It’s a weird spot to be in. Your hair isn't short anymore—the clean fade you got six weeks ago has devolved into a fuzzy mess around your ears—but you’re definitely not rocking a Jason Momoa mane yet either. Most dudes panic here. They think they’ve hit the "awkward stage" and rush back to the barber to buzz it all off. Honestly? That's a mistake.
Medium long hairstyles for guys are having a massive moment right now because they offer something a buzz cut never can: versatility. You can look like a professional at 9 AM and a lead guitarist at 9 PM without actually changing your haircut. It’s all about how you handle the transition.
The Bro Flow and Why Texture is King
If you have even a hint of a wave in your hair, the "Bro Flow" is basically your best friend. You’ve seen it on guys like Bradley Cooper or Dev Patel. It’s effortless. Or at least, it’s supposed to look that way.
The secret isn't just letting it grow. If you just stop cutting your hair, you end up looking like a mushroom. You need "internal weight removal." That’s a fancy term barbers use for thinning out the bulk without sacrificing the length. When you ask for this, you're making sure the hair lays flat against the sides of your head instead of poofing out like a 1970s helmet.
Texture matters more than length. If your hair is stick-straight, you’re going to need a sea salt spray. I’m serious. Salt spray adds that grit and "I just came from the beach" vibe that prevents medium-length hair from looking flat and greasy. Just a few spritzes while it's damp, a quick tousle with your fingers, and you're done. No comb required.
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The Modern Mullet and the Death of the "Business in the Front" Meme
We have to talk about the mullet. I know, I know. But the 2026 version of the mullet—often called the "mull-hawk" or the "shag"—is actually one of the most popular medium long hairstyles for guys who want an edge.
It’s not the Joe Dirt version.
Modern iterations keep the sides tight—maybe a low taper—while letting the back reach the nape of the neck. The top is kept messy and layered. It works because it frames the face. If you have a rounder face shape, the height on top helps elongate your features. On the flip side, if you have a very long face, you might want to avoid too much height and focus on width at the sides.
Dealing with the Mid-Length Maintenance Trap
Most guys think longer hair means less work. "I don't have to go to the barber every two weeks!" they say.
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Technically, sure. But you do have to wash it differently. When your hair was short, you probably used whatever 3-in-1 bottle was on sale at the grocery store. Stop that. Right now. Medium long hair needs moisture. The oils from your scalp have a harder time traveling down the hair shaft when it’s 5 or 6 inches long.
- Conditioner is mandatory. Use it every time you wet your hair.
- Shampoo less. Twice a week is usually plenty unless you’re hitting the gym hard every day.
- Avoid the towel rub. Don't go at your head like you’re trying to start a fire. Pat it dry. Friction causes frizz, and frizz is the enemy of a clean medium-length look.
Matty Conrad, a world-renowned barber and founder of Victory Barber & Brand, often points out that the biggest mistake guys make is using heavy waxes on long hair. Heavy products weigh the hair down, making it look thin and stringy. You want clays or creams. Something with a matte finish.
The Side Part vs. The Middle Part Debate
The "curtains" look—the classic 90s middle part—is back in a big way. Gen Z revived it, but it’s been refined. It’s less "boy band" and more "relaxed architect" now.
But here’s the reality: the middle part is unforgiving. It highlights any asymmetry in your face. If your nose is slightly crooked or one eye is a bit lower (which is true for almost everyone), a middle part will shout it from the rooftops.
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The side part is the safer, more classic bet for medium long hairstyles for guys. It adds volume to the roots and gives you that "sweep" that looks great in photos. If you're struggling with thinning hair at the temples, a deep side part can also act as a bit of a camouflage, though you have to be careful not to veer into combover territory.
When to Actually Visit the Barber
Even if you're growing it out, you should see a professional every 8 to 10 weeks. Tell them you’re "growing it out but want to clean up the neckline and ears."
A good barber will trim the "peach fuzz" on the back of your neck and maybe take a quarter-inch off the ends to prevent split ends. Split ends are real, and they make your hair look like straw. If you ignore them, they travel up the hair shaft and ruin the whole strand.
Actionable Next Steps for Your Hair Journey
If you're ready to commit to the length, stop winging it. Start by swapping your cheap shampoo for a sulfate-free version; sulfates strip the natural oils you desperately need for "flow."
Next, buy a wide-tooth comb. Brushing medium-length hair with a standard fine-tooth comb while it's wet is a recipe for breakage. Use the wide-tooth comb in the shower while the conditioner is still in your hair to get the tangles out gently.
Finally, find a reference photo. Don't just tell your barber "medium long." Show them a picture of someone with your similar hair texture. If you have curly hair, don't show them a photo of Timothée Chalamet unless you plan on spending 40 minutes with a blow dryer every morning. Find a curly-haired icon and aim for that. Consistency in your routine and patience during the growth phases are the only things standing between you and the best hair you’ve ever had.