long hair · men
Long Hairstyles for Men in 2027 and How to GrowThem Out
Long hairstyles for men, from shoulder-length layers to man buns and curls, plus how to get through the awkward stage, what to ask your barber, and how to care for it.
Hairover Team
Long hair on men usually means anything from below the ears to past the shoulders. The most wearable styles are shoulder-length layers, a tucked-back flow, loose waves, and long curls. The real difficulty is not choosing the style. It is getting through the year or two it takes to grow it out. So this guide covers both: what to aim for, and how to get there without giving up at ear length. More length has been one of the clearer shifts in men’s hair going into 2027.
Eight long hairstyles for men
1. Shoulder-length layers. The default long style. Soft layers keep it from looking like a triangle, and it can be tied back when needed. Ask for “long layers, with weight removed around the bottom, and no blunt line.”
2. The flow. Medium-long hair pushed back from the forehead, ending around the neck. It is a favorite for wavy hair, and it needs only a bit of sea salt spray. It is also often the first long style you can reach while growing your hair out.
3. Center-parted curtains. Hair falls from a center part on each side of the face. It works well on straight hair and suits oval and square faces. Because it is simple, the cut needs to be well balanced.
4. Loose waves. Natural waves at or below the shoulders, with a little texture spray or leave-in conditioner. Wavy hair is the easiest long hair to wear, since waves hide regrowth, uneven sections, and most bad days.
5. Long curls. Curls need layers and shape, or they can go triangular. A barber or stylist who cuts curls dry makes a big difference here. Our guide to haircuts for thick, curly hair explains the basics.
6. The man bun or top knot. A practical way to tie back long hair. You need about six inches at minimum to get anything secure. Try not to pull it tight all the time, since constant tension can damage your hairline over time.
7. Half-up style. The top section is tied back and the rest is left loose. It keeps hair out of your eyes without giving up the length, and it is also a good way to manage the in-between stages.
8. Long hair with an undercut. The top is long and the sides or lower back are clipped short. It removes bulk from very thick hair, and it stays hidden until you tie your hair up.
If you want something shorter that keeps a bit of length at the back, look at a modern mullet or a men’s wolf cut.
The growing-out timeline
Hair grows about half an inch a month, or around six inches a year. Our guide to how fast hair grows has more on the science. Starting from a short cut with about two inches on top, here is a typical timeline:
| Time | Rough length | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| 0 to 3 months | Short and growing | Normal, slightly shaggy cut |
| 3 to 6 months | Over the ears | The awkward stage begins |
| 6 to 12 months | Around the jaw | Hard to style, sides puff out |
| 12 to 18 months | Around the neck | You can start tying it back |
| 18 to 24 months | Shoulder length | Actual long hair |
Curly hair can take longer to look long, since curls shrink when dry.
Getting through the awkward stage
Most men give up somewhere between months four and nine. Here is how to get past that point:
Do not cut it all off, but do shape it. Ask your barber for a shaping trim every eight to twelve weeks. Have them keep the top growing, and tidy the back and sides. This stops the mullet effect and helps everything catch up.
Let the sides catch up. Sides and back often look longer sooner because hair on top sits differently. If you started with a fade, it can take many months for the sides to match the top.
Use texture. A bit of sea salt spray or light paste makes in-between hair look like it is meant to be that way. Very smooth, flat hair makes the stage more obvious.
Keep things out of your eyes. Headbands, hats, and small clips are perfectly fine at this stage. Tucking your hair behind your ears can also help once it reaches that length.
Take monthly photos. You see your hair every day, so it can feel like nothing is changing. Photos can give you some encouragement.
What to tell your barber
Many barbers will instinctively take off more than you wanted. Be clear from the start:
“I’m growing my hair out. Please don’t take off any length on top. Just clean up the back and around the ears so it looks intentional, and remove any split ends.”
As your hair gets longer, it may be worth seeing a stylist who works mostly on long hair. Long layers need different techniques than clipper cuts, and the person doing them should be comfortable with longer lengths.
Long hair and face shape
- Oval: most long styles work.
- Square: soft waves and layers around the jaw, unless you want to emphasize the angles.
- Round: a center or off-center part, with layers that start below the chin.
- Oblong: waves or side volume, and try not to keep it flat and straight. A short fringe can help too.
- Heart: add volume around the jaw, and keep the top soft.
- Diamond: tuck hair behind the ears to show off the cheekbones, with fullness at the jaw.
To check your shape, try our free face shape detector. Your photo stays on your device.
Looking after long hair
Short-hair habits do not always carry over, because the ends of long hair are years old. They need some care.
- Wash less often. Many people with long hair do well washing two or three times a week. Our notes on hair porosity may help you pick products.
- Always condition. Focus on the mid-lengths and ends.
- Detangle gently. Start at the ends and work upward, using a wide-tooth comb when hair is wet.
- Vary how you tie it. A tight band in the same place every day can cause breakage. Soft ties and looser styles are kinder.
- Do not skip trims. Split ends travel up the strand, and small trims now save you bigger cuts later.
Hair loss and long hair
If your hair is thinning at the crown or the temples, longer styles can make it more noticeable, since the weight of long hair flattens the area and it can separate. It does not mean long hair is impossible, but it is worth a look at haircuts for thinning hair before you spend a year growing it out.
Related guides
- Flow Haircut for Men: How to Get It and Grow It Out
- Surfer Hair for Men: How to Get the Look and Grow It Out
See long hair on yourself before you wait two years
Growing your hair takes a long time, and it would be good to know whether you like the result before you start. Hairover lets you upload a clear photo, get a hair analysis, and try hairstyles on your own face in Style Studio. Try on a long style now, and see whether it is worth the wait.
FAQ
How long does it take for men to grow long hair?
At about half an inch a month, hair grows around six inches a year. Going from a short cut to shoulder length usually takes one and a half to two years, and it takes longer if you start with a very short cut.
Should men trim their hair while growing it out?
Yes, but only lightly. A trim every eight to twelve weeks that shapes the back and removes split ends helps you get through awkward stages without losing much length. Ask your barber to clean up the shape, not take off the overall length.
What is the awkward stage of growing out hair?
It usually arrives when the hair is around ear length and it is too long to style like a short cut but too short to tie back. This stage often lasts a few months. Hats, sea salt spray, and a good barber can get you through it.
What face shape suits long hair on men?
Oval and square faces are the most straightforward. Long faces benefit from waves and some side volume, while round faces do well with longer layers and a center or off-center part. Texture matters as much as shape, so try several styles before you decide.
