We enjoy an eternal summer here in Singapore. Great for the beach, not so much for our hair. Have you noticed that your carefully coiffured hairstyles don't hold up all day? The truth is, when hair product mixes with sweat and moisture, it becomes heavier, loses its hold, and actually weighs down the shaft of our hair. At the end of the day, we are left with limp, lifeless hair that is unflatteringly greasy.
This summer, our hair mantra is to keep things light, texturised and matte (think: oil control and anti-humidity). Your standard arsenal of pomades and waxes aren’t going to cut it in this clime, so here are our recommended products that have been specially created to combat the tropics.
Scalp care
If you are a shampoo-only kind of guy, this is a step up from your usual routine. This shampoo scrub contains sea salt to give the scalp an invigorating cleanse. Especially for those who tend to pile on hair product. This multi-tasker gets rid of buildup and helps soothe sensitive and/or oily scalps, relieves any potential itching, while keeping it hydrated. Use one or twice a week, work the paste with your fingers and lather like a shampoo, massaging the product into the roots of your hair. Follow up with a treatment or a conditioner.
Christophe Robin Cleansing Purifying Scrub with Sea Salt 200ml, SGD79.
Dry Shampoo
Dry shampoos are your best friend when showers are nowhere to be found. Have a meeting or date straight after your workout? A quick spritz in the roots of your hair will eliminate oils and sweat produced by your scalp without disturbing your hairstyle. This formula contains charcoal powder to lift dirt and buildup, while white tea powder soothes and strengthens hair follicles. Chuck this in your bag and use it whenever. Literally. Just blast sections of your hair and massage the product into your scalp. Use your fingers or a comb to brush out the excess.
IGK First Class Charcoal Detox Dry Shampoo, SGD43.
It’s all about the texture
Right: OUAI Texturising Hair Spray, SGD39
Sea salt mists are great for guys rocking a perm or naturally have curly hair. They add extra texture to the hair, giving you that beachy surfer look. However, they often leave your curls crunchy and piece-y. Opt for salt-free formulas such as The Ouai Texturising Hair Spray, which is part-texturiser, part-dry shampoo, and perfect for finishing and locking your hair in place. The ultra-fine mist dispenses volcanic ash to absorb excess oils for that matte look. However, the spray's biggest appeal is its fresh floral fragrance that lingers on your crown with notes of Italian bergamot, rose, muguet, waterlily, iris and white musk.
The Beach Club from IGK is another great salt-free alternative that does not dry out your hair. Glycerin locks in the moisture while hydrolyzed wheat proteins add body to your hair. Its 'buildablity' allows you to control the degree of texture and volume to your preference. All without weighing down your hair. Use on dry or damp hair for instant beach curls—almost as if you've just returned from Miami.
Left: IGK Beach Club Volumising Texture Spray, SGD43, Right: OUAI Texturising Hair Spray, SGD39.
Volume is king
Not all men are created equal. Not all of us are born with luscious locks like Zayn or Jason Momoa, but we can all strive to look like we do. To cheat that voluminous look, try out Ouai’s Volume Spray for that added 'oomph' to your hair. This lightweight spray does wonders to flat and limp locks as the volume polymers work to thicken and lift. Hibiscus extract softens hair and improves elasticity, while pathenol conditions and protects. Use on damp hair before blow drying.
Ouai Volume Spray, SGD38.
