Jan 1, 2026 | Uncategorized
It’s not uncommon to see a number of guys in the salon who are in the awkward phase of letting their hair grow out. It may be a long process, especially when it comes to the ears and shoulders, but the end result may be well worth the effort. Although textured and wavy hair may be the focus of many styling tutorials, there is something about straight hair that exudes a level of health and attractiveness when it reaches a long length.
If you’ve been sporting your locks long and are wondering how to manage them, then you’re in luck. We’re going to go through some of the hairstyles for guys with long straight hair and the best ways to handle your long locks. Be sure to speak to our friendly team at First & Mane for personalized advice!
Best Hairstyle Trends
Once you know how long you want your hair to be, you then have to focus on how to style it. For people who have straight hair, it may be slippery or heavy. If you’re looking for the best long hairstyles for men with straight hair, this guide will help you make the most of your texture.
Traditional Middle Part
One style that has made its way back to popularity because of the 90s revival is the middle part, and it is probably the easiest style for men with straight hair. It is literally the job of gravity to do all the heavy lifting for you. This style is symmetrical and has a laid-back quality that is easy to achieve. To prevent this style from looking too flat, we would advise that you use sea salt spray on your damp hair.
Smooth Low Ponytail
For a more refined or professional occasion, there is nothing to match the low ponytail. This style keeps hair out of your face and emphasizes your features. It is particularly good on straight hair because straight hair doesn’t have enough body to create a clean finish, and the lack of curl makes it easy to achieve a neat and clean finish. The trick is to hold the hair back at the base of the neck and not higher up on the head to keep it masculine-looking.
Man Bun Styles
The man bun has come a long way from being a quirky trend and is now a true mainstay of men’s grooming. For straight hair, we recommend that you place your bun a little lower on your head or even a little undone so that you’re not stretching your hairline. You can go for a full bun or a half-up and half-down look if you want to show some hair while controlling volume. This is ideal for when you’re hitting the gym or when it’s summer, and you want your hair out of your neck.
Braided Hair
Although braids can work well with textured hair, braids can also work wonders with straight hair by adding texture to your style. Viking braids or French braids can help you manage flyaways and give you a rugged look that works well with your straight hair. Since straight hair tends to be quite slippery, you may require a little styling clay or pomade to help the hair hold the braid pattern well.
Although braids may require a little expertise to master, they work wonders on days when you want to change your texture dramatically. For inspiration, check out the latest hairstyles for men with long, straight hair.
Taking Care of Your Length
Taking care of long, straight hair can be a challenge, but the versatility it provides can’t be beat. Whether it’s the elegance of a middle part or the ease of a bun, the trick is keeping the ends healthy. Split ends are much easier to see on straight hair than on curly hair. Come on down to First & Mane, and we can work together to come up with a plan for keeping your long locks looking their best. Ask us about the best haircut in Scottsdale to keep your style sharp!
Dru is the owner and master barber at FIRST & MANE in Scottsdale. With years of expertise, he’s known for precision cuts and modern grooming techniques that keep clients looking their best.
Dec 30, 2025 | Uncategorized
We see it every day at our shop. A customer will sit in our chair, touch their hair, scratch at their beard, and then ask, “What can we do with this?” For a good deal of years, it seemed like it was either have very long hair and a short beard or be clean-shaven with a messy mop on your head. But lately, we have seen an enormous movement toward harmony. The look that might be considered most flexible and feasible on a man would be a short and edgy haircut with a well-kept beard. If you’re looking for styling tips, this classic combo remains as popular as ever.
Rationale for Short Hair and Beards
As soon as we start cutting hair, geometry becomes our prime concern. We always want to make our facial structure more oval or square, as these are considered more masculine shapes. A neat haircut on both sides and on top reduces unnecessary hair, and a beard contributes mass to our jaw line. All these features frame our face perfectly, making short hairstyles for guys with beards an excellent choice for men who want a balanced and modern look.
Practicality is also a massive consideration. It’s just easier with short hair. It dries faster and doesn’t require as much product. You can concentrate on your beard if you have your business together on top. It shows you put thought into your look without looking like you tried. A sloppy beard and hair just looks like you just rolled out of bed. It suggests you don’t put any effort into your life, and it doesn’t exactly inspire confidence. For a polished appearance, short hairstyles for men with beards offer an effortless way to look sharp and put-together without a lot of fuss.
