Long hair on men has been a symbol of style and individuality for centuries. From rock stars to Hollywood icons, many have embraced lengthy locks to make a statement. If you’re a man growing out your hair or already sporting a lengthy mane, choosing the right hairstyle can enhance your look and express your personality. In this article, we explore the top 10 hairstyles for men with long hair that are trendy, manageable, and versatile.
1. The Man Bun
The man bun has become a staple hairstyle for men with long hair. It’s simple, stylish, and suits various occasions.
How to Achieve the Look
To create a man bun, gather all your hair to the back of your head. Twist it into a coil and secure it with a hair tie. You can position the bun high on the crown or low near the nape, depending on your preference.
Why It’s Popular
The man bun is popular because it’s easy to style and maintain. It keeps hair out of the face, making it practical for work, workouts, or casual outings. Celebrities like Chris Hemsworth and David Beckham have popularized this look, adding to its appeal.
Styling Tips
For a sleek man bun, use a comb to smooth out your hair before tying it up.
For a more casual, messy look, use your fingers to gather the hair and allow some strands to fall naturally.
Apply a bit of hair wax or pomade to control flyaways and add texture.
Suitable Hair Types and Face Shapes
The man bun suits most hair types, whether straight, wavy, or curly. It’s particularly flattering for men with oval or square face shapes, as it accentuates strong jawlines and balanced proportions.
2. The Half-Up, Half-Down
The half-up, half-down hairstyle offers the best of both worlds. It allows you to showcase your long hair while keeping it off your face.
How to Achieve the Look
Divide your hair horizontally from ear to ear. Gather the top section and tie it into a small bun or ponytail at the back of your head. Leave the bottom section loose to flow over your shoulders.
Why It’s Popular
This style is versatile and suits both casual and formal settings. It’s a favorite among musicians and artists, adding a bohemian touch to their appearance. The half-up, half-down look also adds volume and dimension to your hair.
Styling Tips
Use a texturizing spray to add volume and prevent the top section from looking flat.
For a polished look, straighten the loose hair with a flat iron.
For a more relaxed vibe, leave your hair natural or add some loose waves.
Suitable Hair Types and Face Shapes
This hairstyle works well with straight and wavy hair. It’s ideal for men with round or heart-shaped faces, as it adds length and balances facial features.
3. The Slick Back
The slick back is a classic and sophisticated hairstyle that exudes confidence and style.
How to Achieve the Look
Apply a generous amount of hair gel or pomade to damp hair. Use a comb to brush your hair back from your forehead towards the crown. Ensure that the hair lies flat and smooth for a sleek finish.
Why It’s Popular
The slick back is timeless and suits formal occasions like business meetings or black-tie events. It’s been sported by style icons like Brad Pitt and Leonardo DiCaprio, cementing its status as a go-to hairstyle for men with long hair.
Styling Tips
Choose a high-quality pomade or gel that provides a strong hold without making your hair look greasy.
For extra volume, blow-dry your hair backward before applying the product.
Finish with a light mist of hairspray to keep the style in place all day.
Suitable Hair Types and Face Shapes
The slick back works best with straight or slightly wavy hair. It’s particularly flattering for men with oval or square face shapes, as it highlights sharp features and adds sophistication.
4. The Ponytail
The ponytail is a straightforward and practical hairstyle that never goes out of style.
How to Achieve the Look
Gather all your hair at the back of your head and secure it with a hair tie. You can position the ponytail high, medium, or low, depending on your preference and comfort.
Why It’s Popular
The ponytail is easy to create and maintain, making it perfect for daily wear. It’s versatile and can be styled to look casual or refined. Athletes and professionals alike favor this style for its simplicity and functionality.
Styling Tips
Use a hair serum to add shine and reduce frizz.
For a more polished look, wrap a small section of hair around the hair tie to conceal it.
If you have layered hair, use bobby pins to secure shorter strands and keep the ponytail neat.
Suitable Hair Types and Face Shapes
This hairstyle suits all hair types and face shapes. It’s especially beneficial for men with thick hair, as it keeps the hair manageable and tangle-free.
5. Long and Layered
Long and layered hair adds movement and texture, creating a dynamic and stylish appearance.
How to Achieve the Look
Ask your hairstylist to cut layers into your long hair. Layers can be subtle or pronounced, depending on your desired look. Regular trims will keep the layers defined and prevent split ends.
Why It’s Popular
Layered hair adds depth and dimension, making it look fuller and healthier. It’s a favorite among men who prefer to wear their hair loose and natural. Actors like Jason Momoa have popularized this rugged and masculine style.
Styling Tips
Use a volumizing shampoo and conditioner to enhance the layers.
Apply a texturizing spray or mousse to define the layers and add hold.
Let your hair air-dry for a natural, effortless look or use a diffuser to enhance waves.
Suitable Hair Types and Face Shapes
This style is ideal for men with thick, wavy, or curly hair. It complements round and oval face shapes by adding structure and elongating the face.
SEE ALSO: How to Know If Long Hair Suits You: A Comprehensive Guide for Men
6. Braids
Braids offer a unique and versatile option for men with long hair. They can be simple or intricate, depending on your style preference.
