How to Get Healthy Hair: A Guide for Men

Most guys don’t think much about how to get healthy hair until they start noticing issues like excessive shedding, breakage, or hair loss. The good news? You don’t need a 12-step routine or expensive salon treatments to get healthier, stronger hair.

Healthy hair starts with three things:

• Proper care

• The right nutrients

• Good scalp hygiene

Whether your goal is to grow thicker hair, prevent damage, or just make sure your hair looks its best, small adjustments to your hair care routine can make a big difference.

Here are our top tips for healthy hair — including advice on washing your hair, styling, and practicing good scalp care:

• Wash your hair the right way

• Condition every time you wash

• Keep your scalp healthy

• Eat nutrient-dense foods for stronger hair

• Be gentle with your hair

• Get regular trims

• Use the right styling products

• Stay hydrated

• Consider supplements

• Seek professional help if needed

When practiced regularly, these habits for how to improve hair health will serve your hair and scalp for years to come!

1. Wash Your Hair the Right Way

For most hair types, two to three washes a week is the sweet spot. Oily hair might need to be washed more often, while dry hair might benefit from fewer washes.

Most men either wash their hair too much or not enough. Washing too often can strip your scalp of natural oils, leading to dry, brittle hair. Not washing enough can cause oil buildup, clogged hair follicles, and even dandruff.

For healthier hair, keep these shampooing tips in mind:

• Use a gentle, sulfate-free shampoo. Formulas without sulfates will cleanse your hair without stripping moisture. They can also help preserve your hair color if you dye your hair.

• Massage shampoo into your scalp. To remove excess oil and buildup, focus on lathering the shampoo on your scalp, not just the ends of your hair.

• Rinse with lukewarm or cool water. Hot water can weaken hair and dry out your scalp.

• Consider a clarifying shampoo. If you struggle with oil or product buildup, you might benefit from using a clarifying shampoo once a week (or less often).

If you work out often and sweat a lot, rinsing your hair with water between washes can help keep it fresh without over-shampooing.

Our guide has more insight into how often to wash your hair.

2. Condition Every Time You Wash

If you think conditioner is just for long hair, think again. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends conditioning after every shampoo to keep hair hydrated, soft, and easier to manage. Plus, it reduces dryness, breakage, and split ends.

Here’s how to use conditioner for optimal results:

• Apply conditioner from the mid-lengths down to the ends of your hair, not the scalp or roots.

• Leave it on for one to two minutes.

• Rinse thoroughly with cool or lukewarm water.

If you have dry hair, try a leave-in conditioner or deep-conditioning hair mask for extra moisture and elasticity.

3. Keep Your Scalp Healthy

A healthy scalp equals healthy hair. Certain scalp conditions affect hair growth, leading to issues like hair thinning or breakage.

Here are some tips for scalp care:

• Give yourself a scalp massage while shampooing to boost blood circulation and promote growth.

• Use a scalp scrub or exfoliating shampoo once a week to remove buildup.

• If you have dandruff, look for a treatment like our dandruff detox shampoo, which contains 1% pyrithione zinc and salicylic acid.

• Try natural oils like coconut, jojoba, or argan oil for extra hydration.

Contact a healthcare professional if you have — or think you have — a scalp infection. The symptoms of scalp infections include itching, redness, and a burning sensation. A healthcare provider might prescribe a treatment or recommend something you can buy over the counter.

4. Eat Nutrient-Dense Foods for Stronger Hair

Your hair is made of protein, so what you eat affects its strength and growth. If your diet is lacking in key nutrients, your hair might become weaker, thinner, or shed more than usual.

Try to eat a healthy, balanced diet, including:

• Eggs

• Fatty fish (salmon, mackerel, sardines)

• Avocados, olive oil, and other healthy fats

• Vegetables and fruits

• Nuts and seeds

• Beans and lentils

• Chicken and other lean meats

If you’re experiencing hair thinning or hair loss, check with a medical provider about possible nutrient deficiencies (especially iron, biotin, and vitamin D).

5. Be Gentle With Your Hair

Hair isn’t indestructible. If you pull, tug, or style it aggressively, you could damage the hair shaft, possibly leading to breakage.

The American Academy of Dermatology recommends avoiding:

• Brushing wet hair aggressively. Wet hair is weaker and more prone to breakage than dry hair. Use a wide-tooth comb instead.

• Tugging on tangles. Instead, gently detangle your hair using a deep conditioning treatment to prevent breakage.