Looks We Recommend
If you would like to attempt this combination, you should start with some basics. The Crew Cut with a Full Beard is classic. We maintain a short haircut on top and a fade on the sides; it keeps your eyes drawn down to your beard. It works very well on guys with rounder faces, as it stretches your face out with thickness on top and length on bottom. For those considering short hairstyles for men with a short beard, this approach highlights your features while still offering a modern and refined appearance.
The next style we would personally love is the Buzz Cut with Stubble or Short Boxed Beard. It requires zero maintenance. It is very raw and very manly. The thing about this style is that it requires clean beard lines. Since your beard would be so short, anything sloppy about your beard cheek lines would show.
But for guys who want some more styling options, we recommend a Textured Crop with a Tapered Beard. We maintain some length on the top to make it textured and dynamic, and taper the beard so it blends seamlessly into the sideburns. We want these two clearly defined sections to be seen as a single cut. This is one of the most contemporary hairstyles for men with short hair and a beard, offering flexibility and a well-groomed edge.
Styles to Avoid
Although we’re big proponents of experimenting with styles, some combinations are just bound to fail. We would recommend against the ‘Top Heavy’ hairstyle. It occurs when your hair is much longer and broader compared to the thickness of your beard. Having a manly pompadour and a mere stubble beard would result in an imbalanced equation. Your chin might appear feeble.
On the flip side, don’t have what we call the ‘Neckbeard’ effect with short hair. When your haircut is sleek and fresh, but your beard line undermines it with a low or dull beard neckline, it could look terrible. It will mess up your clean-cut short hair. It’s essential to maintain your beard neckline at all times; it should be above your Adam’s apple.
Find Your Balance
The trick to finding the perfect combo is knowing your facial shape and hair type. The next time you’re in your chair at First & Mane, just ask us what beard length will complement your favorite short cut. It may take some adjusting of beard lengths before it feels perfect, but trust us, once you hit the sweet spot, you won’t want to ever change!
Dru is the owner and master barber at FIRST & MANE in Scottsdale. With years of expertise, he’s known for precision cuts and modern grooming techniques that keep clients looking their best.
Dec 23, 2025 | Uncategorized
A well-grown mustache will never go out of style. Whether it is a chic chevron, a dashing pencil, or a hearty handlebar, facial hair is making a huge revival in men’s grooming culture. At our grooming salon at First & Mane, men of all kinds come in with a newfound love for the ‘stache, and they see it not just as facial hair, but an expression of their personal style.
If you would like personalized advice on any aspect of mustache grooming, contact us for expert guidance. Of course, sometimes things go awfully wrong. Perhaps a haircut went sour, or perhaps you shaved yours off in a moment of madness, and an instant regret followed. Now, you are left staring into the mirror, wondering how soon your upper lip will recover.
Well, to cut a long story short, how long does it take to grow a mustache? Facial hair grows at an average speed of half an inch every month. However, to get back to your pre-shaving glory, you have to focus on more than just waiting for time to pass.
Factors Influencing Mustache Development
Every man does not have an equal rate of hair growth. The main influence on this is your genes. If your lineage can grow a thick beard over a weekend, you have every chance of getting a thick mustache. But if your lineage grows in a patchy manner, you will have to be very patient.
Age is another important consideration. A man will notice peak facial hair production during his 25th to 35th year because this is when levels of testosterone, a hormone which activates hair follicles, are at their peak. Your personal health is another thing to consider. When your body is well-rested and well-nourished, it will have extra energy to devote to non-essential functions such as hair production.
Growing a Mustache – Stages
The process of regrowing a mustache takes time and progresses in different mustache growth stages. The first stage is referred to as the “stubble stage” which takes place in the first few days of growing a mustache. During this stage, hair is at its shortest and can appear prickly or itchy.
Then comes the awkward stage, which will likely be at week two. Here, your hair will be a bit longer but may not be lying flat in one particular direction yet. In this stage, you might notice a bit of a messy look, and this is where most guys will be tempted to start shaving all over again.
Then, finally, after four to six weeks, you will reach the fill in stage. Your mustache will start to appear thick and purposeful. This is an important milestone in the mustache growth timeline, as it allows you to have sufficient length to style your mustache as you want.
