27 Best Long Hairstyles for Men Tips: Grow the Flow

Long Hairstyles for Men are making a massive comeback, moving far beyond the simple ponytail to encompass a diverse range of cuts, textures, and styling techniques. This comprehensive guide will break down the history of men’s long hair and why the ‘flow’ is becoming the defining look of modern masculinity. It’s time to let go of the scissors and embrace the versatility and personality that comes with truly great long hair.

For many, growing out hair can be a frustrating process involving awkward phases and constant upkeep concerns. However, mastering the right care routine and selecting a style that complements your face shape and hair texture is key to success. We’ll provide you with everything you need, from product recommendations to 27 distinct style ideas, to help you achieve the head-turning, healthy long hairstyles for men you’ve always wanted.

Styling and Maintaining Long Hairstyles for Men

Long Hairstyles for Men require dedication, but the payoff is a signature look that exudes confidence and freedom. Choosing the correct products, understanding how to properly detangle, and scheduling regular, minimal trims are essential components of this journey. The goal is always health and natural movement, avoiding the dullness or split ends that can ruin a perfect long style.

This guide serves as your playbook for every stage of the growth process and every type of hair, from pin-straight to tight curls. By focusing on specific styling techniques and understanding which products work best for adding texture, volume, or hold, you can adapt your look daily. Dive into our extensive catalog of 27 style ideas to find the perfect expression for your new flow and truly master these incredible long hairstyles for men.

Viking Braid Styles

Viking-inspired braids are a powerful, rugged option for men with very long hair. These styles often involve tightly braiding a section of the hair, usually along the crown or sides, while leaving the rest of the length loose and flowing. They are perfect for adding texture and keeping hair managed during workouts or active days, projecting strength and ancient heritage.

Experiment with single, thick braids running down the back, or opt for two smaller braids that run parallel along the temples, meeting at the back of the head. This look is particularly striking when paired with facial hair, creating a cohesive, masculine aesthetic. Remember to use a light pomade or styling cream to control flyaways before braiding.

The Man Bun Evolution

The classic man bun has evolved far beyond the basic top knot, offering styles that range from sophisticated to casual. Today’s man bun is often less polished, favoring a looser, more relaxed wrap, or a mid-bun positioned at the back of the head rather than strictly on the crown. It’s a versatile way to keep the hair off your neck while still showing off your length.

The key to a modern man bun is maintaining a textured look; avoid pulling the hair too tightly, which can lead to stress on the scalp and hair follicles. If your hair is thick, try looping the hair only once or twice through the elastic, leaving the ends partially hanging out for an effortless, undone appearance. This remains one of the most popular long hairstyles for men because of its practicality.

Half-Up Half-Down Looks

The half-up, half-down style strikes a perfect balance, showcasing your hair’s length while keeping the front section neatly secured. This look is versatile enough for the office yet casual enough for the weekend, and it works wonderfully on hair that is shoulder-length or longer.

To achieve a strong look, only gather the hair from the temples upward, twisting it slightly before securing it at the crown with a subtle elastic. Leave the remaining length—the ‘down’ part—to move freely. This style naturally adds volume to the top of your head, making it a great choice for finer hair textures.

Long Textured Quiff

A long quiff is a fantastic way to blend longer hair with a touch of classic volume and shape. This style keeps the hair long overall but focuses on sweeping the frontal length up and back, creating height and movement above the forehead. It requires enough length to be pushed back without falling flat.

To style, use a blow dryer and a round brush to lift the front section while applying a sea salt spray for texture or a mousse for volume. Finish the look with a matte clay to ensure hold and definition without adding excessive shine. This is a very contemporary take on long hairstyles for men.

Slicked Back Long Hair

For a refined and powerful aesthetic, the slicked-back style is a timeless choice among long hairstyles for men. This look demands perfectly smooth, often glossy, hair pulled back tightly from the face and secured to fall neatly down the back or over the shoulders. It is particularly effective for formal events or professional settings.

The secret to preventing the slicked-back look from appearing greasy is to use a high-quality, water-based pomade applied only after the hair is fully dry. Work the product from the roots to the mid-shaft, using a fine-toothed comb to ensure every strand is laid flat and in place.

