If you’re thinking about growing your hair, there are ways to make sure that it can be neat, comfortable, and – most importantly – professional. It doesn’t matter how old you are (unless you already have a lack of hair) like how some people see it because graying hair isn’t really a problem.
Growing out your hair doesn’t need to be unruly and just for the free-spirited. It should be a celebration of what you like about your body in whatever environment you find yourself in.
Just remember, it’s not worth it growing your hair if you’re not comfortable with it and the best way to be comfortable with it is learning how to take care of it. That said, below are a few guidelines you should keep in mind when you’re growing your hair out.
Do get your hair trimmed at least once a month
If you’re starting out from a barber’s cut, your hair will grow haphazardly in length. This results in the messy, unruly, and sometimes even downright ugly long hair look that society has learned to despise, or embrace as the “without a care” look.
Growing your hair shouldn’t dictate your identity and personality so take action and get your hair trimmed regularly. The hair on the upper parts of your head (like your bangs) just need to catch up to the hair growing on the lower sides (nape and temples). Considering that over time hair strands might end up growing slower or faster than others, it’s always a good habit to go for a regular trim.
Do style your hair while it’s growing
Growing your hair takes time that a lot of people underestimate. Since hair grows at least a centimeter a month under specific conditions, it could take at least a year to grow hair to shoulder-length locks.
The time it takes to grow your hair also varies depending on whether your hair grows in curls or comes out straight. Be patient and take the time that your hair is growing to understand more about its peculiarities and how you should be taking care of yours.
Don’t be afraid to show your barber or stylist a picture of the look you’re going for so they can give you tips on how to get there. You can use wax or gel to keep your hair neat and tidy while you have yet to achieve your desired hair length. You’ll still look great rocking a brush-back style on the way to the hair length that you want.
Do brush your hair
Make it a habit to brush your hair as it gets longer. Combing and brushing your hair makes sure that the oil generated by your scalp is easily distributed through the length of your hair. This ensures healthy hair and fights against dry hair which often results in split ends.
When you’re going out, keep a comb nearby so that you can fix your hair throughout the day. It’s not vanity to keep a comb in your pocket especially when a sudden gust of wind messes up your do. This also lessens the possibility of your hair getting tied up in knots – a highly unpleasant experience more than most men realize.
Don’t be afraid to use good hair products
Longer hair means more hair to take care of, but rather than thinking of long hair as an additional vanity task, think about taking care of long hair as an exercise in discipline. Considering this, you need the right tools to take care of your hair.
A good shampoo and a conditioner can go a long way in keeping your hair neat and comfortable. Choosing the right pair will depend on the general condition of your hair. You can always ask your barber or stylist for tips depending on your hair’s natural condition.
Don’t be afraid to step into a salon
Not everyone has access to a barber who has experience styling long hair for men. If you’re not confident in trimming your own hair or getting a specific style you want from your regular barber, don’t be afraid to go to a salon for your hair care needs.
Whether you want a layered look or a neat straight cut, a salon stylist has probably encountered the same requests from their other customers before and would be able to give you great advice.
Don’t expect to look like a dream
Growing your hair is a style preference, and much like any other style preference, it’s not just one piece of the puzzle that makes everything look great. While growing your hair may look good on you, it won’t matter overall if you don’t keep the rest of yourself neat, healthy, and fashionably conscious.
Make sure that the rest of you is just as great as your hair whenever you step outside. Dressing well, exercising, and eating the right food goes hand in hand with all the best long hair care tips you should be doing on a regular basis. With consistency and care, your long hair is just one step closer to looking like the best you.
