Men with long hairstyles often stand out in a crowd. However, these guys often struggle with exactly what to do with their manes. Questions abound — what long do would look best on me? Which products do I need and which should I avoid?
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Let’s take the time to move through these questions with the advice of some experts so you can wear your hair long with confidence and style.
Which Men's Long Hairstyles Are Hot Right Now?
"Long hairstyles for men are becoming more and more popular today. From the classic man bun to longer, wavy styles, there are plenty of options for men to choose from. For a more modern, office friendly look, there are a few options that won't be too over the top. Opting for a neat style with a side part or some light layers can create an elegant and sophisticated look."
- Krysta Biancone / co-founder of Amari Salon & Spa & Hair Stylist / Hair by Krysta
“Men with long hairstyles are wanting to look more dapper and sophisticated. We used to see a lot of messy man buns and shaggy shoulder-length hair, but kempt hair is starting to take their place.”
- Erica Erwin | Stylist | Supercuts
“Men are getting more adventurous. They are steering away from flat, one length hairstyles, and are adding more texture and style. Talk with your stylist to find out what works best for your individual style, hair type and texture.”
- Jason Becht | Stylist | Supercuts
"I’m currently seeing many men opting for the man bun, top knot, ponytail, and long flowing hair as popular hairstyles. The shoulder-length cut, fringe, and textured look are also trendy.
The mullet is also making a comeback, it's a versatile and stylish cut that has been seen by many celebrities and trendsetters."
- Viktor Holas / Founder & Creator / Wisebarber.com
"The man bun is a great look for men with long hair, and it's been popular for several years now. The textured french crop is another option that looks neat yet modern, offering an edgy style to long hair. For those willing to take a risk, the classic mullet has been making a comeback recently—a statement cut!"
- Bella Williams / Beauty Expert & Founder / www.skincell.org
The Best Long-Haired Office Looks
"Long hair can be stylish for the office, too. Opt for a one-length cut with thinned ends like a layered bob to keep length without losing professionalism. Styling long hair in a neat ponytail is another way to maintain a tidy look that won't distract from your work."
- Bella Williams / Beauty Expert & Founder / www.skincell.org
"Long hair for men is the eternal bad boy look and is always in style. If you have a corporate job, you can still rock longer hair. It looks tame when it's swept back with some shine free putty to hold it in place."
- Ghanima Abdullah / Cosmetologist / Therighthairstyles.com
"One of the best long-haired office looks is to tie your hair back into a sleek ponytail. This keeps your hair out of your face and gives off a polished look.
Another option is to go for a slicked-back style, using a bit of pomade or wax to keep your hair in place. This gives off a sophisticated and put-together vibe.
A man bun is another great option for the office. A well-groomed, tight bun at the crown of your head can look stylish and professional."
- Viktor Holas / Founder & Creator / Wisebarber.com
“When wearing longer hair in the professional sector, guys should opt for sleek, low ponytails or loose styles that don’t demonstrate distracting volume.”
- Darrius Peace | Master Hairstylist & Natural Hair Expert | Hayah Beauty
“I think the best look for men with long hair in the office is a low ponytail with a blow-dried, smooth finish. After blow-drying, pull the hair back and finish with a light hold hairspray for a sleek, professional look.”
- Peter Holmes | Senior Stylist | Supercuts
“Fortunately, a lot of companies and workplaces have loosened their regulations on long hairstyles for men. Even the most extreme hairstyles can be polished into something appropriate for the office with the right products and a blow dryer.”
- Jason Becht | Stylist | Supercuts
“Long locks are most professional hanging down or pulled into a ponytail as long as the hair is away from the face. The best product solutions for locks are shined-enhancing sprays because they can offer both shine and moisture to the hair and scalp.”
- Darrius Peace | Master Hairstylist & Natural Hair Expert | Hayah Beauty
Men's Long Hairstyles to Avoid
“Avoid over styling with a hairdryer and overusing product.”
- Alison Roberts | Warren Tricomi Salons | Instagram
"The "rat's tail" is a style that should be avoided as it has been associated with punk culture and looks unkempt in an office environment. Another no-no is when long hair is just left down without any styling, often making it look greasy or unruly."
- Bella Williams / Beauty Expert & Founder / www.skincell.org
"One of the long hairstyles for men to avoid is the "shag" hairstyle, characterized by choppy layers and a messy appearance which can be unflattering.
