Long Lustrous Locks

‘Tune in and grow out!’

Maybe it’s this years 21st anniversary of Nirvanas’ album Nevermind or perhaps Brad Pitts appearance at the Oscars? Whichever way you look at it, long locks are having a moment. A welcome alternative to the current rash of sharp slick or structured cuts, this grown out style gives the wearer the option to tune in and drop out…..

Surfers and hobos are great inspiration for this ‘laid back’ look but it will also need some maintenance! Tracie Cant, hairdresser suggests it’s ‘about suitability’ like most women she hates ‘hair that’s thinning on top and wisping around the shoulders’ Her products of choice for a fresh beachy look are Bumble and Bumble Surf Spray or Kiehl’s Silk Groom and Bumble for a more groomed but still laid back feel.

Perhaps guys are tuning in and ‘growing out’ as a reaction to our economic times? Paul Windle at Windle & Moodie thinks so and sees ‘people thinking of alternative and softer ways to live’. If your long locks get large he suggests running flat irons randomly through the hair (Windle and Moodie have some great small irons that work). Droopers should reach for the dry shampoo for their limp locks. Bumble and Bumble Powder ( in a range of colours) will also help to compensate for the hair washing which can ‘make the scalp secrete more oil’

Don’t go too heavy on those products though guys, there is nothing sexier than clean glossy hair! Carmelo at Melogy suggests the touch test ‘you want to be able to put you hands through or your partner too!’ He thinks a dab of styling mousse and limited use of a hair dryer will suffice, or alternatively a ‘light hold grooming cream which is not greasy’ American Crew have a great one. City slickers may even be able to get away with medium long hair looking natural and healthy!

The last word goes to Deborah Gayle at The Refinery who sees plenty of sportsmen with long hair, she also knows that like women their hair will need regular cuts to tackle split and thin ends ‘using a good shampoo and conditioner and get regular hair treatments’ is crucial to keep the hair shiny and well-conditioned. Her in salon choice is Philip Kingsley Moisture Balance Shampoo and Conditioner and Philip Kingsley Extreme Hair Treatments, guys like them because they work.

So guys that’s the ‘skinny’ on long. Headbanging is fine, but no -one likes split ends or hair that smells like teen spirit!

Read our guide to the best hair oils that will keep long locks looking lustrous: http://thegroomingguide.com/six-of-the-best/six-of-the-best-hair-oils/

Nick Cox

Aditional Research: Chalotte Clarke

Catwalk images (L-R) Nicholas K, Marc Jacobs and John Vavartos

26 August, 2012 Tags: alternative, Bumble and Bumble, grown out, healthy, long locks, lustrous, natural, shiny, sportsmen, surfers, teen spirit, The Refinery, treatments, well-conditioned