On Friday, the 34-year-old rapper and actor took to Instagram to share his latest look with the world: a super, straight, gelled down, slicked-back ‘do that had Bow looking like he came straight from 1960.
In an Instagram post, he shared that his mother thinks he looks like Billy D Williams.
“My momma said I look like Billie D Williams,” the Growing Up Hip Hop star jokingly wrote as the caption to the IG video where he gave us a full, 360 look at the new hairstyle. He and his mom, Teresa Caldwell, also shared a laugh in the IG video as Bow Wow asked fans what they thought of the new style. “What yall think? Should I start rocking this?” Bow Wow asked in the short IG video, adding, “and don’t lie to me because it’s me. Like, y’all can say no. Y’all can go crazy in the comments.”
And in true Internet fashion, people did go crazy, especially on Twitter.
Here are some of our faves.
“Bow Wow out here looking like Skully from Snowfall,” one Twitter user joked.
25 percent of men start to notice thinning hair by the time they turn 30. If you’re one of them, things might be starting to look bleak right about now. Even though it’s a natural process, you are probably wondering how to reverse any patterns of hair loss that you may have started to see.
Thinning hair doesn’t have to always cause baldness. However, it still creates thin spots of hair that don’t look too good. The good news is that this is a gradual process, so you can take steps. We have listed below some of the best treatment measures you can use for your thinning hair.
These are basically liquids extracted from particular plants, and they are used for a range of treatments. Lavender oil, in particular, has been used to help people who have pattern baldness. It is usually mixed with other types, like thyme and rosemary.
While some people swear by essential oils, they haven’t been proven to work for everyone. So, our recommendation is to start by testing a minute amount on your arm, then wait for a day. If you get an allergic reaction—like a rash, hives, or redness—you should avoid this treatment.
Try this:
Multivitamins
Everyone knows vitamins are good for you. But are they stop-thinning-hair kind of good? They just might be. If you’re malnourished, or you have an eating disorder, this could be preventing new hairs from forming.
To know if you have this problem, just visit your nearest health provider. Should they discover that you are low in various nutrients—like zinc, folic acid and iron—they might suggest a daily multivitamin.
However, if you’re already getting your daily fix of nutrients, it’s better if you don’t take multivitamins. They only help when there’s a deficiency. If you’re A-OK, they might actually be harmful to you.
Home Laser Therapy
Dermatologists, along with other skin experts, might suggest laser therapy. As the name implies, this is where they recommend laser-using machines to help thicken and regrow your hair. This usually takes several months for you to notice the changes, so patience is key.
When you consider the cost, patience is really key. You’re essentially buying a machine for hundreds of dollars, if not more. What’s more, it might not even work for you. Before making such an expensive purchase, we suggest visiting your healthcare provider first.
Minoxidil
You probably know Minoxidil better by its brand name, Rogaine. This is one of the few hair loss treatments that have received approval straight from the FDA. To make things better, it’s also available over the counter, in both foam and liquid form.
To use it, just apply it to your scalp twice each day. Then be patient. It often takes up to 16 weeks to see the effects. It’s also crucial that you use it consistently; otherwise, you might not even see any change.
If you visit your health provider, they might recommend Finasteride. This is a prescription hair loss medication exclusive to men. Unlike minoxidil, which you apply topically, finasteride is consumed as a daily pill. It is also effective, but only if you take it consistently.
Side effects are rare, but you might experience depression or sexual dysfunction. If that happens to you, consult your health provider as soon as you can.
Omega-3 and Omega-6
Omega-3 and omega-6 are often referred to as essential fatty acids. This is because the human body cannot produce them. Omega-6 is useful in keeping your skin healthy, which might help your scalp. Meanwhile, omega-3 aids your body in fighting inflammation, which might cause plenty of conditions—like thinning hair.
You can get omega-3 from eating fish, while omega-6 comes from plant-based oils. If you can’t consume these foods frequently, you might want to try out supplements for the same.
Thanks to athletes and celebrities we have been seeing a steady increase in black men who bleach their hair. While black women express their personality through their hair in every imaginable way, black men with bleached hair still get a double-take when sporting this look.
Some guys are on the fence with this one while others are wearing a variety of colors on their hair from blonde to blue and everything in between.
For some, black men with bleached hair, without the help of a professional, we have noticed that with excessive bleaching, their curls have suffered greatly and their hair looks and feels dry – which is definitely not the intended result.
Here are just a few best practices you should consider when you are bleaching your hair!
