The next time you visit the grocery store or the pharmacy, pay special attention to the hair care aisle. Do you notice anything missing? I have recently become painfully aware that most stores lack a selection of hair brushes marketed specifically for men and their different types of hair. Are men supposed to use the hair brushes that are targeted toward women even though they have different types of hair and different needs? I wouldn’t recommend it. Men should take a cue from their female counterparts and select hair brushes that were designed just for them and their special hair care needs.
Behind every good man is a good hair brush; find out which brush is perfect for you.
Just because the grocery stores and the drug stores have failed to provide adequate hair brush options for men doesn’t mean there isn’t a need for them. Men should discover which type of hair brush suits them best, and then purchase that brush. Using the wrong tools for your hair type will result in substandard hair care. On the other hand, using the best tools for the job will result in the best hair of your life. The choice is yours. Here are some tips on how to care for your unique hair type and which brush will work best for you to manage your style.
The best hair brushes are all handmade or hand-finished in England by a company called Kent that offers an array of different brushes for different types of hair. G B Kent & Sons Ltd, commonly known as Kent Brushes, has been producing high-quality hair brushes since the 1700s. They currently produce a whopping 250 different brushes for men and women (not only hair brushes and combs, mind you, the are also famous for their shaving and make up brushes). When it comes to hair brushes, the name Kent is virtually synonymous with quality.
Is Your Hair Receding or Thinning?
Many men are concerned about a receding hairline or thinning hair. It’s a common concern, particularly among men who have already noticed there isn’t as much hair on top of their heads as there used to be. Yes, thinning hair is perfectly natural and frequently comes along with the aging process, but that doesn’t mean you can’t take steps to maximize the appearance of the locks you do have. Even the perfect brush will not help you regrow hair, but the wrong brush can exacerbate your hair loss. Avoid using a hair brush with overly stiff bristles that can break your hair along the hair shaft. Instead, use a brush with softer bristles. Softer bristles are gentler on your hair and soothing to your scalp, making them ideal if you have a receding hairline or thinning hair. The Kent MS23 (pictured) is a brush that was created with thinning hair in mind. This brush is labeled “Soft” right on the label to differentiate it from the other hair brushes that Kent offers.
Is Your Hair Thick?
Although thick hair can be challenging to manage, it can be controlled and styled nicely with the right brush for the job. Unlike thinning and receding hair, thick hair needs very stiff bristles to keep it in line. The stiff bristles will penetrate your thick hair and reach your scalp. If you have thick hair, the Kent OG2 (pictured) and the Kent MN11 hair brushes both have the stiff bristles that your hair needs. Kent created these brushes especially for men with this type of hair, making them the best choices for thick hair care.
Is Your Hair Medium?
Men with medium hair are very fortunate. They actually have the easiest type of hair to manage. It tends to be shiny and easy to control. Medium hair does not dry out like some other types of hair. That makes it easier to manage. Men with this kind of hair can get away with using nearly any type of hair brush. However, they will still see the best results from using a brush tailor-made for their hair. Men with medium hair should use a brush with medium bristles or stiff bristles. Kent produces the MS11 just for this purpose. To maintain healthy medium hair, men should develop a brushing routine on a daily basis. Hair brushing should be a very thorough process that starts at the nape of the neck and extends to the front. While brushing your hair, your head should be angled forward and downward. The movements of the brush should mimic a spa or barbershop head massage. Once you complete thoroughly brushing, you can style your hair.
Do You Have Fine Hair?
Men with fine hair may find styling frustrating. Fine, limp hair always seems to end up in the same style no matter how hard you try to change it. Often, the only way to keep fine hair where you want it and maintain your desired style is by using styling products. Despite its drawbacks, fine hair has some benefits. It is generally shiny and sleek. Men with fine hair should accentuate the positive aspects of their hair by using a hair brush that has soft or medium bristles. If you have fine hair, using the Kent MS23D will give you the most control even if you must keep your hair in place using styling products.
Men, it’s time to exercise your right to proper hair care. Determine which type of hair you possess prior to purchasing your perfect hair brush. You should always use the brush that was designed for your particular hair type. If you use styling products, those should also be geared toward men with your unique needs. Style and grooming are not reserved solely for women. Now, more than ever, men have come to realize the benefits of taking care of themselves. That’s why savvy men know they need the right brush for their hair type. Knowledge is half the battle. So, now that you know the secret to managing your hair, make sure you get the right brush to take care of business and look your personal best.
“The Man” photo by Jon Åslund on flickr.