If you were using heavy gell before, stop as soon as it's long enough to behave well enough with mousse instead. Conditioner goes a long way toward preventing damage. It also makes it easier to get through snags, as it makes the hair more slippery. It even makes your hair easier to control. I use it every day.
Some men actually do that.
Wear a hat. Obviously inappropriate in some social situations. Also gives you hat hair. Wear a horizontal cloth headband. Obviously inappropriate in many social situations.