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Hair Types for Men in the Philippines: How to Identify and Care

Written by Hair Health Team

Published 05/28/2025

Updated 07/07/2025

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Understanding your hair type is more than just a grooming trend—it’s a foundation for confident, long-term self-care. In the Philippines, where men face a mix of tropical heat, urban stressors, and evolving beauty standards, hair health has become an essential part of modern wellness. Whether you’re navigating sweaty commutes in Makati or battling dryness from indoor air conditioning, knowing how to identify and care for your hair type empowers you to make better grooming choices and avoid long-term damage.

Let’s dive into what your hair type says about your scalp health, how to build the right hair care routine, and when it might be time to seek expert support.

Why Hair Type Matters for Filipino Men

Hair isn’t just about looks. It’s closely tied to your scalp condition, grooming habits, and even overall well-being. Hair types respond differently to external stressors, and in a country like the Philippines, you’re likely exposed to heat, humidity, and pollution almost daily.

Without understanding your hair type, you risk using the wrong products, damaging your scalp, or mistaking signs of poor health for “normal” behavior. For instance, men with naturally oily scalps may shampoo more frequently, while those with drier curls may benefit from weekly deep-conditioning treatments. In our guide on dealing with greasy hair in the Philippines, we explore how climate can affect oil production and what to do about it.

According to HairMNL, many common hair concerns in the Philippines are caused by the humidity and harsh outdoor conditions, which affect both the scalp and hair shaft.

Identifying your hair type helps you:

Choose the right shampoo and conditioner
Understand your scalp’s oil production levels
Avoid breakage, thinning, and product build-up
Address early signs of hair loss before they progress

Hair Texture vs. Hair Thickness: What’s the Difference?

To understand your hair type, you need to look at two things: texture and thickness. They’re often confused, but each tells you something unique about your hair.

Hair texture refers to the natural pattern your hair forms—straight, wavy, curly, or coily. Hair thickness, meanwhile, refers to the width or diameter of individual strands (not how much hair you have overall).

You can have fine, straight hair or thick, curly hair—or any combination. The key is to evaluate both so you can choose products that match your needs. Kerotin outlines how identifying your strand thickness can help avoid breakage and tailor your haircare routine effectively.

For a full look at why many men in the Philippines are experiencing hair thinning and loss, check out this deep-dive on male hair loss.

The Four Main Hair Textures for Men

Let’s break down the four most common hair textures seen in men across the Philippines, based on Ochoa for Hair, which explains how follicle shape determines curl pattern:

Straight Hair

This hair type lies flat from root to tip. It reflects light well, giving it a shiny appearance, but it’s also more prone to looking greasy due to oil distribution. Straight hair is common among men of East Asian descent.

How to care for it:

Shampoo regularly to manage oiliness
Avoid heavy styling creams or pomades
Use lightweight, water-based products

Wavy Hair

Wavy hair has a loose S-shape and can look full and voluminous. However, it tends to frizz in humid environments—something Filipinos know all too well.

How to care for it:

Use moisturizing but light shampoos
Avoid brushing when dry to prevent frizz
Use texturizing sprays for natural definition

Curly Hair

Curly hair forms springy loops or coils. It tends to be drier because natural oils have a harder time traveling down the strands.

How to care for it:

Use sulfate-free shampoo and hydrating conditioner
Deep-condition weekly
Detangle gently with a wide-tooth comb

Coily or Kinky Hair

This type features tight curls or zigzag patterns. It’s the most fragile hair texture, and it tends to shrink significantly when dry.

How to care for it:

Avoid frequent shampooing to retain moisture
Apply leave-in conditioners and oils
Sleep with a satin or silk cap to reduce breakage

How to Determine Your Hair Thickness

You can have any of the above textures with different thickness levels. Thickness affects how your hair behaves with heat, chemicals, and styling tools.

Fine Hair: Small-diameter strands, often fragile and prone to breakage
Medium Hair: The most common thickness, versatile and balanced
Thick Hair: Strong, durable strands, often more resistant to damage but harder to style

Try the strand test: Pluck a strand and place it between your fingers. If you can barely feel it, it’s fine. If it feels sturdy or wiry, it’s thick.

The Philippine Climate Factor

The high humidity levels and UV exposure in the Philippines mean you need to be extra intentional with hair care. UV damage, sweat, and scalp irritation can quickly derail your routine if you’re not adapting to your surroundings. According to Mediko.ph, UV exposure and excessive sweating are key contributors to hair thinning among Filipino men.

Our guide to healthy hair regrowth for men highlights how Filipinos can work with, not against, their climate by choosing the right ingredients and products.

Common Hair Concerns Among Filipino Men

Here are three of the biggest concerns men in the Philippines face, based on expert consultations and local case studies:

1. Excess Sebum and Oily Hair

The tropical heat stimulates sebaceous glands, leading to greasy roots. Avoid washing too often, as this can trigger more oil production. Use clarifying shampoos with ingredients like charcoal or tea tree once a week. CLEAR Philippines suggests looking for anti-dandruff formulations that cleanse deeply while balancing scalp pH.

2. Dandruff and Scalp Sensitivity

Frequent sweating, especially during workouts or outdoor activities, can clog pores and lead to dandruff. Choose shampoos with salicylic acid or zinc pyrithione.

3. Hair Loss and Thinning

From genetics to stress, many men report receding hairlines or thinning crowns before their 30s. If you’re noticing signs early, check out this article comparing minoxidil and finasteride for hair regrowth.

When to Seek Professional Help

Self-diagnosis only goes so far. If you're experiencing sudden hair loss, bald patches, or scalp inflammation, it's time to consult a specialist. At Andyou, we make it easy to book a hair health consultation online with licensed doctors in the Philippines. Our approach is evidence-based and customized to your needs.

Building a Routine: Best Practices by Hair Type

Straight Hair Routine

Shampoo every other day with a lightweight formula
Use dry shampoo if needed to reduce grease
Apply a small amount of leave-in conditioner only on ends

Wavy Hair Routine

Shampoo 2–3 times a week
Apply curl-enhancing or wave-defining mousse
Let hair air dry; avoid heat when possible

Curly Hair Routine

Pre-poo with oil before shampooing
Use a co-wash or non-sulfate shampoo
Use leave-in conditioner, then seal with oil (LCO method)

Coily Hair Routine

Wash once a week with hydrating shampoo
Deep-condition and detangle in sections
Use heavy creams or butters like shea for long-lasting moisture

Confidence Starts at the Roots

Men in the Philippines deserve a hair care routine that’s tailored, effective, and culturally aware. Whether you’re styling sleek office looks in BGC or managing curls in the Cebu humidity, understanding your hair type is the first step toward lasting scalp health and personal confidence.

Hair is more than vanity—it’s part of how we present ourselves to the world. Don’t just guess. Use research-backed tips, consult with trusted professionals, and stay consistent.

Ready to take control of your hair health? Start your Andyou consultation today or read more insights on our articles page.

Hair Health Team

The &you Hair Health Team delivers expert, science-backed care for hair loss. With personalized plans, trusted treatments like Minoxidil and Finasteride, and ongoing support, we help Filipinos take control of their hair health with confidence and clarity.