Tips to Encourage Growth
Although you can’t do anything to your genes, we always advise our clients to make their environment conducive for growth. Let’s talk about diet. Foods high in protein, biotin, and vitamins A, C, and E promote keratin production, which is hair’s building blocks.
Grooming practices also matter. Taking good care of your skin underneath your mustache can help you avoid ingrown hairs, which can hinder your progress. Applying a good quality beard oil from your stage of stubble can help you keep your skin hydrated, and you will avoid the itchiness which can cause most men to stop.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
The most common error people make is over-trimming in the early growing phases. To try to style a mustache before it gets a chance to fill in will just give you patchy lines or bald spots, and you’ll have to start all over. Just let it grow wild for a month before you do anything else.
The other mistake you can make is not taking your skin into consideration. Dry and scaly skin can impede your follicles from functioning properly. Refrain from using harsh soap on your facial skin since it will remove your natural oils.
Applying Lessons
To grow a mustache back takes patience, biology, and proper maintenance. Although a typical growth rate is rather standard, your individual time frame will greatly depend on how well you take care of your body and your facial hair. Perhaps you are dealing with the awkward stage, or perhaps you need tips on how to style it when it fills in. Either way, come visit First & Mane!
Dru is the owner and master barber at FIRST & MANE in Scottsdale. With years of expertise, he’s known for precision cuts and modern grooming techniques that keep clients looking their best.
Dec 16, 2025 | Uncategorized
We see it on a daily basis at First & Mane. A client will be seated and look at himself in the mirror and wonder if there would be anything we could do for a bit of gray emerging here at the side. Perhaps they are tired of the color they have and something bolder would be better. Hair coloring, once something that would be avoided by most males, is no more. Dyeing your hair will be just another weapon added to your arsenal, perhaps accompanying a fresh cut and shave.
It is no longer about covering something up or vanity. It is about taking control of your appearance. Whether it be about taking a few years off your appearance or a completely new look, understanding your alternatives is half the battle. As barbers, we are here to walk you through this decision so you can determine if coloring is right for you!
Why More Men Are Coloring Their Hair
The reason why more and more guys are looking for these kinds of our services has much to do with a number of factors. The main reason we have been hearing a lot about lately is because guys want to look young and vibrant. Having a touch of gray hair can be quite attractive, but for guys who are still relatively young and have graying hair, it can make them appear older than they are.
Aside from looking younger, some of our most common clients incorporate colors as an expression of themselves. We have guys who want to match the celebrity look, or guys who want something different just for summer. It is all about keeping things refreshed and exciting. You look good, and then you feel good, and sometimes all it takes is a hint of color change for you to upgrade your entire look without purchasing a whole wardrobe.
Common Types of Coloring Methods
When considering the types of hair coloring techniques available, it’s important to understand how each can transform your look and suit your individual style.
As you sit in a chair, you’ll find several hair coloring methods available based on your intended objectives regarding color.
Grey Blending and Camouflage
This is perhaps the most popular coloring service. Compared with traditional permanent dye, which lays a thick, uniform foundation on every single strand, gray blending is much more discreet. Professionals employ a demi-permanent technique that colors the gray, without camouflaging it completely. It creates an extremely natural, salt-and-pepper effect that’s more George Clooney and less shoe polish.
And here’s the best part: it fades gradually over a period of weeks, so there will be no unsightly roots. If you’re curious about coloring techniques for hair, gray blending is an excellent place to start for natural-looking results.
Highlights and Tips
Highlights aren’t just for 90s boy bands anymore. Adding lighter highlights to your hair can bring a thickness and texture to your locks that will make your hair appear thicker. Professionals like to put these on by hand to show where your hair would be highlighted by the sun. Adding highlights to your hair works great on guys who have messy cuts or curly hair because it accentuates your ‘do.
All-Over Color and Bleaching
But for those who are bolder, there is the option for a complete color change. This could include a transition from dark brown to platinum blonde or even beyond that, with bold colors that include blue and silver. Among the different ways to color hair, a complete color change will include a bleaching process that removes all natural colors before applying a new shade. It is quite a high maintenance look, but it is very striking.
Get Advice from Your Barber
We can’t stress this enough: please put down the box of hair dye. At-home kits are usually too intense for your short hair, and they will end up with a flat, unnatural color that resembles a helmet. The color and texture of your skin and eyes, as much as your own hair texture, have a gigantic amount of weight in determining your ideal shade.
