Men's Hair Guide By Your Design.

We don't talk about men’s hair care enough, if at all. Especially when it comes to men of African descent; men with afros and dreadlocks, why is that? Well, I am more than happy to open the dialogue as an African woman with natural hair herself while always ready to be corrected.

The beautiful thing about men and their hair is the fact that their hair generally need less product. Due to the testosterone men's bodies produce their hair generally requires less maintenance and moisturizing. However, it is still kinky hair and will need some degree of self-care and that's what exactly I'm here for.

I know combs are a political subject amongst naturals, for being an option. This is more frequent in men with natural hair. I feel as long as your hair is clean and well moisturized it is adequate. I can recommend finger combing as a substitute for a regular comb if this is your preference, it is generally better for your hair and makes styling a lot easier, although it is time consuming. But then again, this like self-care is by your design and for you to decide, I am merely here to offer suggestions. In the case of dreadlocks, I know the following steps minus the combing can be followed. In fact, By Design has the same oil with a fine tipped nozzle to allow for easy application.

Hair care is personal and because every kink, loc and curl is different but there are some tips and tricks that generally work:

The first thing you'll need is a spray bottle (about 200ml) which you fill up with water and essential oils and this will be for everyday use. I suggest using By Design's hair oil because it has all the oils your hair and scalp need, from rosemary oil to tea tree oil to stimulate growth and to prevent dandruff and build up. You'd add a small amount (about 5ml) and spray it onto your hair first thing in the morning. It also has grapeseed oil which will generally help reduce frizz.

The next thing I would suggest is a good shampoo or my personal preference conditioner for co-washing. This is simply washing your hair with conditioner instead of shampoo because it will not strip your hair of its NATURAL oils. I would recommend washing your hair 2-3 times a week if your hair is short and 1 time a week if you have long hair or locs. This is if you have a tighter curl pattern (V-VIII) and to wash your hair more often if you have a looser curl pattern (I-IV & N/A to dreadlocs). Afterwards, moisturizing your hair with By Design's hair oil and sealing the moisture with a butter (I would recommend Shea) because it helps prevent split ends (which generally look quite untidy) and because it is fast absorbing as well. This would be ideal for locs once a month or so when relocing to prevent product buildup.

The last thing I would suggest is buying a deep conditioner to use once weekly for sort hair and once a week and once biweekly if you have longer hair. Afterwards your hair should feel amazing and be easier to manage.