Men’s Hairstyles For Growing Out Your Hair: Growing out your hair as a guy isn’t just about letting it grow wild and hoping for the best. It’s a journey that requires patience, strategy, and the right styling tricks to keep you looking sharp through every awkward phase.
Let’s be honest – the hair growing process can feel like pure torture sometimes. You wake up looking like you’ve been electrocuted, your hair sticks out in seventeen different directions, and you start questioning every life choice that led you to this moment. But here’s the thing: with the right approach, growing out your hair doesn’t have to be a nightmare.
The secret lies in working with your hair’s natural growth patterns instead of fighting against them. Every guy’s hair grows differently – some have cowlicks that seem to defy gravity, others deal with hair that grows faster on one side than the other. Understanding your hair’s quirks is half the battle won.
The Messy Quiff Revolution
The messy quiff has become the holy grail of transitional hairstyles, and for good reason. It works beautifully when your hair’s caught in that weird in-between stage where it’s too long for a crew cut but too short for anything truly dramatic.
Start with damp hair and work a small amount of texturizing paste through the front section. Push your hair upward and slightly back, but don’t make it too perfect – the “messy” part is crucial here. The beauty of this style is that it actually looks better when it’s a bit disheveled.
Your hair will naturally want to fall forward as it grows longer, which makes this style increasingly easier to achieve. The key is embracing that slightly undone look that screams “I woke up like this” even though you definitely didn’t.
Side Part Sophistication
Never underestimate the power of a well-executed side part. This classic style adapts beautifully to different hair lengths and can carry you through months of growing without looking dated or sloppy.
The trick is finding your natural part line – run a comb from your front hairline straight back and see where your hair naturally wants to separate. Work with this pattern rather than forcing a part where your hair doesn’t want one. Use a lightweight pomade to keep everything in place without looking greasy or overdone.
As your hair grows longer, you can gradually shift the part slightly to accommodate the extra length. This style works particularly well for professional environments where you need to look polished but don’t want to sacrifice your growing goals.
The Modern Shag Comeback
Shags aren’t just for rockstars anymore – they’ve evolved into one of the most versatile styles for guys growing out their hair. The modern interpretation is cleaner and more structured than its 70s predecessor, but it still maintains that effortlessly cool vibe.
Ask your barber for choppy layers that frame your face without creating too much bulk on the sides. The goal is to create movement and texture that works with your hair’s natural growth pattern. This cut actually improves as it grows out, which makes it perfect for the growing-out process.
The beauty of a modern shag lies in its forgiving nature – bad hair days become virtually non-existent because the style is supposed to look a bit tousled and lived-in.
Slicked Back Simplicity
Sometimes the most straightforward approach yields the best results. Slicking your hair back creates a clean, sophisticated look that works for virtually any hair type or face shape.
Use a strong-hold gel or pomade and comb everything straight back from your forehead. Don’t worry about creating perfect lines – a slightly more relaxed slicked-back look feels more contemporary than the ultra-precise versions from decades past.
This style becomes increasingly dramatic as your hair grows longer, eventually evolving into something that borders on vintage Hollywood glamour. The transition happens so gradually that you’ll barely notice it, but others definitely will.
Textured Crop Magic
The textured crop offers the perfect compromise between short and long, giving you the best of both worlds during the growing process. It maintains a neat appearance while allowing for significant length on top.
Your barber should leave plenty of length on top while keeping the sides relatively short – not a full disconnect, but definitely some contrast. The top section gets cut with texturizing techniques that create natural movement and prevent that dreaded “helmet head” effect.
Style it with a matte paste or clay product, working the product through with your fingers rather than a comb. This creates that perfectly imperfect texture that looks effortless but actually requires some skill to execute properly.
The Surfer Flow
Not everyone can pull off the surfer look, but those who can absolutely should. This style works best for guys with naturally wavy or slightly curly hair who want to embrace their texture rather than fight it.
The key to nailing surfer hair is moisture – lots of it. Use leave-in conditioners, sea salt sprays, and curl-enhancing creams to bring out your hair’s natural wave pattern. Avoid anything that creates stiffness or crunch.
Let your hair air dry whenever possible, scrunching it gently with a microfiber towel to encourage curl formation. The goal is that perfectly tousled look that suggests you just rolled out of bed after a perfect night’s sleep, even though we all know that’s rarely how it actually works.
Business Front, Party Back
The modern mullet has shed its reputation as a purely comedic hairstyle and emerged as a legitimate fashion statement. Today’s versions are more subtle and sophisticated than their 80s ancestors, offering a way to maintain professionalism while expressing some personality.
The contemporary mullet keeps the front and sides relatively conservative while allowing more length and texture in the back. It’s not about creating a dramatic contrast – instead, it’s about gradual transitions that flow naturally from front to back.
This style requires a skilled barber who understands the nuances of modern mullet cutting. Don’t attempt this at home unless you’re prepared for potentially disastrous results that could set your growing journey back by months.
Long Fringe Freedom
A long fringe adds instant drama to any hairstyle and works particularly well during the growing-out phase. It draws attention to your eyes while camouflaging any awkward growth patterns happening elsewhere on your head.
The fringe should be cut to complement your face shape – longer fringes work well for guys with shorter foreheads, while those with prominent brows might prefer something slightly shorter. Your barber can advise on the best length for your specific features.
