How to Style Long Hair for Men: The Ultimate Guide 2023

Written by: Piers Le Moignan

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Time to read 8 min

Long hair on men is a look that’s been around for centuries. From the long-haired warriors of ancient Greece to modern icons like Brad Pitt and Jared Leto, the style has had its moments in the spotlight.

 

But if you're thinking about growing out your locks, it can be intimidating to know where to start. You don't want to end up being mistaken for a vagabond!

 

Thankfully, styling long men's hair can be easier than you think. That's why we created the ultimate guide to staying sharp with long hair.

 

Before diving into styling, it's important to understand the basics and the challenges that come with styling long hair for men.

 

First, men's hair tends to be thicker and coarser than women's. This can make it more difficult to style and maintain.

 

Additionally, long hair can be prone to frizziness and tangling, which can be frustrating to deal with.

Tips to style men

Importance of choosing the right products and tools for men's long hair

With the right products and tools, styling long hair for men can be a breeze. The key is to choose the right shampoo, conditioner, and styling products to nourish and strengthen your hair, as well as provide a good base for styling.

 

Also, using the right styling tools like a wide-tooth comb, brush or a boar bristle brush, and hairdryer is essential for achieving your desired look without causing damage to your hair.

The right products and tools for styling men

Choosing the Right Products

Shampoos and conditioners for men's long hair

When selecting a shampoo, first off pick one that is specifically formulated for men's hair. 

 

These shampoos are typically designed to be more moisturising and are formulated to address common issues such as dryness.

 

For healthy-looking tresses, look for shampoos with plenty of nourishing ingredients like Vitamin B3 or B5, proteins and aminos, and botanical extracts.

 

A good conditioner is also essential. It'll help to detangle and smooth your hair, making it easier to style.

Best shampoo and conditioner for men

When it comes to styling products, there are many options to choose from, such as sprays, waxes, pomades, and clays. Each product has its own unique properties and can be used to achieve different looks.

 

For example, sea salt sprays volumise hair and provide a loose hold to create a natural, beachy look. Meanwhile, clays and waxes can provide a more structured, textured finish.

Best products for men

Use a good quality hairdryer

Long hair on men is easily managed with the right blow-drying technique and styling tools like a quality hairdryer. 

 

Quality hairdryers are great for styling long hair because they allow you to control how much heat you use. They also have a cool setting to blast some cold air at the end.

 

Plus, they're quick - no more waiting around forever while your hair air dries (which can lead to frizz).

 

By using a gentle, low heat setting and working your way up slowly as necessary, you can easily achieve whatever hairstyle or look you desire with minimal damage to your locks.

Styling Tools

Combs and brushes for men's long hair

In addition to choosing the right products, having the right styling tools is also essential for achieving your desired look with long hair. 

 

Combs and brushes are two of the most important tools when it comes to styling men's long hair. They can help to detangle, smooth, and shape.

Best styling tools for men

When it comes to combs, a wide-tooth comb is a great option for detangling long hair without causing damage. A fine-tooth comb can be used for styling and adding definition to your hair.

 

A brush is also an essential styling tool for men with long hair. The type of brush you choose will depend on your hair type and the look you're trying to achieve.

 

A boar bristle brush is a great option for men with long hair. It can help to distribute natural oils throughout the hair and scalp, keeping it healthy and shiny.

 

In addition to combs and brushes, there are other styling tools that can be helpful for men with long hair, such as hair clips, hairbands, and styling scissors. These tools can be used to create different looks and hold hair in place while styling.

 

It's important to remember to keep your styling tools clean and in good condition to ensure they work effectively. Cleaning your tools regularly with soap and warm water can help to remove any product build-up and prolong their lifespan.

Popular Hairstyles for Men with Long Hair in 2023

Once you have the right products and tools, you can start experimenting with different hairstyles to find the perfect look for you.

Best men

Experimenting with Different Styles and Trends

Long hair for men can be tricky to style correctly. When selecting a hairstyle for your face shape and hair type, it is important to identify the right type of cut.

 

Here are a few popular hairstyles for men with long hair:

Long Layers: Long layers can add movement and texture to your hair, making it easier to style and add volume. This look is perfect for men with straight or wavy hair.

 

The Ponytail: The ponytail is a versatile hairstyle that can be worn in a variety of ways, from a sleek and polished look to a more casual and relaxed style. This hairstyle is perfect for men who want to keep their hair out of their face while still looking stylish.

 

Beach Waves: Beach waves are a popular and modern hairstyle for men with longer hair. This hairstyle can be achieved by using a texturizing or salt spray and scrunching your hair with your fingers.

