El Rubio with a painfully awkward stage hair cut. "How To Deal With Awkward Stage Hair" overlaid.

The Uncomfortable Truth About Awkward Stage Hair

In Advocate, Educate by El Rubio352 Comments

You’re In It

Awkward stage hair. You’ve had enough. You’re cutting it off.

You have awkward stage hair and you’re convinced it looks awful. You feel weird, sloppy, unprofessional, and you don’t know what the hell to do with it. You get comments from people, even your mom, telling you your hair looks bad and well-meaning advice that “you should just cut it honey.”

They mean well, but they don’t understand. They’re thinking short-term, not big picture. You’ve got a date with destiny and you need to look good for it. What they don’t realize is your shoulders are throwing a party and they’re waiting for your hair to arrive.

Your shoulders are throwing a party and they’re waiting for your hair to arrive.
- Fact

Key Takeaways

  • Embrace the Journey: Understand the awkward stage as a natural part of growing long hair.
  • Style Smartly: Explore hats, headbands, and hairstyles to manage unruly lengths.
  • Psychological Boost: Stay motivated with positive self-talk and goal-setting.
  • Maintenance Tips: Regular trims and proper hair care can ease the transition.
  • Patience Pays Off: Commit to the growth process for the reward of long, healthy hair.

Yet, with every naysayer and glance in the mirror, doubt creeps in, as slowly as your awkward length hair seems to be growing. You question your resolve, and each day a fresh, clean haircut sounds ever-more enticing.

Well friend, we’re here for you. The inspiration and education you need to power through your awkward stage hair is right here.

Man with awkward stage hair looking stressed

Define Awkward Hair Length

The awkward stage can take many shapes and forms, but the generally accepted definition for awkward length hair is from the point when it starts to look like you need a haircut until the time you can tie it up.

It starts when you start to look shaggy, not so neat and tidy, a little unkempt. When the first person politely asks when you’re getting a haircut.

It’s over when you can tie up all your hair—front, back and sides—into a high ball or other sick mens long hairstyles.

Man with awkward stage hair about to have a trim

Where Long Hair Dreams Die

At some point in life you become curious. You ask yourself, “what would I look like with long hair? What if I could do that thing in the water where you whip your hair back, or the slow jog beach exit? What if I could tie it up like that?”

Most guys give it a try somewhere between high school and college. It starts as a novelty, driven by curiosity. Which is all well and good until awkward stage hair arrives, when your last clean cut is a distant memory. It becomes noticeable. Conspicuous. Uncomfortable.

You effectively conceal it with hats and beanies, but sooner or later you’ll be exposed.

It might be a business meeting, a wedding, or some formal affair where a hat doesn’t fly, and that despicable rag on your head is revealed for all the world to see. You have full-blown awkward stage hair, and you’re a shaggy, dogged-looking scoundrel.

That’s when they start chiming in. Shaking your confidence. Doubt grows strong within you. It’s a crucible moment.

Man with awkward stage hair with a baseball hat

“That’s it. I’m a dignified man. Enough is enough,” you tell yourself as you slink off to the barber shop.

“Long time no see!” your barber greets you, all smiles.

You make small talk to drown out the voice on your shoulders screaming don’t do it, until the scissors have done irreversible damage and your promising youthful strands lie shorn and mutilated, dead on the barber shop floor.

It stings for a fleeting moment, but you walk out feeling fresh and clean, looking sharp, and the voice is quieted. “I’ll let it grow out next time, when I don’t have _____ to attend,” you console yourself, as your longhair dreams are swept into a dust pan and discarded unceremoniously.

But you’re only lying to yourself. And this is why curiosity alone won’t carry most men to the promised land.

The Center For
Awkward Stage Hair
Visit The Center

Anyone Can Have Short Hair

Most men never make it through awkward stage hair. Because while short hair is instantaneous and easy, long hair takes time, and there’s no way around it. You can't get it overnight. It’s not something you can run out and pick up at the store.

When you want a tattoo, you sit through a few hours of pain, let it heal for a few days and you’re done. To get in the beard club it’ll take a few months, but there’s no discernable stage that’s difficult to make it through. There’s little discomfort.

Money cannot buy it. You cannot steal, inherit, or borrow it. It can only be earned through dedication and commitment.

