Haircuts for Teenage Guys with Long Hair: Growing your hair out can be a great way to express your personal style. It’s a statement that shows confidence and individuality. But once you have the length, the next question is: what do you do with it? Choosing the right haircut can transform long hair from unruly to iconic. It’s about finding a style that not only looks great but also fits your lifestyle, hair type, and face shape.
This guide is for teenage guys ready to explore the world of long hairstyles. We’ll look at different cuts, from subtle layers to bold undercuts, and give you the tips you need to maintain your look. Let’s explore the best haircuts to help you make the most of your length.
Choosing the Right Cut for You
Before you settle on a style, it’s important to consider a few key factors. The best haircut is one that complements your features and works with your hair’s natural tendencies.
1. Face Shape:
Your face shape is a major guide in finding a flattering haircut.
- Oval: If you have an oval face, you’re in luck. Almost any long hairstyle will look good on you, so feel free to experiment.
- Round: For round faces, the goal is to add length and angles. Styles with layers that fall below the chin, or those with volume on top, can help elongate your face. Avoid single-length, blunt cuts that can make your face appear wider.
- Square: Square faces have strong jawlines. Softer styles with waves or layers can soften these features. A middle part with feathered ends can look particularly good.
- Heart: If you have a wider forehead and a narrower chin, you want to add volume around the lower part of your face. Shoulder-length cuts with layers that start around the chin are an excellent choice.
2. Hair Texture:
Your hair’s natural texture will determine how it behaves in certain cuts.
- Straight Hair: Straight hair is versatile. It looks great in sleek, single-length styles or layered cuts. However, it can sometimes lack volume. Adding layers can create movement and prevent it from looking flat.
- Wavy Hair: Wavy hair has natural body and texture, making it ideal for many long styles. A layered cut will enhance your waves and prevent the dreaded “triangle” shape where the bottom of your hair looks much wider than the top.
- Curly Hair: Curls require special attention. It’s crucial to find a stylist experienced with curly hair. Long layers can help distribute the volume and keep your curls from becoming too heavy or hard to manage. Avoid blunt cuts, which can create a blocky look.
3. Personal Style & Lifestyle:
Think about how much time you want to spend on your hair each day. Are you a “wash and go” person, or do you enjoy styling your hair? Some cuts are low-maintenance, while others require more effort. Also, consider your personal style. Are you going for a skater, surfer, rocker, or preppy look? Your haircut should feel like an authentic part of who you are.
Top Haircuts for Guys with Long Hair
Here are some of the most popular and stylish haircuts for teenage guys with long hair.
1. The Classic Long Cut (Bro Flow)
This is the quintessential long hairstyle. It’s defined by hair that’s long enough to be pushed back and flow away from the face, usually falling somewhere between the chin and shoulders. The bro flow is all about a relaxed, effortless vibe.
- How it’s cut: The hair is typically grown out to a uniform length or with very subtle, long layers to add movement. The key is to keep it looking healthy, not scraggly.
- Best for: Wavy or straight hair. It works well on oval and square face shapes.
- Styling: This style is relatively low-maintenance. You can let it air dry with a little leave-in conditioner to control frizz. To get the classic “flow,” comb it back while it’s damp and let it settle naturally.
2. The Layered Cut
If your long hair feels heavy or lacks shape, layers are the answer. A layered cut involves cutting the hair at different lengths to create texture, movement, and volume.
- How it’s cut: Your stylist will cut shorter layers on top and longer layers underneath. The length of the layers can be customized. Shorter layers create more volume and a shaggier look, while longer layers provide subtle movement.
- Best for: All hair types, especially wavy and curly hair, as it helps to manage bulk. It’s flattering for round and heart-shaped faces.
- Styling: A bit of sea salt spray can enhance texture in wavy or straight hair. For curly hair, a curl cream will help define the layers and prevent frizz.
3. The Modern Mullet
The mullet has made a huge comeback, but this isn’t your dad’s ’80s haircut. The modern mullet is more subtle and stylish, featuring shorter hair on the top and sides that blends into longer hair in the back.
- How it’s cut: The contrast is key. The top can be choppy and textured, while the back is left long and flowing. The transition between the short and long sections is often softer and more blended than in traditional mullets.
