So you’ve been rocking a fade the last few years—it’s your go-to for a big meeting, first date or whenever you want to feel fresh. And yet, even though you’ve nailed the exact lengths that work for your face shape, you can’t help but wonder: is it time to change it up?
It was certainly the question on my boyfriend’s mind, right after his usual fortnightly cut. “It might not work,” he says. By ‘it’ he means a modern mullet. His face is softer, after all, and he’s only ever seen it on people with sharper jawlines and higher cheekbones. But seeing as everyone’s moving away from skin fades and crossing into shaggier territory, the draw was irresistible. I looked at his full head of luscious 3A curls and thought: I can see it. Maybe in a Connor Storrie-mullet way. In any case, after years of the reliable low-taper fade, it was certainly worth the shot.
Sure, growing out your hair isn’t exactly a new thing—perhaps you were rocking a manbun in 2015, or a traditional mullet in the ‘90s. But it’s different this time. Where mullets used to be defined by flat tops and shaggy lengths, the modern version is well-blended in body and crisp around the edges. Then there’s the flow cut: suave, wavy layers that seem to move in slow-motion. Maybe it’s the Jacob Elordi effect, or maybe it’s the ‘90s nostalgia infecting us all, but no matter how you slice—or cut—it, long locks just feel so masculine right now. As opposed to buzzcuts and neat trims, having more hair gives you more room to play and experiment. Under the female gaze, it’s romantic: tousled, undone and soft. Picture it paired with an unbuttoned white shirt and you have the embodiment of vulnerability and sensitivity. Imagine it paired with sharp tailoring, and it’s instant heartthrob material. Beyond that, there’s just something so timelessly confident about letting your luscious mane do all the talking. In all cases, as the saying goes, hair looks sexy pushed back—and even sexier with tendrils peeking out from the back of the head. Lest we forget, Zayn’s iconic loose curl is as seductive as it is because it’s juxtaposed with long layers.
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Now comes the execution. I’d venture to say there’s a way to make grown out hair work for any face shape—as long as you consult with a trusted barber and understand your features well. Keeping the sides tight can help retain shape for rounder features, while flowy layers work to soften diamond or oblong faces. Then there’s the question of length, which can vary by section and be tailored to fit your head shape and hair type. As for your hair type, it might help if your hair is coarser in texture and more voluminous in nature, but these can easily be recreated with the right hair styling products and tools. You could even consider a perm, if your hair type naturally falls flat and you’re going for a different look.
Of course, before you get to that stage, you’ll need to endure the awkward phase. That means letting your hair grow out, especially if you started with a buzzcut or skin fade. Since you’ll need to grow out enough hair before it can be shaped, patience is key here. And while you might not think it’s necessary, the maintenance cuts are important because layers can only be achieved over time. With over 15 years of experience under his belt, barber Muffyn Liuliu reminds us all of the virtue of adaptability—you’ll have to learn how your hair behaves as it gets longer, and you may need to change up your shampoo and blow dry routine as you transition from stage to stage. Ultimately, as the old adage goes: trust the process.
@tangy_nutzShout out to the ones that’s been here since my bald era. 2 times for the ones who trusted the process. Somebody sttoooop him. 🇰🇷🇰🇷♬ 055 – Westside Gunn
And if you weren’t already doing it, committing to longer hair means you’ll need to put in the work to style it. A nifty round brush and hair dryer combo brings shine out of freshly washed hair. Hair clays, curl creams and sea salt sprays can lend a hand in adding volume and hold to your hair. Whether you’re slicking your straight strands back or scrunching to create curls, it’ll take some trial and error, but all good things take time and practice. Thereafter, the world’s your oyster—think bleached streaks, middle partings, spiked ends, blunt-cut mod bangs and more.
@filiplamprechtStyling 🌊♬ Hell Yeah – Old Man Saxon
Ultimately, maybe everyone’s desire to grow out their hair signals a departure from looksmaxxing. Rather than optimising your appearance to achieve the most flattering look, it’s more about finding and creating the look that makes you feel most like yourself. Here to help you do the heavy lifting is a protein-loaded helping of hair inspo, from the ‘90s gods, red carpet heartthrobs and couture runways. Our verdict? Take this as a sign to let your hair grow out, at least this once.
1 / 12
Jacob Elordi
2 / 12
Connor Storrie
3 / 12
Saint Levant
4 / 12
Dino of Seventeen
5 / 12
Oscar Isaac
6 / 12
Felix of Stray Kids
7 / 12
Dev Patel
8 / 12
Austin Butler
9 / 12
Dex
10 / 12
Kartik Research fall/winter 2026
11 / 12
Zayn Malik
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