The awkward stage can take many shapes and forms, but the generally accepted definition for awkward length hair is from the point when it starts to look like you need a haircut until the time you can tie it up. It starts when you start to look shaggy, not so neat and tidy, a little unkempt.
What is the Awkward Stage of Hair? I define the awkward phase as just “any period of hair growth where your hair won't do what you want it to do”, and that tends to happen right around the time we would usually get our haircuts but will also probably happen again and again throughout the grow-out journey.
Short hair looks great on just about any man, regardless of age or face shape. You might find that certain short styles will flatter your specific features more than others, but overall, short hair is a versatile and flattering choice for most men.
The USHDA (United States Hair Dressers Association) defines long hair as any exceeding 12 inches in length. They make no gender differentiation.
Hair growth occurs in a continuous process characterized by four phases: anagen, growth; catagen, regression; telogen, rest; and exogen, shedding. Individual hair follicles cycle independently, with each hair follicle undergoing ten to thirty cycles in a lifetime [2].
What is the 'awkward stage' in hair growth? It's the period when hair is too long to be short and too short to be long, often looking unruly and hard to style. How long does the awkward stage last? Typically, it lasts for a few months to a year, depending on hair growth rate and personal hair goals.
The average length of male hair growth
Both men and women generally have hair growth of about half an inch per month. In a year, that is around 6 inches. Left untrimmed, most men who start with super short hair, such as a buzz cut, will require about two years to grow their hair to their shoulders.
Medium Length (2 inches to 4 inches) Medium-Long Length (4 inches to 6 inches) Shoulder Length (6 inches to 8 inches) Long Length (8 inches and above)
Number 3 haircut – This guard length is ⅜ of an inch and will give you a short but still noticeable amount of hair on top. It's perfect for those who want a bit more volume and texture.
Health Indicator: Well-maintained long hair can be a sign of good health and vitality, which is attractive to women. Confidence Boost: Long hair often boosts a man's confidence, making him more attractive and approachable.
We call it the 2.25 rule.
Practically fool proof, this rule states that if the longest part of your chin is less than 2.25 inches from the tip of your earlobe, then short hairstyles are for you.
Whether or not a girl finds long hair on a man attractive is highly personal and subjective, but plenty of women do find it appealing. Research shows that liberal-leaning women are more likely to appreciate men with long hair, while conservative women more often avoid it. Embrace your look, and express yourself!
The Awkward beard stage is the timeframe early on in a man's beard-growing journey where the beard hairs are long enough not to be considered stubble, but too short to fill out the appearance of the actual beard.
The body of a child going through puberty is constantly being flooded with hormones, causing physical and psychological changes. Children's bodies change during puberty, which is a big part of the reason they feel so “awkward”. This awkwardness manifests itself in several ways, like clumsiness and insecurity.
With your tools assembled, plug in your clippers and choose your guard size. It's always best to start with something that errs on the side of being too long. Most barbers perform buzz cuts based on the golden 3-2-1 rule. That means a #3 guard on the top, a #2 guard on the sides, and a #1 guard to trim up the edges.
Clean and Neat Appearance: With a number 4 haircut, you achieve a clean, tidy look without going too short. It's ideal for professional settings where a well-groomed appearance is essential, while still offering enough length to showcase your style.
According to Leviticus 19:23, "When you enter the land and plant any tree for food, you shall regard its fruit as forbidden. Three years it shall be forbidden for you, not to be eaten." Some Jews apply this principle to cutting a child's hair, so boys are not given their first haircut until the age of three.
Buzz cuts for men typically range from 1/8 inch to 1/2 inch (3 mm to 13 mm) in length, and there are no distinct layers or sections with the buzz cut on guys. Buzz cut styles are straightforward and easy to maintain, requiring minimal effort—just a regular trim to keep them looking neat.
Does not nature [same word as in Romans 1:26] itself teach you that if a man wears long hair it is a disgrace for him, but if a woman has long hair, it is her glory? For her hair is given to her for a covering” (1 Corinthians 11:13–15).
The clipper guard AKA haircut number refers to the length of hair that is left after the clipper has been used, with each number representing one eighth of an inch of hair. This means that the lower the number, the shorter the hair, and vice versa.
Long hair is an art form in itself. Have you ever caught sight of a well maintained mane billowing in a summer breeze? Men are genetically hardwired to notice these visual cues. Hair serves as a frame to illuminate the beauty of the owner.
If your hair is on the thicker side, and you're not balding, then you're a good candidate for growing your hair out long. If you have thinning hair, definitely consider getting a closer cropped haircut or even a buzz cut. Be sure to check our guide on picking the best hairstyle for balding men.
Men may start showing signs of baldness by the time they are 30 years old. Many men are nearly bald by age 60. A type of baldness related to the normal function of the male hormone testosterone is called male-pattern baldness. Hair loss may be at the temples or at the top of the head.