I know there are a ton of kitchen beauticians out there who will help you get the look but if you want the best look and healthy hair after you are done go to a professional.
Use a trusted stylist to help you get through the process.
2. Use a protein conditioner
Do not get the shampoo conditioner combo in one bottle from the drug store [step away from the Pert Plus]. That may have worked back in the day before you color-treated your hair, but now you have to make sure your hair is well-conditioned.
Get a protein-based conditioner to use in your hair after you shampoo. The protein will strengthen your strands and make sure your curls remain strong.
3. Use a sulfate-free shampoo
Sulfates dry out your hair and bleach can be very drying to your hair. You want to keep your hair as moisturized as possible especially if you plan to grow it out a bit. If you are confused about what shampoo to get, we have a list, so try one of these.
4. Moisturize your hair
If your hair feels dry moisturize it with a little water and conditioner in a spray bottle. If your wife or girlfriend is natural, chances are she will have a mix you can use as well. If not, get a spray bottle to add water to it, add some conditioner, spray and go!
You can even add a little oil for good measure, and by oil, we mean a pure oil like coconut oil, olive oil or an oil mix.
Bleached hair is maintenance so if you plan to do it, plan to make the sacrifice to care for it especially if you want your hair to look healthy.
Determining the best shampoos for black men can be daunting. It isn’t because we have no idea that shampoo exists but sometimes the right product with the right ingredients isn’t always high on the priority list.
For example, are you the type of guy that’ll quickly grab the least expensive shampoo? A 2 in 1 solution, shampoo + conditioner? Or better yet, a hair plus face and body option?
Those are fine and in certain scenarios can save you money or time but might not be suitable in all instances especially for afro-textured hair.
So what are the best shampoos for black men?
The memo is clear! If you have scalp issues or just want to take better care of your hair the first step is ensuring that your scalp is clean. A great shampoo will remove all the build-up from the past week and will leave your curls brand new and refreshed.
With that said there are so many options for shampoos as you’re walking down the products aisle. It can get overwhelming with the different types and brands.
To make things easier we have created a list of 16 of the best shampoos for black men that you can try the next time you hit the product isle.
Sheamoisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Shampoo’s main ingredients of Shea Butter and Jamaican black castor oil are the best duo for hair growth. It hydrates, cleanses, and moisturizes the hair shaft. Perfect for all curl types and damaged/ color-treated hair. This is also sulfate-free shampoo.
Usage: Apply to wet hair, gently massage from root to ends. Rinse Thoroughly. Repeat if necessary.
Dr. Bronner’s Peppermint Pure-Castile Liquid Soap
Bronner’s Peppermint Pure-Castile Liquid Soap is an organic soap. The main ingredient of peppermint will deeply cleanse your scalp leaving your scalp feeling fresh and tingly. It is an 18-in-1 soap, and can even be used for your body and face.
Usage: One small squirt applied to a wet washcloth to wash hands, face, and body. Work with 1/2 tbsp. into wet-hair, rince with Dr. Bronners Citrus Organic Hair Rinse.
TGIN Moisture Rich Sulfate-Free Shampoo
TGIN Moisture Rich Sulfate Free Shampoo is a sulfate-free shampoo for naturally curly hair. Its main ingredients consist of Aloe Vera and Provitamin B5. It gently cleanses the hair, smooths the cuticle surface, and reduces breakage.
Usage: Wet hair thoroughly. Apply a liberal amount of TGIN Moisture Rich Sulfate Free Shampoo to your palms. Distribute evenly throughout hair and scalp. Rinse well. Shampoo a second time if needed to remove excess buildup. Follow with TGIN Triple Moisture Replenishing Conditioner or for extra deep conditioning, TGIN Honey Miracle Hair Mask.
Head & Shoulders Royal Oils Moisture Renewal Shampoo
Usage: Wet hair, massage onto scalp, rinse, repeat if desired. For best results use at least twice a week. For maximum dandruff control, use every time you shampoo.
Kinky Curly Come Clean Shampoo
Kinky Curly Come Clean Shampoo is designed for dry, damaged hair. Its formula is gentle enough for everyday use and maintains the proper moisture balance.
Its main ingredients consist of Mandarin Orange extract, perfect for gently removing build-up on the scalp while leaving your natural hair moisturized.
Usage: Massage onto wet hair and scalp. Rinse well. Follow with KNOT TODAY conditioner.
