*I take zero credit for all celeb images used in all my articles including this one.*
Before March of 2020, you were the sole proprietor of your looks. Now the pandemic’s got stock in your appearance - for better or worse. Are hairdressers open in your state? Doesn’t matter. I’ll cut right to the chase: men, don’t cut your hair. Here’s how to rock luscious locks without looking and feeling like a Geico Caveman.
Sit on the floor, take off your socks, light a candle, and allow all preconceived notions you have about men with long hair (punk, granola, surfer) to exit your mind. 2021 beauty is about being in your natural state. For the past 10 months, women have spoken up about what makes them feel natural. The makeup’s melted off, heat is no longer on the hair, and fleece-lined everything is the only way to go. And honestly, no one has really cared about this casual shift. Now it’s men’s turn to own that sexy trapped in the house aura with a longer-than-normal hair length. It’s carefree and almost zen?
Why Right Now?
1. The Fashion Reason: Fashion is continually becoming more androgynous. Redefining norms whether it be as small as: “women have long hair, men have short hair,” could not be more now. Breaking barriers for people and slowly fleeting a societal concept of “ideal beauty” is the right thing to do.
2. The Practical Reason: Longer, shoulder-length hair will keep you warm as you commence outdoor adventuring that most typically reserve for warmer months. (How many of you guys get a cut before a vacation somewhere warm? Why not let it grow for that ski trip that may or may not get canceled?) Not to worry if you have to go back to in-person work this year, our world is evermore casual and will doubtfully regard a man with longer hair as unprofessional. There are bigger fish to fry than inappropriate hair length (think 1960s musical Hairspray.)
It’s Not a Contest
This, however, is a cautionary tale. What is not in style is men trying to grow out their hair faster than their brother in a no-shave-November manner. (Vitamins that include zinc and collagen coupled with hydration can increase the speed at which your hair grows.) Longest length does not win. Volume, texture, and shine take the cake. I’ve had what’s considered long hair for two decades and I barely do anything to maintain it. Here are some tips of my own plus what expert stylists have to say to help the flow not get nappy.
Long Hair Styling Tips by pros and myself (so basically just pros):
1. Washing: I hope if nothing else you remember this one tip. I’ve been telling the guys in my life for years but they don’t get it because they have short hair. 2 in 1 shampoo and conditioner, or 3 in 1, or anything in 1 is just crap! I know it costs more to buy two things but you need a separate shampoo and conditioner. Business Insider provides the scientific reasoning. You use shampoo to clean your hair. It does so by opening the cuticles in your hair to release the dirt. Conditioner is meant to moisturize hair and make it soft and shiny after the hair has already been washed by closing the cuticles. It is impossible to shampoo and condition at the same time and often, leaves your hair frizzy requiring more attention. Use a conditioner after each shampoo. Experts recommend washing long hair every 2-3 days.
2. Brushing: One more quick thing to grab at Rite Aid! A brush. It is easier to rake through longer locks with full bristles rather than a tiny comb or dare I even say, your fingers. The “Wet Brush” guides the easiest through knotty strands and helps prevent damage.
3. Texture: For the perfectly tousled I-effortlessly-woke-up-like-this look, turn to a hydrating fiber cream. Piecey texture that is not completely hardened by hairspray (hi, Smash Mouth) is the holy grail. Unintentional is always intentional. Write that down.
4. Frizz: Frizz is pesky for not only curly but also thin hair. Bring flyaways back to Earth with a grooming lotion. Baxter of California’s version is highly reviewed and only twenty bucks.
There is no doubting long hair is more work especially for rookies. But trying new hairstyles with assistance from new products can be the perfect quarantine project! If you are seeking more visual inspiration here are the muses for various hair types.
Timothee Chalamet on GQ's November cover. Every muse list starts with him.
Bradley Cooper. His character in A Star is Born, Jackson Maine is rugged and mysterious. You think that’s due to Cooper’s acting, I think it's because of his hair.
Adam Driver. It’s the hair that drives his looks.
Chris Stapleton. He’s got the beard to match.
Let's. Get. Sauve.
This is extremely well written. Although I do not think two of the most important men in your life would agree on the long styles! It looks great on many men I agree!