Hair Guide · Long Hair
How to Style
Long Hair for Men
Growing it out is the easy part. Keeping it in shape through the middle stage is where most people quit. Here is what to do instead.
Long hair on men is not a style you arrive at by doing nothing. Left alone it goes wide before it goes long, the sides flick out, and the whole thing reads as unkempt rather than deliberate. The fix is shaping, not length.
This is the routine we give people at the shop when they tell us they want to grow it out, along with the questions that come up every single time.
The Routine
Five steps, five minutes.
- 01
Start damp, never soaking
Towel dry until the hair stops dripping but still feels cool to the touch. Product spreads properly at that point and you avoid the greasy strands you get from applying to dry hair.
- 02
Work a leave-in through the mid lengths
A pea-sized amount of leave-in conditioner or light cream, raked through from the ears down. Keep it off the roots. This is what stops the ends looking dry by week three.
Playing God Leave In Conditioner - 03
Add grip, not weight
Sea salt spray or a light texture spray at the roots for volume. Heavy waxes and pomades drag long hair flat, so save those for short shapes.
Playing God Sea Salt Spray - 04
Dry with your hands and a direction
Low heat, head tipped forward, fingers lifting at the root. Two minutes of this sets the volume for the whole day. Finish on cool air.
- 05
Leave it alone
Long hair is ruined by touching. The more you push it around, the more the oils from your hands flatten it. Set it once in the morning and let it move.
What we use
Two products, nothing else.
Playing God Leave In Conditioner
Lightweight daily conditioner and detangler. Spray into towel dried hair, comb through, do not rinse. Adds moisture and shine without dragging the length down, and gives some protection against heat.
Shop itPlaying God Sea Salt Spray
Texture and grip at the root for a loose, undone shape. Works on wet or dry hair and thickens finer hair, which is what stops long lengths sitting flat by the afternoon.
Shop itQuestions
Growing it out, answered.
How long does it take to grow long hair for men?
Hair grows roughly half an inch a month, so shoulder length from a short cut is usually a two year project. The awkward stage runs from about month four to month nine, which is exactly when most people give up.
Should I get my hair cut while growing it out?
Yes, but the cut is about shape rather than length. A shape-up every eight to twelve weeks removes weight from the sides so the hair grows down rather than out, and keeps the ends from splitting.
How do I get through the awkward stage?
Two things help: taking weight out of the sides so it tucks behind the ears instead of flicking, and using a light salt spray so the middle length has enough texture to sit rather than sag. Caps and a shorter fringe buy you time as well.
What products work best for long men's hair?
A light leave-in conditioner through the ends and a salt spray at the roots. We use the Playing God Leave In Conditioner and the Playing God Sea Salt Spray in the shop, both of which are light enough for long hair. Avoid anything described as high hold or high shine, as both weigh long hair down.
Can I book a long hair restyle in Altrincham?
Yes. Our team at 11 Oxford Road handles long hair restyles, shape-ups and consultations for growing out. Full price and duration are shown before you confirm the booking.