Master Barber Will Williams
Will Williams is a Master Barber (and ultimate MANE MAN) with decades of experience and a lot of insight into what makes for healthy hair. As a Master Barber and Cosmetologist Will has a vast array of knowledge which is bolstered by his position as M&M Product Company’s Director of Education. I recently got a hold of Mr. Williams and asked for his top 3 tips for healthy hair for Black men and here’s what he had to say. Read on!
WW: First though let’s establish some ground rules. As a Black man your hair has basically three areas in which you must be concerned:
- Cleanse: In order to keep your hair and scalp clean, healthy, and functioning at a normal to high level it is necessary to make sure that the scalp surface, follicle and appendages are all freed up of compound dirt and debris regularly. I use and recommend Nothing But Clarifying Shampoo (www.honesthaircare.com). For longer lengths of hair, use moisturizing conditioning shampoo. And for locs, braids and twists I suggest the Cleansing Conditioner (co–wash). It cleans and conditions in one step.
- Condition : When using a clarifying shampoo it is always necessary to deep condition afterwards. I like using a leave-in conditioner like Nothing But Curl Wake Up Spray available at Sally’s Beauty Supply. This spray contains coconut water, coconut oil and shea butter fused into an emollient that will make hair, locs, braids, twist, curly or just nappy (hair) happy that it’s on your head. It works wonders for your scalp and is not greasy.
- Style: For really short hair, a natural bristle brush is the tool du jour. Brush in the direction of growth for wavolicious shine with mucho swagger. Mold & Hold is the perfect product (for short styles), just ask Celebrity Barber “Hollywood ” from Salon Ramsay in the ATL. For longer lengths, it is important to comb the right way. First moisten hair with Nothing But Curl Wake Up Spray. Start in the back, at the neckline, make partings and comb down working your way to top. Then go to side temple same way parting, combing down working up to top, and at the front hairline small parting comb forward, working your way to back to the crown. Combing this way relieves stress on the hairline and prevent snatching front hairline out.
So if you did not know, now you know. The best way to cleanse your hair is to clarify at least two–three times a month and if you have short hair (and itchy scalp) you should cleanse everyday. Use a moisturizing conditioning shampoo as often as you like, and no guy you can’t wash your hair too much, not if you’re using good shampoo. Condition your hair cause it needs it and your scalp does too.
Thanks to Master Barber Will for his insight into maintaining a healthy hair and scalp! Check out Master Barber Will on Twitter at @MasterBarberWms. You can also head over to the Nothing But site for more advice from Master Barber Will.