Written by Rakelle Maurici
 
Over the past few years men have become increasingly encouraged by barbers and grooming experts to embrace their locks and grow their hair. The stigma of men with long hair being feminine is long gone. Contrary to popular belief, it’s known that a lot of women will agree that longer hair on men increases their sex appeal.  So, whether you’re after a surfer look, a man bun or a lob (that’s a long bob to you and I) here’s how you can go about growing it out effectively.
 
Is Long Hair for You?  
One of the first aspects you need to think about is whether the look will suit you. Just because long hair is becoming a popular hairstyle for men doesn’t mean it will work for every Tom, Dick and Harry out there. This can be for several reasons - ask yourself, does it suit your lifestyle? Can you imagine yourself wearing this look to the office? Could you tie it back for a corporate look? Next, consider your hair type - the smoother the hair the more manageable it will be, especially if it has a slight wave through it. If your hair is coarse or curly, let it fall as it pleases and try not to play around with it too much because the key to long hair is low maintenance; it should look and feel casual.
 
Hair Care  
To be able to grow your hair and keep it healthy at the same time you shouldn’t over wash it. Shampoo damages the follicles while stripping hair of its natural oils which enable it to grow. Secondly, don’t brush the hair when it’s wet, this over stretches the hair, which will make it weaker. When it comes to hair products ensure that every time you wash your hair you are using conditioner to keep it healthy and nourished. Avoid products with high alcohol content because it will dry your hair out. If you’re prone to thinning, then you’ll need to buy a shampoo, which will stimulate the hair and unclog the follicles. Give yourself regular scalp massages to get the hair stimulated at the root.
 
Lastly, you’ll need to persevere because when growing hair out you’ll inevitably go through the dreaded awkward phase. The sides and back grow much quicker so you’ll need to go for regular trims to maintain proportion and tidy up any dead ends. This will stop your hair from looking scruffy and keep it looking healthy. After the first trim, let the hair grow and trim as little or as much is required. However, since you're trying to grow your hair, you'll have to trim less than your hair grows. Let's say you have a half an inch a month growth rate, then cutting half an inch every 3 to 4 months may be logical. Follow our advice and you’ll be sporting a longer hair in no time.

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Men do not usually study beauty in the same manner that female consumers do, and it is the stylist or barber’s job to teach your clients on maintaining their look weeks after they leave the salon.

For a well-rounded approach to personal care and a clean start to spring (or fall), here’s what you should be doing (and dodging) for the rest of your life:

TO TAKE
1. Treat yourself to a pedicure.
2. As the weather warms up, all men should treat themselves to a pedicure. Spring means breaking out the sandals after months of hibernation in boots and thick socks, so there’s no shame in getting a much-needed scrubbing and buffing.
3. Tend to your skin.
4. Most men abide by a wash-and-go routine for their face, neglecting to replenish their skin with moisture. But building a skincare regimen is vital in maintaining healthy, smooth skin. Wash, tone, and moisturize daily—and don’t forget to exfoliate regularly.
5. Tame those errant hairs.
6. Follow the three commandments of putting your best face forward: Trim your eyebrows if they’re overwhelmingly bushy, wax away ear hair, and eliminate visible nose hair. Electric trimmers and mini scissors were made for keeping these features in check. Nobody likes to see unruly hairs poking out and taking care of the little details will go a long way.
7. Know your texture.
8. When styling your hair, make sure you choose a product that actually works for your texture. A heavy wax will weigh down fine hair, so opt for a lightweight texturizing product like Grooming Cream Ultralight Hold. For thick, coarse hair, avoid matte pomades in favor of liquid-based serums, gels and balms like Control Balm Strong Hold.
9. Frame your face.
10. Any kind of beard, whether it’s a full-grown forest or a five o’clock shadow, can be tailored to flatter your face. For those who want a well-defined beard line, adhere to the line of your jaw rather than your neck, as doing so can lead to a rounder shape and deemphasize the natural angles of your face. For a more lived-in look, taper your scruff slightly, so that it takes on a subtler but still flattering shape.
11. Keep it short and simple.
12. For guys who have receding or thinning hair it’s best to keep things on the shorter side. Don’t attempt to grow out fine hair—a shorter cut adds density and gives the appearance of fullness.

TO TOSS
1. Dirty tools.
2. Consider this a PSA: grooming tools don’t clean themselves. If you’re guilty of going weeks without sanitizing your razors and clippers, remember that unsanitary tools are a breeding ground for bacteria and dead skin buildup. Disinfect them regularly and store them in a dry place. If you leave them on your sink or in your shower, they can easily rust and lead to an improper shave.
3. Using body products on your face.
4. Stop washing your face with bar soap. The ingredients are formulated for your body and can dry out and tighten the skin on your face. Instead, invest in a facial cleanser formulated for your skin type.
5. Neglecting your nails.
6. Ragged, overgrown claws are as unsightly as they are unhygienic, so it’s best to always keep your nails neat and trimmed. Well-groomed hands are an integral part of making a good first impression.
7. Shaving without prep.
8. Razor bumps, ingrown hairs, and red skin are prime offenders of a poor shaving routine. Prepping your skin and softening the beard before a shave is essential, as is shaving along the grain of the hair, not against it. Start with a warm towel followed by Beard Oil, Smooth Shave Cream or Clean Shave Hydrating Gel Cream. Treat the skin post-shave with a cold towel and aftershave or moisturizer to soothe.
9. An overpowering beard.
10. Don’t let your fuzz wear you. If a burly, lumberjack beard is your look of choice, continue to rock it but keep it clean and shaped.
11. DIY haircuts.
12. Leave the haircuts to the pros. Even if you’re in between trims and tempted to use that stray razor to clean up your neckline, more often than not doing it on your own leads to a crooked line.

Published on EsteticaMagazine.com