The Modern Mullet

Forget the stereotypes; the modern mullet is a fashion-forward, intentionally styled look that celebrates volume and texture. It features shorter or disconnected sides, substantial length at the back, and moderate length on top to blend the transition. It’s a high-impact choice for men who want a bolder style.

Ask your stylist for a heavily layered cut that allows for maximum movement in the back. The styling relies on texture spray and light oil to enhance the wave or curl pattern, making the “business in the front, party in the back” mantra feel chic and contemporary.

Flowing Wavy Hair

Naturally wavy hair is perfectly suited for longer lengths, creating the iconic ‘flow’ that so many men desire. This style is characterized by its effortless, carefree movement and volume, often looking best when allowed to air dry with minimal product.

To maximize the wave pattern, use a sulfate-free shampoo and a rich conditioner to maintain hydration. Apply a light leave-in conditioner or curl cream while the hair is damp, scrunching the hair gently to encourage the waves to form, and then avoid touching it until it is completely dry.

Curly Long Hair Maintenance

Curly hair at long lengths requires dedicated moisture and protective styling to prevent frizz and breakage. The goal is defined, springy curls that retain their natural volume without becoming overly bushy. This demanding but rewarding style defines the best long hairstyles for men.

The curly hair routine should include deep conditioning treatments weekly and the use of curl-defining gels or custards. When detangling, only do so when the hair is saturated with conditioner in the shower, using a wide-tooth comb to gently work through the knots, starting from the ends.

Braided Top Knot

This style is a creative variation of the man bun, where the top section of the hair is first braided tightly before being wrapped into a knot. This adds an extra layer of visual complexity and ensures a more secure hold than a typical bun, lasting all day long.

The braid can be a simple three-strand braid, or for a more advanced look, a Dutch or French braid that starts closer to the forehead. Secure the braid’s end before twisting it into the top knot, using strong hold spray around the base to smooth down any stray hairs.

Long Hair with Undercut

Combining long hair on top with a disconnected undercut offers a dramatic contrast that is edgy and modern. The undercut removes bulk and weight from the sides and back, making the long length on top feel lighter and easier to manage, especially in warm weather.

The long section can be styled in multiple ways: slicked back, worn loose and flowing, or pulled into a man bun. Because the top length is entirely separated from the sides, it offers incredible versatility and is one of the more structured long hairstyles for men.

Men’s Shoulder Length Cuts

Shoulder-length hair is arguably the sweet spot for many men, offering substantial length without the heavy maintenance required for waist-length hair. This length works particularly well with layers, which prevent the hair from becoming triangular or weighing down the face.

A blunt cut can work for thick hair, but layers are essential for adding shape and movement to finer textures. Regular trims every 8–10 weeks are crucial at this stage to keep the ends healthy and prevent the hair from flipping out awkwardly at the shoulder line.

Mid-Length Grow Out Tips

The mid-length phase, often the most frustrating point of the hair growth journey, is where the hair reaches chin to shoulder length and tends to stick out awkwardly. The key to surviving this stage is to plan cuts strategically to manage bulk.

Ask your barber for subtle layering around the perimeter to alleviate the “helmet” look. Using styling products like texture paste or wax can help direct the hair—for instance, sweeping the sides behind the ears—to maintain a neat appearance while continuing to grow the length.

Long Hair Care Routine

A successful care routine for long hairstyles for men prioritizes moisture retention over excessive washing. Over-washing strips the hair and scalp of natural oils, leading to dryness and breakage, which is the antithesis of a good flow.

Invest in quality products: a gentle, sulfate-free shampoo, a moisturizing conditioner, and a weekly deep conditioning mask. Wash your hair just two to three times a week, and on non-wash days, rinse your hair with water and apply a light leave-in conditioner.

Hair Tying Techniques

Beyond the simple elastic band, there are several ways to secure long hair that are better for hair health and appearance. Using proper tying techniques can minimize breakage and elastic-induced kinks in the hair.

