Long hair has been a popular style for men for thousands of years. But in recent times it has had a resurgence as guys are once again embracing the freedom of growing their hair out.
With long hair, men have the ability to create a variety of styles, from simple and sleek to bold and brazen.
However, styling long hair can be tricky for many men, especially if they’re not used to it and can often lead to frustration, with some eventually choosing to cut it short just to make it more manageable.
If you find yourself struggling to style your flowing locks don’t worry, because we’ve got you covered.
In this article, we’ll explore some of the best ways to style long hair for men, including the man bun, ponytail, braids and dreadlocks among others.
So let’s get into it!
Different Ways To Style Long Hair For Men
Got long hair?
There are several ways you can style those lovely locks of yours to make the most of this eye-catching feature.
These include the following:
Man Bun
The man bun is currently a popular hairstyle for men with long hair. It involves gathering the hair on the top of the head and securing it in a bun with a hairband or elastic. The man bun can be worn in a variety of styles, from a tight and sleek look to a messy, relaxed look.
In recent years, the likes of Jared Leto and Harry Styles have been seen rocking the man bun. It has also become a staple of street style and fashion, favoured by those who want a stylish and low-maintenance way to manage their long hair.
One of the benefits of the man bun is its versatility. It can be worn in a variety of settings, from casual to formal, and can be adapted to suit different face shapes and hair types. Additionally, the man bun is relatively easy to achieve with a bit of practice and can be a great way to keep your hair out of your face and out of the way.
However, the man bun is not without its controversies, as some people argue that it is a hairstyle that is culturally appropriative or that it has become overused and clichéd.
Despite this, the man bun remains very much in vogue with those men with long hair who want to look stylish and put-together.
Ponytail
Men’s ponytails are a classic hairstyle that has been around for decades. It involves pulling the hair back from the face and securing it in a ponytail at the nape of the neck with an elastic or hairband.
Seen by many men as a stylish and practical way to manage their long hair, it can be customized to suit different face shapes and hair types, with options for different lengths, textures, and styles. It is also seen as a low-maintenance hairstyle and has been adopted by the likes of David Beckham, Jason Momoa and Kit Harrington.
Like the man bun, the ponytail has its detractors with some critics labelling it as outdated, unkempt or unprofessional. But that doesn’t stop many men from adopting it.
Braids
Men’s braids are a popular hairstyle for those with long hair who are looking for a stylish and practical way to manage their locks. Braids involve weaving together strands of hair in intricate patterns and can be worn in a variety of styles.
Men’s braids have a long and rich history, with braids being a common hairstyle for men in many cultures around the world. They have been seen on historical figures like Viking warriors and Native American chiefs, and have become a popular choice for men in modern times as well.
There are many different types of men’s braids, from simple braids to more complex styles like cornrows or French braids. Braids can be worn in a variety of lengths and thicknesses and can be customized to suit different face shapes and hair types.
One of the benefits of men’s braids is they can help to keep long hair out of the way and prevent it from becoming tangled or damaged. It can be time-consuming to achieve and maintain, and they require a certain level of skill to be able to do so. However, there is no denying, if you do it right, they can look stylish.
Dreadlocks
Dreadlocks, also known as dreads, are synonymous with reggae, Rastafarians and Bob Marley. They involve weaving together strands of hair and allowing them to form natural-looking, rope-like strands. The style can be worn in a variety of ways, from thin and tight to thick and loose.
For those who adopt dreads, one of the major benefits is that they have a very low-maintenance nature. Once they are formed, you pretty much don’t have to do anything with them, so they are a great choice for those who want a hairstyle that is easy to care for. Additionally, dreadlocks can suit most face shapes and hair types, as well as incorporate different lengths and thicknesses.
Whilst they are universally accepted on black people, Caucasians who sport dreads are often regarded derogatorily by others who see it as culturally appropriative. There is also a myth that those with dreads have very dirty hair. However, this is not true.
Maintaining dreadlocks actually involves regular washing, careful grooming, and the use of special products to keep them clean, healthy and distinctive.
Other Styles
The aforementioned styles are the most common ways for men to style long hair.
However, there are many other ways guys can rock their long locks depending on their personal taste and style. Here are a few other ideas to consider:
Top Knot
Similar to the man bun, the top knot involves gathering your hair into a knot at the crown of your head. However, instead of coiling the hair around itself, the hair is simply twisted and wrapped into a knot.
Half-Up, Half-Down
This in-between style requires you to pull up roughly half of your hair into a ponytail or bun, while the rest of your hair is left to loosely flow.
Long and Wavy
If you have naturally wavy or curly hair, you can embrace your texture and let your hair grow long and free. Use a bit of styling cream or gel to define your waves and keep your hair looking healthy.
How to Maintain Long Hair for Men
Maintaining long hair for men requires a bit of extra effort, but it’s worth it to keep your locks healthy and looking their best. Here are some tips for maintaining long hair:
1. Wash your hair regularly
Long hair can easily become greasy and dirty, so it’s important to wash it regularly. Use a gentle shampoo that’s formulated for your hair type, and follow up with a high-quality conditioner to keep your hair hydrated.
2. Use a wide-tooth comb
Try not to use a brush on your long strands of hair, as doing so can result in damage or breakage. Instead, a better option is to use a comb that is wide-toothed as this will better enable you to detangle your hair gently after washing it.
3. Trim your ends regularly
Even if you’re growing your hair out, it’s important to trim the ends regularly to prevent split ends and keep your hair looking healthy. Aim to trim your hair every 6 – 8 weeks.
4. Protect your hair from heat
If you regularly use tools like flat irons, blow dryers, and curling irons they can end up causing significant damage to your hair. So it is best to avoid them if you can.
However, if you really want to use these types of heat-related styling tools, make sure you apply a spray that is a heat protectant and keep the setting of the heat to a low level.
5. Use a leave-in conditioner
Long hair can easily become dry and damaged, so it’s important to keep it hydrated. Use a leave-in conditioner to help lock in moisture and keep your hair looking healthy.
6. Avoid tight hairstyles
Hairstyles that pull your hair tightly, like ponytails or braids, can cause your lovely locks to become damaged or break. A better thing to do is to adopt a style that is looser, as it won’t put too much strain on your hair.
By following these tips, men can maintain healthy and beautiful long hair.
It is important to be patient, as it can take time for your hair to grow to the desired length. But with a bit of care and attention, you’ll be able to enjoy your long hair for years to come.
Conclusion
Styling long hair for men can be a fun and creative way to express your personal style.
Whether you prefer a classic look like the man bun or ponytail, or something bold like dreadlocks or braids, there are many options to choose from.
Just remember to take good care of your hair by washing it regularly and using a high-quality conditioner to keep it healthy and shiny.
With a bit of practice and experimentation, you’ll be able to find the perfect long hairstyle that suits you best.