How to Grow Your Hair Out
Want to (Properly) Grow Your Hair? Follow These Pro Tips
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Get this. Science suggests bald men look more successful, intelligent, and masculine. Well, guess what? Modern society implies that men with longer hair are adventure-seekers who carry biblical connotations, creative qualities, and supermodel charm. So whether in the form of man bun, surfer hair, or a lob -- that’s just a cheeky way of referring to a longer bob -- we’re here to tell you that longer hair is here to stay.
How exactly did we get to this point? Rodney Cutler, a New York-based stylist and owner of Cutler Salons, noticed an organic evolution and progression: “The ultra-chic and highly groomed looks that were popularized by the show Mad Men transitioned to more rugged buzz cuts and beards, and now has evolved into the longer styles that have populated the mainstream.”
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Takamichi Saeki, the owner of Takamichi Hair in New York, agrees, and adds a very important point: “Women have always found men with longer hair sexy.” Having long locks won’t change who you are as a person, unless you’re the vain type. If anything, it conveys mystique, while offering different ways to sport a hairstyle. After all, women love variety.
Ready to take the plunge and grow long? Sweet. Below, Cutler, Saeki, and Garrett Bryant of Garrett Bryant Studio in New York, reveal what you need to know to get the best long hair ever. We’ve also included some expert haircare principles and products to advance your look.
Mind Your Mouth
As you should already know, diet (and exercise) plays a key part in maintaining strong muscles, bones, and organs. Turns out, it can also impact the growth and health of your hair. As for foods to incorporate into your diet, look for things with Biotin. “Most studies have found that Biotin, a Vitamin B complex, helps hair and nails grow faster, stronger, and thicker,” explains Cutler. So, boost your diet with foods rich in Biotin like salmon, avocados, oysters, and nuts.
And while it’s hopefully common sense by now, Takamichi believes it’s always worth the reminder: Drink a lot of water. Because hydration is always a good idea. Taking in more protein is another viable option for improving your hair strength and health. Whey protein in itself has shown how it can improve your appearance, advertising hair growth and keeping the scalp moisturized.
Natrol Biotin Beauty Tablets
Affordable, effective, and reactive -- Natrol’s hair-enriching tablets host enough of the B vitamin to stimulate hair growth, skin, and nails at a rapid pace. A water-soluble B-complex nurtures cellular energy production in follicles to resolve any hair loss conditions and symptoms. Amazon reviewers with thin hair have gushed over the fast results, certifying its 4.4 out of 5 rating.
Eat the Bear Whey Protein
We schooled you enough on the benefits of protein. What makes Eat The Bear’s collection of whey supplements so popular is the company’s commitment to featuring enriched and healthy ingredients. The entire product line snatches whey from grass-fed cows and uses stevia, a zero-calorie sweetener that adds flavor to meals. Get up to 20G of high-quality whey in your system and let it salvage the 50 to 100 hairs normally lost daily.
Keeps
If you want a hassle-free way to get your monthly dose of finasteride and minoxidil (the only two FDA-approved hair loss treatments), then we highly recommend you sign up with Keeps. They make the entire process of getting a prescription, figuring out a treatment plan, and receiving your medication, hair loss shampoo and topical growth promoter as painless as possible. Best of all, as part of their Black Friday promotion, you can take 50% off your first three months.
Nutrafol Men’s Hair Growth Supplement
It’s no secret that stress remains one of the biggest causes of male pattern baldness. This hair loss supplement delivers a daily dose of 2,800 mg of nutraceutical ingredients to rebalance hormones that compromise the hair follicle production. The four-stage transformation process might seem a bit extraneous for impatient types, but following a four-tablet-a-day regime should ensure softness and warrant hairline regrowth on the head and crown. Two in the morning. Two at night. Enjoy added volume, along with other general health benefits such as improved energy and stamina.
Upgrade Your Shower Routine
Granted it might sound counteractive, you’ll want to enlist a gentler approach the more hair you have, and the longer it is. Rodney recommends swapping out your current shampoo with a sulfate-free, cream-based version and avoiding styling products with high alcohol content. “These products will not only dry out your hair, but will also lead to a ‘crunchy’ texture, which is the opposite of what you want with longer styles.”
If hair is on the finer side and needs a boost in volume, Cutler says to try a line of products from Redken called Cerafill Defy. “The shampoo and conditioner use a stimulating menthol formula to help promote healthy hair growth while removing impurities and follicle-clogging sebum.” Those are just options. The market offers other exceptional haircare products to take with you into the shower for lengthy hairstyle.
Redken Extreme Length Shampoo
With a great smell and gentle cleanse, Redken’s Extreme Length shampoo is infused with biotin to prevent hair breakage and strengthen it to grow longer. To ensure that you get the most out of this product, pair with the coordinating conditioner.
