Growing Out an Undercut

May 28, 2024 article Comments (0)

I get it. You’re over your undercut. The edgy, shaved look was fun while it lasted, but now you’re ready for a change. The problem? Growing out an undercut can be a real pain, with that awkward “in-between” stage that feels like it lasts forever.

But here’s the thing: It doesn’t have to be that way. With the right game plan, you can grow out your undercut without losing your mind (or your style). I’ve been there, done that, and I’m here to share my secrets.

So, whether you’re rocking a Peaky Blinders-inspired cut or channeling your inner Brad Pitt in Fury, let’s dive into the world of growing out an undercut. Trust me, it’s not as daunting as it seems.

Growing Out an Undercut: Step by Step Guide

Ready to move on from your undercut and try out a new style? This article will walk you through how to grow out an undercut with as few awkward in-between stages as possible. We’ve also included some tips to help you style your hair in the meantime.

Preparing for the Awkward Stage

Growing out an undercut can seem like a challenge, but with a little bit of patience and time, it can definitely be achieved. While you can’t speed up the process of growing out an undercut haircut, there are ways to make the transition less, well, awkward. For starters, the best way to embrace your undercut while it’s growing out is to try hairstyles that pull attention away from the shorter hair underneath. “The great thing about styling the rest of your hair while growing out an undercut is that [the shaved portion] is typically hidden,” says Pati Rodriguez, Matrix bilingual educator and artist.

Maintaining Your Hair During the Growing Out Process

When growing out an undercut, the goal is to try to make all the hair on your head the same length. On average, hair grows about six inches per year, so the length of time it takes depends on how long you want your hair to be. Routine haircuts and using the right hair care products can help maintain your hair during the process. If you have really short hair and your undercut is a more subtle design, it should only take a few months to grow out. However, if you have very long hair, it may take several years for both lengths to match up.

Styling Tips for Each Stage of Growth

If you have long hair, opting to get rid of some of your length will help to even out your hair more quickly. As the lengths become similar again, you can also have your stylist add some layers or texture to blend the different lengths. Good hair day by @chelseahaircutters. In addition to trying new styles, it’s also important to get routine trims. While cutting your hair won’t make it grow any faster, it will help to keep your hair looking and feeling as healthy as possible by getting rid of your split ends. If you wait until your undercut is completely grown out to head to the salon, don’t be surprised if your stylist suggests you get rid of a significant amount of length to remove any damaged ends.

Best Hairstyles for Growing Out an Undercut

Looking for a little undercut style inspiration? Consider one of these styles that’ll flawlessly conceal an undercut that’s growing out.

The Ivy League Haircut

The ivy league haircut is a classic style that can easily blend an undercut as it grows out. It keeps the hair short on the back and sides while allowing more length on top to conceal the undercut. This short haircut features a bit more length on top that can be styled messy or neat, helping to camouflage the exact line where your undercut is growing out.

The Textured Crop

For a fresh style while growing out your undercut, try a textured crop. This short haircut features a bit more length on top that can be styled messy or neat, helping to camouflage the exact line where your undercut is growing out. The tousled look helps hide awkward hair lengths as your undercut grows.

The Slicked Back Style

If you prefer longer hair, a slicked back style is an ideal choice when growing out an undercut. Use a product like pomade or gel to comb hair straight back, which will blend the undercut area as your hair gets longer. This style works well for controlling hair and concealing the undercut area as it grows out.

The Messy Quiff

The messy quiff is a trendy hairstyle that works well for concealing an undercut as it grows out. Style hair up and back at the front while keeping it more textured and natural in the back. The tousled look helps hide awkward hair lengths and allows your natural hair texture to shine through.

The Faux Hawk

For an edgier look, try a faux hawk style when growing out your undercut. Leave hair longer in the center and style it up into a mohawk shape. Shorter hair on the sides will blend in as your undercut grows, creating a unique hairstyle that draws attention away from uneven lengths.

Products to Help with Growing Out an Undercut

Routine haircuts and patience are crucial when it comes to growing out an undercut haircut. Using the right hair care products can also help. Here are a few of our favorites:

Shampoo and Conditioner for Length

To promote hair growth when growing out an undercut, use a shampoo and conditioner designed for length like the Redken Extreme Length system. These products nourish hair and reduce breakage so you can gain length more quickly. Every good hair care routine starts with a top-notch shampoo and conditioner. If your end goal is to grow out your hair, then opt for a product that’s formulated to help hair feel strong and healthy.