To get long hair you’ve gotta pay your dues. It’s like physical fitness in that regard: money cannot buy it. You cannot steal, inherit, or borrow it. It can only be earned through dedication and commitment.

That’s why when you see another guy with long hair, there are certain things you know about him. You know he’s been through awkward stage hair, which demonstrates to some degree he doesn’t care what other people think. You know he was willing to bear the temporary discomfort and complete his long hair journey. And he’s probably not a banker.

Man with awkward stage hair looking surprised

How Long Must I Suffer With Awkward Length Hair?

There’s a goal on the horizon: when you can tie it up, you've arrived. But how long will it take? It depends on where you start, how fast your hair grows, and how you take care of it.
Realistically, it will take at least 18 months to get completely free and clear of awkward stage hair.

Most people’s hair grows about a half inch per month. If your hair needs to be at least six inches to tie it up, that puts you at a minimum of one year. Realistically, it will take at least 18 months to get completely free and clear of awkward stage hair.

While you cannot actually make your hair grow faster, there are things you can do to promote faster growth: keep it healthy and strong, avoid breakage, and keep yourself in good health. But no matter what you do, it’s a waiting game.

Man with awkward stage hair looking at the camera

Tactics For Dealing With Awkward Hair Length

Hats & Headwear

The easiest and most obvious method is wearing a hat or a beanie to disguise your awkwardness, and knowing how to use a headband for awkward stage hair is a must. But as we know, these aren’t always acceptable and can’t be relied upon in more formal settings.

Styling Awkward Length Hair

There’s a few things you can try. Parting it can be risky, but worth a shot. You can comb it forward and straight down, but you might look like Lloyd Christmas.

You can slick it straight back, which will require a powerful bonding agent, but using products is a slippery slope with awkward stage hair. It starts to look like you’re trying too hard, like this is actually your intended style, rather than a desperate means to an end.

That’s not even getting into curly hair in the awkward stage.

The safest bet is simply going with a “messy look.” It shows you’re not trying too hard, that this is intentional. It says, “yes, my hair is messy as hell and I’m comfortable with that.” And that portrays confidence.

See these and more, and how to do them in Awkward Stage Hairstyles. Whatever you try, it’s never a bad idea to brush it, comb it, and keep it tidy.

Trimming In The Awkward Stage

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It’s a good idea to trim your hair in the awkward phase, which can help set you up for success growing long hair. Aim to get it cleaned up around the ears and the neck—however, be cautious with any foray into a barber shop or salon; your resolve may be tested.

It’s all covered in, Should You Cut In The Awkward Stage?

Growing Facial Hair

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Not every guy can grow facial hair, but this can help if you’re so endowed. Not only will it take some attention off your awkward stage hair, but it tends to balance the face—in fact we’ve found in our research that a clear majority of longhairs also wear facial hair. Turns out longhairs and beardsmen may be in different clubs, but they go to the same bars.
“Turns out longhairs and beardsmen may be in different clubs, but they go to the same bars.”

Timing It

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Opportune timing can help mitigate the four awkward stage resistance points. Plan your awkward stage hair around a break, holiday, or vacation, where you won’t have business or formal nonsense with expectations for your appearance.

The Naysayers

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Part of a concrete long hair gameplan is responding to negative comments about your hair—and there will be plenty.

First of all, it’s your hair. But it can be helpful to have a prepared statement.

One such response is, “I’m growing long hair to donate it to charity.” This will stop most naysayers in their tracks, but shouldn’t be used cheaply. If you use this to deflect negative comments, you must do so with intent and sincerity.

Beyond that, a confident statement of fact that you’re growing long hair and this is simply part of the journey will serve you well.

The Center For
Awkward Stage Hair
Visit The Center

Other Men’s Awkward Stage Hair Journeys

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In his groundbreaking 3-part series, Andy documents his pilgrimage to long hair, starting with Early Phase Awkward Stage Hair, painfully progressing to Mid Phase Awkward Stage Hair, and mercifully concluding with Late Phase Awkward Stage Hair.
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After getting to know him in An Awkward Interview With An Awkward Guy In The Awkward Stage, El Gnarstavo reveals how he ultimately persevered.
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After cutting and donating his hair to charity, the Co-Founder and President of The Longhairs vlogs his entire odyssey from awkward stage hair to a long flowing mane in his Grow With Moreno series.