Another hairstyle to avoid is the "rat tail" which is usually a long tail at the back of the head, this hairstyle is not a good look, and it is not in trend."
- Viktor Holas / Founder & Creator / Wisebarber.com
“Long hairstyles to avoid are those that are hard to pull shirts over, those that are tight and painful, those that showcase distracting designs or patterns, and those that showcase distracting volume.”
- Darrius Peace | Master Hairstylist & Natural Hair Expert | Hayah Beauty
“Try to avoid gel or high shine products, as they tend to make long hair appear greasy.”
- Jason Becht | Stylist | Supercuts
"There are some long hairstyles that men should avoid. Avoiding overly messy looks or anything that is too tight or slicked back can make all the difference in an office environment. It's important to keep it professional yet stylish!"
- Krysta Biancone / co-founder of Amari Salon & Spa & Hair Stylist / Hair by Krysta
What Are the Best Products for Long Hair?
“The best products to use for long hair on men regardless of hair length and texture would be water and soft creamy leave-in conditioners. These product solutions make combing through longer hair easier.”
- Darrius Peace | Master Hairstylist & Natural Hair Expert | Hayah Beauty
“You need to style long hair, don't just let it flap around in the breeze and hope for the best. Get a styling product like the Reuzel Surf Tonic, which gives you an instant infusion of volume and texture, with a windblown, messy, 'I woke up like this' finish”
- Leen Bergmann | Co-Founder | Schorem Barbershop
"I’d recommend using a high-quality shampoo and conditioner specifically formulated for long hair. I recommend Beast Eucalyptus Tingle Shampoo because it contains a unique blend of natural ingredients that are beneficial for long hair. The eucalyptus and peppermint provide a refreshing and invigorating experience, while caffeine and vitamins work to strengthen and nourish the hair."
- Viktor Holas / Founder & Creator / Wisebarber.com
"For long hair, use a shampoo specifically designed for your hair type and texture. After washing, use a conditioner to help keep split ends at bay. A leave-in conditioner is also great for adding shine and taming frizz. Finally, use a light-hold styling product to style the hair. A smoothing cream, wax or pomade are great for keeping long hair in place."
- Bella Williams / Beauty Expert & Founder / www.skincell.org
"When it comes to styling long hair, having the right products is essential. Products like pomades and waxes are great for controlling flyaways and creating texture. A good leave-in conditioner will also help keep hair healthy and manageable. Additionally, using a wide tooth comb when styling long hair will help prevent breakage and split ends."
- Krysta Biancone / co-founder of Amari Salon & Spa & Hair Stylist / Hair by Krysta
“Men with long hair need to use the proper products for their hair length, type and texture. For example, you wouldn’t want to use a heavy gel or cream if you have thinning hair. In that case, you would want to use something light and volumizing. The opposite goes for men with really thick, coarse hair. You’re going to need a heavy-duty product to protect and style thick, long hair.”
“One of my favorite products to use on gentlemen with long, thinning hair is Paul Mitchell’s Extra Body Thicken Up because it bulks up their strands, making them appear thicker. To hold the thicker style all day, finish it off with a strong hold hairspray like Paul Mitchell’s Extra-Body Firm Finishing Spray.”
- Erica Erwin | Stylist | Supercuts
“Shampoos with tea tree oil leave the scalp refreshed, hydrated and clean. Tea tree oil deeply penetrates the scalp to leave a tingly, minty fresh feeling all day.”
- Peter Holmes | Senior Stylist | Supercuts
“For men with long hair, I always suggest starting with a good leave-in conditioner based on their hair texture.
- Jason Becht | Stylist | Supercuts
“Always condition the ends of your hair in the shower to help prevent dryness after shampooing, once out, no towel chamois.”
- Nickie Addison | Master Stylist & Colorist | Nickoeology Salon Studio
Men with long hairstyles may have to go through a consistent maintenance routine to keep hair healthy and looking good — but it's do-able. Use this advice and product tips from our experts wisely so you can rock your long locks at both social and professional events. The key is finding what works best for you and your hair type.
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Born and raised in Austin, David is a dedicated writer and avid fragrance lover. When he's not trying out perfumes, he enjoys traveling and exploring new restaurants.