The John Barber blog
Men's long hair 2025: the complete guide to growing it with style (and without losing your mind)
The John Barber blog · Eleonora Boretti ·
Have you ever thought about growing your hair long? If you are reading this article, the answer is probably yes. But let us tell you: you are not the only one. In 2025, long hair is no longer just for 1970s rock stars or actors in fantasy films. It is freedom, it is style, it is… a challenge. But a beautiful one.
In this light-hearted guide full of concrete tips, we take you step by step on the journey to a head of hair that turns heads. No judgement, no rules. Just real hair and real life.
Why grow your hair long?
Because you can. But also:
- Because it is a liberating (and slightly rebellious) gesture
- Because few men really do it
- Because it changes how you see yourself (and how others see you)
- Because you are curious to see how far you can go
Here is the truth: growing your hair is a journey that not everyone is willing to take. It takes patience. It takes character. But that is exactly why those who manage it have already won.
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What is your hair type (and how do you make peace with it)?
Dreaming of Brad Pitt’s smooth mane in Troy, but ending up with wild curls that defy gravity? Welcome to the club.
Understanding your hair type is essential to:
- choose the right products
- avoid frustration with unrealistic expectations
- learn to make the most of what you have
The main hair types (simplified):
- Type 1: straight (from fine to thick)
- Type 2: wavy (more or less)
- Type 3: curly (from loose curls to tight ringlets)
- Type 4: afro or kinky (coily, compact, powerful!)
Plus:
- Density: how much hair do you have on your head? (little, medium, a lot)
- Texture: is a single strand fine, medium or coarse?
A little trick: roll a single hair between your fingers. If you hardly feel it, it is fine. If it feels like a boat rope, it is coarse.
Which beginner mistakes should you avoid?
❌ Still using the wax or pomade you used for short hair
❌ Trying to “tame” your hair with concrete-effect gel
❌ Washing your hair every day as if you were 14
❌ Cutting it all off because “it doesn’t suit me” (spoiler: it is just the in-between phase)
We have all been there. But now that you know, you can avoid falling for it.
What should you do instead (with common sense and a light touch)?
✅ Learn to work with your hair, not against it
✅ Try light products: sea salt spray, oils, leave-in conditioners
✅ Start co-washing: washing with conditioner instead of shampoo (it is not weird, it is brilliant)
✅ Find a sustainable weekly routine (example below)
A sample routine:
- Monday: conditioner only
- Wednesday: shampoo + conditioner
- Friday: conditioner only
- Sunday: leave-in conditioner + extra care
How do you survive the dreaded “in-between phase”?
That moment when your hair is neither short nor long. Just… messy.
Practical tips:
- Strategic trims (done by a barber, not by you in front of the mirror!)
- Headbands, bandanas, clips (yes, for men too. And who cares!)
- A well-kept beard to balance the whole look
- Don’t panic. Breathe. It is only a phase.
Do products really make a difference?
They really do. Supermarket-aisle shampoo? Better leave it where it is. If you want healthy long hair, you need quality.
Watch out for:
❌ Sulphates (lots of foam, little gentleness)
❌ Silicones (a wow effect… and then hair as dry as hay)
Look for products with:
- natural ingredients
- no nasties
- suitability for your hair type
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Does long hair suit everyone?
Honest answer: yes, if you like it.
You don’t need a model’s face or a chiselled jaw. You need desire, care, personality.
A few tips:
- Round face? Prefer medium lengths and layers.
- Long face? Fuller hair at the sides works too.
- Formal job? Keep it clean, tied back, tidy.
Long hair doesn’t mean “scruffy”. It means choice.
As your hair grows, so does your confidence
Growing your hair is also an inner journey:
- you learn patience
- you face judgement (from others and from yourself)
- you discover new sides of yourself
And in the end, even if you don’t reach a metre of hair, you will have won anyway.
Growing your hair is not just an aesthetic choice. It is a declaration of freedom. It is saying: “this is me, and I’m working on it.”
So if you have even half an idea of trying… do it. I promise it is worth it.
And remember: every hair counts.
Keep on growing. Or, as we say here: let it grow. And enjoy the journey.
Visiting Milan? John Barber has three barbershops in the city centre, open every day including Sunday. Our barbers can plan the trims that will get you through the in-between phase: book your seat.
