SharpCuts: Perfect Hair Cuts for All Hair Types
- Straight Hair
- Low-High Curly Hair
- Fine Hair
- Thinning Hair
We’ve all had them: the bad haircut and the ensuing bad hair day (or month). Consider the connection between the two and avoid both. The following are a list of haircuts, styles and products to bring out the best in every would-be SharpMan:
Straight Hair.
Straight hair often lacks the volume to support high altitude hairstyles. For this reason, a simple cut is your best bet.
DO: A 1940s style with hair cropped short on the sides and in the back. Front parted to the side.
DON’T: A "cookie-cutter" haircut, where the hair on the back and sides of your head is cut above the hairline.
PRODUCTS: Even straight hair needs to be kept under control. Add volume to thinner straight hair with Phyto Hold No. 6 Mousse (a.k.a. "Volumizing Mousse", $15/ 5 oz.), available at BeautyStore.com (www.wwbeautystore.com/beauty_store). Work the product through your hair in the direction of the style you seek. For thicker straight hair or for a more natural look, try American Crew Fiber Pliable Molding Cream ($7/ 4 oz.), available through Maly’s (call (800) 446-2597 to order). Apply sparingly as instructed above.
Light to Medium Curly Hair.
While less problematic than super-curls, light to medium curls require special attention:
DO: Sides and back should still be short and tight, with the hair cut above the ears. The less curl in your hair, the longer you can go with your cut on top.
DON’T: Avoid letting all that length go to your head. Growing your hair too long on the top and sides can leave you looking like Mel Gibson ala Mad Max — not the SharpMan look. Too long on the sides and you’ll be back in the late 1970s.
PRODUCTS: To define your curls and avoid frizz, try Phyto Pro Line’s Hold No. 2 Soft Setting Gel ($15/ 5.3 oz.), also available at BeautyStore.com (www.wwbeautystore.com/beauty_store). Squeeze out a quarter-sized amount in the palm of your hand, rub both hands together, apply to hair, and comb through. To control and style without curl definition, use a strong gel like American Crew Firm Hold Gel ($7/ 8oz.), available at BeautyStore.com (www.wwbeautystore.com/beauty_store/AmericanCrew.html) or American Crew Fiber Pliable Molding Cream ($7/ 4oz.), available through Maly’s (call (800) 446-2597 to order). With a quarter-sized amount in your palm, rub hands together and apply, working into hair with fingertips.
Super Curly Hair.
There are many casual ways to wear super-curly hair, among these: the "afro"; long tresses on all or two sides; or dread-locks. For a cut suitable for most working (read: "dating") environments, there is really only one Sharp style for turbo-curly hair:
DO: Cut hair _ inch short all over, such that your entire head of hair is one length.
DON’T: Never comb out longer curly hair — avoid frizz.
PRODUCTS: To control the curls, mix John Frieda’s Frizz Ease Hair Serum with American Crew Styling Gel: Firm Hold. Frizz Ease ($10/ 2 oz.) is available at major drug stores (Rite Aid, Osco, and CVS) and better salons (call (800) 521-3189 to find a retailer in your area). Firm Hold Gel ($7/ 8 oz.) is available at BeautyStore.com (www.wwbeautystore.com/beauty_store/AmericanCrew.html). Work the mixture through the hair to avoid frizz and keep your curls controlled all day or night.
Fine Hair.
Fine hair can look fuller if you style right:
DO: Request a short cut that pushes the hair forward, Sparticus-style. This allows each hair to cover more of your scalp, thereby making your hair look thicker than it is.
DON’T: Cuts that call for you to comb hair sideways or back highlight the fact that your hair is fine.
PRODUCTS: Thicken hair by applying a half-dollar sized amount of Phyto Hold No. 6 Mousse to your entire head of hair. Work product through hair with your hands. Working with a medium-heat hairdryer, blow hair in all directions until dry, thereby giving the appearance of fuller, thicker hair. Hold No. 6 (a.k.a. "Volumizing Mousse", $15/ 5oz.) is available at BeautyStore.com (www.wwbeautystore.com/beauty_store).
Thinning Hair.
Hair that is thinning around the front hairline (not at the back or crown of your head) is treated similarly to fine hair, with special attention paid to the sides of your front hairline, where hair is receding:
DO: As with fine hair, comb forward, taking emphasis off the receding hairline. As for cut, keep hair cropped fairly short on top and sides, no more than 1 to 1 1/2 inches long.
DON’T: Avoid adhering flat, thinning hair to the scalp, or growing one side longer for the "comb-over".
PRODUCT: Nioxin Research Laboratory’s Semodex Shampoo and Topical Serum combo works wonders on thinning hair, adding volume and control. Better still, Nioxin reports that Semodex promotes new hair growth after approximately two months of continued usage (by eliminating and preventing the build-up of lapse produced by a microscopic mite called Demonex). According to Nioxin researchers, this lapse may be attributable to thinning hair and hair loss. Nioxin’s shampoo removes the lapse, and the hair serum prevents new build-up. Use as products direct. Semodex Starter Kit ($33.96) includes Semodex Cleanser (6 oz.), Scalp Serum (2 oz.), and Nioxide (4 oz.), and is available at BeautyBargains.com (www.beautybargains.com). Individual products in larger quantities also available.
SharpMan Tip: A common misconception dictates that blow-drying is required for a great hair day. However, hairdryers are not always necessary. For shorter hairstyles, towel dry first, then apply hair product and allow hair to dry naturally. Don’t plug in unless the product instructions call for it.
Great hair days begin with great haircuts and practice. Take time to get to know your hair and what it can and can’t do. Don’t fight Mother Nature — go with what you have naturally so that your style won’t look "strained". Remember that for men there is no mandate to change your hairstyle with the seasons. Find and stick to what works for you, and every day will be a SharpHair day.