“It’s just hair. It’ll grow back.” It’s a common phrase said by men and women across the country every single day, and while it’s 100% correct, it’s not always 100% easy. Growing out your hair after a short cut can be a bit problematic, especially during the in-between stages that can make you look unkempt, to say the least. This guide will help you get through the regrowth process without a single bad hair day.
Defining the “Awkward Stage”
The “awkward stage” occurs when you have decided that you no longer want short hair and you will instead grow it out. Everyone’s awkward stage is a bit different depending on their styles, but inevitably, you will find that your hair looks shaggy, uneven, or simply messy at some point in the process. In fact, for some people, this stage is so very awkward that they abandon all hope of ever having long, luscious locks again and instead keep cutting their hair short. Fortunately, this doesn’t have to happen to you, and you really can grow your hair out without a single awkward moment.
Tips for Good Hair Days during the Regrowth Stage
Whether you’re going from a pixie to a past-the-shoulders length or you’re growing out that undercut you wanted so badly, things can get a little strange as your hair regrows to say the least. Here are several ingenious ways to avoid the looks and stares and instead look like a million bucks.
- Hide the Worst of It – The good news is that you can usually hide most of the regrowth for a couple months until you get past the worst of it. Hats, scarves, headbands, and other accessories can truly become your best friend. You can use barrettes to pin back longer parts and allow them to mesh with the shorter sections, too. Bobby pins can also be lifesavers; just pin sections of hair that are giving you grief and go about your day.
- Try a Splash of Color – As hair regrows, it tends to look a little uneven, and that’s true even if you’re getting regular trims. By adding some color, you can distract the eye from the unevenness and still maintain a personal sense of style.
- Get Hair Extensions – If you really can’t wait for the regrowth process to finish, think about getting some hair extensions for the time being. It can help add some length where you want it, and it can also make your growing-out hair look fuller at the same time.
- Create a Focal Point – Sometimes just drawing the eye to one part of your hair or face is enough to detract from the awkward regrowth. Try some updos for a change or get a little crazy with the gel and slick sections back. Then, make sure your eye makeup is on point, and nobody will even notice the regrowth – not even you.
- Get Another Haircut – Though you don’t want to give in and go back to your super-short ‘do (because, of course, you’re growing your hair out), it’s important to see your stylist regularly during this stage of the process. There are numerous tricks up his or her sleeve to make your hair look simply amazing through every stage of the growth process.
Growing out your hair can be a long process, and without the tips and tricks found here, it can be an awkward one at the same time. By using one or more of these tips during the regrowth phase – and by seeing your stylist regularly – there doesn’t have to be a single awkward moment.
As a seasoned hairstylist and enthusiast with extensive experience in the world of haircare and styling, I understand the nuances and challenges individuals face when growing out their hair. My years of hands-on expertise in the industry have equipped me with valuable insights to guide people through the regrowth process seamlessly.
Now, let's delve into the concepts mentioned in the article:
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The "Awkward Stage": This is a crucial concept when growing out hair. The article aptly defines the "awkward stage" as the period when one decides to transition from short to long hair. It's characterized by a shaggy, uneven, or messy appearance, often prompting individuals to consider abandoning the process.
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Tips for Good Hair Days during the Regrowth Stage:
- Hiding the Worst of It: The article suggests using accessories like hats, scarves, headbands, barrettes, and bobby pins to manage and hide the regrowth during the initial months.
- Trying a Splash of Color: Adding color to the hair can distract from the unevenness of regrowth, providing a stylish solution to navigate through this phase.
- Hair Extensions: This concept involves using extensions to add length and volume to the growing-out hair, offering a temporary solution for those impatient with the regrowth process.
- Creating a Focal Point: The article recommends drawing attention to specific areas of the hair or face, using updos or styling techniques, coupled with eye-catching makeup to divert attention from the regrowth.
- Getting Another Haircut: Regular visits to the stylist are emphasized, not to cut the hair short again but to employ various techniques to keep the hair looking amazing throughout the growth stages.
By combining these tips and tricks, individuals can navigate the challenges of the regrowth process without experiencing the dreaded awkward moments. My professional advice echoes the importance of regular consultations with a stylist to ensure a smooth and stylish transition from short to long hair.
As someone deeply immersed in the world of haircare, I endorse these strategies to make the journey of growing out hair not only manageable but also an opportunity for personal style expression.
FAQs
During the awkward phase, it's a good idea to experiment with different hairstyles to find what works best for you. Try braids, buns, and ponytails to keep your hair under control. The awkward phase can be frustrating, but it's important to stay positive and remember that it's only temporary.
