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25 Best Long Hairstyles for Older Men

Knox Beasley, MD

Reviewed by Knox Beasley, MD

Written by Grace Gallagher

Published 01/21/2025

Whether you’ve had long hair for decades or are thinking of trying out a new style, you may be curious about long hair styles for older men and what can look best.

Older guys can absolutely rock long hair.  A well-chosen hairstyle can highlight your best features, while keeping your look sophisticated and modern (no, long hair isn’t just for hippies).

Read on for 25 long hairstyles for older men, whether you have super long hair or it’s just a bit more grown out than usual.

A ponytail needs no introduction. Worn slicked back in the center of the back of the head, a ponytail is a classic and practical style that shows off your long hair without getting in your way. It can be helpful to use a comb or brush to keep the top smooth — just brush your hair back before gathering it in your hair and securing it with a soft elastic or spiral twist that won’t snag.

A low ponytail takes all the good things about the style and gives it a more relaxed quality. A low pony also showcases the length of your hair, since it’ll drape down your back more dramatically compared to a  higher ponytail. This style can also be more comfortable for some, and look less severe than a classic ponytail because it can be worn more loosely. 

If you’re lucky enough to have textured, beachy hair, it makes sense that you’d want to show it off. Using a wave spray and scrunching your hair when it’s wet can help bring out those natural bends and curls in the hair, and conditioner will keep it soft and hydrated.

Like anyone with long hair, older men with longer hair sometimes need to pull their hair back to get it off their face. Enter the man bun. You’ll want this bun to look polished but not overly perfect. Consider experimenting with different techniques and placements to get the best results for your face. Two easy ways to start are to either make a ponytail without pulling it all the way through the final time you secure the band, or start with a pony and twist, then secure it with a hair tie that matches your hair (or a bright one for a pop of color). You can place a man bun low, or have it go all the way atop your head. 

Half-up, half-down styles are the best of both worlds — your hair will be out of your eyes, but you’ll still get to showcase the length. One way to make this style more masculine is to tie the top portion of your hair (the half-up part) into a relaxed bun. This style highlights your facial features, too.

Long layers throughout give a relaxed, timeless look with plenty of volume. This style has evolved a bit since the 70s (though it was great then, too), and it works especially with hair with some wave or curl. Long shag men’s haircuts often look best when they stop mid-neck or right around the collarbones.

Slicking your hair back can be a great way to keep long hair out of your face while looking intentional and stylish. To get this look, you may want to use some lightweight gel, pomade, or clay. Clay will give a more matte look, whereas gel and pomade give some shine. Add some product to your hair and slick back using a fine-toothed comb for a sleek look or a wide-tooth comb for a more natural look. Leave your long hair loose at the ends.

A stylist can help you identify when your hair naturally parts, but don’t be afraid to experiment with your part as your hair gets longer. A deep side part in an older man with long hair can look distinguished and may help to mask any thinning that’s typical with age. A side part works regardless of hair length.

Face-framing layers keep long hair from looking heavy. A hairstylist or barber trained to work with long hair can cut layers to highlight bone structure and let your face shine.

Layered hair on older men looks distinguished and adds versatility to a haircut — for example, you can easily tuck it behind your ears or slick it back for a different look.

Once hair reaches a certain point in men, it’s considered long, but let’s not forget about really long hair. Really long hair works for any hair type and texture, as long as you regularly shampoo and condition it to keep it clean and strong/ Getting regular trims will also keep your hair looking healthy, not scraggly.  

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You may not immediately think of a bob as a men’s hairstyle, but it can look polished and show off your jawline. A bob tends to work best if it stops at the point where your jaw begins, and is parted off-center. If your jaw isn’t one of your favorite features, this may not be your favorite look.

Viking hair is long and thick on top with shaved sides. It’s not for everyone, but this style can look bold and confident. Wear the long part in a braid or ponytail — just consider that with a style like this, you will likely have to shave your whole head when you’re ready to move on to a new style. This one takes commitment! 

Curly hair benefits from length to show its texture. Whether you wear it long or keep it chin-length, be patient. Because of the ringlets, curly hair often feels like it’s growing slowly (it’s not as easy to see noticeable growth in a spiral shape). You’ll want to play around with products to combat frizz and keep your curl shape. 

One of the easiest ways to style longer hair for older men is to pull it back with a stretchy headband. This gives the look of a slicked-back style, no product necessary. Plus it’s perfect for the gym, doing yardwork, or just busy days when you want your hair out of your face.

One of the best things about long hair is that you can just let it do its thing. Messy mid-length hair is all about embracing your hair’s natural texture for a cool, effortless look. It may not be your work style, but it can be a low-key off-duty style.

Let the texture of your natural hair shine with a long afro. This longer style is versatile because you can wear it long and loose, but the extra length also lends itself to braids.

Never underestimate the power of a sleek blowout. Using a hair dryer to blow your hair straight adds tons of shine and helps tame flyaways. Research shows that holding the blow dryer at least six inches from your hair helps avoid damage, and use a heat protectant product.

