Knotless vs. Box Braids: Understanding the Best Protective Styles for Your Hair 

The professional approach to healthy hair for men and women: Hair care is one of the most neglected areas of grooming. Most people think of their hair as something that just 'exists'; they only think about it when they have a problem or are in the barbershop. 


At Evolve Barber Shop, particularly at our Frisco location, we've seen firsthand the dramatic difference a dedicated hair care routine can make in a person's hair appearance. While many people view hair care as a matter of vanity, it is actually an essential part of your personal hygiene and self-presentation. The condition and style of your hair is an indicator of your overall health and well-being. From how well you stay hydrated to how well you handle stress, all of those factors show up in the condition of your hair. 


When you invest in your hair, you invest in your self-confidence. Finely groomed or well-maintained hair tells everyone you encounter that you are detail oriented. No matter your destination (whether navigating the chaos of downtown Frisco or heading to an important business meeting), knowing and believing you look your best gives you a tremendous psychological advantage. 


Why Proper Haircare Matters 

Haircare is more with regard to the physiology of your hair. Hair is composed of a protein called keratin. The portion of the hair that lies within the skin is called the follicle, and it is a living structure, although the portion that is visible is considered to be a non-living entity. Neglect or abuse of your hair can lead to things like dandruff, dermatitis, and early signs of hair thinning. 


Taking proper care of the cuticle helps keep it flat and sealed. A good cuticle reflects light, giving your hair the natural sheen you want. Excessive heat, strong chemical products, or environmental conditions may cause the cuticle to raise, making your hair look dull and feel rough and increasing the risk of tangling and breaking. Following a regular haircare regimen helps to keep the structure of your hair intact.

 

Defining Your Hair Goals 

Each successful hair journey begins with its goals, so consider what is most important to you before you start buying your product. Do you want longer, flowing hair, but need to get your hair to a level of health that will support it? Do you have a very itchy, dry scalp? Or do you want to keep your professional fade looking fresh? 


Your goals will determine which tools and products are best for your hair. For example, if you want to add volume to your hair, look for light products that add thickness. If your goal is moisturized with added frizz control, look for heavier oils and creams. Therefore, all of the barbers and stylists at the Frisco shop's first question is about your goals when you arrive at the shop so that they can create the best results possible for you. 


The Foundations: Haircare Basics for Everyone 

Everyone follows many basic haircare guidelines that apply to all hair types, body types, and genders. The following are considered "essential," and if you follow them, you can build a foundation of healthy hair. 


1. Master the Art of Washing 

Most people wash their hair far too often. Stripping your hair of its natural oils (sebum) causes the scalp to overcompensate by producing even more oil, leading to a frustrating cycle of greasiness. 

  • Frequency: For most, washing two to three times a week is plenty. If you have an active lifestyle in the Texas heat, you can rinse with water on off-days to remove sweat without stripping the hair. 
  • Water Temperature: Hot water opens the hair cuticle and can cause damage. Always wash with lukewarm water and, if you can stand it, do a final rinse with cool water to seal the cuticle and add shine. 
  • Focus on the Scalp: Shampoo is for the scalp; conditioner is for the ends. Massage the shampoo into your scalp to break up oil and debris, then let the suds run through the rest of your hair. 


2. Conditioning is Not Optional 

The purpose of the Conditioner is to protect your hair from damage. The conditioner restores moisture stripped away during the washing process and smoothes the hair fiber. Long hair or short hair, lightweight conditioners can keep your scalp moisturized and your hair softer. 


3. Trimming Regularly 

As we discussed in our previous guides, regular trims are essential for health. Although you are trying to grow your hair long, it is important to trim your split ends. The longer you allow your split ends to go untrimmed, the greater the chance they could break higher up on the hair shaft, ultimately resulting in your hair being shorter than it would otherwise be. Our professionals at Evolve Barber Shop recommend coming in every 4 to 6 weeks for a maintenance trim to maintain the shape and health of your hair. 


Haircare Tips: Men vs. Women 

Despite the fact that hair biology is essentially the same, men and women often experience different common problems due to hormones and styling preferences. 


Specifically for Men 

Men are infamous for using "3-in-1" shampoo, conditioner, and body wash products. Despite their convenience, these products are frequently overly drying for the hair and too abrasive for the scalp. 

  • Scalp Health: Dandruff and scalp thinning are more common in men. A healthy environment for development can be maintained by using a caffeine-infused shampoo or a scalp-stimulating brush. 
  • Product Buildup: If you use heavy pomades or waxes, use a clarifying shampoo once a week to prevent clogged scalp pores. 
  • Beard Care: Remember to take care of your facial hair. To hydrate the skin beneath the beard and prevent the dreaded "beardruff," beard oil is crucial. 