 

Braids: Braids can be great option for men with long hair. There are many different types of braids to choose from, including French braids, Dutch braids, and fishtail braids. This hairstyle is perfect for men who want to add a touch of personality to their hair.

 

The Man Bun: The man bun is a classic and timeless hairstyle that is perfect for men with long hair. It's easy to achieve and can be worn in a variety of ways, from a tight and neat bun to a more relaxed, messy bun.

Remember, the key to achieving the perfect hairstyle is to experiment with different products and tools, and to find the look that best suits your hair type and face shape.

Find the perfect hairstyle for your face shape and hair type

Start by finding a stylist who understands the nuances of long hair. They can help you pick a style that will bring out the structure and strength of your face.

 

Evaluate photos of celebrity styles that are similar to yours and determine which products will best complement your chosen look.

 

This process may take some trial and error but with the help of an experienced hairstylist, you should be able to find the perfect hairstyle for both your face shape and hair type.

Face shape guide for men

Experiment with different products and techniques

Long hair for men is a bold style choice that can be an expression of personality and identity. 

 

Experimenting with different hair products and techniques is the best way to ensure that your long locks look and feel their best.

Best products for men

Additionally, brushing or combing your hair regularly and using heat-protectant serums when styling with hot tools can help you avoid damage.

 

Include regular trims in your routine to prevent split ends from taking over! Regularly experimenting with new products and styling techniques is the key to finding the perfect look for your long hairstyle.

Maintenance and Care for Men’s Long Hair

Maintaining and caring for men’s long hair can be a bit more challenging than shorter hair, but with the right approach, it can be easily managed.

How to maintain and care for men

Here are a few tips for keeping your long hair healthy and looking great:

Trim your hair regularly: Regular trims are important to keep your long hair looking healthy and prevent split ends. Aim to get a trim every 6-8 weeks to keep your hair looking its best.
 

Be careful of heat damage: Heat styling tools like flat irons, curling irons, and hair dryers can cause damage to your hair if you use a high heat setting for too long. Use a gentle, low heat setting and work your way up slowly as necessary. Also, consider incorporating a heat-protectant product.

 

Brush and comb your hair carefully: Use a wide-toothed comb or a brush specifically designed for detangling long hair. Start at the ends and work your way up to prevent breakage.
 

Proper washing and conditioning: Use a sulphate-free shampoo to prevent stripping the hair of its natural oils. Condition your hair thoroughly and leave it on for at least 3-5 minutes for maximum benefits.
 

Get a hair treatment: Regular hair treatments like deep conditioning, hot oil, and protein treatments will help to keep your hair healthy and strong.

By following these tips, you can keep your long hair looking and feeling its best. Remember to consult with your stylist or barber for personalised advice and recommendations.

Summary

To recap, long hair for men can be a stylish and versatile look, but it does require some special care and attention.

 

The key to mastering the art of styling long hair is to understand the basics of haircare and maintenance, use quality products, experiment with different styles and trends, and follow the simple tips and tricks as covered in our guide.

 

Remember to consult with a stylist or barber for professional advice and guidance, and don't be afraid to experiment with different looks and styles to find what works best for you.

 

With the right approach and dedication, you can achieve the perfect look and keep your hair healthy, strong, and looking great.

Piers Le Moignan

Piers Le Moignan is the founder and CEO of Salt Grooming, an award-winning British luxury men’s haircare and styling brand. 


Founded in 2018, Piers has quickly grown the company into a global brand that has distributed to 43 countries and counting.


Headquartered in London, Piers leads an agile workforce of 10 employees and consultants, including the company’s formulation team which features some of the UK’s leading cosmetic scientists. Piers is responsible for overseeing logistics, supply chain, and performance marketing, and is the driving force behind Salt’s product innovation and brand/creative direction. 


Previous to foundership, Piers spent a decade at some of London’s leading creative agencies, developing global brands and communications for the likes of Adidas, Jaguar Land Rover, British Airways, and more.

Read more

Salt Grooming Recommends...

Piers Le Moignan

Piers Le Moignan is the founder and CEO of Salt Grooming, an award-winning British luxury men’s haircare and styling brand. 


Founded in 2018, Piers has quickly grown the company into a global brand that has distributed to 43 countries and counting.


Headquartered in London, Piers leads an agile workforce of 10 employees and consultants, including the company’s formulation team which features some of the UK’s leading cosmetic scientists. Piers is responsible for overseeing logistics, supply chain, and performance marketing, and is the driving force behind Salt’s product innovation and brand/creative direction. 


Previous to foundership, Piers spent a decade at some of London’s leading creative agencies, developing global brands and communications for the likes of Adidas, Jaguar Land Rover, British Airways, and more.

Read more