And there's an enormous volume of additional awkward stage hair content right over here.

If Not Now…When?

You're growing it out, and you're not turning back. However you mitigate the situation, you must overcome awkward stage hair.

It will be a test of resolve, character and confidence…but you don’t have to do it alone. When you’re ready to get serious, visit The Center For Awkward Stage Hair.

Until then, be proud. Claim it. Rock the shit out of it, and power through the awkward stage with courage and commitment. The Longhairs are waiting for you on the other side.

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The Center For
Awkward Stage Hair
The definitive and unequivocal resource for growing long hair and overcoming the awkward stage, based on the experience of thousands of men who’ve made it through.

FAQ

What is the 'awkward stage' in hair growth?
It's the period when hair is too long to be short and too short to be long, often looking unruly and hard to style.

How long does the awkward stage last?
Typically, it lasts for a few months to a year, depending on hair growth rate and personal hair goals.

Can I speed up my hair growth during this stage?
While you can't significantly speed up growth, maintaining a healthy diet and proper hair care can promote optimal growth.

What are the best ways to style hair during the awkward stage?
Hats, headbands, and light styling products can help manage hair during this phase. Experiment with different styles to find what works for you.

Should I get my hair cut while growing it out?
Occasional trims can keep your hair healthy and manageable without significantly slowing growth.

Who Are These Guys?

Learn More

Comments

  1. I’ve been rocking that buzzed on the sides, long on top look for a few years now and want to grow my hair out again. I’m two months in, and am getting into that scraggly over the ears phase. I’m a bit worried though, because last time I went to a barber he not only buzzed the sides, but also buzzed the flyaway hairs on top. I’m just thinking this will look bad when it eventually gets long enough to tie it, since those front hairs won’t be long enough and will just look like bangs. Should I go get it cut one more time to make all the top hairs an even length or just keep growing? Thanks

    1. Author

      Yo Dough! My advice is, resist cutting it as long as you can. A lot of guys want to try and mitigate it by going to the barber, and truthfully that’s where long hair dreams go to die. Hang in there as long as you can without cutting. If it gets so bad you can’t handle it, go in there and ask your guy or gal to simply clean it up around the ears and the back of the neck.

      Seriously, if you want to grow it long, you have to bear through it, and the truth is it’s going to look bad for some time. With you situation, being longer on top, it will even out eventually. If you get to a point when just have to trim it to even things out, you’ll know. You’re not going to solve any problems in the meantime by cutting it, and you’ll risk resorting back to the 9-5.

      Just our thoughts hombre! Thanks for writing in man!

  2. I have been saved! Was on the verge of going for a chop as the hair is getting a bit out of control. Very very glad I googled this and found your page, cheers man! The hair stays on!!

    1. YES DAZ! You got this man, happy we were able to throw you the life line.

  3. I’m going to live my comment in here. First of all thank you so much for this article. It definitely helped me deal with my awkward stage. I had let my hair grow a little long all my life. Usually like 3 to 4 months and then I cut it very short. It was I believe since November of last year that had my last haircut and I decided on December to let it grow out. So now I’m in about the time when I usually get it cut and the temptation is there. My biggest problem is that I’m single right now and trying to go on dates. My concern is that this awkward stage could hurt me in my single life. I don’t want to go on dates and have girls see me and think that I look dirty and not well groom. I was thinking of going to the barber and explain my plan and let then cut the neck and ears area but I don’t know if that would be enough. I can’t were a hat to a date. So far girls like my hair but is going to get so much more awkward and dirty that I feel it will mess with my confidence. I also so tired of taking my hair out my face. I’m constantly pulling my hair out my face all day every day. I feel like it starting to annoy people. It definitely annoys me. Hopefully you have an advice for us single men going on this awkward journey. Anyway thanks again for the encouragement.

    1. Author

      Manuel,

      This is a familiar and well-documented problem, my friend.

      My best advice: women are attracted to confidence. If the confidence comes from within, it doesn’t matter if you’re in the awkward stage. Go forth on dates with confidence and belief in yourself, and the path you’re on.