Specifically for Women 

Heat styling tools like blow dryers and flat irons, as well as chemical treatments like coloring or perms, often cause damage to women's hair. 

  • Heat Protection: Always use a heat protectant spray before applying heat to your hair. This creates a barrier that prevents moisture in the hair from boiling and forming "bubble hair," an irreversible type of damage. 
  • Towel Drying: Do not rub your hair vigorously with a towel. Hair is at its weakest when wet. Instead, blot or squeeze the hair with a microfiber towel or an old cotton t-shirt to prevent frizz and breakage. 


Understanding Your Hair Texture 

Texture is the most important factor in how your hair behaves. Hair texture is generally categorized by the shape of the follicle, which determines the curl pattern. 

  • Straight Hair (Type 1): This hair type is typically the oiliest because the sebum can easily travel down the straight shaft. Use volumizing products and avoid heavy oils, which can weigh it down. 
  • Wavy Hair (Type 2): Most of the time, people with wavy hair experience dry, frizzy hair. They can use a product that adds texture and helps maintain the definition of their waves, like a light finishing cream or sea salt spray. 
  • Curly Hair (Type 3): It's essential for people with naturally curly hair to moisturize their hair daily. Due to its natural texture, it is usually much drier than straight hair. As a result, you need to use leave-in conditioners and sulfate-free shampoo. 
  • Coily/Kinky Hair (Type 4): This is the most fragile hair type. It requires heavy creams, butters, and oils to maintain elasticity. Protective styling and deep conditioning treatments are vital. 


Seasonal Haircare in North Texas 

Living in Frisco means dealing with the unique North Texas climate. Our hair reacts to the environment just as much as our skin does. 


The Brutal Texas Summer 

The UV rays that come down in Frisco can cause bleaching of your hair and drying out the protein structure of your hair. If you're going to be outside at the Star or elsewhere for the day, make sure you wear a hat. If you can't wear a hat, look for haircare products with UV filters. Make sure to use a chelating shampoo to remove chlorine from swimming in the pool. Chlorine can turn your light-colored hair a shade of green and make your darker hair really brittle. 


The Dry Frisco Winter 

Wintertime in North Texas is when you can expect wind and low humidity. During the winter months, staticky and dry scalps are very common. Switching to a more moisturizing conditioner may be a good idea if you tend to have scalp issues. Also, consider purchasing a humidifier for use at night in the bedroom. You don't want to wake up with a dry scalp or hair after sleeping all night. 


Why Visit Evolve Barber Shop in Frisco? 

While it is possible to purchase any number of products available to you as a consumer, nothing can substitute the knowledge and understanding that an experienced professional can provide you with. For this reason, at Evolve Barber Shop in Frisco, we view our business as more than just a place to cut people's hair; we see ourselves as a resource for the surrounding community. 


When you come into our Frisco shop, one of our trained professionals will evaluate your scalp and hair, determine whether there are any possible signs of hair loss (thinning), and make recommendations based on your specific hair type for how best to handle it. Additionally, the person who cuts your hair will instruct you on how to achieve the same look from your cut at home. 


At our Frisco location, we keep our staff up to date on the latest trends and scientific advancements in hair care. We recognize that due to Frisco's rapid growth as a metropolitan area, many people desire to look their best as a part of their lifestyle. We're committed to helping ensure your hair is a source of pride, not stress. Whether you want a major transformation in your hair-care regimen or simply want a few tricks to help enhance what you already do to it, the staff at Evolve can provide you with excellence. 


Building Your Personal Haircare Routine 

After completing the Hair Training Program, you have learned how to properly care for your Hair and how to incorporate these into a regular hair care routine. The following is a simple guideline designed to help you establish your own routine. 


Basic Routine: A simple hair care routine can work just as effectively as an elaborate one. Begin by selecting a quality shampoo and conditioner designed specifically for your hair type; establish a regular trimming schedule and protect your hair from excessive eat and environmental damage. 


To determine how best to care for your hair, note its texture: If your Hair feels gummy or stretchy, it requires additional protein; if your hair is brittle or breaks easily, it requires additional moisture. The balance of the two components, protein and moisture, will allow for optimal hair appearance and texture. 


Hair care is a process that takes a long time to develop. While you will not see immediate changes in your hair after making these changes, if you continue to use quality hair care methods for several weeks, you will see improvements in shine, strength, and ease of styling.