a scalp that quickly becomes greasy, and hair that needs to be washed often at the risk of being damaged by the wrong shampoo.
Specific care for men's hair
Today, for hair as for skin, the cosmetics trend is one of hyper-segmentation, and it is tempting to propose hair products that cater exclusively for the needs of men's hair. Another trend responds to the demands for simplification (less is more) and naturalness expressed more strongly by the younger generations.
What about Clauderer?
As we've seen, hair is defined by many characteristics, but certainly not by gender. That's why, right from the design stage of its natural hair care products, the Clauderer team focuses on products that respond effectively to the different problems of the hair and scalp, whether you're a man or a woman, whatever your hair type (Caucasian, Afro, mixed race) or texture (straight, curly, frizzy).
Clauderer hair care products address the following concerns in particular:
- hair loss
- irritated, itchy scalp, with dandruff
- oily hair
- hair that's too dry.
A hair routine for men
Keeping your hair looking good for as long as possible isn't that difficult or time-consuming, so why not follow these tips?
With the right gestures and the right products at the right time, it only takes a few minutes to look after your hair and scalp. Far from being trivial, taking a few minutes a day to look after your hair is an enjoyable way to spend time, and the results will come quickly: so why not give it a go?
The first step is to identify your hair type. Afro hair, with a naturally dry scalp, will need products that provide comfort and hydration. In this case, instead of a standard shampoo, use a gentle, moisturising cleansing cream that rinses out easily.
The Clauderer Specialists suggest 3 different routines, depending on your aspirations. During the Clauderer diagnosis, you'll know which products are right for you.
BASIC ROUTINE
If you don't have any problems with your hair and scalp, simply opt for a good quality shampoo with a gentle cleansing base so you can use it frequently without damaging the hair fibre. Shampooing well, according to the rules of the art - cf. how to shampoo properly - is already a treatment!
ROUTINE +
To be followed in case of problem scalp, too oily or too dry, itching, dandruff.
In addition to shampoo or Cleansing Cream for fine, limp, very dry or afros hair, complete your routine with a pre-treatment for the scalp: Purifying Milk. Enriched with vitamins and essential oils, it purifies the scalp to restore comfort and a feeling of well-being. Apply 30 minutes before shampooing or the night before to maximise the soothing and purifying effects.
ANTI-HAIR LOSS ROUTINE FOR MEN
Preventing and slowing down the effects of alopecia is one of the major concerns faced by men, and this phenomenon can occur at a very early stage. So don't wait until your head is completely bald before having your hair diagnosed and undertaking an effective anti-hair loss treatment.
It only takes 3 basic steps in 10 minutes max
- Prepare with a Clauderer Lait équilibrant adapted to your scalp (normal, oily, dandruff and/or itching): 2 minutes
- Treat: apply a high-performance, natural anti-hair loss concentrate: 3 minutes
Clauderer Serum, the anti-hair loss concentrate
Wait 30 minutes or apply the day before shampooing
- Rinse and wash with a suitable product: Emulsion or Crème: 3 minutes
Crème or Baume to moisturise, nourish and style, depending on your needs.
In short, what will your routine be?
| BASIC | A PROBLEM? | ANTI-CHUTE | |
|---|---|---|---|
| MILK | 1 | 1 | |
| ANTI-HAIR LOSS SERUM | 2 | ||
| WASHING EMULSION/CREAM | 1 | 2 | 3 |
| HAIR CARE | 2 | 3 | 4 |
To find out more
Men generally put their hair through fewer cosmetic manipulations (colours, afros, straightening, repeated blow-drying, etc.) and their lengths are therefore generally less damaged than women's hair. However, pollution, stress, a more or less balanced diet, etc. are universal aggravating factors that can affect hair growth, so a hair treatment is the ideal remedy for tired hair. Applying a nourishing mask or cream once a month or every 2 months will restore vitality and suppleness, as long as you apply it properly: from the roots to the ends, working the product through. If necessary, don't hesitate to wrap a warm towel around your hair. Leave in overnight or for at least 1 hour, rinse and voilà!
Beautiful hair, full of vitality, for everyone
Similarly, dietary supplements to boost the body and hair are not just for women. While anaemia (iron deficiency) more often affects women before the menopause, a poor diet or drastic, structural deficiency can also affect men's hair, as can susceptibility to seasonal hair loss. A one-off course of hair vitamins will restore the essential nutrients your hair needs on a daily basis.
As you can see, looking after your hair for men (and women) always means choosing quality over quantity of products. Regularity is the key to effectiveness, whether it's soothing an irritated scalp or slowing down hair loss. Knowing how to look after your hair can be an integral part of your daily hygiene routine without becoming an unbearable constraint. Your hair will thank you for it.
Jean-François Cabos is the creator of a unique hair care method based on the research he coordinated, which led to the publication of the book Hair, Roots of Life with Hélène Clauderer published by Robert Laffont (Collection "Réponses/ Santé").