      That said, not a bad idea to trim it up around the ears and neck!

      Thanks for writing in man.

  4. Been growing mine for a year and two months now. My hair clumps and curls at the ends, which has irritated me, though I’m not far off being able to tie it all completely back. I’m down to about shoulder length’ish. The back goes down to the back – inbetween the shoulder blades kinda, or at least at the start. Sides are down to my jaw, front was lacking but it’s catching up. It’s well been worth the journey.

  5. I have a good hair, and i started growing it since last november, i really can’t control it, it falls on my face and the wind ”ohh god” make it disaster.

  6. So I shaved off all of my hair because I got bored about 3 months ago, I kept shaving it until I got bored again, so now I’m growing it out, but it’s already going through the awkward stage. It’s barely an inch long but I feel like I look like squidward because the sides are sticking out and my head is small. Should I shave the sides and the back or just leave it be? It’s warm here and I can’t really wear beanies anymore and hats just don’t suit me.

  7. Been powering through for a while now and have been tempted to get it cut short over the last few days. This site put me back on track though, thank you! My hair is very straight and quite thin so pulling it back tight isn’t a good look, I reckon I’ll need a nice loose bun which will require more growth. Here’s to a few more months of looking like a muppet.

    https://postimg.org/image/alcf974if/

    1. Author

      Yo James! You’re right on track man. Glad you found us, keep the courage!

  8. After 10 months of letting it do its thing I can get a full but pretty weak bun. Don’t have the confidence to wear it in public yet because it doesn’t look clean on the sides. Been seriously doubting myself just thinking I could look just look good with short hair and not look weird for the ladies since I’m in college. Was thinking of getting it cut, just found this page, and now hate myself for even considering it. Thanks for the motivation everyone!

    1. Author

      LB hell yeah! Sounds like you found us just in time.

      Keep lettin it ride. I got to that point in college myself, and sadly cut it for the same reasons. I wish I’d had the intestinal fortitude to stick with it, which only came 10 years later.

      Thanks for writing in, glad to have ya here!

  9. Just commenting to say thanks, wish i’d found this last year when my ex told me to get a haircut, and i stupidly did.

  10. Hey guys, been trying to grow my hair out since last April, and the only thing that’s stopped me from getting it cut(apart from a single maintenance trim in October) has been your this one post! But I really need your help now! I’m bang in the middle of the awkward stage and I’m clueless as to how to style my hair. It’s very very thick and dense and wavy. I usually go with the Alice band, but the sides and back stick out prominently now and looks weird. Would it work if I used an alice band for the top and tie up the back? Or would you recommend cleaning up the back and sides? Any help would be greatly appreciated! Here’s a picture for reference. (http://imgur.com/a/2vBxp ) Sorry for the amateur compiling.

    Keep being an inspiration! Thanks a lot!

    1. Author

      Yo Thraddis!

      Thanks for writing in man! You were serious about thick, dense and wavy.

      Honestly I think it looks great. It’s a little wild, sure, but authentic. You could definitely get it cleaned up around the ears and neck. That’s not so say get it trimmed, just cleaned up. Getting a trim is really just going to set you back.

      You might try some sea salt spray, just to give you a little volume and texture. Beardbrand makes a good one.

      Hope this helps man, you’re almost in the clear!

      1. Sup Rubio!

        Thanks a lot for replying, man. Now I know what to expect and ask for from my next visit to the salon. Bit of a dumb question, but what exactly do you mean clean up, how is it different from trimming? So that I don’t make any mistake when talking to my barber.

        And, are you sure I could use the salt-spray? I live by the beach, and I’ve got a fair bit of volume going on anyway!

        Thanks again, gentlemen. I couldn’t have come this far without coming back to read this post several times the last year!

        1. Author

          Thraddis!

          Not a dumb question at all. When I say “clean it up,” I mean to trim the baby hairs and bullshit surrounding your ears and the base of your neck, the hairs that don’t grow to full maturity anyway. You can also shave the back of your neck, that’s what I do, but some guys like to just let that grow.

          When you go to the salon, explain to them that you want to keep the length, and just clean up those areas.