Styling a long fringe requires minimal effort – just push it to one side or let it fall naturally across your forehead. A tiny bit of lightweight styling cream helps prevent flyaways without weighing the hair down.
Tousled Elegance
Mastering the art of controlled messiness takes practice, but once you’ve got it down, this style becomes your secret weapon for looking put-together without appearing overly groomed.
Start with towel-dried hair and work a small amount of texturizing spray throughout. Use your fingers to lift and separate sections, creating natural-looking volume and movement. The goal is to look like you’ve been running your hands through your hair in the most attractive way possible.
This style works beautifully for both casual and slightly more formal occasions – it’s polished enough for dinner dates but relaxed enough for weekend adventures.
The Relaxed Pompadour
Traditional pompadours can feel too formal for everyday wear, but a relaxed version offers all the style benefits without the stuffiness. This approach maintains the basic pompadour shape while allowing for more texture and movement.
Instead of slicking everything back perfectly, leave some texture in the front section and don’t worry about achieving razor-sharp lines. Use a medium-hold product that provides structure without creating that hard, shellacked appearance.
The relaxed pompadour grows out beautifully, gradually transitioning into longer styles without requiring dramatic changes to your routine.
Layered Length Strategy
Strategic layering prevents your growing hair from looking shapeless or overwhelming. Well-executed layers create movement and prevent that dreaded “triangle head” effect that plagues many guys during the growing process.
Your barber should cut layers that work with your hair’s natural growth patterns and face shape. Avoid overly dramatic layering that creates too much contrast – subtle graduation works better for most hair types.
Layers also make styling easier because they create natural movement and texture that requires minimal product to look good.
The Distinguished Side Sweep
A side sweep offers sophistication with minimal effort, making it perfect for guys who want to look polished without spending hours in front of the mirror. This style works particularly well for those with naturally straight or slightly wavy hair.
Part your hair on whichever side feels most natural, then sweep the longer section across your forehead. The key is achieving smooth movement without creating harsh lines or obvious product buildup.
As your hair grows longer, the side sweep becomes increasingly dramatic and can evolve into more complex styles while maintaining its essential elegance.
Casual Waves Mastery
If you’re blessed with natural wave, learning to work with it rather than against it opens up numerous styling possibilities. Wavy hair often looks best when it’s allowed to do its own thing with minimal interference.
Use products specifically designed for wavy hair – lightweight mousses, curl creams, and sea salt sprays work particularly well. Avoid anything too heavy or greasy that will weigh down your natural texture.
Scrunch your hair gently while it’s damp, then let it air dry for the most natural-looking results. The goal is enhancing your natural wave pattern rather than creating artificial texture.
The Artistic Disconnect
A disconnect cut creates visual interest by maintaining distinct length differences between the top and sides. This style works particularly well during the growing phase because it allows you to keep length on top while maintaining clean lines on the sides.
The key to a successful disconnect is ensuring the transition points are well-planned and executed. Your barber should create clean lines that complement your head shape and facial features.
This style requires regular maintenance to keep the disconnect looking sharp, but the top section can continue growing without affecting the overall aesthetic.
Natural Texture Celebration
Working with your hair’s natural texture instead of fighting against it makes the growing process infinitely easier and more enjoyable. Whether you have straight, wavy, or curly hair, there are ways to enhance what you’ve got naturally.
Identify your hair’s natural patterns and find products that support rather than override them. This might mean embracing some frizz if you have curly hair or working with cowlicks instead of trying to force them into submission.
Natural texture celebration requires less daily styling time and often looks more authentic than heavily manipulated styles.
The Effortless Finish
The final style worth mastering is the art of looking like you haven’t tried at all. This deceptively simple approach requires understanding your hair’s natural tendencies and working with them rather than against them.
Use minimal product – just enough to provide light hold and enhance your hair’s natural texture. The goal is hair that looks healthy and well-maintained without obvious signs of styling.
This approach becomes increasingly important as your hair grows longer because heavy-handed styling techniques that work on shorter hair often look overdone on longer lengths.
Growing out your hair doesn’t have to be a exercise in frustration. With the right styles and techniques, you can look great at every stage of the process. The key is patience, the right products, and a barber who understands the unique challenges of the growing-out journey.
Remember that hair growth is a marathon, not a sprint. Embrace each phase of the process and don’t be afraid to experiment with different styles as your hair reaches new lengths. What works at three months might not work at six months, and that’s perfectly fine.
The most important thing is maintaining healthy hair throughout the growing process. Regular trims, quality products, and proper care will ensure your hair looks its best at every stage. Your future long-haired self will thank you for the patience and effort you invest now.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best men’s hairstyles for awkward hair growth stages?
The in-between phase can feel rough, but certain styles like the textured crop, curtain fringe, or layered waves can tame the mess while adding structure.
How can I style my hair while growing it out without looking sloppy?
Using light hold products, embracing natural texture, and opting for styles like the bro flow or soft side sweep can keep things intentional, not accidental.
Should I trim my hair while growing it out? Or just let it go wild?
Regular shaping trims are key! Strategic snips prevent split ends and help shape your final look without sabotaging length.
What men’s hairstyles help disguise uneven or slow hair growth?
Styles with layers, tousled finishes, or side parts distract the eye from patchiness and make growth appear more balanced.
Can I pull off long hair as a guy with fine or thinning hair?
Absolutely. Styles like layered shags, medium-length sweeps, and beachy waves can add volume and give fine hair new life as it grows out.
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