Styling Products for Control

Styling products are key for controlling your hair and concealing the undercut area as it grows out. Try a texture paste to piece out hair and a flexible hold hairspray to keep styles in place all day. As your undercut grows out, you might find yourself getting frustrated with the awkward length. To help control the hair underneath, try Pureology Style + Protect Mess It Up Texture Paste. This medium-hold flexible paste creates soft hold and control.

Mousses and Creams for Volume

Adding volume at the roots can help hide the demarcation line of an undercut as it grows. Use a volumizing mousse or thickening cream when hair is damp, then blow dry hair up and back to boost body and fullness. If you prefer a gel over paste, try Biolage Styling Gelée All Purpose Styling Gel. This all-purpose gel helps smooth frizz and flyaways, boosts shine, and creates a firm hold without the crunch.

Dealing with Common Issues When Growing Out an Undercut

Managing the Awkward Stage

The awkward stage of growing out an undercut occurs when the hair is too short to lie flat but too long to stick up. During this phase, try combing hair to the sides or using accessories like hats and headbands to conceal the uneven lengths. Growing out the back and sides of an undercut can be especially tricky. Be patient and experiment with different styles to find what works best for camouflaging the awkward stage.

Dealing with Split Ends

As your undercut grows out, you may notice more split ends, especially if bleach or color was used on the hair previously. Get regular micro-trims every 6-8 weeks to remove damage and keep hair looking healthy. Keeping your hair healthy is crucial when growing out an undercut to avoid breakage and frizz. Deep condition hair weekly, use heat protectant before styling, and avoid over-washing which can dry out strands.

Blending Different Hair Lengths

If you have long hair on top, the sides can take a while to catch up when growing out an undercut. Ask your stylist to add texture and layers to help hide the transition between the different hair lengths as your undercut grows. Blending the shorter hair of your undercut with the rest of your length can be a challenge. Use a vented brush to lift hair at the roots and direct it back and to the sides to conceal the undercut area when blow drying.

Maintaining Your Hair and Style While Growing Out an Undercut

Regular Trims to Maintain Shape

While you don’t want to remove too much length, regular trims are important to maintain the shape of your cut as your undercut grows out. Aim for a trim every 4-6 weeks, just taking off enough to clean up the style. Keeping your hair at a medium length can make the growing out process easier. Long hair tends to emphasize the disconnect between the undercut and the rest of your hair.

Blow Drying Techniques

Blow drying is a useful way to blend the shorter hair of your undercut with the rest of your length as it grows. Use a vented brush to lift hair at the roots and direct it back and to the sides to conceal the undercut area. Proper blow drying techniques can make a big difference in how your hair looks and feels. Take the time to learn how to blow dry your specific hair type and length for best results.

Keeping Your Hair Healthy

Keeping your hair healthy is crucial when growing out an undercut to avoid breakage and frizz. Deep condition hair weekly, use heat protectant before styling, and avoid over-washing which can dry out strands. Once your undercut is completely grown out, you can decide if you want to keep your hair long or go for a fresh chop. No matter what you choose, keeping up with routine haircuts will help maintain the health and style of your hair. Growing out an undercut is a journey, but with the right techniques, products, and a little patience, you can successfully transition to a new style you love. Embrace the process and don’t be afraid to experiment along the way. With these tips in mind, you’ll be rocking your grown-out undercut in no time.

Key Takeaway:

Growing out an undercut? Patience and the right hair care routine are key. Use styles and cuts to blend lengths, get regular trims, and don’t skimp on products that promote health and growth. Embrace each stage with confidence.

Conclusion

Growing out an undercut is a journey, but with the right tools and techniques, you can make it a stylish one. Remember, patience is key. Embrace the awkward stages, experiment with new styles, and don’t be afraid to ask your barber for help along the way.

Keep your hair healthy with the right products, and don’t forget to have fun with it. Growing out an undercut is the perfect opportunity to try new looks and find your signature style.

So, whether you’re aiming for a sleek, slicked-back vibe or a tousled, textured crop, know that you’ve got this. Rock those in-between stages with confidence, and before you know it, your undercut will be a thing of the past.

Now, go forth and conquer the world of hair growth, my friend. You’ve got the knowledge, the tools, and the attitude to make growing out your undercut a total success. And if all else fails, just remember: hats are always an option.