Here's something you figure out pretty quick living out here: the desert doesn't care about your hair. Between the sun, the wind coming off the river valley and air that's dry most of the year, a lot of guys sit down in the chair and mention the same stuff. Itchy scalp. Flakes on a dark shirt. Hair that feels like straw by the end of the day.
None of that means you're doing anything wrong. It's just Bullhead City. But a few small habits make a real difference, so here's what I'd tell a friend.
Go easy on the hot showers
I know, a long hot shower feels great when it's chilly in the morning. The problem is really hot water strips natural oils from your scalp, and in dry air those oils don't come back as fast. Lukewarm water for your hair and scalp is the easy fix. You don't have to give up the hot shower, just don't blast your head with it.
You might not need to shampoo every day
If your scalp feels tight or flaky, try shampooing every other day or a few times a week and just rinsing in between. Plenty of people find their scalp calms down once they stop washing it bone dry every morning. If you work outside, sweat a lot or deal with dust all day, you may still want to wash more often, and that's fine. Pay attention to how your scalp feels and adjust.
Conditioner isn't just for long hair
A lot of guys with short hair skip conditioner completely. But even on a short cut, a little conditioner helps the hair feel softer and less brittle in dry weather. Work it in, give it a minute, rinse. That's it.
Watch the sun on your scalp
Short cuts and fades look great, but they also leave more scalp exposed. If you're out on the lake, at the river or working outside, a hat goes a long way. Your scalp can burn just like your nose can, and a sunburned scalp usually ends up peeling and flaking a few days later.
Drink your water
It sounds too simple, but it matters out here. Staying hydrated helps your skin overall, and your scalp is skin. If you're always a little dehydrated in the desert heat, it can show up as dryness all over.
Pick products that don't dry you out
If your hair always feels crunchy, take a look at what you're putting in it. Some styling products can leave hair feeling dry, especially in low humidity. If that's you, it might be worth trying something with a softer hold or a bit more moisture. And if a flaky or itchy scalp just won't quit no matter what you try, that's a good reason to check in with a doctor or dermatologist.
Keep the cut on a regular schedule
Dry, split ends tend to look worse the longer they hang around. Keeping up with regular cuts helps your hair look healthier and more put together, especially on longer styles where the ends take the most beating from sun and wind.
Come see us in Bullhead City
If you're due for a fresh cut, come by Shark Tank Barbershop in Bullhead City at 2840 Highway 95, Suite 104, Bullhead City, AZ. Walk-ins are welcome, and you pay in person when you're done. If you'd rather grab a time ahead, you can book at our Bullhead City shop here.
Quick heads-up so you land at the right place: this post and that booking link are for our Bullhead City, Arizona location on Highway 95, not our San Clemente, California shop.