If the year 2020 has taught guys anything about themselves, it’s the exact span of their patience, and hair growth is a perfect example. In some states, barbershops and salons are now operating at a very limited capacity, if not still closed, leaving many with unevenly self-shaved heads or, at this point, looking like they belong in a Swedish metal band. But according to one grooming expert, now is the perfect time to embrace that growth and leverage that length to reinvent your image.
Vaughn Acord is the owner of the New York City-based salon, mizu Louis Licari, as well as the founder of popular men’s grooming brand, V76. Acord is one of the most sought after names in the men’s grooming and hairstyling world and has cut celebrities like Tom Brady, Bruce Springstein and Ashton Kutcher, to name a few. In terms of long haircuts for men, Acord says 2020’s quarantine has been a great (re)awakening.
“In quarantine, guys would have to grow their hair unless they wanted to start hacking at it. They didn’t have a choice! I was doing Zoom calls, helping people cut their hair into April but then things just got quiet. I guess they decided they were okay with growing it out. Some would use product or wear hats but when they saw there was some length, they’d say, ‘I’m just gonna ride this out a little bit, I’m liking what I’m seeing,’” he said.
Why Are Longer Haircuts Cool?
Allowing your hair to grow out doesn’t just change your look, it can also change the way people perceive you and possibly the way you perceive yourself. It’s a state of being that speaks to what’s on the inside spiritually and one that very clearly shows personality.
“There’s a freedom in having long hair. If somebody were to notice your hair in a room of people and were attracted to you, they may think you’ve got a cool, artistic sort of lifestyle. There’s a kind of looseness to it and to you. It exposes more of who you are. When you try [growing your hair out] and it works, then you’re comfortable,” Acord said.
A product of the ‘70s himself, Acord says that COVID-19 has resurfaced trends and styles from that era in the world of hair. But for him, cuts with “a little warmth,” or cuts with some volume, have never been out. It’s just taken an event like quarantine to help guys realize that short fades aren’t the only type of haircut they can get.
“I started cutting hair in the ‘70s and we’re all inspired by the things we’ve experienced from the past. Everything comes from somewhere. With hair and fashion, they’re movements that push through; the 70’s are big again for a lot of people. I dig classic stuff, I look for things that don’t go out of style. It’s the same reason people still love The Beatles or an old classic Porche, or a white t-shirt. Right now, guys are becoming more aware of what they can do with their hair,” he said.
Should I Grow My Hair Out?
If you’re thinking about growing your hair long, there are a few things to consider first:
- A a style or shape you’d like to try
- The thickness and texture of your hair
- How to make it work on your face, as if it belongs on you
- What kind of product you need to use
The real answer here is, “why not?” If discovering that you have options when it comes to hair style is on the table, experimentation is the way to go. If you hate it, simply revert back to the fade you’ve been getting since 2012. Even if you’re not sure, Acord says the best thing to do is ask your barber.
“Why not try something new? As I say this, I also have to stress that we’re all different people, which makes my job interesting. You have to consider the hair’s texture and the amount and your type of lifestyle to find what works best. That’s why many of my clients come to me asking not only as a stylist but as an artist on what will look good,” he said.
In some cases, Acord noted that adding length presents a challenge, specifically for guys with thinning hair whose balding areas may be juxtaposed against longer hair.
“Men with thinning hair unfortunately don’t have as many options for long hair. The longest you would take it is around the jaw. You’d want to create movement and energy in thinning hair to take away from the fact that otherwise it’s just lying there. You have to bring those two worlds together as much as you can,” Acord said.
What Are The Best Long Haircuts For Men?
When it comes to long haircuts for men, Acord focuses less on any one type of style and instead turns to artistic vision for each individual in his chair. Sure, sometimes styles can come with popular names, such as the afro or the mullet. But most times, the best long haircuts for men are dictated by their own natural features.
Below, we’ve listed out some of the common shapes, styles and textures guys have started to sport after the quarantine hair growth period. Acord helped us navigate these styles to visually teach us a little bit about the inspiration behind each cut and if it could work for you.
1. The Shoulder Length Wave
“We were out in the garden a couple months back and Zane needed a haircut. This is an example of what I’ve been seeing from guys who want to grow their hair out. If they’re wanting to do it right now, this is a good length to settle at,” Acord said.
This is Zane, Vaughn’s son. Here, we can see that “movement and energy” that he spoke of earlier, which gives the cut some life and adds depth to the style. To have a dad who can make your hair look like this must be pretty awesome.