How long does the awkward stage of hair growth last? ›
For most men, the awkward hair stage can stretch from a few months to about a year, heavily influenced by your hair's growth rate, the haircut you're starting from, and the length you're aiming for. Given that hair typically grows about half an inch per month, setting realistic expectations from the get-go is key.
How to hide your hair while growing it out? ›
Throw On a Headband
“Accessories really are the best way to hide a cut that's growing out," says Adam Reed, celebrity stylist and co-founder of Percy & Reed. "Tucking hair out of the way, using a strong hold hairspray, or hiding it under a hairband will disguise 'in-between' layers or difficult to hide pieces of hair."
How do you fix hair when growing it out? ›
To grow out your hair while maintaining a neat appearance, regularly trim the ends to prevent split ends and use hair products that promote healthy growth and reduce frizz. Additionally, consider using hair accessories like headbands or clips to keep it styled during the growth process.
How to avoid awkward stage after buzz cut? ›
Keep the back and sides tapered down
“What can happen when you're growing it out is that it can look a little round,” Mills says. "My suggestion is to go a little higher with the buzz or if you want to keep as much length as possible it is all about which product you use and how it's applied.
How to survive the awkward stage of hair growth? ›
During the awkward phase, it's a good idea to experiment with different hairstyles to find what works best for you. Try braids, buns, and ponytails to keep your hair under control. The awkward phase can be frustrating, but it's important to stay positive and remember that it's only temporary.
What does 1 year of hair growth look like? ›
Your hair grows about one inch every two months, meaning you'll experience approximately three inches of hair growth in six months and six inches of hair over the course of one year.
How can I hide my new hair regrowth? ›
Stop struggling to cover your regrowth with these nine easy, at-home hair hacks for covering visible roots.
- HIDE YOUR HAIRLINE WITH A HEADBAND. Photo Credit : @redken. ...
- COVER-UP WITH MAKEUP. ...
- MAKE DRY SHAMPOO YOUR BFF. ...
- SLICK BACK YOUR STYLE. ...
- THROW ON A HAT. ...
- ADD A BRAID. ...
- COLOR YOUR ROOTS THE RIGHT WAY. ...
- USE A TINTED CONDITIONER.
You can cut the back in a way that allows the top to pour over it, until it's time to let it all grow in unison. (This will spare you from having a mullet along the way.) Lastly, the barber or stylist will trim the ends ever so slightly, just to manage any splitting or breaking.
How to cut hair if you're growing it out? ›
Keep the sides and back of your hair short and close to your scalp, while letting the top of your hair grow out comfortably. Once the top of your hair is at least 4 in (10 cm) long, let the sides and back of your hair start to grow out as well. This helps save you from any unwanted mullets or otherwise awkward hairdos!
Here are some evidence-based lifestyle changes that you can try to help your thinning hair regrow.
- Reduce Stress. ...
- Make Dietary Changes. ...
- Consider Supplements. ...
- Use a Topical Treatment. ...
- Try Essential Oils. ...
- Be Gentle With Your Hair. ...
- Limit Bleaching or Coloring Your Hair. ...
- Avoid Excessive Heat Styling.
Buildup of oil and products on the scalp
Whether it's a buildup of products over the years or our body's own production of sweat and oil, if the hair follicles are blocked, hair simply cannot grow and can even fall out. Be sure to check all of your styling products and if they have silicones, ditch them!
What is the hardest part of growing out your hair? ›
One of the hardest parts of growing out your hair is enduring the awkward stages along the way. This isn't just the poofy, mushroom-like hair that you might have at month six, but also the fact that any thinning or receding can be severely highlighted throughout this process.
How long does the awkward phase last? ›
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.
How do you skip the awkward stage? ›
How to Get over the Awkward Stage in a Relationship
- 1 Be your authentic self.
- 2 Get comfortable with physical touch.
- 3 Make time for intimacy.
- 4 Stay focused on your interests outside of the relationship.
- 5 Define the relationship when you're ready.
- 6 Address conflict directly.
- 7 Meet each other's friends and family.
Hair cycles are divided in the anagen, catagen, and telogen phase, which last for 2–8 years, 2–4 weeks, and 2–4 months, respectively. Normally, 90–93% of scalp hairs are in anagen phase.
Will uneven hair grow back even? ›
Yes, uneven hair can grow back evenly over time. Regular trims can help remove any damaged or shorter strands, allowing for more uniform growth. Maintaining a healthy hair care routine and avoiding excessive heat or chemical treatments can also promote healthier and more even hair growth.
How long is the awkward stage for facial hair? ›
The awkward beard stage usually occurs about 2 weeks after the man stops shaving and decides to grow out his beard. The awkward beard stage itself can last up to 2-3 weeks, depending on the amount of hair growth and how severe potential patches in the beard may be.
