To effectively cut men's hair while growing it out, the recommended approach is to maintain the sides and back short while letting the top length increase.
Strategic Trimming for Growth
Growing out men's hair involves more than just avoiding scissors entirely. Strategic trimming helps maintain a neat appearance and prevents awkward phases, such as the dreaded "mullet." The core strategy involves managing the length differences between sections of your hair.
The Step-by-Step Approach
Based on expert recommendations, here's the breakdown of how to handle trims while transitioning to longer hair:
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Phase 1: Focus on the Top
- Keep the sides and back of your hair short and close to your scalp. This creates a clean, controlled look while allowing the main section you want to grow (the top) to gain significant length.
- Goal: Let the top of your hair grow out comfortably.
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Phase 2: Let the Sides and Back Catch Up
- Once the top of your hair reaches a sufficient length, typically at least 4 inches (10 cm), you can then start letting the sides and back of your hair grow out as well.
- Reasoning: This phased approach helps save you from any unwanted mullets or otherwise awkward hairdos during the growth process.
Why This Method Works
By prioritizing the top length first, you establish the foundation for your future longer hairstyle. Keeping the sides and back short during this initial phase ensures that the shape remains manageable and presentable. Only after the top has achieved substantial length do you allow the sides and back to add length, ensuring a more balanced and intentional transition.
This controlled method helps avoid common pitfalls of growing out hair, resulting in a smoother journey to your desired long style. Regular trims on the short sections keep the look sharp while the top flourishes.