When you seek services, they will make the formula specially for you. They can then regulate the processing period so that it will not be either too dark or too light. Experts also understand exactly how to apply it so that it will not stain your scalp and ears, which will be an indication that it was done yourself.
Upgrading Your Look Today
Hair color is perhaps among the easiest ways to revamp your look without making an effort. You may be looking for ways to hide a couple of grays before an interview, or want to color your hair platinum blonde for a music festival. Professionals have a method that will suit your life. Then, our brilliant team of barbers at First & Mane can maintain your look to ensure it looks great for weeks to come!
Dru is the owner and master barber at FIRST & MANE in Scottsdale. With years of expertise, he’s known for precision cuts and modern grooming techniques that keep clients looking their best.
Dec 9, 2025 | Uncategorized
As our clients come to our First & Mane in search of a different look, one of the first things we examine is their face shape. Face shape is the basis for a perfect haircut. Have you observed that you have a face which is longer in proportions to your width, with a rounded lower jaw and a high forehead? Then you have an oblong-shaped face.
Such faces are very common, but they demand a special handling in order not to accentuate, but rather to highlight your facial beauty. If you’re looking for expert advice, be sure to consult our barber shop near Scottsdale, AZ, for personalized recommendations.
Our objective with an oblong face is all about balance. We do not want to make our face look longer. Rather, we want to widen it and make it fuller on both sides with a short top length. Thus, an oval face will be formed, and our most flattering feature will come into prominence. Here is how this can be achieved for an oblong face with short, medium, and long hair.
Short Haircuts for an Oblong-Shaped Face
If you’re searching for oblong face shape hairstyles for a male, understanding your unique features can help you choose a flattering cut.
Several of our clients think that short hair is the safest option, but you have to be very careful not to go too short on the sides. A high fade can make an oval face appear narrower than before. To avoid this, you can go for a hairstyle that retains some length on the sides.
The Caesar style is a great option for this face shape. The short, cut-horizontally hairstyle will help to soften a high forehead by creating an immediate shortening effect on the face. A textured crop is another great option for this face shape. Like a Caesar style, this haircut will bring hair forward to cover the forehead, but with a textured look. This will help to create the needed volume on the sides and top without lengthening the face.
Medium Hairstyles for Oblong Faces
If you’re researching medium hairstyles for an oblong face shape as a male, many options provide great versatility and style. Here are some tips you can follow when styling your hair if you have an elongated face. One of our favorite styling tips is a side part, so keep this in mind.
A slicked-back look can work well too, provided it is not styled up too high. Our advice would be to keep it flat or slightly angled to one side. The trick in this style is to make sure you are using a product with a matte finish to keep attention focused on the shape rather than on the product you are using. Try not to hide your natural wave if you have this in your hair. Wavy texture will give you volume on the sides, which is exactly what you need to balance out your face length.
Long Hairstyles for Oblong Faces
If you’re interested in exploring long men’s hairstyles for oblong face shape, letting your hair grow is a good idea, but this takes time and a good cut. With an oval face, a straight cut hair style is not a good idea because this will pull your face downward. A shoulder-length style with layers is good.
Layers bring movement and width to your face in the regions of your cheekbones and jawline. When you wear your hair up, do not pull it back into a high top knot. This will simply accentuate your stature. A low bun or ponytail can be worn at the base of your neck and will look far more flattering on you.
Hairstyles to Avoid
As far as styles go, there are a few that we always recommend our clients avoid with an oval face. The first, and most important, is height. A pompadour, a hawk, or any haircut that puts your hair up straight will make your face appear longer.
We recommend not using very short sides with a lot of length on top. Such a split highlights leanness with a vertical line. A middle part on very long hair will frame your face with a curtain-like effect, again calling attention to length rather than to width.
Selecting an Appropriate Cut for Yourself
When searching for the best haircuts for an oblong-faced male, consider both your lifestyle and maintenance preferences.
A good haircut is a combination of your personal style and the skill of your barber. Although this advice serves you well, your personal style and hair type matter immensely. When you go to a barbershop in the future, come talk to First & Mane about your worries. We can modify these traditional haircuts to accommodate your facial structure. A good haircut not only alters your appearance but also boosts your confidence when you step out into the world!
Dru is the owner and master barber at FIRST & MANE in Scottsdale. With years of expertise, he’s known for precision cuts and modern grooming techniques that keep clients looking their best.
