Growing your hair out takes more than just skipping haircuts. Many guys struggle with the awkward phases, maintenance issues, and knowing how to style longer locks.
Whether you’re aiming for shoulder-length waves or just want to try something new, these tips will help you grow healthy hair while looking good throughout the journey.
1. Be Patient With The Process
Hair typically grows about half an inch per month, so that shoulder-length style might take a year or more. The journey requires commitment.
Remember that everyone’s growth rate differs based on genetics, health, and age. Track your progress with monthly photos to stay motivated.
2. Schedule Strategic Trims
Contrary to popular belief, regular trims actually help your hair grow better by removing split ends that would otherwise travel up the shaft.
Visit your barber every 8-12 weeks and specifically ask for just a ‘dusting’ – removing only what’s necessary to keep ends healthy.
3. Nourish From Within
Your hair is mostly protein, so include plenty of lean meats, eggs, fish, and legumes in your diet. Foods rich in biotin and omega-3s supercharge growth.
Stay hydrated too! Water helps transport nutrients to hair follicles, making it easier for them to produce strong strands.
4. Master The Awkward Phase
Around 2-4 months in, your hair will hit that frustrating in-between length that seems impossible to style. Hats, headbands, and styling products become your best friends.
Try slicking it back with a matte pomade or using a texturizing spray for temporary control during this challenging period.
5. Switch To Gentle Shampoo
Harsh detergents strip away natural oils that protect and nourish your hair. Look for sulfate-free shampoos with natural ingredients like tea tree oil or aloe vera.
Consider washing your hair less frequently – every 2-3 days is ideal for most men growing their hair out.
6. Condition Regularly
Long hair demands moisture! Conditioner seals the cuticle, reduces frizz, and makes hair more manageable. Apply from mid-length to ends, avoiding the scalp.
For extra nourishment, use a deep conditioning mask once weekly. Your growing strands will thank you for the extra TLC.
7. Protect From Heat Damage
Heat styling tools can fry your precious strands, causing breakage that sets back your growth journey. Air-dry whenever possible.
When you must use a blow dryer or other hot tools, apply a heat protectant spray first. Keep the dryer moving and use the lowest effective heat setting.
8. Brush With Care
Wild morning hair tangles? Never attack with aggressive brushing! Start at the ends and work your way up gradually to prevent snapping strands.
Invest in a wide-tooth comb for wet hair and a quality brush with natural bristles for dry styling. Your growing locks need gentle handling.
9. Sleep On Satin
Cotton pillowcases create friction that leads to frizz, tangles, and breakage while you sleep. Satin or silk allows hair to glide smoothly as you toss and turn.
For extra protection, loosely tie long hair in a top knot or braid before bed to prevent overnight tangling.
10. Minimize Stress Levels
High stress triggers a condition called telogen effluvium, pushing hair follicles into a resting phase that slows or halts growth. Your mental state directly affects your mane!
Make time for stress-busting activities like exercise, meditation, or whatever helps you unwind. Your hair and mind both benefit.
11. Consider Supplements Wisely
Biotin, collagen, and vitamin D supplements can support hair growth, but they’re not magic pills. Results vary widely between individuals.
Consult your doctor before starting any supplement regimen. Sometimes a simple multivitamin covers your bases if you’re generally healthy with a decent diet.
12. Massage Your Scalp Daily
Fingers dancing across your scalp for just 5 minutes daily stimulates blood flow to hair follicles, potentially speeding up growth. The technique matters!
Use fingertips (not nails) to make small circular motions with gentle pressure. Bonus: it feels amazing and relieves tension after a long day.
13. Find Your Hair’s Natural Part
Fighting against your hair’s natural growth pattern creates stress on the follicles. Working with your natural part makes styling easier as your hair lengthens.
When hair is wet, comb it straight back and let it naturally fall. Where it separates is your natural part – embrace it!
14. Protect From Environmental Damage
Sun, chlorine, and salt water can seriously damage growing hair. Wear a hat during extended sun exposure to prevent UV damage and dryness.
Before swimming, wet your hair with fresh water and apply conditioner – this prevents absorption of pool chemicals or salt that weaken strands.
15. Communicate With Your Barber
A barber who understands your long-term goals is invaluable during the growing process. Bring reference photos of your target style to every appointment.
Ask specifically for a “growing out” cut that shapes the hair while maintaining length. Good barbers can trim strategically to guide hair into your desired style.