• Tight hairstyles. Super-tight styles like man-buns, ponytails, or braids can pull on your scalp and hair follicles. This sometimes leads to a form of hair loss called traction alopecia.

• Using too much heat. If you use heat-styling tools, turn the temperature setting down and always use a heat-protectant spray or serum to prevent damage.

• Aggressively towel-drying your hair. Wrap your hair in a towel to absorb water, air-dry your hair, or use a hair dryer on the lowest heat setting.

• Harsh chemical treatments. Frequent chemical treatments — for example, bleaching, perming, or relaxing hair — can damage the hair cuticle.

On the topic of handling hair gently, consider using a satin or silk pillowcase. It reduces friction on the hair shaft, which might help prevent breakage, frizz, and split ends.

6. Trim Regularly to Prevent Split Ends

Contrary to popular belief, regular trims don’t make your hair grow faster. But they do prevent split ends, keeping your hair looking healthy.

In general, you’ll want to trim your hair once every six to 12 weeks. Consult a barber or stylist if you’re not sure how often you should cut your hair. If you notice lots of split ends, dryness, or rough texture, it’s probably time for a haircut.

7. Use the Right Styling Products

Some hair care products nourish and protect hair, while others cause buildup, dryness, or irritation.

Avoid alcohol-based hair gels, which can dry out your hair and scalp. Also, although using dry shampoo once in a while is okay, remember that it doesn’t actually clean your scalp — so be sure to give your hair an actual wash to prevent buildup.

Consider opting for:

• Lightweight styling creams or pastes. These provide hold without buildup.

• Water-based gels. These are less drying than alcohol-based formulas.

• Leave-in conditioners. They hydrate and protect hair from damage.

• Heat protectants. If you blow-dry or straighten your hair, heat protectants can help prevent hair damage while adding shine.

Always look for styling products that suit your hair texture and type. A hair care product that works well on dry, thick, or curly hair might not work for someone with fine, straight hair.

8. Stay Hydrated

Here’s yet another reason to keep gulping down water. Dehydration doesn’t just affect your skin, organs, and mood — it can also make your hair dry, brittle, and prone to breakage.

There’s no consensus on exactly how much water to drink per day, but it’s usually best to aim for at least eight glasses (64 ounces). You may need more water if you sweat a lot or exercise frequently.

9. Consider Supplements

If your diet lacks key nutrients, vitamins or supplements may help support better hair health.

Hair supplements often contain these nutrients:

• Biotin (vitamin B7) and other B vitamins

• Zinc

• Vitamin D

• Protein

If you’d like to try a hair growth supplement, consider our biotin gummies.

Having said that, supplements generally only help if you have a nutrient deficiency. If you’re experiencing significant hair loss, talk to a healthcare professional before starting a new dietary supplement.

10. Know When to Call in the Experts

If you’re noticing thinning hair, excessive shedding, or changes in your scalp health, it might be time to seek professional guidance.

While adjusting your hair care routine can help improve hair health, persistent hair loss is often a sign of an underlying issue — one that a healthcare provider can help diagnose and treat.

It’s a good idea to speak with an expert if you’re dealing with:

• Hair thinning or increased hair fall

• An irritated, sore, or inflamed scalp

• Persistent dandruff

Hair loss is often progressive, meaning the sooner you seek treatment, the better your chances of maintaining a full, healthy head of hair.

Instead of guessing what’s causing your hair concerns, turn to a healthcare professional. They can assess your symptoms and recommend science-backed treatments that actually work.

Getting healthy, great-looking hair isn’t about using the most expensive products — it’s about building a healthy hair routine.

Here’s how to get healthy hair in a nutshell:

• Wash your hair two to three times a week with gentle shampoo. This will help keep your scalp clean, hydrated, and free of buildup.

• Eat a healthy, balanced diet full of nutrients that support hair growth. Also, don’t forget to drink plenty of water.

• Be gentle when styling to avoid unnecessary damage. Don’t wear super-tight hairstyles, and apply a heat-protectant product whenever you use a hair dryer or other hot tools.

Lastly, if you experience issues like hair thinning or persistent dandruff, consider speaking with a healthcare provider. They can help you get the treatment you need.

By taking care of your scalp, hair, and overall health, you can keep your hair strong, thick, and looking its best — without overcomplicating things.

If you’re facing hair loss, you can take our free online assessment to start exploring your treatment options.