Trying not to look as if trying too much is key to having a great hair day, stylist says

Jun 16, 2009 17:21 GMT  ·  By
Men can have a great hair day every day if they pay attention to a couple of minor details, stylist says
   Men can have a great hair day every day if they pay attention to a couple of minor details, stylist says

They say men often find themselves torn between having to make a choice for a styled hair and letting it all natural, to avoid being compared to their partners who usually take at least half an hour to make their hair look right. Stylist John Allan, founder of John Allan’s grooming and lifestyle clubs, is telling Men’s Health that it doesn’t necessarily have to be so, since men also have the middle way option available, which consists of basically following a few simple steps.

For starters, Allan says, bringing a photo to the salon of the kind of haircut one would like to have is not necessarily a good idea – granted there are men out there who actually do that. Such a thing can only come in handy when the guy wants a specific cut and ‘do, and simply cannot put his thoughts in words. In this case, a photo can help bridge this gap, but it is by no means a guarantee that the stylist will do the exact same ‘do as shown in it, since it might not go with the guy’s face or personality, Allan further explains.

Another thing men should keep in mind is related to gray hair, with the most frequently asked question being that of whether they should dye it or simply go natural. For the former option, stylists usually recommend products that wash away after 3 or 4 weeks and that gradually fade in intensity because, frankly, while visible roots might actually be a good look on women, on men it comes off as ridiculous. “Hair becomes very porous when it loses its pigment, so it will absorb things like smoke, pollution, and chlorine. It gets a yellow cast to it. In that instance, consider washing some color through your hair. A shade that’s lighter than your natural hair color usually works best.” the stylist says.

For the latter option, that of showing one’s true gray colors, a stylish, elegant and, at the same time modern cut is a must, Allan stresses. At this point, the difference between looking like a sleek silver fox or a creepy aging man trying to play dandy is in an awesome cut and careful styling. “Texture, style, and maintenance – it’s not just the color. Gray hair can be dressed up in many ways, but chopping into it to give texture usually works well. It doesn’t have to be a trendy haircut, but it should be current. A good stylist will help your hair evolve as you change, so you don’t have the same haircut today as a senior partner as you did when you were 14.” Allan explains.

The bottom line is that, for men to find the middle option between extra styling and utter carelessness, they must find a good stylist who can work up a ‘do that will stand the test of time, while also looking smashing every single day. However, Allan adds, good haircare products must also be included on the to-check list for great hair, such as an efficient cleansing shampoo (vitamin-based and moisture-infused) and a water-based pomade.