Words Lauren McCowan

If you are blessed with a mane that would make a lion jealous, chances are it takes some real time to control. Keep your hair game simple and effective with some tips and tricks to bring out your crowning glory without taking more time in the bathroom than the women in your life. Three steps are all it takes to easily control, style and maintain thick hair without having to go through complicated styling systems and techniques.

CARE
The most important part of controlling hair that is thick, frizzy or unruly is making sure it stays hydrated. Generally, this hair type tends to be dry and can get wiry and difficult to style- it also can get oily at the roots and dry on the ends. A great cleansing shampoo to activate the scalp, remove build up and cleanse out dirt and oils is paramount, followed by a hydrating and smoothing conditioner that will moisturise, shut the cuticle and give you a balanced canvas to get the best and easiest results for your hair. Start where you want to finish. If you are using a sub-par cleansing regime then it will create a lot more work as your hair starts to dry or if you are styling it up.

The Staples:
EVO Hair Daily Shampoo
Baxter of California Daily Protein Shampoo
Blind Barber Lemongrass Tea Conditioner
Oribe Intense Conditioner

CUT
Now that you have the whole shampoo thing down pat, you need to invest in a great haircut. For easy maintenance, a good haircut designed to work with your texture, thin out any excess and bring out the best of your hair is the easiest way to look handsome all the time. Unfortunately, with thick hair, you cannot get away with random hack jobs for haircuts unless you want to spend all your time fighting to style it. Now a great haircut doesn’t need to be expensive either – you just need a good barber who listens to what you are looking for and understands your hair type. If you have incredibly dense hair, best to look at tailored pompadours and undercuts that leave you looking sharp but work with some length on the top for shape. If you have curly hair you can get away with more length as long as it is cut to bring out your curl- do not let a razor or thinning shears on your hair as it will exacerbate the frizz and make it more high maintenance to control. A great haircut should allow you to wash, wear and use great product for minimal styling and easy long-term maintenance.

Barber’s You Need Know:
Mister Grooming & Goods, Pittsburgh
The Bearded Man, Melbourne
Schorem, Netherlands
Pankhurst, London
Valonz, Sydney

STYLE
Styling product that can go into your hair wet and dry will help control hair as soon as you step out of the shower and is an easy way to style unruly hair without taking up too much time. A good styling cream will also condense the hair and shut the cuticle without a heavy or greasy effect. A good curl control product or foundation cream gives a great base to either air dry the hair, dry into shape or diffuse dry. You can then use a finishing product for your desired texture. Think a foundation product for wet to dry to set the tone and a finishing product for when the hair is dry to lock it in.

Quick Fixes:
Malin and Goetz Styling Cream
Evo Hair Curl Balm
Morrocan Oil Hydrating Cream
Oribe Hair Gel

By Oliver Grand