How to Achieve the Look
There are various types of braids you can try, such as single braids, cornrows, or French braids. To create a basic braid, divide your hair into three sections and cross them over each other alternately until you reach the ends. Secure with a hair tie.
Why It’s Popular
Braids are not only stylish but also practical, as they keep hair neat and protected. They have cultural significance and have been embraced by various communities over centuries. Celebrities like Travis Scott and ASAP Rocky have brought braids into mainstream fashion.
Styling Tips
Apply a leave-in conditioner before braiding to keep your hair moisturized.
Experiment with different braid styles and patterns to find what suits you best.
Don’t braid your hair too tightly to prevent scalp irritation and hair breakage.
Suitable Hair Types and Face Shapes
Braids work well with all hair types, especially thick and curly hair. They suit various face shapes and can be tailored to enhance your facial features.
7. The Surfer Hair
The surfer hair is a relaxed and carefree style that embodies a laid-back lifestyle.
Surfer Hair
How to Achieve the Look
This style features loose, tousled waves that appear sun-kissed and windblown. To achieve this look, apply a sea salt spray to damp hair and scrunch it with your hands. Let it air-dry for natural waves.
Why It’s Popular
The surfer hair is popular for its effortless and natural appearance. It’s associated with youthfulness and adventure. Actors like Matthew McConaughey have popularized this style, making it a favorite among men seeking a casual yet stylish look.
Styling Tips
Use a texturizing product to enhance waves and add volume.
Avoid over-styling; the goal is to achieve a natural, undone look.
For added definition, twist small sections of hair while damp and let them dry.
Suitable Hair Types and Face Shapes
This style is best suited for men with wavy or curly hair. It complements oval and rectangular face shapes by adding softness and balance.
8. The Top Knot
The top knot is a variation of the man bun, offering a more edgy and modern look.
How to Achieve the Look
Gather the top section of your hair and tie it into a knot at the crown of your head. The sides and back can be undercut or left long, depending on your preference.
Why It’s Popular
The top knot is favored for its stylish and contemporary appearance. It’s a popular choice among younger men and has been seen on celebrities like Zayn Malik and Jake Gyllenhaal. This style adds height and draws attention to facial features.
Styling Tips
Use a strong-hold hair tie to keep the knot secure throughout the day.
For a sleek look, apply hair gel to smooth down any flyaways.
Pair the top knot with an undercut for a contrasting and bold style.
Suitable Hair Types and Face Shapes
The top knot suits straight and wavy hair. It’s particularly flattering for men with round or square face shapes, as it adds length and sharpness to the overall look.
9. The Messy Waves
Messy waves offer a relaxed and effortlessly cool hairstyle that’s easy to achieve and maintain.
How to Achieve the Look
Apply a curl-enhancing cream or mousse to damp hair. Use your fingers to scrunch and twist sections of hair, then let it air-dry or use a diffuser attachment on your blow-dryer to enhance the waves.
Why It’s Popular
This style exudes a casual and laid-back vibe that’s perfect for everyday wear. It’s low-maintenance and works well with the natural texture of your hair. Musicians and artists often sport this look for its creative and free-spirited feel.
Styling Tips
Avoid using a brush; instead, use your fingers to style your hair to maintain the messy look.
Apply a light-hold hairspray to keep the waves in place without making them stiff.
For added texture, sprinkle a small amount of hair powder at the roots.
Suitable Hair Types and Face Shapes
Messy waves are ideal for men with naturally wavy or curly hair. They suit all face shapes, adding volume and movement to the hair.
10. Dreadlocks
Dreadlocks are a bold and cultural hairstyle that makes a strong statement.
How to Achieve the Look
Creating dreadlocks involves sectioning the hair and twisting or backcombing it to encourage it to lock together. This process can take several hours and is best done by a professional. Maintenance involves regular palm rolling and cleansing with residue-free shampoo.
Why It’s Popular
Dreadlocks carry cultural and spiritual significance and are also a fashionable choice for many. Artists like Bob Marley and Lenny Kravitz have popularized this style, making it synonymous with individuality and freedom.
Styling Tips
Keep your scalp clean and moisturized to promote healthy hair growth.
Use natural oils like coconut or jojoba to condition your dreadlocks.
Be patient; mature and well-formed dreadlocks take time to develop.
Suitable Hair Types and Face Shapes
Dreadlocks are best suited for coarse and curly hair types, as the texture helps the locks form more easily. They can be styled to suit various face shapes by adjusting the thickness and length of the locks.
Conclusion
Choosing the right hairstyle is essential for expressing your personal style and complementing your features. Whether you prefer the simplicity of a ponytail or the boldness of dreadlocks, there’s a long hairstyle that suits your taste and lifestyle. Remember to consider your hair type, face shape, and maintenance preferences when selecting a style. With proper care and styling, your long hair can become your most defining and attractive feature.
Embrace your long locks and experiment with these top 10 hairstyles to find the one that makes you feel confident and stylish. Don’t be afraid to consult with a professional hairstylist to customize these looks to your unique needs. With the right approach, your long hair can be a versatile and dynamic aspect of your personal style.