- Best for: Straight or wavy hair. It’s an edgy look that works for those who want to make a statement.
- Styling: Use a texturizing paste or wax on the shorter parts to create a messy, lived-in look. Let the back hang naturally.
4. The Long Undercut or Disconnected Cut
For a high-contrast, bold look, the long undercut is a fantastic option. This style features shaved or very short sides and back, with long hair left on top.
- How it’s cut: The sides and back are clipped short with clippers. The hair on top is left long and completely disconnected from the sides. You can wear the long hair on top slicked back, in a man bun, or hanging to one side.
- Best for: Straight or wavy hair provides the most dramatic contrast. This style can highlight strong facial features.
- Styling: This cut is versatile. A strong-hold pomade or gel is great for a slicked-back look. For a more casual style, you can simply tie the top section into a bun or ponytail. Regular trips to the barber are needed to keep the sides sharp.
5. Shoulder-Length with a Middle Part
This ’90s-inspired look is back in a big way. It’s a simple yet cool style that involves a shoulder-length cut parted down the middle. Think Kurt Cobain or a young Leonardo DiCaprio.
- How it’s cut: The hair is cut to shoulder length, often with some light, face-framing layers to prevent it from looking too severe. It’s important to ensure the ends are healthy.
- Best for: Straight or wavy hair. This style is particularly flattering for square and oval face shapes, as it can soften angles and create symmetry.
- Styling: This is another low-maintenance option. Let it air dry for a natural look. A light-hold cream can help tame flyaways. The key is to train your hair to fall into the middle part.
Tips for Maintaining Long Hair
Growing and maintaining long hair is a commitment. Here’s how to keep it looking its best.
- Wash Less Frequently: Washing your hair every day can strip it of its natural oils, leading to dryness and breakage. Try washing it every 2-3 days instead.
- Use Conditioner: Conditioner is non-negotiable for long hair. It helps to detangle, moisturize, and protect your hair from damage. Apply it mainly to the mid-lengths and ends.
- Be Gentle When Wet: Your hair is most fragile when it’s wet. Avoid rough towel drying. Instead, gently pat it dry with a towel or use an old t-shirt to reduce frizz. Use a wide-tooth comb to detangle, starting from the ends and working your way up to the roots.
- Get Regular Trims: This might sound counterintuitive when you’re growing your hair, but regular trims (every 8-12 weeks) are essential. Trimming gets rid of split ends and prevents them from traveling up the hair shaft, which keeps your hair healthy and allows it to grow longer in the long run.
- Protect Your Hair: Wear a hat in the sun to protect your hair from UV damage. If you swim in a pool, wet your hair and apply a leave-in conditioner before getting in to prevent chlorine from causing damage.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How long does it take to grow long hair?
A: Hair grows about half an inch per month on average. To get from a short haircut to shoulder-length hair could take a year or more. Be patient and focus on keeping your hair healthy during the process.
Q: How do I deal with the awkward stage of growing my hair out?
A: The awkward stage, where your hair is too long to be short but too short to be long, can be frustrating. Hats, beanies, and headbands are your friends. You can also use styling products like pomade or wax to control it. Getting small trims to shape the hair as it grows can also make this stage more manageable.
Q: Is long hair unprofessional or not allowed at school?
A: This depends entirely on your school’s dress code. Many schools have become more relaxed about hairstyles, but some may have rules about length or require that hair be tied back. The key to making long hair look neat is keeping it clean, well-maintained, and styled appropriately for the situation. A neat ponytail or bun is usually acceptable in most settings.
Q: What products should I use for long hair?
A: At a minimum, you need a good shampoo and conditioner suited for your hair type. Other helpful products include:
- Leave-in conditioner: For extra moisture and detangling.
- Sea salt spray: To add texture and waves.
- Curl cream: To define curls and reduce frizz.
- Pomade or wax: For styling shorter sections or achieving a specific look like a slick back.
Q: How can I sleep with long hair without it getting tangled?
A: To prevent tangles and breakage while you sleep, try loosely tying your hair in a bun on top of your head (a “pineapple”) or in a loose braid. Using a silk or satin pillowcase can also help, as it creates less friction than cotton.