          Yes, haha I can see you have plenty of volume already. Truthfully I don’t know for certain how your hair will react to the sea salt spray, but it will definitely give you some texture and a little more ability to manipulate it. It’s not full on gel, to where it’s going to plaster your hair, but will give you a little bit more control, rather than living in the wild. I think it would be worth a shot.

          Glad to have you here amigo!

  11. My journey of long hair has definitely had its ups and downs. I started growing out my hair about 10 months ago. It started off about 2 or 3 inches on top tapered down to a no gaurd on the sides. I stopped cutting the top and cut the sides for a while to convince myself i could go through with this. Slowly I started letting some of the sides grow out until I finally stopped cutting the sides about 4 months ago. By that time I only cut around the ears and back of the neck. Now i do nothing. The top is 7 or 8 inches and the sides are miscellaneous in length. Top sides are about 5 inches and it steadily goes down to 1 inch right above the ears. Letting my hair grow this way was my way of getting through this awkward stage that i still go through on a daily basis. I can tie my top up now but the most of my side hair are to short so i combat that with a bandana or hair band. It looks great and gives the illusion that my hair is long enough. If you get comments on the new look it will fade away after a month. People were confused at first but now thats my style and I don’t get shit from anyone. I have a way to go but this is exciting for me and i cant wait to be in the long hair club.

    1. Josh thanks for the share man, helpful techniques and solid advice. Welcome to The Longhairs.

  12. I was going to get my hair cut today because I had just gotten sick of the way my hair would not look good no matter what I did. I have been covering my head with hats for a month or two and before I used them I had been pasting my hair almost everyday in different forms to try and look presentable. I had decided early today that it had to go, but my day got super busy after coming home from work and long story short it didn’t end up happening. I started growing my hair out for a really strange reason that I feel is original as I have never heard of anyone else doing it before. And I can’t tell you how much I appreciate finding this site on a whim to somehow figure out how to make my hair look good through this stage, and instead finding you all! So thank you for the encouragement and for all the tips and tricks guys! You saved my hair and one dream of mine!

    1. Author

      D-Money! YOU ARE THE REASON! Ha! Glad you found us, and just in time. Keep the dream alive amigo, we’ll be here all the way! Would like to hear about this dream of yours too.

  13. Hey guys, stumbled upon this thread while doing an one search on awkward stage of long hair. I want to see if you guys can let me know if I’m on the weird stage yet, I can’t really tell. I get the sides cut and leave the top the same since I think it looks weird when my sides are long, I’ll probably grow them out later on. But for now I’m focusing on the top, also I don’t really know how to style it so I just leave it as a natural look, I’ll sometimes also do this as a middle parting, I don’t know if it looks weird but I can’t really do anything with my hair since it’s at a weird unknown stage to me right now. Any advice on what I could do also any advice on caring for my hair from the pictures I’ve linked below. http://imgur.com/a/TWECE
    Although I get the urge to just get it all cut short I really want to stick with it even though I may look weird now.

    1. Author

      Yo TG!

      You’re going to run into an interesting situation here with your sides kept short. This temporarily mitigates the awkward stage, because things don’t get really weird until you grow the sides out, but eventually you have to face it. If you had the same length all the way around, you’d be full in the awkward stage by now, almost through it even. If you plan to grow it out all the way around, you might as well get the sides going sooner than later.

      1. Hey ma dudes, I’ve had short hair for many years, but decided to grow it out (after man that failed attempts)!

        I’ve got to the 8 month mark and it sucks! Luckily I have very thick, curly hair, which looks like an afro when washed and dried.

        My question is whether I should get it tidied up? I grew it from almost bold (2 all over) and I get the feeling it needs to be trimmed to evening it out? Or should I just hold out and ignore all the comments (“oi sideshow Bob” being a personal favourite)

        Cheers dudes!

        1. Author

          Haha! Griffin man, glad to read the confidence in your voice. A lot of guys with thick, curly hair say it’s harder for them to grow because of the fro-factor. But you seem to embrace it—even w/ the Sideshow Bob comments lol.

          To your question, it’s not a bad idea to get it tidied up. Go to a salon or hair professional you trust. Tell them you’re just trying to get it cleaned up, but keeping the length. “I basically want to look exactly like I do now, just a little neater” is a good line to use.