A low, loose bun is effortless, chic, and easy to pull off. All you have to do is tie your strands loosely at the nape of your neck. Don’t worry if the look gets messy, or if the front of your hair isn’t long enough to tie back — it’s all part of the look. Bonus: Buns look great paired with a number of different beard styles.

In long hair with an undercut, the sides and back are shaved into a buzz cut or cropped very short, while the hair on top remains long. This looks edgy, but it also takes some of the bulk out of longer hair and adds interest when your hair is pulled back, revealing the shaved underlayer.

Embrace a rock and roll vibe by wearing longer hair with a center part. Whether you have straight or curly hair, this look is defined and intentional and gives off cool guy vibes. 

Braids can be a great way to maintain length while having your hair off your face. Just be sure to give your hair a break and wear it loose every now and then to avoid traction alopecia, a type of hair loss caused by styles that continuously pull at the roots.

Dreadlocks are typically made by twisting or matting the hair into sections, and they are best accomplished with longer hair. Once you have established dreadlocks, the style is pretty low-maintenance

Yep, older men with long hair can rock bangs. This is a great way to add dimension and movement to longer hairstyles. Just be aware that bangs do take some work to style (you may have to fight humidity or blow dry them sometimes) and will require a trim every now and then.

A high pompadour is a hairstyle where the hair on top is styled into a voluminous, upward shape lifted high off the forehead. The sides and back are usually cut shorter. This style is long in an unconventional sense — instead of cascading down your back, the length reaches upward. It’ll definitely give you some height!

A quiff is like a more relaxed pompadour style. It features longer hair on top that’s styled upward and back, creating height and volume, while the sides and back are typically shorter. It’s sleek, textured, and always in style.

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Can Older Men Pull Off Long Hair?

Yes! Men of any age can wear long hair. The main consideration is finding a style that suits your natural hair texture so it’s low-maintenance. 

What Styling Products Work Well For Men With Long Hair?

The answer to this question depends on your hair type and texture. That said, here are some products that typically work well for longer hair.

  • Volumizing Shampoo: Most older men with long hair can benefit from some volume at the root, and our volumizing shampoo contains ingredients like biotin and caffeine that amp hair up.

  • Conditioner: Conditioner should be used from the roots down to hydrate hair and make it easier to detangle, which helps prevent snags and breakage. Some folks prefer to use conditioner only on the middle and ends of their hair to avoid a greasy look. Experiment with your products to see what works best for your hair. 

  • Gel: If you’re opting for a slicked-back style, a gel is great for keeping your hair in place. A combo of leave-in conditioner and gel can help prevent that crunchy feeling.

  • Sea Salt Spray: This product helps enhance waves and natural texture. While occasional use is fine, be careful not to overdo it because salt can be drying.

  • Light Hair Oil: Oil adds shine and tames flyaways and frizz. Be mindful of the amount you use, as too much oil can make things look greasy. 

  • Styling Cream or Pomade: These provide a light hold and definition without stiffness.

  • Dry Shampoo: This helps extend the time between washes by absorbing oil at the roots.

  • Hair Elastics: These aren’t a styling product per se, but you’ll want some soft hair ties that won’t snag. You can find them made from microfiber or in a spiral shape that helps relieve pressure on the head.

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Here’s what to remember about long hair on older men:

  • Long hair can be versatile and stylish for older men, with styles like ponytails, buns, waves, and textured cuts highlighting natural hair texture.

  • Choosing the right style and using appropriate products, such as leave-in conditioners, gels, and styling creams, helps maintain long hair and makes it easier to manage.

  • Remember that it takes patience and time to get the long hairstyle you’ve been envisioning. You may want to try out several different looks as your hair grows.

To learn more, check out our guides to the best haircuts for thinning hair and how to grow out your hair.

2 Sources

  1. Lee Y, et al. (2011). Hair shaft damage from heat and drying time of hair dryer. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3229938/
  2. Trüeb RM et al. (2018). A comment on the science of hair aging.https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6369639/
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Hims & Hers has strict sourcing guidelines to ensure our content is accurate and current. We rely on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We strive to use primary sources and refrain from using tertiary references. See a mistake? Let us know at [email protected]!

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The information contained herein is not a substitute for and should never be relied upon for professional medical advice. Always talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of any treatment. Learn more about our editorial standards here.

Knox Beasley, MD

Dr. Knox Beasley is a board certified dermatologist specializing in hair loss. He completed his undergraduate studies at the United States Military Academy at West Point, NY, and subsequently attended medical school at Tulane University School of Medicine in New Orleans, LA. 

Dr. Beasley first began doing telemedicine during his dermatology residency in 2013 with the military, helping to diagnose dermatologic conditions in soldiers all over the world. 

Dr. Beasley is board certified by the American Board of Dermatology, and is a Fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology.

Originally from Nashville, TN, Dr. Beasley currently lives in North Carolina and enjoys spending time outdoors (with sunscreen of course) with his wife and two children in his spare time. 

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  • Dermatology Residency. San Antonio Uniformed Services Health Education Consortium

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