Your hair looks best right after a cut because the shape is fresh and the care is dialed in. Keep that look longer by doing the basics well. These are the shop-tested habits barbers rely on, with quick references so you can check the facts yourself.
1. Stop overwashing
Most men shampoo more than they need to. Aim for two or three wash days per week unless you are sweating hard or using heavy product. Always condition.
Dermatologists say to match wash frequency to your hair and scalp, shampoo the scalp, and use conditioner. American Academy of Dermatology guidance
· Shampoo: massage the scalp for 30 to 60 seconds and rinse well .
· Conditioner: mid-lengths to ends for straight or fine hair; mids to ends for textured hair.
· On non-wash days after workouts: try a water rinse and restyle.
2. Use quality cutting tools
Kitchen scissors crush ends. Purpose-built shears cut clean and help styles last between visits. For neckline cleanups and scissor over-comb work, many barbers like sword-blade shears for rigid tracking.
See a curated set here: JPScissors Sword Hair Cutting Shears
· Look for named steel such as VG10 or 440C.
· Choose a comfortable offset or crane handle.
· Check that blades close smoothly and the tension screw turns cleanly.
· For home trims, 5.5” to 6.0” inches is a safe, versatile size.
3. Trim on a schedule
Shape holds when you snip before split ends show. Short styles and fades: tidy every 4 to 6 weeks. Medium styles: about 6 to 8 weeks. Long hair: every 3 to 6 months if it is healthy.
These ranges match medically reviewed roundups: How often to cut your hair (Health.com)
Quick budget table
Use your local shop price. To keep things simple, the ranges below assume about £20 to £30 per visit, which lines up with older YouGov polling for men and a reported rise in prices since 2020.
| Hair style | Trim frequency | Visits per year | Estimated cost |
| Short or fades | 4 to 6 weeks | 9 to 13 | £180 to £390 |
| Medium | 6 to 8 weeks | 7 to 9 | £140 to £270 |
| Long | 3 to 6 months | 2 to 4 | £40 to £120 |
Price notes: 2020 YouGov polling put many men’s cuts between £10 and £15; a 2025 report noted haircut costs up around 30 percent versus 2020. These figures are examples only.
4. Protect from heat and sun
Heat tools and UV both rough up hair. Keep the dryer on the lowest setting that works, use a heat protectant when you must, and wear a hat in strong sun. Rinse after the pool to remove chlorine.
See dermatologist tips for limiting heat and sun exposure that can damage you rhair.
5. Eat for stronger hair
Protein and key micronutrients support healthy growth. Most people can meet needs with a balanced diet; fix proven deficiencies with your clinician’s guidance.
Good overview:
· Protein sources: eggs, fish, lean meat, legumes.
· Iron, vitamin D and zinc matter; test before supplementing.
· Drink water and go easy on crash diets.
6. Massage the scalp
One minute with fingertips helps circulation and relaxes the scalp. In a small trial, standardized daily scalp massage over 24 weeks increased hair thickness on the massaged side.
Short summary:
· Use fingertips, not nails.
· Small circles with light to moderate pressure.
· Three to five minutes, most days.
Too Long and Didn’t Read
Protect your hair for that healthy clean look. Wash as needed daily, avoid using the 4-in-1 shampoo and everything else solution, check you’re getting the right vitamins and minerals that your hair needs. Then book trims on a rhythm, protect from heat and sun, and use proper tools. Keep your cuts small at home and let your barber handle shape changes. Simple habits pay off.
