Layered Men's Haircut for Growing Out Your Hair
A cut that looks like it was never styled
Long layers that flick out at the ends, a loose center-leaning part and a fringe that curtains the eyes: this haircut moves like it was never styled, which is exactly the point.
That effortless look takes a precise cut. Hair at this length rarely needs much product, but it does need a cut that gives it a shape.
Below, top men's hairstylist Sergio Slavnov explains how this layered men's haircut was built, why it's ideal for growing your hair out, and how to style it with sea salt spray in a few minutes.
The cut: long layers with movement
This is a layered men's haircut on men's medium length hair, a scissor cut men's haircut built around the way this client's hair already grows.
- Length around the jaw and neck. Sergio Slavnov cut the length to fall between the jaw and the neck, long enough to move and short enough to keep a shape.
- Layers through the top and sides. The layers give the hair room to lift and separate instead of hanging in one flat sheet.
- Curtain fringe. The fringe was cut long enough to part and fall on either side of the face, framing the eyes.
- Slightly uneven ends. The ends were left a little uneven on purpose, so they kick outward with natural movement instead of sitting in a straight line.
Why layers get you through the growing-out stage
A cut like this suits anyone growing out a shorter style toward men's long hair. The hardest part of growing it out is the in-between stage, when the sides puff out, the back gets heavy and the whole head looks shapeless.
Layers solve that. They keep the shape tidy through the awkward months, so the hair gets longer without losing its outline. Each trim only has to refresh the ends, not reshape the whole head, and the length keeps building.
How to style it with Sea Salt Spray
Avenue Man Sea Salt Spray gives this cut its texture. It adds grit and body at the roots and separates the layers without a sticky or crunchy feel. The finish stays soft and a little undone, which keeps a long fringe haircut like this looking relaxed rather than overstyled.
On damp hair, after washing:
- Towel-dry until the hair feels damp, not wet.
- Mist the spray through the roots and lengths, 6–8 sprays for this length.
- Scrunch the ends upward with your hands to bring out the flick.
- Air-dry, or rough-dry with your fingers on medium heat. Skip the brush; it smooths the texture away.
On dry hair, for a quick refresh:
- Spray a few times at the roots and through the ends.
- Rake through with your fingers and twist a few pieces at the front.
- Leave it. The layers do the rest.
It is one of the best men's hair products for men's medium length hair that needs texture without weight.
Three ways to wear it
When the layers are right, a few sprays of sea salt are enough to bring out the movement, however you wear it.
- Down. Let the fringe fall on both sides of the face and the ends flick out. The most natural version, like in the photo.
- Pushed back. Rake the front back with your fingers for a cleaner look at work. The layers keep it from lying flat.
- Tucked behind the ears. Tuck the sides back to open up the face. Useful on windy or busy days.
Trims while growing it out
- Once every 2 months. That's enough to refresh the ends and the layers while the length keeps building.
- Say you're growing it out. Tell your men's hairstylist at every visit, so the trim keeps the shape instead of taking off length.
- Keep the fringe. The fringe is the first thing to look messy. A light trim there keeps it falling on both sides of the face.
- Expect the shape to change. As the hair gets longer, the layers move down with it. In a few months, this cut becomes men's long hair with the same movement.
Frequently asked questions
What do I ask for to get this haircut?
A layered men's haircut at jaw-to-neck length, with layers through the top and sides, a curtain fringe and slightly uneven ends that flick out. Bring this photo.
Will layers make my hair grow out faster?
No, hair grows at the same speed. Layers make the growing-out stage look better, so you're less likely to cut it short in frustration.
Can I use sea salt spray every day?
Yes, but use less on dry hair than on damp hair, and condition regularly so the ends don't dry out.
Does this cut work on wavy hair?
Yes. Wavy hair flicks out even more at the ends and needs less product.
How much does this haircut cost with Sergio Slavnov?
A men's haircut with Sergio Slavnov is $250.
A layered cut with real movement
This is the kind of shape Sergio Slavnov's private men's hair studio builds for clients growing their hair out: layers that keep the outline, ends that move, and a style that takes minutes.
More looks like this are on Instagram at @avenue.man, and you can watch the full process on YouTube at www.youtube.com/@bestmenshaircutsandstyling.
Sea Salt Spray is at avenueman.com.
Looking for a layered cut with real movement in the heart of Manhattan? Book your cut with Sergio Slavnov