Aunt Jackie’s Oh So Clean Deep Moisturizing Shampoo
Aunt Jackie’s Oh So Clean Deep Moisturizing Shampoo is filled moisturizing ingredients like coconut oil, Shea Butter, and extra virgin olive oil. It is perfect for dry hair and leaves your hair clean, hydrated, and moisturized.
Usage: Shampoo thoroughly by working Oh So Clean! into wet hair. Do not shampoo vigorously. Gently massage, rubbing scalp with fingertips and working lather in, along hair strands. Rinse and repeat to wash away raised particles and impurities from the first shampoo. Gentle enough for daily use. Towel dry and follow with IN CONTROL “Anti-Poof” Moisturizing and Softening Conditioner.
AG Hair Care Curl Revive Sulfate-Free Hydrating Shampoo
Usage: Massage this lather-rich shampoo into wet hair. Rinse and repeat as desired.
Aphogee Keratin & Green Tea Shampoo
Aphogee Keratin & Green Tea Shampoo is a sulfate-free shampoo. Their formula is designed to build body and maintain control. Amino acids and anti-antioxidants are the key ingredients to gently cleanse the scalp and prevent breakage.
Usage: Wet hair thoroughly with warm water. Using a small amount of ApHogee Keratin & Green Tea Shampoo, work product evenly through hair and over scalp. Rinse lather completely with warm water then finish with a cool rinse.
It contains no sulfates, no parabens, no petrolatum, no mineral oil, and no artificial colors. Its moisturizing formula brings dry and dull hair to life.
Design Essentials Almond And Avocado Moisturizing Shampoo
As it moisturizes, it gently strips the hair of impurities and detangles. Leaving the feeling of soft and hydrated strands.
Usage: Wet hair. Apply shampoo then, lather. Rinse thoroughly. Repeat as necessary. Follow with Design Essentials Natural Almond and Avocado Leave-In Conditioner.
Aloxxi Colourcare Hydrating Shampoo
Aloxxi Colourcare Hydrating Shampoo is great for dry and colored hair. It is formulated with 10 anti-aging extracts that work together to protect, repair, and strengthen hair.
Avocado oil, olive oil, hydrolyzed keratin, and silk amino acids work on the other hand to hydrate and prevent UV damage. It contains no sulfate, no parabens, and no sodium chloride.
Usage: Massage onto wet hair and scalp. Rinse well.
Aveda Be Curly Shampoo
Aveda Be Curly Shampoo formula of wheat protein and organic aloe gently cleanses natural hair. It defines your curls while taming frizz and adding shine. Aveda is a cruelty-free brand.
Usage: Massage into wet hair and scalp. Rinse. Follow with be curly™ conditioner or intensive detangling masque.
Its formula is designed to add shine and moisture your strands, while not stripping them of their natural oils. This shampoo contains no sulfates, no parabens, no petrolatum, no mineral oil, and no artificial colors.
Usage: Apply to wet hair and gently massage into a rich lather. Rinse thoroughly. Repeat if necessary.
Not Your Mother’s Curl Talk Curl Talk Shampoo
Not Your Mother’s Curl Talk Curl Talk Shampoo formula of rice keratin amino acids, and enzymes hydrate, condition, enhance curl retention, and cleanse your natural hair. It removes past build-up without drying our hair. Free of alcohol, silicones, phthalates, and dyes.
Usage: Lather and work into wet hair. Rinse thoroughly. For best results, follow up with Curl Talk 3-in-1 Conditioner. Safe for natural and color-treated hair.
Trader Joe’s Tea Tree Tingle Shampoo
Trader Joe’s Tea Tree Tingle Shampoo is designed with organic tea tree, peppermint, eucalyptus, rosemary, and thyme. It leaves a refreshing feeling, while gently cleansing. This formula helps to smooth hair, protect from UV rays, and repair damage.
Usage: Massage into hair and rinse thoroughly. Follow with Tea Tree Tingle Conditioner.
Wave Slime For Wavers
Wave ? Slime Shampoo is perfect for 360 wave styles to keep your hair clean and fresh. Get instant lather to lift away dirt without stripping moisture.
Usage: Rinse hair with warm water. Massage and lather into hair. Rinse thoroughly and repeat.
Shampoo Hair Care Tips
Once you have found your Holy Grail shampoo. Here are a few tips to follow to properly use and manage your hair.
• Depending on your hair type, shampoo weekly or monthly. Natural hair should not be shampooed daily, it can result in drying out of your hair.
• Focus on your scalp when cleansing, and allow the products to rinse throughout the rest of your strands
• Follow with a moisturizing conditioner.