Growing your hair out takes more than just skipping haircuts. Many guys struggle with the awkward phases, maintenance issues, and knowing how to style longer locks.
Whether you’re aiming for shoulder-length waves or just want to try something new, these tips will help you grow healthy hair while looking good throughout the journey.
1. Be Patient With The Process
Hair typically grows about half an inch per month, so that shoulder-length style might take a year or more. The journey requires commitment.
Remember that everyone’s growth rate differs based on genetics, health, and age. Track your progress with monthly photos to stay motivated.
2. Schedule Strategic Trims
Contrary to popular belief, regular trims actually help your hair grow better by removing split ends that would otherwise travel up the shaft.
Visit your barber every 8-12 weeks and specifically ask for just a ‘dusting’ – removing only what’s necessary to keep ends healthy.
3. Nourish From Within
Your hair is mostly protein, so include plenty of lean meats, eggs, fish, and legumes in your diet. Foods rich in biotin and omega-3s supercharge growth.
Stay hydrated too! Water helps transport nutrients to hair follicles, making it easier for them to produce strong strands.
4. Master The Awkward Phase
Around 2-4 months in, your hair will hit that frustrating in-between length that seems impossible to style. Hats, headbands, and styling products become your best friends.
Try slicking it back with a matte pomade or using a texturizing spray for temporary control during this challenging period.
5. Switch To Gentle Shampoo
Harsh detergents strip away natural oils that protect and nourish your hair. Look for sulfate-free shampoos with natural ingredients like tea tree oil or aloe vera.
Consider washing your hair less frequently – every 2-3 days is ideal for most men growing their hair out.
6. Condition Regularly
Long hair demands moisture! Conditioner seals the cuticle, reduces frizz, and makes hair more manageable. Apply from mid-length to ends, avoiding the scalp.
For extra nourishment, use a deep conditioning mask once weekly. Your growing strands will thank you for the extra TLC.
7. Protect From Heat Damage
Heat styling tools can fry your precious strands, causing breakage that sets back your growth journey. Air-dry whenever possible.
When you must use a blow dryer or other hot tools, apply a heat protectant spray first. Keep the dryer moving and use the lowest effective heat setting.
8. Brush With Care
Wild morning hair tangles? Never attack with aggressive brushing! Start at the ends and work your way up gradually to prevent snapping strands.
Invest in a wide-tooth comb for wet hair and a quality brush with natural bristles for dry styling. Your growing locks need gentle handling.
9. Sleep On Satin
Cotton pillowcases create friction that leads to frizz, tangles, and breakage while you sleep. Satin or silk allows hair to glide smoothly as you toss and turn.
For extra protection, loosely tie long hair in a top knot or braid before bed to prevent overnight tangling.
10. Minimize Stress Levels
High stress triggers a condition called telogen effluvium, pushing hair follicles into a resting phase that slows or halts growth. Your mental state directly affects your mane!
Make time for stress-busting activities like exercise, meditation, or whatever helps you unwind. Your hair and mind both benefit.
11. Consider Supplements Wisely
Biotin, collagen, and vitamin D supplements can support hair growth, but they’re not magic pills. Results vary widely between individuals.
Consult your doctor before starting any supplement regimen. Sometimes a simple multivitamin covers your bases if you’re generally healthy with a decent diet.
12. Massage Your Scalp Daily
Fingers dancing across your scalp for just 5 minutes daily stimulates blood flow to hair follicles, potentially speeding up growth. The technique matters!
Use fingertips (not nails) to make small circular motions with gentle pressure. Bonus: it feels amazing and relieves tension after a long day.
13. Find Your Hair’s Natural Part
Fighting against your hair’s natural growth pattern creates stress on the follicles. Working with your natural part makes styling easier as your hair lengthens.
When hair is wet, comb it straight back and let it naturally fall. Where it separates is your natural part – embrace it!
14. Protect From Environmental Damage
Sun, chlorine, and salt water can seriously damage growing hair. Wear a hat during extended sun exposure to prevent UV damage and dryness.
Before swimming, wet your hair with fresh water and apply conditioner – this prevents absorption of pool chemicals or salt that weaken strands.
15. Communicate With Your Barber
A barber who understands your long-term goals is invaluable during the growing process. Bring reference photos of your target style to every appointment.
Ask specifically for a “growing out” cut that shapes the hair while maintaining length. Good barbers can trim strategically to guide hair into your desired style.