A fresh haircut can give you an instant confidence boost, but it’s also frustratingly fleeting. How can you keep your hair looking clean and sharp long after you leave the barber’s chair? Quite frankly, you can’t. Not exactly. Routine trims are recommended for a reason. However, carefully choosing your haircut and employing some grooming tricks can make a big difference. If you want to learn how to make a haircut last longer, scroll down for some practical tips. With a bit of maintenance and some well-timed visits to the barber, you can keep your style looking fresh and avoid that dreaded scruffy phase altogether.
Tips to Keep Your Hair Looking Sharper for Longer
Choose a long-lasting style that grows out well.
Some haircuts grow out more gracefully than others. Talk to your barber about your options, and make sure to mention that you’re concerned about how your hair will hold its shape over time. The following haircuts tend to work well if you’re aiming for a reliable, versatile, and long-lasting look:
- Crew cuts grow out evenly and stay neat for weeks, making them ideal for men who want a clean, shorter look with minimal upkeep.
- Textured crops embrace the hair’s natural texture. Their messy, choppy style works well even as your hair grows, making them look intentional instead of unkempt.
- Classics tapers grow out smoothly and maintain their shape without harsh lines. They feature gradual fading on the sides and a bit more length on top.
- Medium-length cuts, like layered, side-parted styles and loose pompadours, work well as they grow because they have some looseness from the start.
- Buzz cuts with a fade maintain a clean edge for a while, and even as they fade, the shape remains balanced and low-maintenance.
Conduct a little at-home maintenance.
If you’re often annoyed by how quickly your sharp haircut fades into untidiness, try doing a little upkeep yourself. Using clippers or a trimmer, clean up your neckline, sideburns, and around your ears. If you don’t have the right mirror or hand-eye coordination for this, ask a friend or family member to help you out. This weekly or biweekly maintenance can keep your cut looking brand-new for much longer — but be careful and go slow. You don’t want to bite off more than you meant to!
Keep your facial hair well-groomed.
Sometimes, unkempt facial hair can make your whole appearance look untidy. If you have a beard or stubble, keep it clean and properly trimmed. If you prefer to go clean-shaven, focus on proper pre-shave prep, shaving technique, and post-shave care to ensure your skin is smooth and soft.
Use the right shampoo, conditioner, and styling products.
Clean hair doesn’t just look better — it styles better too. Look for gentle shampoos and conditioners that suit your hair type and will keep your hair healthy and strong. When it comes to styling, look for versatile products that will work with your cut as it grows. Keep in mind that you may need to change how you style your hair as it grows out and becomes more unruly. Lightweight pomades, matte clays, and texturizing sprays are often good choices because they can help control volume and create texture.
Book strategic trims.
If you’re wondering how to make a haircut last longer, the tips above will help. They’ll keep your hair looking sharp and neat, so it retains that freshly cut look for days or weeks after your initial appointment. But to maintain the style, you need to schedule periodic trims. Depending on your hair type and cut, you’ll probably need a haircut every three to five weeks. These appointments will ensure your hair always looks intentional, not overgrown.
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Tragically, we can’t all enjoy freshly cut hair every day. But if you use the tips above, you can keep your hair looker sharper for longer.
Looking for a barber shop that promises good vibes and a quality cut? If you live in Missouri, Kansas, Arkansas, or Oklahoma, stop by your neighborhood Hudson / Hawk. In our modern, comfortable spaces, people of all ages enjoy stylish haircuts and good conversation. We offer a variety of cuts — from zero fades to shear cuts and everything in between — as well as shaves, beard grooming, and waxing. Book your next haircut today.