Balding, Breakage & Beards: A Woman's Guide to Men's Hair Health

Many of us girls have a mild to intense obsession with our hair and do everything we can to make it look and feel as good as possible.

So, given this passion, it is not surprising that sometimes we can overlook the impact their own hair can have on men. Particularly those who may be experiencing hair thinning, hair loss, or a scraggly beard.

If you've got a partner, brother or dad whose hair is, shall we say, less than perfect, go ahead and ask them how they feel about it. You might be surprised by their answer.

The truth is, many men care just as much about their locks as women do, and it causes them equal amounts of grief if it's not 100% to their liking.

However, while women tend to have entire routines dedicated to improving their hair health, men, being men, often stick to a quick, cheap shampoo and call it a day.

So, if the men in your life are struggling with hair concerns or could do with a bit of caring advice from their partners, sisters, or friends, this woman's guide to men's hair health can help you help them.

Understanding Hair Loss in Men

You are probably aware that one of the most common hair-related concerns for men is going bald, and while it's easy to dismiss it as a normal part of ageing, it can be a sensitive subject. After all, how would you like to go bald?

Male pattern baldness (androgenetic alopecia) is the leading cause, and it's largely genetic. So, if a man's father or grandfather had a receding hairline or bald spots, the chances are he'll see the same signs eventually.

However, hair loss is not just caused by genetics. Other factors like stress, poor diet, hormonal imbalances, and even certain hair products can be a contributing factor. For this reason, it is important to encourage the men in your life (and, for that matter, the women as well) to eat a balanced diet rich in protein, iron and essential fatty acids, as this can help to keep hair in the best possible condition.

If you or he notice significant shedding, solutions like scalp treatments, laser therapy, and Gro Clinics Hair Care could be worth exploring to promote healthier hair growth.

Preventing and Treating Hair Breakage

While balding is a common concern, hair breakage in men is another issue that doesn't get enough attention.

It is important to note that breakage isn't the same as hair loss because while hair loss occurs from the root, breakage happens when strands snap due to dryness, damage, or excessive tension.

On men, particularly those with a longer hairstyle or beard, breakages can make their hair appear thin, frizzy, or uneven. 

A good way for them to counter this is to swap to a gentler shampoo and use conditioner regularly. Additionally, men should avoid harsh hair treatments (like frequent bleaching or excessive heat styling) as this can negatively impact their strands.

Many men don't think about deep conditioning, but if their hair is dry and brittle, you can suggest they put on a weekly hair mask, as it can work wonders. However, don't be surprised if they are less than enthusiastic about the idea. 

You can also remind him that rough towel-drying and aggressively brushing hair can cause unnecessary damage.

Scalp Health

For everyone, healthy hair starts with a healthy scalp, but, as you might guess, this is often neglected by dudes. However, if the men in your life are experiencing flakiness, irritation, or excessive oiliness, they may need to develop a hair care routine.

Dandruff, for example, is incredibly common but often ignored until it becomes severe. Thankfully, a good anti-dandruff shampoo, preferably one with tea tree oil or salicylic acid, can help keep the scalp clear.

Additionally, men who frequently wear hats or helmets (like cyclists or tradies) might also experience scalp issues due to sweat buildup. They can be encouraged to exfoliate their scalp to help clear away dead skin cells and keep hair follicles unclogged.

At the same, simple habits like rinsing hair thoroughly after workouts and using a lightweight scalp serum can make a significant difference.

Beard Health

Many of us women love a man with a beard (Tom Hardy, Omari Hardwick, Prince William!), and a beard can be a fantastic style statement for any guy.

That said, just like the hair on his head, facial hair requires proper care, so if a man's beard looks or feels rough, patchy, or unkempt, it would be worth suggesting he upgrades his grooming routine.

Beard breakage is an annoying issue for many men, which is sometimes caused by neglect. Indeed, many blokes assume that washing their face is enough, but beards, just like the hair on their head, need dedicated care.

Try to encourage them to use beard shampoos and conditioners to keep their facial hair soft and manageable. It is also worth men using quality beard oil or balm to hydrate both the hair on their chin and the skin underneath, as this will prevent itchiness and flaking.

Regular trimming of the beard is also essential, even if he's growing it out, because shaping the edges and trimming split ends will keep his beard looking full and healthy.

Some chaps also struggle with patchiness, for which a biotin supplement or a natural growth serum might help improve their hair density over time.