Men’s Hair Trends for 2015
The Side Part
Take a cue from the runways and take your part way to the left – or the right! A deep side part works with many different hair types and textures and is flattering on any face shape. In 2015, men are taking a style made popular as far back as the 1940’s – think Cary Grant – and updating it with some modern elements that make this classic style feel fresh and new.
Stars like George Clooney and Ryan Gosling are wearing deep side parts with a classic tapered side. The extra length on top takes the look from school boy to leading man. When styling a look like this, use a texture cream, paste, or molding glue to hold the hair in place without making it look too stiff.
Take it one step further, if you dare—and go for a carved part. The part can be a subtle line, or, if you’re more adventurous, you can opt for a thicker line that is cut in with trimmers or a razor. This look, while totally on trend, requires a bit more commitment, so be sure you’re ready to sport this look for a while.
Go Extreme
Been sporting a long-haired style for a while now? Take a cue from Jared Leto and chop it off! Do you typically keep a close-cropped style? Let it go for awhile, and see if a long hairstyle works for you. Just be sure to avoid the man-bun—we love you, Leo, but that look has got to go. Have you ever colored your hair, or do you simply color to keep grays at bay? Take a leap with your color and go platinum or silver. Check out Leto’s transformation – it’s trending right now, but he’s not the first man to take the platinum plunge – Beckham, Bowie, Bieber, Brad— they’ve all done it, and you can, too! Just be sure to go to a professional cosmetologist, otherwise you could end up with platinum that’s not quite platinum, or even worse, damaged hair.
Embrace the Beard
Beards are so popular, they’ve even infiltrated Urban Dictionary.
What you may not know, however, is that beards require attention just like the rest of your mane. There are beard shampoos and beard conditioners out there, but one of the most important products you can invest in is beard oil. Beard oil will help you maintain moisture, and if you struggle with an unruly beard, it can provide some taming as well. There are lots of options out there when it comes to ingredients, so how do you choose? Well, it mostly depends on the texture of your beard and the needs of your skin underneath. Most beard oils are a combination of carrier oils and essential oils. Here’s a quick guide to get you started:
Carrier Oils
1. Jojoba oil is great for dry skin and coarse, unruly beards. It’s non-comedogenic, so it won’t clog your pores, but it is on the heavy/greasy side, so be sure not to use too much of an beard oil blend containing jojoba.
2. Argan oil is a better option for finer textures. It’s lighter and less greasy than jojoba, but still provides moisture for the beard and the skin.
3. Coconut oil is an all-around great moisturizer for the hair and the skin, but it too can be a little heavy, so just remember that a little goes a long way.
There are plenty of other carrier oils out there, so do a little research to know what will work best for you.
Essential Oils
There are over 100 essential oils out there, and many are used simply for their scent. Most beard oils will contain more than one essential oil. Be sure to check the ingredient list! You want to know that you’re getting the right blend for your needs.
1. Lemongrass – invigorating, like an aftershave. Light, fruity scent.
2. Cedarwood – helps to prevent acne
3. Eucalyptus – helps fight skin irritation
4. Peppermint – highly stimulating to the senses and to the skin. May cause a tingling sensation
A final note about beard oil: you should only need to use a couple of drops per day, so your oil will last quite a while. An easy way to apply the oil is to place 1-2 drops on the teeth of a fine tooth comb and comb through the beard. Another option is to put your oil in a small atomizer or spray bottle and spray onto the comb (some oils are sold in a spray bottle).
Whatever trend you follow, make it your own! Experiment with different products to get the look that works for you. What trends for men are you seeing right now in your area? We want to hear from you – please share in the comments below!