Stop sabotaging your hair growth! Follow these simple tips for real results.
Let’s face it, if you’re growing long hair as a man, you can’t just skip your haircuts and hope for the best. In fact, this journey demands patience and the right knowledge to avoid common mistakes that can leave your locks even more damaged.
Professional barber and hair enthusiast, @soldafades has spent years perfecting the art of long hair maintenance, and now he’s breaking down the five essential hacks that separate healthy, long hair from a tangled mess. Here’s your chance to level up your hair game and finally let your tresses get past shoulder length!
While it may come as a surprise, growing long hair actually requires regular haircuts. So, avoid the temptation to grab trimmers and attempt a DIY trim session. This almost always leads to uneven cuts and damage that travels up your hair shaft.
Instead, book professional appointments every 6-8 weeks and specifically ask your barber to take weight out of your hair through strategic layering and texturizing. This technique removes bulk without sacrificing length and ensures your hair grows healthy from root to tip.
Skin fades might look sharp on short hair, but they’re working against you when growing long locks. The harsh contrast creates this awkward growing-out period with strange lines and patches that make your hair look unkempt.
Alternatively, opt for keeping your sides natural or request a taper that gradually blends into your longer hair. Tapers create a cleaner look that grows out without obvious demarcation lines. This approach allows for longer intervals between cuts and ultimately gives you a more polished appearance.
This is where most men fail in their long hair journey (sorry, guys!). Hair conditioner isn’t optional. It’s absolutely essential for maintaining moisture and keeping your hair manageable as it gets longer. Use a quality conditioner every single time you shampoo, focusing on the mid-lengths to ends where hair is most vulnerable to damage.
As your hair reaches past your ears, add a leave-in conditioner into your routine 2-3 times per week, especially after washing. Leave-in products reduce frizz and tangling and create a protective barrier against environmental damage throughout the day.
Sleeping with wet hair is one of the most damaging habits you can have when growing long tresses. Wet hair is extremely fragile and vulnerable to breakage from friction against your pillow.
To avoid tangles and split ends, always dry your hair thoroughly before bed using a blow dryer or allow sufficient time for air drying. For next-level protection, sleep with a silk or satin bonnet to minimize friction while you sleep. This optional step might feel unusual at first, but it helps you preserve your hair’s natural oils and prevents that dreaded morning frizz.
The biggest hair growth hack, however, isn’t a product or technique. It’s your mindset. Since your hair typically grows about half an inch per month, getting to shoulder length will take about 12-18 months, depending on your starting point.
Thus, be ready to face those awkward stages where your hair looks weird and moments of frustration when you’re tempted to cut it all off. Pro advice? Resist these urges. Trust the process and commit to your hair transformation journey for at least a year before making any drastic decisions.
Growing long, healthy hair as a man is about making smart choices and staying consistent. With these expert tips, you can finally set yourself up for success. And remember, everyone goes through awkward hair growth phases, but the payoff of a healthy, long mane is absolutely worth the wait!