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2. The Long Hair Undercut
“This is rare, when guys can pull this off. Usually guys like Jason Momoa or Jared Leto. When it gets to be that long, very few people can pull it off. Most men don’t want to go that long with their hair.”
Leo Chan from @levitatestyle is known for his clean, classy style and his top knot bun. But when he lets his hair down, you can see how long his hair actually flows! If you’re going to rock super long hair, you need to own it in all aspects like Leo.
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3. The Dread Lock
“These are classic dreads. He’s gotta twist it, separate it, he’s gotta braid it to create that type of texture to create it but we’re seeing a lot of that right now. For product, I would use a beard oil or a V-rated wax,” Acord said.
Wardrobe consultant and bespoke designer, Perkens Bien Aime, is dred goals. That, combined with his effortlessly classy sense of style ties the whole package together to make for a prime example of the modern gentleman.
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4. The Modern Mullet
“This style is done in an oval shape, like a longer definition of a bowl cut. Some would call it a modern mullet. Mullets are typically pushed back, long in front, short in back. This is really coming from the ‘60s and ‘70s rock and roll genre. You see it’s slightly graduated through the perimeters and broken on the ends as opposed to getting into the hair and layering it out,” Acord explained.
This long haircut screams “rock and roll,” and may even remind you of your favorite rocker from early on in the golden era. It goes without saying that a guitar in hand is the best way to complete this look.
Product Recs: Tonic Hair & Scalp, Grooming Cream Ultralight Hold
5. The Cliff Booth
“Brad Pitt’s hair for this role is grown out at the same length. The layers are pretty much even with growth in the back and over the ears. If you’re trying to get this type of look, it’s always a good idea to show your barber a picture instead of just describing it. That way you get right to the point,” Acord said.
Everything about Cliff Booth (Brad Pitt) in Tarantino’s “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood” screams sex appeal, from his hair to his outfit and even his parkour wall-scaling skills. If you’re looking to keep your length for a minute, this isn’t a bad place to start. As Acord said, it’s all one length and simply tucked behind the ear, giving you volume and personality to boot.
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6. The Natural Afro
“The afro, you have to shape it and grow it constantly. You have to pick it out to create more volume and more length. If you want to keep it tight, then you just pad it in. Keep it moisturized with an oil or nourishing cream,” Acord noted.
Afros will always be one of the best long hairstyles for men, and arguably one the most powerful. If you’re able to grow an afro and you never have, now is the time to go for it.
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7. The Business Professional
“This is the length that most guys would be willing to go to if they want to have longer hair. This is a widely acceptable length for those who went through COVID and have all this hair but still want to wear a suit or have a company job. Once it goes beyond this, it becomes harder to manage. There’s some natural waves, you’re riding the length at the jawline. You don’t have to blow it dry. If you want to groom it you could pull it down,” Acord said.
If your hair has some natural layering and you’re down to grow it out a bit, this is a great place to start. There’s something youthful but traveled about this type of look that makes for a great socially distanced conversation starter from those who know you for shorter hair.
Product Recs: V76 Tonic, Styling Cream (Medium Hold)
8. The Surfer Shag
“To pull this off, you’re going to be a surfer instructor, artist, writer, or model. There’s something about this that’s not for everybody. You’re starting to make a statement with this look. Tying it up is another option for sure, and he’s got enough length to do it. I like things in there that aren’t typical ponytail holders; sticks, rope, twine, fabric. If it’s an elastic it’s gotta have some kind of style or meaning to it. To me, putting it up is more about making you look like a warrior. Ponytails on men aren’t always flattering. But when it’s twisted up and knotted with something in it, it’s like ‘okay, that looks cool,’” Acord said.
This is a popular look here in the Los Angeles and Malibu areas. The hair is naturally beaten by salt water and distressed by the sun. But there’s one thing for sure – a lot of people think it’s sexy.
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9. The Jim Morrison
“That’s your classic to-the-shoulders wave. You’re working with an actual texture. This looks good for anybody with that texture, anybody with enough hair to support it.”
This look, along with those from David Bowie, Keith Richards and every Beatle, may be the pinnacle for long hair goals. If your hair can do what Jim Morrison’s does here, that natural wave with natural movement, and you’re not, I’m afraid you’ve been missing out.
Product Recs: V76 Tonic, Styling Cream
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