Growing-out your hair is a long game. Although a year full of lockdowns and no haircuts has meant that many men have already taken the first steps to a longer mane á la Jason Momoa, it can be difficult to know exactly the right steps to take to keep it looking fresh (especially during that awkward phase).
Growing your do from short back and sides, to lengthier locks could take around two years, and while letting nature do its thing will get your journey going, you’ll need a game-plan long-term. You ready to commit? Thought so. Here’s what you’ll need to do to keep your hair looking strong, while it grows to a length that the King in the North would envy.
By Rachel Spedding
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1 Pick the right hairdresserNo more ‘number 2’ all over, or fail-safe fades. You’re growing it out, and you’ll need a cut that allows it. Find a barber with expertise in taking hair on the long-ride from short, to mid-length and beyond. They’ll also be able to advise on how to maintain your sprouting locks outside the salon (blow drying, products, and the like). Choose your barber and stick with through the duration, they’ll become part of the process with you.
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2 Take an inspiration picture or two
We’re used to heading into the salon with a picture of how we want it to look when we leave. You’re on a quest for length now, so the picture you’ll show at the very first appointment should be your ideal end result. A barber will be able to choose a style that works in the ‘interim’, that’ll be manageable for a month or two. Keep the picture for reference, peel it off the fridge each time you’re heading for the barbers chair, and remind your stylist of the vibe you’re looking to achieve in the *hopefully* not-so-distant future.
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3 Be realistic
Of course, we’d all like a little more Khal Drogo a’top our scalp, but you’ll need to be realistic. The same cut might look entirely different between two gents based on hair type. Fine vs. thick, afro vs. asian. Ask your barber, they’ll be able to advise; maybe offer an alternative, suggest products that will suit your hair texture, or high-five you and get going straight away. Head to the salon with an idea – and an image – of what you want, but be willing to hear expert advice on the end result.
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4 Cut it regularly (yes, really)
The ‘growing-out’ phase is fun for no one, if you don't do it 'right'. Leave your hair to ‘do its thing’ for four months and it'll stray (for the worse). Why? It's essentially an over-grown, tired version of the cut you had four months previous, so you’ll need to head for a chop as regularly as when it’s short – every six weeks, ideally. This time will extend as the hair grows in shape, to around every two months once the length starts really showing. Trimmed hair prevents split ends too, and we want our hard-earned hair to be in prime condition.
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5 Choose your products wisely
As your hair begins to venture to the lengthier side of mid-cut, you’ll definitely need to get some products involved for ‘taming’. The product you choose will depend on how you’d like your hair to look e.g. adding volume, or slicking into a set shape. Your barber will know what’s best (as always), but a general rule is pomade for shorter, lightweight locks, then a heavier gel or paste as your hair grows. You’ll learn as you go with your stellar new do, and be office-ready throughout.
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