Men’s Rogaine Extra Strength
While most men think about Rogaine to prevent hair loss, a hallmark of the topical is hair *regrowth*. This means, the hair you have is nourished and the hair you want might just come back. Minoxidil, the active ingredient in Rogaine, is proven to boost hair follicle activities and hair protein production. Unlike other hair growth products, this penetrates the scalp to reactivate shrunken hair follicles for new growth.
Amika Nourishing Hair Mask
Hydrate your hair with this lush mask that’s composed of obliphica oil to restore vibrancy, boost shine, and treat split ends. Applying a generous amount to your ends will produce stronger and healthier results over time. Many of its ingredients penetrate the root of your hair to seal split ends and improve elasticity. Those suffering from protein sensitivity can breathe easy knowing the mask comes free of it, giving you full performance normally found in some of your favorite elite conditioners.
Dealing With The Awkward Phase(s)
Bear in mind that hair, on average, grows a quarter of an inch to half an inch per month. So even though the goal is to grow out your hair as quickly as possible, you’ll still need to check in with your stylist every 4 to 6 weeks. “This will maintain healthy hair, and will help you avoid the potential mullet syndrome, where there is an imbalance between the length and the layers,” says Cutler.
Though even with regular check-ins, Saeki believes, “You will inevitably go through an awkward period for a couple of months, until your hair grows to a certain length and is manageable.” So, until a desired length is reached, try this one easy hack by Saeki: slick it back with just enough product to control the overall shape and flyaways.
Remember, hair creeps its way over the ears and becomes unflattering once it hits medium length. That’s about four inches on the sides. To keep the process as seamless as possible, Bryant recommends asking your stylist “to keep the sides and back short, until the top gets to a decent length.” “The sides and back tend to grow faster than the top on most people. This way, hair grows out more evenly.” You can then push hair back with some help from product once it’s past clipper-length around the ears.
Daily Maintenance
Now that all your hard work has paid off, learn how to keep your hair in the best shape possible. Saeki believes “maintenance is pretty easy when you get to the right length.” Still, don’t be fooled into thinking that he means no maintenance.
First things first: as we’ve said before, conditioning is key. According to Saeki, a regular rinse-out conditioner twice a week should do the trick. Also, why not try switching up your routine a bit by treating yourself to a scalp massage a couple of times a week? “It will help dissolve excess scalp oils and product buildup, and rebalance the scalp, leading to stronger, healthier hair,” says Cutler. You won’t believe how relaxing it feels, too.
While you’ve finally and rightfully earned the right to wear a man bun, make sure you’re tying it up the right way. “Never use a rubber band to secure it,” says Cutler. “Make sure you’re using a proper hair elastic, as rubber bands will ultimately destroy the integrity of your hair and lead to breakage.” You heard? Take note of the several suggestions to improve your daily operation.
Ask Questions, Think Image
Be honest with yourself, if for a minute, and in front of a mirror. Ask if long hair is right for you, because here is the reality: it’s not for everyone. Some can pull off these signature long hairstyles. Others, not so much.
Takamichi believes that first and foremost, “your hair should have a nice texture. That’s the most important factor.” Several things can affect hair texture including heat, genetics, and insufficient vitamin D levels (basically, not enough sun). Bryant agrees, and adds, “Typically, smoother hair or hair with a slight wave is best for this look.” If your hair is curly or coarse, though, no fears. Just embrace its natural texture and “try not to control or tame it,” says Bryant.
In addition to hair texture, take your lifestyle into account as well. You just might be surprised how longer hair can completely change the way people perceive you. Cutler claims, “The most enticing part of these styles is their ‘crossover appeal.’ Even if you’re a suit-and-tie kind of guy, a man-bun or surfer hair can instantly add character and depth to your outward appearance.”
Shake These Haircare No-Nos
One major key that was echoed by all three of our experts: don’t wash your hair every day. But why? Even if those suds feel invigorating in the shower, Takamichi says, “[shampooing] actually damages follicles.” Rodney recommends “avoiding shampoos with high levels of detergents and sulfates, as they strip the hair and scalp of natural sebum and oils that are necessary for keeping longer hair shiny and healthy.”
That’s not all. Do not comb or brush your hair when it’s wet. Though it’s okay on shorter hair, Cutler says, “brushing and combing wet hair will overstretch it, and make it fragile.” So, get into the habit of brushing (gently, mind you) your hair when it’s dry. Here’s a collection of the best hairbrushes to consider when stroking that mop.
And as your hair gets longer, don’t forget to use conditioner regularly. It’ll keep the ends of your hair, which are prone to split ends and breakage, in tip-top shape.
Take It Easy, Seriously
Growing out long hair takes commitment. More than that, it requires a man to embrace his ‘Chi’. We already touched on stress killing your looks. But hostile aggression is another factor that can affect those newly elongated locks in ways you’re not even observant of. Rough towel-drying on the scalp simply damages threads. Take a deep breath if emotions haven’t settled after a long shower, grab sections of your hair, and mildly squeeze out any excessive moisture.
In the end, don’t forget: long hair is supposed to look and feel casual, easygoing, and natural. As Bryant puts it, “Less is more.”
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