Growing your hair out is a test of character. Honestly, most guys think they can just stop going to the barber and—presto—they’ll look like Jason Momoa or a 90s era Brad Pitt. It doesn't work that way. If you’re looking into how to grow your hair out male, you’ve probably already hit that stage where your hair looks like a literal bird’s nest and you’re considering shaving it all off just to feel sane again.
Don't do it.
The "awkward phase" is a rite of passage. It’s that three-to-six-month window where your hair isn't short enough to style but isn't long enough to tie back. You look unkempt. Your boss might give you a side-eye. Your mom will definitely tell you to get a haircut. But the secret to long hair isn't some magic pill; it’s basically just strategic neglect mixed with a little bit of science.
Understanding the Hair Growth Cycle (The Boring But Necessary Part)
Your hair grows at a rate of roughly half an inch per month. That is a biological bottleneck you cannot argue with. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, most people can expect about six inches of growth per year. If you want shoulder-length hair, you’re looking at an 18-to-24-month commitment.
Your hair goes through three phases: anagen (growth), catagen (transition), and telogen (resting). Most of the hair on your head is in the anagen phase, which can last anywhere from two to six years. Genetic lottery plays a huge role here. Some guys literally cannot grow hair past their shoulders because their anagen phase is naturally short. Others can grow it to their waist. You won't know where you land until you try.
Nutrition and the scalp environment
If you’re eating trash, your hair will look like trash. It sounds harsh, but hair is a non-essential tissue. When your body is low on nutrients, it sends the good stuff to your heart and lungs first, leaving your hair follicles to starve.
You need protein. Hair is made of a protein called keratin. Biotin gets a lot of hype, and while a deficiency in biotin can lead to hair thinning, taking massive doses won't necessarily make your hair grow faster if you’re already healthy. Focus more on iron, zinc, and Omega-3 fatty acids. Eat salmon. Eat eggs. Drink more water than you think you need.
The Brutal Reality of the Awkward Phase
This is where 90% of men fail.
Around month four or five, the hair on the sides of your head starts to flare out. You look like a mushroom. This happens because the hair on top hasn't grown long enough to weigh down the hair on the sides.
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The fix? How to grow your hair out male successfully requires you to actually visit a barber—just not for a "haircut." You need a "taper" or a "clean up." Tell them you are growing it out. A good barber will leave the length on top and only trim the fuzz around your ears and the nape of your neck. This keeps the silhouette looking intentional rather than accidental.
- Hat days are your best friend. Invest in a few high-quality beanies or baseball caps.
- Product matters now. Switch from high-hold pomades to lighter creams or sea salt sprays.
- Stop washing it every day. Natural oils (sebum) are the best conditioner you own. If you strip them daily with harsh sulfates, your hair will become brittle and frizzy.
Maintenance Habits That Actually Work
Stop using your 3-in-1 body wash as shampoo. Just stop.
Most drugstore shampoos are loaded with sulfates (like Sodium Lauryl Sulfate), which are essentially industrial detergents. They’re great for cleaning an engine block, but they’re terrible for long hair. Use a sulfate-free shampoo maybe twice a week. On the other days, just rinse with water or use a conditioner. This is called "co-washing," and it’s a game-changer for guys with wavy or curly hair.
The Micro-Trim Myth
You’ve probably heard that cutting your hair makes it grow faster. That is physically impossible. Hair grows from the follicle in your scalp, not from the ends. However, "dusting" the ends—cutting off a tiny fraction of an inch—prevents split ends from traveling up the hair shaft. If you ignore split ends, the hair will eventually snap off, making it seem like your hair has stopped growing.
Scalp Massages: Science or Bro-Science?
There is actually some evidence here. A study published in Eplasty showed that regular scalp massages could increase hair thickness by stretching the cells of hair follicles. It stimulates blood flow. Does it double your growth rate? No. Does it feel good and potentially help? Yeah. Do it for five minutes while you’re watching TV. Use your fingertips, not your nails.
Styling Tips for Mid-Length Hair
When you hit the 8-to-10-inch mark, you enter the "flow" stage. This is the sweet spot. You can start experimenting with different looks.
The Slick Back: Use a grooming cream on damp hair and comb it straight back. This works well for professional environments where you still need to look "put together."
The Half-Up, Half-Down: If the hair in the front reaches your nose, you can pull the top half into a small knot. This keeps it out of your eyes while letting the back hang loose.
The Headband: Don't be afraid of a thin, metal headband or a "sport" band. It’s a practical way to manage the mane during workouts.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Too much heat. If you start using a blow dryer every morning on the highest heat setting, you’re going to fry your hair. Use the "cool" setting or air dry whenever possible.
- Rough towel drying. Don't rub your head like you’re trying to start a fire. Pat it dry. Better yet, use an old cotton T-shirt instead of a rough towel to reduce frizz.
- Tight hair ties. If you’re finally at the man-bun stage, don't pull it so tight it gives you a facelift. This can cause "traction alopecia," where the hair is literally pulled out of the roots. Use "tele-ties" or silk scrunchies. They look a bit feminine on the bathroom counter, but they won't snap your hair.
Environmental Factors and Hair Health
If you swim in chlorine pools, you need to be careful. Chlorine is a bleach. It will ruin the texture of long hair. Always wet your hair with fresh water before jumping in the pool so it absorbs less chemicals, and wash it immediately afterward.
The sun also damages hair. UV rays can break down the proteins in the hair shaft. If you’re spending a day at the beach, wear a hat or use a leave-in conditioner with UV protection. It sounds high-maintenance, but that’s the price of a great mane.
Actionable Steps for Your Growth Journey
Growing your hair isn't a passive process. It requires a shift in how you treat your head. If you're serious about the long-term look, follow this checklist.
- Buy a wide-tooth comb. Ditch the fine-tooth plastic combs that snag and break hair. A wide-tooth comb or a wet brush is much gentler on long strands.
- Switch to a silk or satin pillowcase. Cotton is absorbent and creates friction. Silk allows your hair to glide, which means fewer tangles and less breakage when you wake up.
- Track your progress. Take a photo once a month in the same spot. Growth is so slow that you won't notice it day-to-day. Looking back at a photo from four months ago will give you the motivation to keep going when you’re tempted to buzz it.
- Invest in a high-quality leave-in conditioner. This is the secret weapon for managing frizz and keeping the hair weighted down during the awkward phases.
- Find a "Long Hair" Barber. Not every barber is good with shears. Many are experts at fades and clippers but get lost when they have to style long hair. Look for someone who specializes in "scissor cuts."
The journey to long hair is about 10% genetics and 90% patience. You will have days where you hate it. You will have days where it looks flat, greasy, or just plain weird. But if you can make it past the one-year mark, you’ll have a style that sets you apart from every other guy with a generic fade. Stick with the process, keep your scalp healthy, and put the clippers away.