Alright, let’s talk about this whole “professional mens hairstyles long” thing. It’s funny, because for ages, the idea of long hair in a so-called ‘professional’ setting was almost a joke. Like, you’d be laughed out of the boardroom. But times change, or maybe I just got stubborn. I decided to go for it, and man, it was a journey.
Getting Started – The “Why Not?” Phase
I remember just getting tired of the same old short back and sides. Every couple of weeks, back to the barber. It felt like a chore. I saw a few guys, online mostly, rocking longer hair and still looking sharp, put-together. And I thought, “Why not me?” It wasn’t some grand plan at first, more like I just stopped getting haircuts as frequently. Laziness, maybe, at the beginning, that then turned into a conscious decision.
The Awkward Stage – My Arch Nemesis
This part is the real test, folks. Seriously. There’s this in-between length where it’s too long to be neat and tidy in the old way, but too short to properly tie back or style effectively. My hair just sort of… existed. Poking out, doing its own thing. I think I single-handedly kept the hat industry afloat for a few months. Lots of “just got back from the gym” looks, even when I hadn’t been near one. My colleagues definitely gave me some looks. Some polite inquiries, “Growing it out, are we?” Others, well, less polite. You just gotta power through. I remember thinking, “Is this even worth it?” a dozen times.
Finding My Groove – Experimentation Time
Once it got past my shoulders, things got a bit easier. Suddenly, options! I started playing around.
- The Slick-Back: This was my first go-to for looking ‘serious’. Bit of product, comb it back. Boom. Instant “I mean business” (or so I hoped).
- The Low Ponytail: Simple, effective. Kept it out of my face. Felt a bit more relaxed but still tidy.
- The Man Bun (Yes, I Went There): Okay, okay, I know. But sometimes, on a busy day, it was just practical. High bun, low bun, messy bun – tried them all. Not always for the office, mind you. More for when I was deep in thought and didn’t want any distractions.
I actually went to a stylist, not just a barber, once I had some length to work with. That was a game-changer. They showed me how to manage it, suggested some subtle layers to give it shape so it wasn’t just a flat curtain. Highly recommend this step. Don’t just let it grow wild like a forgotten Chia Pet.
Daily Grind – The Maintenance Question
People think long hair is high maintenance. And yeah, it can be, but it’s a different kind of maintenance. Washing it takes longer, for sure. And you actually have to use conditioner, imagine that! I found a good shampoo and conditioner, nothing too fancy. The biggest thing was learning not to mess with it too much. Let it air dry when possible. A bit of leave-in conditioner or a light oil helped keep the frizz down, especially when I was trying to look presentable for meetings.
Honestly, it wasn’t that much more effort than constantly worrying about my short hair looking perfect. With short hair, if one bit was out of place, the whole look was off. With long hair, there’s a bit more leeway, as long as it’s clean and generally neat.
The “Professional” Verdict – Did It Work?
So, how did it go down in the office? Surprisingly well, for the most part. I think the key was confidence and making sure it was always neat. If I had a big presentation, I’d make sure it was tied back cleanly or styled. No bedhead in the boardroom.
There were definitely a few old-school types who probably thought I was having a mid-life crisis or trying to join a rock band. I got a few “interesting haircut” comments, which I just took with a smile. But mostly, people got used to it. My work spoke for itself, and the hair just became… part of my look.
It’s funny, the whole definition of “professional” is so darn arbitrary sometimes. Like, a particular haircut is going to make me better or worse at my job? Come on. As long as you’re clean, tidy, and doing good work, the length of your hair shouldn’t be the defining factor. I found that if I carried myself professionally, the hair was a non-issue. Or maybe they just got tired of commenting.
Looking Back – Worth It?
Absolutely. I feel more like myself. It’s a bit more effort in some ways, less in others. But I like it. My advice? If you’re thinking about it, go for it. Brace yourself for the awkward stage. Invest in some good hair ties and maybe a decent product or two. And own it. If you treat it like it’s professional, others will too. Mostly. There will always be that one guy, but hey, you can’t please everyone, right?
It’s not about following a trend, it’s about finding what works for you, even within the often-stuffy confines of the “professional” world. And for me, a bit more length just felt right. Plus, no more fortnightly barber visits unless I want a trim. That’s a win in my book.