m by FOR MEN is an exclusive line of hair care products made exclusively for men.

If I had a dollar for every time I got asked by men if they need to use a men’s hair conditioner, I would be considered rich. I will get to the punch line quickly in this post with the hope you will read it in its entirety. Men need to use conditioner to restore moisture and elasticity to the scalp skin. This process gives the hair a healthy base for it to grow on. A healthy scalp skin creates an optimal environment for the hair to grow. It is safe to say that most men want to have more hair on their heads…right? 

Men’s Healthy Scalp Skin 

Men suffer from many scalp ailments because their scalp skin is thick and produces more oil than women’s. A thick and oily scalp skin causes it to be more sensitive, dry, and easily irritated. These problems can lead to other embarrassing scalp conditions such as dandruff or early hair loss. Traditionally, hair conditioner is meant to nourish the hair shaft making it soft to the touch, preventing breakage, and keeping it hydrated. They contain vitamins, minerals, proteins, and other nutrients meant to strengthen hair. These ingredients reverse damage and moisture loss to the hair. Learning the original intention of hair conditioner may be the reason men do not believe they need to use it.

Prior to the 1960s and after the 1990s, men typically kept their hair short. Men’s shorter hairstyles also typically required frequent haircuts. With shorter hairstyles and frequent haircuts for men, the thought was men did not need to use hair conditioner. This is especially true since hair conditioner was largely marketed to women. There is definitely a valid argument for this thought and makes sense why that belief became the societal norm. Sadly, manufacturers and marketers missed a huge opportunity, as well as sales to 50% of the population focusing on conditioners being only for the hair. 

History of Men’s Hair Conditioner

Hair conditioner sales are expected to exceed $10 billion dollars globally by 2027. In 2017, 35% of men aged 18-59 confirm they use hair conditioner every day. Unfortunately, 38% of men in their sixties do not use conditioner at all. I would bet the use of conditioner among men has increased in all age groups since then though. I believe men are understanding the importance of men’s hair conditioner and its benefits to their scalp skin. Conditioners for men date back to the Victorian Era when men used Macassar Oil as a conditioner to keep their hair looking well groomed. This oil is comprised of natural oils, including coconut and palm oil. A London barber named Alexander Rowland trademarked Macassar Oil in 1888.

Today, well-known haircare manufacturers, such as Aveda, Hans de Fuko, and Paul Mitchell all include men’s hair conditioners in their product line-ups. m by metro FOR MEN and FOR MEN also includes a conditioner in its product line because we also understand the importance for men to use it.

Why Men Need to Use Conditioner

Men’s hair structure anatomy and a case for men’s hair conditioner.

Conditioners for men have been specifically developed to combat men’s unique scalp challenges. In all my research on this topic, overwhelmingly the conversation centers around what conditioners do for the hair, not the scalp. Again, I believe this is why men are still confused about hair conditioners and think they do not need to use them. This is a major problem. Men more than ever are losing their hair, and at a younger age. Taking care of the scalp skin is crucial, and conditioners targeted at maintaining the hair’s cuticle structure are not enough.

Men need conditioners that feed and nourish the papilla, which contains tiny blood capillaries that feed the cells, as well as the hair bulb (the living part of the hair), which surrounds the papilla. Hair follicles not getting proper nourishment eventually shrink and fall out. Follicles that shrink and fall out basically die and that hair strand will not regrow. Multiple follicles not growing back create areas of baldness. Dormant follicles can be regrown with the proper care and the right products. 

How to Use Men’s Hair Conditioner

After shampooing the hair, apply a small amount of conditioning rinse to the hair and distribute it evenly. Leave on 1 minute for general conditioning or up to 5 minutes for more intense conditioning. Rinse thoroughly and completely. Many men tell me they do not have the time to condition their hair. It really only takes a second. I advise my clients to shampoo their hair as the first thing they do in the shower and rinse. Then apply their men’s hair conditioner and leave it in while cleansing their body. While rinsing the soap from the skin, rinse the hair at the same time. Easy, breezy, and quick.

Best Men’s Hair Conditioner

Maintaining healthy scalp skin can lead to better hair, scalp condition, and no more scalp issues!  Men need to use conditioner, but they need to use a men’s hair conditioner that is designed for the scalp. There are several on the market like Nioxin, Aveda Men, and of course, m by metro FOR MEN. If you have any questions, ask me in the comments below. I will do my best to help you find the best conditioner for your scalp needs. You can always text me, the Men’s Grooming Expert, at 949-450-0150 to get an answer to any men’s grooming question.