          Typically you just need a little action around the ears and the back of the neck; some pros will want to “even it out” or take “a little” length off elsewhere. Just be cautious with that, you don’t want to end up with six inches of dead fallen soldiers on the barbershop floor.

          Thanks for writing in man. Your courage is enviable, keep lettin it ride!

  14. So ive been growing ot out for 6 months but staryed off with somewhat long hair on top. Ive got three questions. I have straight thin hair and started noticing the hair on my back is wavy and looks like i have wi gs from the front view. Can anything be done to avoid wings? Also, ive been losing alot of hair and even though ive been preventing it, will it affect my long hair in the future? By this im asking if my hair will be more flat with less volume in the future since ive lost so much. And my ladt question is 4 years ago i cut a few hairs in the front of my hairline but they never seemed to grow long again. So basically no matter how long my hair is, i have a few baby hairs near my hairline. What can i do about those? Will they ever grow? Thanks in advance

    1. Hey Paul. For your first question it kinda depends on how long your hair is. It sounds like it may be getting close to the shoulders, if so those waves are pretty standard for that length. You’re really getting close to the end of the awkward stage. Once it’s on your shoulders it should drape down a bit more because of the weight. To avoid that you can straighten it I guess but not highly recommended. Losing hair is typical with longer hair. I lose tons everyday. It’s totally natural, you are just noticing it more because your hair is longer and for every hair you lose there is more growing. As long as you’re not going bald you should be fine. Your last question is interesting, do you wear hats a lot? That could be preventing those little front hairs from growing cause the simply continue to break.

  15. Yo, Longhairs!

    Got something of a problem/soon to be code red concerning my awkward stage hair(currently at 6.5 months!)

    Anywho, got a wedding to go to in approximately 2 months, putting me right at 8.5 months into the longhair journey.

    Now, I know that’s right at the cusp of that worst three month period of growing long hair, so my question is as follows… any suggestions as far as how I MIGHT be able to make this mop look decent enough to go to said wedding?

    Any help would be GREATLY appreciated bro’s!

    1. Author

      Thank goodness this is the REAL JP. And yes, sounds like a potential code red coming in hot. I don’t know what kind of hair you have, but here are some general tips for you:

      First thing I would consider in your situation is to get the hair cleaned up around your ears and neck before the wedding. That will at least keep things tidy.

      Next, unless you’ve tried it before and you really like it, I wouldn’t slick it back using tons of product. It’s just too risky.

      What I would try is getting a hold of some type of volumizing spray product, like sea salt spray. There are lots of brands but Beardbrand makes a good one: https://www.beardbrand.com/products/blank-slate-sea-salt-spray

      The idea here is to go with the “messy” look. Spray it in, shake it out, let the chips fall where they may. It won’t look like you’re trying too hard (and failing), but rather a natural, IDGAF look, that with confidence and a little luck, will get you a pass for the wedding. Shoot, it might even the equalizer that has brides maids chasing you all night.

      Let us know what you do with it, amigo! Would love to hear how it turns out.

      Keep lettin’ it ride!

  16. Im a 14 year old boy i like my long hair it’s almost at my shoulder my brother says im too femine too grow now without facial hair should i listen to him or just rock the medium long hair

  17. Hi I have straight and Long hair before I cut it short a few days ago… my sides used to be really Long covering my ears but now it’s really short and I don’t like it.. my fringe was covering my eyes before and now it short too.. I made a huge mistake of cutting it off… why didn’t I just stayed with it?

    1. Author

      We feel ya man. It’s tough to stick through. All you can do is start over!

  18. Hello, I have curly/wavy hair, and I’m in my fifth month without a cut. The problem is that I can’t control it at all. If I comb it the curls separate creating a cloud of hair that can’t be controlled, and if I style it with mi fingers it won’t go were I want it ti go and even some of the curls will separate. And I don’t know how to keep de mullets from coming out.
    Any advice?

    1. Author

      Best advice is to wear a hat or a beanie man! The truth is, you will have to get through this awkward stage until your hair gets long enough and starts to fall. The best thing you can do is try to mitigate it in the meantime. Keep lettin’ it ride man, you’ll make it through.

