How To Cut Men’s Long Hairstyles

Let’s get one thing straight: cutting men’s long hair is not just trimming a few ends and calling it a day. Nope. It’s a whole art form. And whether you’re trying to save some cash, maintain your own mane, or impress your long-haired boyfriend by pretending you know what you’re doing—this guide has your back (and your split ends).

I’ve been on both sides of the scissors: the guy who trusted a YouTube tutorial a little too much, and the one who finally figured out how not to come out looking like an extra from a Viking cosplay gone wrong. So yeah, I’ve learned some stuff the hard way so you don’t have to. 

Why Cutting Long Hair for Men Is a Different Beast

Ever tried cutting long hair like it’s a short back and sides? Yeah… big yikes. Long hairstyles need layering, texture, and just enough edge to look intentional—not like you got in a fight with a weed whacker.

Here’s why it’s different:

• More visible mistakes. You mess up one snip? It shows.
• Shape matters. The flow, the weight, the way it falls—these things make or break the cut.
• Length is commitment. One wrong move and boom—months of growing it out, gone.

So, before you go in all Edward Scissorhands, let’s talk strategy.

Prep Like a Pro: Tools & Set-Up

Cutting hair with kitchen scissors? Please don’t. Unless you’re actively trying to sabotage someone.

Here’s what you’ll actually need:

• Sharp hair-cutting shears. No, not craft scissors. Real ones. Hair shears = cleaner cuts.
• A fine-tooth comb. For detangling and sectioning.
• Hair clips. To section hair and keep it out of the way.
• Spray bottle with water. You want damp hair—not soaking, not dry.
• A cape or towel. Unless you love the feeling of tiny itchy hairs on your neck all day.

Set up near a mirror, preferably with good lighting. Bonus points if you’ve got a second mirror for the back view. (Pro tip: your phone camera works in a pinch.)

Section It Like You Mean It

This part is weirdly satisfying. Divide and conquer.

How to Section:

1. Middle part from forehead to nape.
2. Create a horizontal part from ear to ear—this gives you top, sides, and back sections.
3. Clip everything up neatly like you’re about to do surgery (minus the scalpel, please).

Why bother? Because random hacking leads to random results. This keeps things clean, consistent, and, well, not a disaster.

Master the Basic Long Layered Cut

So you want movement, dimension, and zero mushroom-head vibes. You need layers.

Start with the Back:

• Unclip the back section.
• Comb it straight down.
• Decide how much you want to take off. (Pro tip: start small—you can always cut more, but you can’t glue it back ).
• Use two fingers to pinch the hair where you want to cut and snip horizontally.
• Work from center outward to the sides.

Add Layers:

• Take a vertical section from the crown.
• Pull it straight up.
• Decide your shortest layer (usually just above the chin).
• Cut at a slight angle to blend into longer lengths.

Repeat on both sides, using the same guide length. Keep checking for balance. And by “checking” I mean actually look, not “eyeball it and hope.”

Deal With the Sides and Bangs

Long sides can get heavy and bulky if you don’t layer them out.

For the Sides:

• Comb the hair forward.
• Use the back as your length guide.
• Point cut (snip into the ends at an angle) to soften the line.

If You Have Bangs (or Want to Add Some):

• Don’t cut wet bangs too short. They dry shorter, and nobody wants accidental baby bangs.
• Use the triangle method: section a small triangle from the hairline.
• Cut slowly with little snips while the hair is dry or only slightly damp.

FYI: Bangs are risky business. Only attempt if you’re confident or feeling brave. Otherwise? Just… don’t.

Clean Up the Ends and Shape the Look

You’ve done the bulk of the work go you!  But don’t skip the final polish.

What to Check:

• Evenness: Comb everything down and check the length on both sides.
• Weight: Too bulky? Use thinning shears or point cut for more texture.
• Shape: Long hair can still have a strong silhouette—think V-shape, U-shape, or blunt straight cut. Trim accordingly.

Hot tip: If you’re going for a rocker or surfer look, keep the layers messy and uneven on purpose. If you’re going corporate clean, you want smoother, more uniform layers.

Maintenance Tips for Long Haircuts

Keeping long hair in top shape is half the battle. Here’s what I learned (the hard way):

• Trim every 8–10 weeks. Even just the ends. Keeps split ends from traveling up.
• Use conditioner. Every. Single. Time. Don’t argue.
• Air dry when possible. Heat fries ends faster than you can say “frizz.”
• Get regular dustings. A micro-trim can maintain shape without sacrificing length.

And for the love of all things good, stop brushing wet hair aggressively unless you’re trying to create a bird’s nest.

Common Mistakes (AKA What Not To Do)

Because yeah, I made them. So you don’t have to:

• Cutting too much, too fast. Hair shrinks as it dries. Trust me.
• Not sectioning. You’ll end up with uneven chunks and regret.
• Skipping the mirror check. The back of your head matters, dude.
• Using the wrong tools. Again—no kitchen scissors

Final Thoughts: Should You DIY or Go Pro?

Look, cutting men’s long hairstyles at home can be super satisfying if you’re patient and prepared. But it’s not for the faint of heart.

If you’re rocking layers like a 2000s heartthrob or trying to maintain a man bun masterpiece, a professional cut once in a while won’t hurt. You can DIY the trims in between.

But hey—if I can learn to do it without turning into Cousin Itt, so can you. 

So grab those shears, channel your inner hair artist, and go give those locks the love they deserve.

Just maybe don’t start five minutes before a big date. IMO, practice makes perfect… or at least not disastrous.