Long hairstyles for men look best when the length has a shape. Plain, untrimmed length can look limp, while a few layers or a clean taper make it look planned. Here are 14 ways to wear hairstyles for men with long hair, with what to tell the barber and how much work each one needs.
Growing it out
Expect three to six months to get past the awkward stage, since hair grows about half an inch a month. Keep trimming the ends every 8 to 12 weeks so the shape stays even, and use a cap or a headband when the hair is at its most awkward length.
Loose and flowing long hairstyles for men
1. Flow haircut
The flow is medium to long hair swept back off the face.
- Who it suits: Wavy and thick hair.
- How to ask: Ask the barber to remove only split ends and shape the sides.
- Upkeep: Trim every 8 to 12 weeks.
2. Modern mullet
A modern mullet is shorter at the front and sides and longer at the back.
- Who it suits: Wavy and textured hair, and oval or round faces.
- How to ask: Show a photo and say how long the back should be.
- Upkeep: Trim every 3 to 4 weeks.
3. Wolf cut
A men's wolf cut has choppy layers on top and length behind.
- Who it suits: Wavy and curly hair.
- How to ask: Ask for shaggy layers and volume at the crown.
- Upkeep: Trim every 6 to 8 weeks.
4. Burst fade mullet
A burst fade mullet pairs a rounded fade around the ears with a long back.
- Who it suits: Curly and thick hair.
- How to ask: Ask for a burst fade and leave the back untouched.
- Upkeep: Trim the fade every 2 to 3 weeks.
5. Textured fringe with length
Leave the top long with choppy layers pushed forward.
- Who it suits: A tall forehead.
- How to ask: Ask for a fringe that reaches the eyebrows.
- Upkeep: Trim every 4 to 6 weeks.
6. Middle part curtains
Longer hair parted in the center falls to both sides of the face.
- Who it suits: Straight and wavy hair.
- How to ask: Ask for layers around the face.
- Upkeep: Trim every 6 to 8 weeks.
7. Long curls
Long curls or waves need shape more than length.
- Who it suits: Curly hair.
- How to ask: Ask for a dry cut and light layering.
- Upkeep: Trim every 8 to 10 weeks.
8. Long layered cut
Long layers remove weight and let hair move.
- Who it suits: Thick hair that feels heavy.
- How to ask: Ask for layers that start at the chin.
- Upkeep: Trim every 8 to 12 weeks.
Tied, braided and pinned
9. Man bun
A man bun gathers the hair into a knot at the crown or the back of the head.
- Who it suits: Hair that reaches the shoulders.
- How to ask: Tie it low or high depending on your face shape.
- Upkeep: Takes 1 minute.
10. Half-up top knot
A half-up top knot ties the upper section and leaves the rest down.
- Who it suits: Medium-long hair.
- How to ask: Use a soft elastic to avoid creases.
- Upkeep: Takes 1 minute.
11. Braids
Braids for men range from a single plait to cornrows.
- Who it suits: Straight, wavy and coily hair.
- How to ask: Ask your barber for a braid or find a braider.
- Upkeep: Redo every 2 to 4 weeks.
12. Long slick back
Hair combed straight back with a light product.
- Who it suits: Oval and square faces.
- How to ask: Ask for tapered sides and even length on top.
- Upkeep: Trim every 4 to 6 weeks.
13. Long undercut
The sides and back are short, and the top is long enough to tie.
- Who it suits: Thick hair.
- How to ask: Ask for a clean disconnect and tie the top back.
- Upkeep: Trim every 3 to 4 weeks.
14. Long taper
A taper keeps length on top and tidies the sides and neck.
- Who it suits: All textures.
- How to ask: Ask for a low taper only.
- Upkeep: Trim every 3 to 4 weeks.
Caring for long hair
- Wash two or three times a week with a gentle shampoo, and condition the ends.
- Detangle from the bottom up when wet, with a wide-tooth comb.
- Use a light leave-in or a few drops of oil on the ends to reduce frizz.
- Sleep with hair loosely tied or on a smooth pillowcase.
Try longer hair first
Not sure you want to wait months to find out? Upload a selfie to the AI hairstyle changer and try a longer cut on your own face before you commit to growing it out.
Related reading: men's haircuts, medium length haircuts for men and face shapes for men.
FAQ
What is the best long hairstyle for men?
The flow is the easiest: it needs little styling and grows out evenly. The modern mullet and wolf cut suit wavy hair.
How long does it take to grow long hair?
Hair grows about half an inch a month, so shoulder length takes roughly a year from a short cut.
Do long hairstyles suit thin hair?
Often the ends look sparse. A medium length with a few layers usually looks fuller than very long hair.
Which long hairstyles suit round faces?
Styles with height on top or length that falls below the chin, such as a swept-back flow or a mullet.
