Long hair on men has evolved from a counter-culture statement to a mainstream fashion choice. Whether you’re sporting shoulder-length waves or hip-grazing strands, there are numerous ways to style your magnificent mane. Here’s our comprehensive guide to the most stylish and versatile long hairstyles for men.
1. Classic Man Bun
The man bun remains one of the most practical and stylish ways to wear long hair. This versatile style works perfectly for any occasion, from casual outings to formal events. To achieve the perfect man bun, gather your hair at the crown of your head, twist it while wrapping it around itself, and secure with a hair tie. For a more relaxed look, leave some strands loose around your face. This style works particularly well with hair that’s at least shoulder-length and can be adapted for any hair texture.
2. Loose Beach Waves
Embrace your natural texture with perfectly tousled beach waves. This effortlessly cool style works best with shoulder to mid-back length hair and looks especially striking on those with natural wave patterns. To enhance this look, apply sea salt spray to damp hair and scrunch gently while air-drying. For those with straight hair, achieve this look by braiding damp hair before bed and releasing in the morning. The key is to maintain healthy, well-hydrated hair to avoid frizz.
3. Half-Up Top Knot
The half-up top knot combines the practicality of getting hair off your face with the style of wearing it down. Gather the top section of your hair from the temples up and secure it in a small bun at the crown of your head, leaving the rest flowing freely. This style works particularly well for those with layered cuts and can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion. Add some texture spray to the loose sections for extra volume and movement.
4. Slicked Back Long Hair
Channel your inner Jason Momoa with sleek, slicked-back long hair. This sophisticated style works best with hair that’s been properly conditioned and treated with anti-frizz products. Apply a smoothing cream to damp hair and comb backward from the forehead, using a blow dryer if needed. Finish with a light-hold pomade for shine and control. This style is perfect for formal events and professional settings while maintaining the drama of long hair.
5. Braided Styles
Braids aren’t just for Vikings – they’re a stylish way to wear long hair while keeping it controlled. Options include:
- Single Dutch braid down the back
- Double side braids
- French braid
- Fishtail braid
The key to masculine braids is keeping them neat but not too tight, allowing some natural texture to show through. This style works especially well for active men who need their hair secured during physical activities.
6. Long Layered Cut
Layering is essential for managing thick, long hair and adding movement to fine hair. A well-executed layered cut removes bulk while maintaining length and creates natural movement. The shortest layers should start no higher than chin level, with subsequent layers falling naturally to create a seamless blend. This cut works with all hair textures and can be styled in numerous ways, from sleek and straight to naturally tousled.
7. Gentleman’s Long Sweep
This refined style features hair swept back and to one side, creating a sophisticated look that works well in professional environments. The key is to maintain enough length to allow the hair to be tucked behind the ears while falling naturally at the back. Use a medium-hold styling cream and blow-dry for best results. This style particularly suits those with straight to slightly wavy hair.
8. Natural Curls
For men blessed with natural curls, embracing and enhancing your texture creates a striking look. The key is proper maintenance:
- Use curl-specific products
- Never brush dry curls
- Apply products to soaking wet hair
- Diffuse or air-dry
Keep layers long enough to allow curls to form naturally while preventing triangle head. Regular trims are essential to maintain shape and prevent split ends.
9. Modern Mullet
The mullet has made a sophisticated comeback, especially for men with long hair. The modern version features softer layers transitioning from shorter crown layers to longer back lengths. This style works particularly well with wavy or curly texture and can be customized to be as subtle or dramatic as desired. Style with texture paste for definition and movement.
10. Dreadlocks
Dreadlocks offer a distinctive way to wear long hair, requiring dedication but providing a unique and low-maintenance style once established. Modern dreadlocks can be:
- Thin or thick
- Neat or naturally textured
- Worn loose or pulled back
Regular maintenance and proper washing techniques are essential for healthy dreadlocks. This style works best with naturally textured hair but can be achieved with most hair types.
11. Long Shag Cut
The shag cut features layers throughout the hair, creating volume and texture while maintaining length. This rebellious style works particularly well for those with wavy or straight hair and can be customized to suit different face shapes. Style with texturizing products for a perfectly messy look, or smooth it out for a more polished appearance.
12. Samurai Knot
Inspired by traditional Japanese hairstyles, the samurai knot (or chonmage) features hair pulled back tightly and secured in a knot at the crown or back of the head. This style works best with straight to slightly wavy hair and can be achieved with hair that’s at least shoulder length. The key is to maintain sleekness while creating a secure knot.
13. Long Textured Waves
This style emphasizes natural wave patterns while maintaining length and movement. Regular layers throughout create texture and prevent the weight of long hair from pulling out natural waves. Use a lightweight curl cream and scrunch while drying to enhance wave patterns. This versatile style works well for both casual and formal occasions.
14. Pulled-Back Ponytail
The classic ponytail gets a masculine update with texture and the right placement. Position the ponytail at the nape of the neck for a professional look, or higher for a more casual style. Use a styling cream to control flyaways and create smoothness. This style works well for all hair textures and is perfect for active lifestyles.
15. Two-Strand Twist
This style involves dividing the hair into sections and twisting two strands around each other, creating a rope-like effect. It can be done all over the head or just in sections for a unique look. This style works particularly well with textured hair but can be adapted for straight hair types as well. The twists can be worn loose or gathered into a bun or ponytail.
16. Long and Straight
Sleek, straight long hair makes a powerful statement. This style requires regular maintenance to keep it healthy and shiny. Use heat protectant products when straightening and invest in good quality conditioning treatments. This look works particularly well for those with naturally straight hair but can be achieved with other hair types through proper styling.
17. Messy Middle Part
The middle part has made a strong comeback, especially when paired with textured, long hair. This casual style works well with layers and can be enhanced with salt spray or texture cream for added definition. Leave it slightly messy for a modern, effortless look. This style works particularly well with wavy to straight hair types.
18. Vintage Rockstar
Channel your inner rock god with long, voluminous hair featuring soft layers and plenty of movement. This style works best with slightly wavy to straight hair and can be enhanced with volumizing products and strategic layering. The key is to maintain healthy shine while creating controlled chaos.
19. Braided Crown
This style involves creating a loose braid that wraps around the head like a crown, with the remaining hair worn loose or gathered at the back. It’s a unique way to wear long hair that works well for formal occasions or festivals. This style works with all hair textures but requires some practice to perfect.
20. Long Undercut
Combine the edginess of an undercut with the drama of long hair by keeping the sides and back short while maintaining length on top. This modern style can be worn slicked back, in a bun, or loose for different looks. It’s perfect for those who want to maintain length while reducing overall hair volume.
Essential Long Hair Maintenance Tips:
- Regular Trimming
- Schedule trims every 8-12 weeks
- Remove split ends while maintaining length
- Maintain shape and prevent damage
- Proper Washing Routine
- Use sulfate-free shampoo
- Don’t wash daily
- Focus conditioner on mid-lengths and ends
- Use cold water for final rinse
- Protection and Treatment
- Use heat protectant products
- Apply weekly deep conditioning treatments
- Protect hair while sleeping with silk pillowcases
- Avoid tight hairstyles that can cause breakage
- Styling Products
- Invest in quality products specific to your hair type
- Use lightweight products to prevent weighing down hair
- Apply products to damp hair for best results
Remember, the key to great long hair is healthy hair. Regular maintenance, proper product use, and gentle handling will keep your long locks looking their best, regardless of which style you choose.