Summer Style: Pro Tips on Mens' Hair Trends

Over the past few months, cooler than average temperatures throughout much of the United States have caused skeptics to ponder whether spring and summer will actually arrive-and remain. However, predictions from the Weather Channel suggest that soon, much of the country will face hotter than average temperatures. No doubt, beaches will then be filled with bundles of boys seeking fun and relief from the oppressive city heat.

But what about that beautiful hair? After all, you don't shell out hard earned money at the stylist and spend copious amounts of time coiffing your mop only to have it compromised by sun damage. Hair expert, Boswell Scot recently spoke with EDGE to discuss best practices for summer. He also talked about current trends and favorite products. By now, Scot is a respected authority on the subject, having opened the hugely successful Best Barber in New York's Hell's Kitchen neighborhood in 2015. In June, he will launch a second location in the East Village.

EDGE: Should men worry about sun damaged hair?

BS: If you have natural pigment in your hair, not really. If you have long hair, you may get some dry ends and might want to do a good healthy trim, but I don't know that it would warrant adding product into your regimen.

For color treated hair, I'd suggest an SPF spray which is much lighter and absorbable than skin SPF. Most major hair care lines have one.

EDGE: What are some of the most popular male hairstyles out there right now?

BS: The undercut was lingering on the scene and was popular for a while, but it's going out of style. Now, there is more desire for classic styles. First of all, a lot of guys are growing their hair out, so with that, you get a lot of longer, mid-length haircuts, similar in style to Don Draper or James Dean. Also, clipped short, classic haircuts like a straight buzz, crop, or fade are also trending.

EDGE: What do you think inspires hair trends?

BS: I think it has to do with what's going on in the world. In times of rebellion and unrest, many tend towards shaggier and longer hair. Right now, there is a lot of activism, and with that, a lot of guys are growing their hair longer. It's a show of resistance and non-conformity. Political and economic circumstances can often inform hairstyles. Celebrities follow fashion, but fashion follows the current environment of the world.

EDGE: What do you recommend for overall hair health care and good practices?

BS: The best suggestion is to not wash your hair too much. You should only wash hair when it needs to be cleaned to prevent over drying. Otherwise, it strips out the moisture. Conditioner is also a must.

EDGE: You are partial to Malin & Goetz and carry them in your shops. What is it about their line that you favor?

BS: I discovered their products in a shop when I had my own hair cut. They used a styling cream on me, and I thought it was the best thing I'd ever used. It's not too heavy-handed and is just the right amount. That goes for all of their products. None of them are overly scented or oily. It's a great head to toe, simple line which complements our tag line, 'Handsome Made Simple.'

EDGE: Do you notice a distinct difference in hair trends throughout other major cosmopolitan cities compared to New York?

BS: Even with the internet, which tends to put everyone on an even playing field, I think New York City tends to experience a lot of 'firsts.' The birth of trends happens here, which then trickle to other cities. I often travel to LA and visit other European cities, and I must say that NYC is still hot!

EDGE: What advice do you have for those who want to emulate popular cuts?

BS: It sounds pretty simple, but watch this past year's Oscars. Every hairstyle is represented, and their stylists have their fingers on the pulse of what's going on.