Since one’s physical appearance is the most common component that shapes one’s first impression, ensuring that you’re in shape, wearing outfits with complementary colours, and having admirable body language can be useful to shape engaging first encounters. Wearing the right hairstyle is also advised.
When it comes to hair, you can either grow it out or keep it manageable. However, if you’re unsure what suits you better as a man, know that the issue ends here!
Contemplating between short hair and long hair can feel quite conflicting, as both options carry tons of positives despite being significantly different in terms of length. With enough information, however, making the correct decision should be as easy as pie.
To learn all about the contrast between and prominence of long hair and short hair in men’s fashion, don’t forget to read this article to the fullest extent.
Table of Contents
Short Hair: The Purpose, Variants, and Selling Point Of This Look
Back in the day, shorter hair was known for comprising more masculine qualities. However, short hair doesn’t just fit in one box anymore, but can blend with multiple occasions and be used to carry multiple qualities in the present day.
When the strands are displayed with a close shave or contain 2-3 inches on top, the overall look meets the requirements for short hair. Although the strands lack length, short hair has a habit of looking thicker than it actually is, being a lifesaver for those suffering from hair loss.
Since short hair is quite easy to manage in contrast to long hair, it is a common find among the people of the law. As the strands also dry quickly and provide more aerodynamics, short hair is also a top pick for those that partake in physically-intensive activities regularly, such as athletes.
Perhaps the selling point of short hair isn’t just how much density it offers, but also the versatility it gives to one’s cuticles. From buzz cuts to crop cuts to textured cuts, short hair can welcome multiple designs in a jiffy. When short, the strands also look better with highlights and vibrant hair dyes.
Despite being easier to maintain and enhancing the density of hair, short hair, too, comes with a fair share of challenges.
The most notable drawback of short hair is that it doesn’t suit everyone. More often than not, short hair tends to benefit those with narrow face shapes over enthusiasts with rounder ones. When replicated by those with chubby cheeks, short hair typically makes the facial structure rounder and more noticeable.
Another repercussion of short hair is its maintenance routine, which involves regular cuts. When grown out, short hair can look awkward or out of place, an issue that can only be handled with a quick snip.
All in all, despite having limitations, short hair could change a man’s life for the better, mainly by providing a quick styling routine, offering more room for experiments, and highlighting the distinct features of the face.
Short Hair Example
Short hair helps those with fine to thin hair on average, but can also be a good look to try out for a masculine effect. Additionally, short hair can also cut down the styling process, offering quick post and pre-shower rituals at the same time.
To find success with short hair, wearing a look that benefits your hair type and face shape is a necessity. And if you’re in dire need of some options, be sure to give the following designs a view.
Triple Zero Buzz Cut
From all the designs it offers, a buzz cut looks best when formed to display a triple zero length. The look not only hides signs of balding, but is also regarded as a masculine hairdo that caters to any hair type and face shape. It’s a great look for any season, offering a styling routine that is almost non-existent.
The supporting design really shapes the success of this look. While a low fade can help the jawline. A high fade can bring more attention to the T-area, as well as the cheekbones.
Tapered Hard Part
Rocking with cropped hair with tons of angles is also rather popular and a prime example of how convenient and effective short hair tends to be. And if you’d like to bring more attention to the leaner areas of your hair, a tapered hard part can be the solution to your problems.
A tapered hard part carries a fair amount of volume, and caters to any hair type as long as the right styling product is used. The hair seems unbreakable when under unfavorable circumstances, which can be a diamond in the rough at high-profile events.
Polished Flow with Natural Low Taper
If you’ve got somewhat curly to wavy hair (2a to 3c), styling your hair can be a walk in the park. Additionally, if you’d like a design that is low maintenance and just needs a little bit of hair clay to stay in place, go for a bro flow.
A bro flow is great for everyday use. It has ample amounts of volume, a decent hold, and is rather sophisticated in the modern era. It pairs well with suits as well as casual getups, garnering attention everywhere it goes.