  19. Hey! I started my journey about 8 moths ago and I can kinda get it in a bun but for some reason (I don’t know if this is normal) some of the hairs in my sides are hella short.The hairs I’m talking about are the ones right besides the ear, or where the beard connects with the hair. I have no clue on how to describe my hair, I would describe it between wavy and curly? I really don’t know. Anyways, when I tie it up in a bun those short hairs stick out cause I can’t even tuck them behind my ear, that little part just curls up. I know it’s only been 8 months, but is having these really short hairs normal? I don’t blowdry my hair or put product in it, besides some leave-in conditioner. Also I have a lot of baby hairs at the beggining of the hairline in my forehead and they just poof up when I tie it up. Any suggestions or advice would be appreciated, thanks!

  20. hey all, me again. doing pretty well growing so far. just looking for advice: I’m white but my hair can get so curly and poofy sometimes it literally looks like I’m trying to grow an afro. I’ve straightened it before and it looks fine but it’s a hassle to do on a regular basis. any tips?

  21. Worst mistake of my life: cutting my hair. Now it’s in the awkward stage, and taking forever to grow. Why didn’t I just keep it? ?

    1. Author

      We all have to learn these lessons in life. Fortunately it will grow back, and you’ve got your longhaired brethren pulling for you.

  22. Ah. So that’s what the awkward stage is. I think, then, i was recently in it — I recently received a mild trim and undercut, to look sharpish for a wedding — but never really felt all that awkward about it. Though, granted, my sides could not make it into a tail. So that was lame. :p

    I did get occassional comments, but im fairly certain its because my sides and back hair start to curl out as they approach just a few inches in length. Any tips on controling that?

    Otherwise i may just go against reccomendations and keep the undercut around.

  23. 4.5 months in now… getting to where even with a hat, I’m getting the fly-always.

    Next clean up/trim is at the end of the year.

    Just gotta keep telling myself “So far so good!”

  24. Hey Guys,
    About 4 months back I started growing my hair for a Top-Knot hair style. I started with around 1.5inch long hair on the top. I get the sides trimmed down for an undercut once in two weeks. I have been using American Crew fiber for slick back (sometimes side slick) under cut hairstyle. I wash off the product and condition my hair with a coconut base hair conditioner everyday. I haven’t noticed any thinning or hair fall.

    After the hair has dried off, I use sort of a skull cap, to keep my hair slicked back. But once I remove it and let it out to the wind, it gets dense and looks messy. That is acceptable when am at home, but I cant go to office like that.

    I have a minor bump in this journey.

    The hair on the front part is about 4.5 inches and at the back is almost 5.5 to 6 inches (this has something to do with my hairstyle before i started letting it grow long). My hair grows at pretty good rate and am guessing its about 5-6 weeks before everything touches the 6 inches mark.

    My questions:
    1- If I want to stop using the product, would you recommend using a hair band at this point of the journey? If so, could someone point me with some links where I could buy fashionable ones. (I live in the Netherlands).
    2- Am I making any mistake which can have a long term side effect to my hair ?(I really love my hair, cant imagine loosing it, btw am 27 years old)

    Note: am also growing a long beard for about the same time now. I must say beard has been much easier.

    So am in this bigger awkward stage than most of the guys, trying for a beard and long hair. Though I don’t care much about what people think. My work doesn’t demand that I be highly presentable, but I think I can sail through this without getting fired (they are not allowed to fire me based on my appearance).

    I generally don’t post on forums, but this one has been extremely informative in terms of content and comments.
    So by the end of this post, I think I have put out more information, than on my Facebook profile.

    Sorry for the long post, here’s a potato: http://oregonaitc.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/potato.jpg

    Thank you for reading.

    1. Yo Shash! HAHA “I think I have put out more information than on my Facebook”

      To answer your questions:
      1. Stop using the gel and start just letting in flow, let those undercut sides start growing back out. It’s going to take a while to get there but use hats, beanies and headbands to hold things up as you power through that side growth. As for the ties, if you can tie it up you need to be using Hair Ties For Guys they’re fashionable, strong and built for men.
      2. From the sounds of it I don’t think you are doing anything alarming. You could probably ease up on the daily washing, let some of those natural oils build up in your hair and brush them through. Give it a wash 2-3 times per week max, you’ll probably see a big difference in the texture and behavior of your hair.

      Killer potato!

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