From haircare, hair styling, to product recommendations, creative director Jack Merrick-Thirlway answers all your hair questions to refine your haircare regimen!
How frequently should you wash your hair?
Washing hair is the same for men and women and should be done once every 3 days. Washing your hair too often will lift the natural oils from the scalp and by doing so will leave the scalp dry.
How to determine which shampoo to use?
Shampoos should be chosen based on your personal hair/scalp type. It is individual to each person and can range from Anti dandruff, to oily hair or dry scalp.
Should you use conditioner?
Conditioner is great for men especially if you use lots of wax or gel on your hair. These products generally contain alcohol as an ingredient which can dry our hair shafts, so using a conditioner will help to counter act this problem.
Are two in one products any good?
I would always recommend using a shampoo and a separate conditioner, as they will target each problem much more specifically.
Should you use hair masks?
I would only recommend hair masks for men with hair that is shoulder length or longer. Masks are great on aged hair, meaning hair that’s longer with a year or two of growth. That’s not to say that hair on the shorter side won’t benefit from the use of conditioner.
How to determine which styling products to use? Cream vs pastes?
Again, this is very personal to the individual’s choice of style. A cream will give the hair a very small amount of control but will add shine and moisture, whereas a paste will add more hold and definition but leave a matte finish.
How frequently should I get my hair cut and why?
Shorter styles need cutting more frequently! I’d say every 4 weeks to keep the style looking sharp, longer styles can go for 6-8 weeks before needing a trim. Hair cut around the ears will look messy as soon as it grows over the ear whereas a longer hair is softer and can get away with the extra couple of weeks.
What hair tools should any distinguished gentleman have at home?
I will always recommend using a hairdryer once hair is washed, no matter the length, to dry style before applying products. The drying helps to make the hair shiny and healthy looking but also helps to keeps the style in place. For longer styles a nice brush and a good comb.
How to find my natural parting?
When your hair is washed and towel dried, run a comb from your front hairline back and your natural parting will fall into place.
What is the difference between gels and creams, and what should they be used for?
Gels leave a much shinier, wetter looking finish and are perfect if you are looking for a more structured look. Gels should be used on gents that want that really slick shiny finish. Creams leave a much softer finish, not much hold but a healthy shine that allows us to run our hands through our hair. Creams on mid-long length hair work best.
My hair is thinning what should I ask for when I get a haircut?
Generally speaking, the shorter we go, the thicker our hair will look. But sometimes if the thinning is in specific areas, with a clever haircut it can be disguised. Leaving length on specific areas can give the illusion that the hair is thicker than it actually is. Also, I would ensure the stylist isn’t using thinning scissors as this will add to the problem. If in doubt always ask for a consultation first.
Gentleman Quintessential Haircare selection by Jack Merrick- Thirlway