Long Hair: Formative Years And Current Place In Men’s Fashion
While long hair was initially a staple in women’s fashion during the beginning, it eventually grew on and found tons of success in the lives of men.
Once the hair pieces cross the length of one’s shoulder, they are often labelled as long hair. The strands are quite heavy on the scalp, but make up for that matter by being malleable with a series of hairstyles.
While the length of the long hair mostly shapes the list of hairstyles one can mimic. However, regardless of density, some of the prominent looks that can be replicated with long hair with ease are bro flows, modern slick backs, man buns, and the curtain look. In most scenarios, wearing braids is also possible.
Having long hair can be a blessing at a 9 to 5, as it typically makes any man look more sophisticated and eloquent. The strands are also great for those with chubby faces, as a significant part of one’s facial structure can be covered with the grown-out layers, giving the face a slimming effect as a result. In addition to having the necessary equipment for pulling off a series of looks, long hair is also compatible, with fades, undercuts, and tapers, further adding to its likability.
However, every positive comes with a negative, and while long hair is relatively easy to style, its hair care routine may feel a bit unusual. Unlike the washing routine of the rest of the candidates, long hair requires more conditioning than shampooing, since the shaft is prone to split ends and damage. Long hair also takes more time to dry and style in contrast to short hair, making it a chore for those working around a tight schedule.
Nonetheless, for the attention it attracts, how it changes the shape of the face, and the variants it offers, resorting to long hair is a great decision for men to side with.
Long Hair Example
On the other side of this issue is the world of long hair, which too carries noteworthy designs that can amp up one’s appearance, esteem, and confidence. When push comes to shove, wearing long hair can also give a user tons of freedom when it comes to styling, which can be great when carrying out bold experiments.
Without further ado, here are some long hairstyles that are currently blooming in the world of fashion.
Straight-cut Curtain Shag
While they did fall off shortly after the 90s, the shag haircut made one of the best comebacks known to mankind in recent years. Though many prefer wearing a shag with shoulder-length hair, a chunk of hair enthusiasts also believe in growing the layers out to form a straight-cut shag.
A shag hairstyle is often glorified for how easy it is to maintain. With the length it carries, it not only brings more attention to the facial features, but also gives the chin an elongated effect, giving the face a slimming effect.
Outgrown Curly Mullet with Blends
Another honorary mention and brilliant example for long hair is a mullet, which comes in various top-notch forms. The strands not only carry a laidback aura, but also contain tons of flexibility, allowing them to blend perfectly under any setting.
This curly mullet is definitely one of the prime examples of how beneficial a mullet can be if you give the hair enough freedom. It’s relatively low maintenance, just like a lot of short hairstyles that are often praised about. With blends, one can easily enable a curly mullet to look their best.
Deep Side Part with Full Balayage
Stars like Johnny Depp and Jason Momoa can be two role models you can look up to if you’re big on growing your hair. While the previous two examples are quite contemporary if you take into account a vintage-esque vibe, a look that has been a frontrunner amongst those with long hair is this deep side part, containing a fair amount of volume, and luscious locs.
Accommodating highlights and color is not new for this look. In fact, many often prefer adding a two-tone contrast, preferably through the help of a full balayage, mainly to give the tips and the midsection more density to work with.
Long Hair vs. Short Hair: Assessing The Key Differences And Minimal Similarities
Judging by the cover, we hope you know that wearing short hair and wearing long hair are two different ball games. No matter how thick or thin the hair is, different lengths offer different positives, and require users to battle against a unique set of challenges.
From having a better effect on one’s facial structure to requiring a different washing routine, here are all the ways in which long hair is different from short hair!
Versatility
When it comes to flexibility, the pair are equally promising. Short hair can be great for wearing textured looks and masculine hairdos such as buzz cuts, quiffs, faux hawks, and more.
Long hair, on the other hand, makes space for hairdos like bro flows, comb-overs, and pompadours. With texturizing scissors, long hair can also pull off edgy variants such as wolf cuts and mullets.
