In this edition of “Step Into the Chair,” hairstylist Cleve McMillan weighs in on your burning questions about the mysterious adventure that is getting a haircut.
This cold weather has my hair frizzing up like a cotton ball. How can I get it to calm down?
To battle frizz, you first need to know what’s causing it. Oftentimes when it gets cold outside, it’s a dry cold, and when there’s not much moisture in the air, the ends of our hair start to dry out and become frizzy. Since we can’t control the weather, the only real way to calm down frizzy hair is to use heavy moisturising products.
If you’re willing to shell out some cash, John Frieda’s products are the professional hairdresser’s go-to products for fighting frizz. On the other hand, you could also make a makeshift leave-in conditioner out of your regular conditioner to add extra moisture and weight to your hair. To do this, simply squeeze a pea-sized dollop of conditioner into your hand and emulsify it — that is, give it a good rub between your hands. Once it’s nice and emulsified, work it through the frizzy ends of your hair, and apply a pomade or clay to lock in that moisture and calm down any strays.
It’s been extra windy lately, and my hair is constantly flying everywhere. How can I keep it in place without dipping my head in a vat of hair gel?
While wearing a hat when you’re out in the wind is always an option, there’s a better way. Contrary to what you’d think, you actually want to use a product with less hold — like a cream — when it’s windy outside. That’s because the wind is going to push your hair around no matter how much gel, clay or hairspray you’ve put on it, so you want to use something that’s malleable. This will allow you to easily restyle your hair after it’s been blown all over the place.
I’ve wanted to grow out my hair for a while now, but I always end up cutting it a few months in. How can I stay motivated to keep growing it?
The main reason guys often cut their hair a few months into growing it is because it’s become unmanageable. It’s important to remember, though, that hair growth goes through stages — one week it will look horrible, and the next it will look really cool. If waiting for that “cool” stage doesn’t keep you motivated, it’s okay to go in and have it tidied up a bit.
If you are going to go in for a small cut while growing out your hair, however, it’s important to make very clear to your barber that you don’t want to lose a lot of length. Say something like, “I’m growing my hair out, and I’m just here to get myself through a transition because it’s a little unmanageable right now.” That might mean cutting off a few split ends, giving your hair a little more shape or simply taking out some bulk. If you notice your barber cutting off more than you asked for, tell him you’ll go out back and knock over his Harley Davidson. Just kidding, but never be afraid to be firm with your stylist.