Look into using hair scarves or hair ties made from soft materials like silk or jersey, which are much gentler than rubber bands. For very thick hair, try the double-wrap technique: first, secure the bun with a thin elastic, then wrap a second, larger elastic over it for superior hold and comfort.

Frizzy Long Hair Solutions

Frizz is a common issue with long hairstyles for men, especially in humid climates or for men with wavy or curly textures. Frizz occurs when the outer layer of the hair (the cuticle) is raised, allowing moisture from the air to enter.

The best defense against frizz is hydration. Use anti-frizz serums or lightweight oils (like argan or coconut oil) on the mid-lengths and ends of damp hair before styling. Avoid brushing dry hair, as this manually separates the hair strands and causes the frizz to balloon out.

Beach Wave Hair for Guys

The effortless, sun-kissed beach wave look is a coveted style for men with longer hair, suggesting a casual, ocean-ready lifestyle. This style works best on naturally wavy or slightly curly hair textures.

To achieve this, the primary product is a high-quality sea salt spray applied generously to damp hair. Scrunch the hair upwards while drying naturally or with a diffuser attachment on a blow dryer set to low heat. This enhances the natural texture without making the hair stiff.

Long Layered Cuts for Volume

Layers are a game-changer for long hairstyles for men, particularly for those with thin or fine hair who struggle with a flat appearance. Strategic layering removes weight from the ends and adds necessary shape and bounce throughout the length.

Consult with your barber about long, invisible layers that start below the chin. This creates movement and a fuller silhouette when styled, especially if you flip your hair over to the opposite side it naturally falls.

Tapered Sides with Length

While the undercut offers a dramatic disconnect, a tapered side offers a softer, more gradual transition from short to long hair. This keeps the sides clean and neat without creating the harsh line of a full undercut, making the overall look more refined.

The taper can range from a subtle blend to a medium fade, providing a neat frame for the long hair on top. This is an excellent option for men who want the manageable sides of a short cut but prefer the freedom and flow of long hairstyles for men.

Ponytail Styles for Men

The ponytail remains the simplest and most practical of all long hairstyles for men, but it doesn’t have to be basic. Varying the height and tension can completely change the look, making it suitable for both athletics and polished occasions.

A low ponytail secured at the nape of the neck is often viewed as the most sophisticated version, especially when the hair is glossy and smooth. For an athletic look, a high ponytail on the crown keeps the hair secure and minimizes friction against the neck.

Dreadlock Styles for Long Hair

Long dreadlocks are a spiritual and powerful style that requires a commitment to the locking process and unique maintenance routines. The density, length, and width of the locks define the look, making it highly individualized.

Maintaining long dreadlocks involves regular re-twisting (retwisting) at the roots to keep the new growth neat and separated. Moisturizing is critical; use light, natural oils and moisturizing sprays that won’t leave a residue inside the locks, leading to build-up.

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Samurai Bun Variations

The Samurai Bun is essentially a high, tight top knot achieved with a significant amount of length. Unlike the modern man bun, this version is typically slicker and positioned higher on the head, often starting at the point where the head begins to flatten.

This style pairs exceptionally well with an undercut or strongly tapered sides, emphasizing the hair gathered on top. For a truly authentic look, twist the length before wrapping it around the base and secure it with a dark elastic or even a simple chopstick for an unexpected element.

Long Hair with Beard Pairing

When growing long hairstyles for men, pairing the length with a complementary beard is a crucial styling decision. The synergy between the two can define your overall aesthetic, balancing volume and texture across the entire head and face.

The key is contrast: if your hair is voluminous and wild, keep the beard neatly trimmed and shaped. If your hair is slick and structured, a slightly longer, full beard can add the necessary rugged counterbalance. Ensure a clean, short transition zone between the beard line and the neckline.

Permed Long Hair Looks

A modern male perm is not the dated style of the 80s; it’s a strategic chemical treatment used to add texture and waves to otherwise straight hair. This treatment can instantly create the appearance of effortlessly flowing, textured long hairstyles for men.

If your hair is naturally poker-straight, a body perm can create soft, large waves that add volume and make styling easier. Maintenance involves using protein-rich products and keeping the hair consistently moisturized to prevent the perm from drying out the strands.