Washing routine
Since the strands of long hair are quite susceptible to damage, using shampoo on a daily basis should be a no-no. Instead, those with long hair should focus on deep conditioning the hair, and using leave-in conditioners to retain moisture and enable the hair to age gracefully.
Conversely, short hair requires more cleaning than long hair. Since the strands can’t be paired with protective hairstyles such as buns, and braids, shampooing short hair every other day is mandatory for saying goodbye to residue and product build-up, two components that negatively effect the scalp and hair.
Impact on appearance
Short hair doesn’t have much holes in its game. However, even with a great short hairdo, one may fail to live up to their potential.
Since the strands run low on length, short hair can’t be used to cover up excessive bloating in the face. However, if the wearer has cheekbones that pop out with a sharp jawline, short hair should look flawless.
On the contrary, long hair can be used to incorporate a slimming effect in one’s facial features. The layers falling around each side can be manipulated and shaped in accordance with one’s preferences to cover up a significant portion of the face in no time. Long hair is also the preferred pick for those with beards.
Maintenance
Long hair is typically more demanding when it comes to maintenance, requiring regular conditioning and hydrating oils to steer clear from split ends and frizz. Often, those with long hair also benefit from using hydrating masks on a weekly basis. Additionally, long hair also takes more time to dry, detangle, and style.
Short hair, on the other hand, is relatively easy to wash and clean, with a convenient pre and post-shower outcome. However, once the strands grow in length, short hair tends to look out of place and awkward, which can only be solved with daily trims.
Short Hair vs. Long Hair: Which One Should You Pick?
Now that we’ve covered everything about the formative years, versatility, positives and negatives of short and long hair, making a decision should be a walk in the park.
However, before you side with one of the two from the formerly-mentioned pair, try assessing the following factors to ensure the right call.
Hair density
Hair density definitely shapes the success of any hairdo and length.
While coarse hair looks good regardless of how long or short it may be, you must rethink your choices if the strands are fine, as they typically require more products when longer, and require frequent washing when short.
Additionally, if you have thin hair, keeping the strands short will work wonders for you, as it will cover signs of balding by introducing more elevation, and decrease the prominence of cowlicks.
Schedule
Considering the amount of time you can make for your hair should also be considered before finalizing your decision, as short hair and long hair carry different characteristics at the end of the day.
Short hair typically dries faster, making it a great look to wear if you have limited minutes in-between your schedule. However, to keep the strands in check, regular shampooing and maintenance cuts are advised.
Long hair, on the other hand, takes a large amount of time to dry, which can be reduced using styling tools. They also require more hydration and less cleaning, so be sure to build a washing routine that revolves around conditioning.
Face shape
Long hair can actually accommodate anyone irrespective of their facial structure. However, if you’d like to wear short hair, know that it’s a little tricky.
While any variant of short hair can bring forward masculine traits when paired with faces comprising sharp features, the look should be angular if your face is a mix between oval and round.
Stylistic Preferences
Last but not least is one’s stylistic preferences, which is the most important factor of this segment.
Regardless of how useful the materials on this article are, none of them will matter if you don’t have an opinion of your own. Therefore, be sure to reflect on your taste in fashion before picking between short hair and long hair.
Final Takeaway: Short hair for flexibility; Long hair for elegance
When all is said and done, short hair and long hair are equally compelling in men’s fashion. Despite serving different purposes and carrying drastically different sets of traits, both contenders are quite promising, but only if you know how to handle them correctly.
Short hair is typically better if you’d like your hair to stay in place without using any products. The length can also work in your favour if your hair lacks fullness, as the short pieces typically compile together to increase the density of the shaft. Buzz cuts, crew cuts, crop cuts, and Caesar cuts are some of the most common short hairdos. However, with enough length, you can also go for quiffs and combovers.
Long hair, on the other hand, is better if you need help giving your face a leaner presence, and are a big fan of healthy-looking, polished hairdos. While flow haircuts, comb-overs, and slick backs are typically go-to variants to replicate with long hair, one can even try mullets, wolf cuts, and form a man bun to showcase its potential. And, if bold enough, protective yet flashy hairstyles like braids can also be something to consider.
