It’s (almost) fall, and if the cooler weather is making you wonder how to grow your hair out—with intention, that is—you’re not alone. Not from a buzzcut, per se (see that guide here), but by letting shorter/mid-length styles evolve, via maintenance and styling, into a cut that’s layered, distinctive, and full of attitude. Expert hairstylist Tobias Bell specializes in cutting rocker-esque longer styles, and agrees: “Autumn is the perfect season to start the grow-out journey as cooler weather makes hair easier to manage.”
I usually rock a Britpop mod cut (shorter for summer, longer and layered come fall) and have noticed more guys leaning into the look as of late—the Oasis effect, no doubt. But it’s not just about letting it grow. “Guys are embracing longer styles and stepping outside their comfort zone,” Bell adds. “Without maintenance cuts, shape and balance go out the window, and what should look awesome can quickly veer into unkempt.” The key is being deliberate—that’s why we consulted with Bell for some tips on how to grow your hair out properly and with Supersonic panache.
Everything You Need to Grow Your Hair Out, According to GQ
Don’t Just Let It Grow
“There’s a big difference between intentional growth and just forgetting to book a haircut,” says Bell. “Intentional growth means planning trims, shaping as you go, and working with your natural texture to build a style that suits your face.” Skip that, and you risk uneven bulk, frizz, and the dreaded “he needs a haircut” vibe. The difference is in the process: Trims that build layers, keep ends healthy, and manage weight turn awkward grow-outs into effortless style, while giving you room to experiment with products and refine your look. Bell adds that it’s important to choose a cut that grows with you—whether that’s a mod cut with movement, shoulder-length waves with layering, or longer, defined curls, so you can “keep your hair looking styled at every stage, not just at the finish line.”
The Mindset Shift
Hair only grows about half an inch per month, so patience is key. “Instead of fighting through the awkward stages, see them as opportunities to experiment,” Bell suggests. A fringe, new texture, or creative styling can make these phases feel deliberate. “Keeping your goal in mind guides every trim and keeps the process from feeling random. With the right mindset (and a good hair stylist) it becomes less about waiting and more about building a series of looks on the way to your ultimate style.”
Why Maintenance Cuts Matter
“Maintenance cuts are the secret weapon of a successful grow-out,” says Bell. They prevent split ends from traveling up the strand and causing breakage, while maintaining balance as length extends. Skipping trims, he warns, leads to outward-growing bulk or patchy “unfinished undercut” effects that make many people abandon the process. Sticking with one stylist throughout, too, he adds, is invaluable: “They’ll understand your end goal, track your progress, and shape each cut so the grow-out feels intentional.”
Break the Process into Phases
“The grow-out happens in phases,” says Bell. “In the emerging length stage, around two to four weeks, it’s all about keeping the neckline and edges tidy while light texturizing can help avoid a blocky look. By mid-length, about four to eight weeks, hair starts to move but can feel bulky, so layering and shaping are crucial to keep the silhouette flattering. And once you hit two to three months, that’s when real style takes shape and looks less transitional.”
Tips for Different Hair Types
Straight hair is often the least forgiving during the growing-out period. “It can show unevenness and damage the most,” Bell says. Without shaping, it risks looking flat or heavy at the ends. He recommends more regular appointments for layering to add movement, along with lightweight texturizing powder or matte pomades to prevent limpness during the in-between stages.
Wavy hair, by contrast, is the most forgiving. “Waves naturally create texture,” he notes. “The challenge is keeping frizz and bulk in check.” Layering every few months helps waves fall into place, while hydrating creams or sea-salt sprays enhance the natural bend without weighing it down.
Curly textures need more structure as they grow. “Otherwise, they can balloon out at the sides and form a triangle,” Bell explains. Maintenance trims balance volume and keeps curls from losing shape. And “moisture is non-negotiable, so invest in a good curl cream or leave-in conditioner to keep definition strong through the grow-out.”
For coily textures, hydration and shape are key. “Without intentional cutting, coils tangle and shrink unevenly,” says Bell. Regular small trims keep growth healthy, while heavier creams or butters lock in moisture and stretch coils for a more defined look.
Trimming & Styling
“Trims every 6–8 weeks, maintain shape and keep ends healthy without sacrificing overall length,” Bell says. Between appointments, light upkeep—like tidying the neckline—keeps things sharp. He encourages clients to bring inspiration photos so each cut builds toward the final vision. Products also play a key role: pastes or creams for texture, mousse for lift, and oils or leave-ins to smooth ends. “The right products make every phase of growth more intentional and allow for style experimentation.”
Leave-In Conditioners and Lightweight Hair Creams: “They keep hair soft and manageable while protecting against dryness.”
Sea Salt Sprays or Powders: “Perfect for body and lift during mid-length stages.”
Matte Paste or Curl Creams: “Pastes bring out definition in shag cuts, while curl creams keep curls bouncy and frizz-free.”
Argan or Jojoba Oil: “For smooth ends that add shine without weight.”
Blow-dryer + brush combo: “Great for shaping and controlling bulk during awkward stages.”
Parting Thoughts (Don’t Look Back in Anger)
Growing with a goal means layering, shaping, and working with your texture so the result looks styled, not neglected. “Longer hair doesn’t have to look messy, but effortless and full of personality.” For Bell, guiding clients through the grow-out is more than maintenance: “It’s about experimenting with texture and direction to unlock a new character along the way.”
About the Expert
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Tobias Bell
Tobias Bell, better known as That Hair Guy, has built a reputation as one of the world’s most creative and trusted hairdressers. With a career shaped by a love of rock ’n’ roll, timeless style, and authentic self-expression, he brings both technical skill and artistic flair to every client in his chair. A fifth-generation hairdresser, Tobias carries forward more than a century of family legacy while making his own mark as co-owner of Robert Bell Salon. He’s celebrated for creating cuts that feel effortlessly wearable yet uniquely tailored, drawing inspiration from music, fashion, and classic icons to blend precision with personality. Tobias is known for his warm, down-to-earth approach and signature rock ’n’ roll spirit. A motorbike rider and lifelong music lover, he channels that same energy into his work, making every appointment more than just a haircut—it’s an experience.