Natural Texture Long Styles

For men who prefer a completely hands-off approach, embracing your hair’s natural texture is the way to go. This look minimizes styling effort and focuses entirely on the health and natural movement of the hair, whether it’s straight, wavy, or coily.

Avoid using heat tools altogether and focus on air-drying whenever possible. A minimalist product routine might involve just a hair oil applied to the ends for shine and a light texturizing cream worked through damp hair to enhance definition.

Long Hair Styling Products

Using the right styling products is paramount for managing and maintaining long hairstyles for men. Unlike shorter cuts, long hair needs products that offer flexible hold, anti-frizz properties, and most importantly, won’t weigh down the length.

Essential products include sea salt spray for texture, a lightweight matte clay for flexible hold and definition, and a non-greasy hair oil or serum for fighting frizz and adding shine. Avoid heavy waxes or pastes that can clump up and make long hair look dirty.

Maintaining Healthy Ends

Split ends are the enemy of beautiful long hairstyles for men and can make the entire length look brittle and dull. Once a split end appears, the only way to effectively remove it is by trimming it off before the damage travels further up the hair shaft.

Even when growing your hair, you should schedule micro-trims every 10 to 12 weeks—ask your barber for a “dusting,” which is a minimal trim focused only on removing split ends without sacrificing significant length. This is non-negotiable for preserving hair quality.

Formal Long Hair Updos

While many long styles are casual, updos can elevate the hair for formal events like weddings or black-tie occasions. A formal updo keeps the hair completely secured while maintaining an elegant shape.

A low, neat bun secured at the nape of the neck is the most classic formal option. For a more modern twist, consider a slicked-back ponytail that is styled with a high-shine serum and wrapped cleanly at the base using a small strand of hair instead of an elastic. This look showcases sophistication.

FAQs About Long Hairstyles for Men

How long does it actually take to grow long hair for men?

Hair typically grows at a rate of about half an inch per month. To reach true shoulder length (around 12 inches), it generally takes between two to three years of consistent growth and minimal trimming. The time commitment varies depending on genetics and how often you get maintenance trims to remove dead ends, but patience is essential.

What is the best way to deal with the ‘awkward phase’ of growing out hair?

The awkward phase, where hair often sticks out at ear or chin level, is best managed through strategic trimming and styling. Ask your barber to reduce bulk by adding subtle layers and cleaning up the neck/ear areas. Use hats, headbands, or try sweeping the sides behind the ears while using product to create texture and volume on top.

Are there specific products I should use to prevent split ends in long hair?

To prevent split ends, focus on using moisturizing products rich in protein and hydration. Look for leave-in conditioners and hair oils (like argan or jojoba) that help seal the hair cuticle. Heat protectant spray is also non-negotiable if you ever use a blow dryer, as heat is a major contributor to breakage and splitting.

How often should men with long hair wash their hair without causing dryness?

The ideal frequency is highly individual but generally ranges from two to four times per week. Daily washing is strongly discouraged, as it strips the scalp’s natural oils (sebum) which are vital for lubricating and protecting long hair strands. If your hair feels excessively oily between washes, use a dry shampoo at the roots.

Does long hair look good on every face shape, or should I be cautious?

Long hair can absolutely be styled to flatter every face shape, but customization is key. For round or square faces, adding layers or height on top can elongate the face. For long or oval faces, avoid excessive height and opt for waves or curls that add width at the sides to create balance.

Conclusion

The journey to mastering long hairstyles for men is a personal and rewarding one, transforming a simple style choice into a statement. By embracing the right products, techniques, and care routines outlined here, you can confidently sport a look that is both timeless and modern. The key is understanding that long hair is not just a style but a lifestyle that requires maintenance, patience, and a willingness to find the perfect blend of flow and structure.

Whether you opt for a sleek, slicked-back look or a casual, flowing texture, your dedication will result in a remarkable, head-turning hairstyle. With so many distinct long hairstyles for men to choose from—from the Viking braids to the refined formal updos—you have all the tools needed to define your unique flow and leave those short haircut days far behind you.