Good Things Come to Those Who Wait... Especially When It’s Haircuts!
- Tom Goedhart
- Jul 21, 2023
- 2 min read
Updated: Dec 24, 2024
In a world overflowing with hair trends and styles, the "Long Trim" hairstyle remains timeless. But growing out a Long Trim isn’t a walk in the park; it requires a bit of endurance, especially when your hair hits that awkward, in-between phase. It might feel unsightly at times, but hang in there - there’s a rewarding finish ahead!

Take Jack from Titanic (played by Leonardo DiCaprio), for instance. His Long Trim Slick Back transformed him from a struggling artist in the third class to a suave gentleman.
What Exactly is a Long Trim?
The defining feature of a Long Trim is the length of hair on the sides and nape. Unlike an Undercut, where the hair is shaved closely, a Long Trim keeps enough length on the sides to slick back easily. This allows the top section to be styled into various looks, such as a Pompadour, Side Part, or a slicked-back finish.

Long Trim Pompadour (on the left) and Undercut Pompadour (on the right).
Long Trim hairstyles exude a classic elegance often associated with vintage gentlemen, especially when styled with a bit of shine from pomade. So, what do you need to embrace the Long Trim?
The Waiting Game
Achieving the Long Trim requires patience, especially since many modern hairstyles feature short to medium-length sides. To grow your hair into a Long Trim, be prepared to wait around 10 to 12 weeks. On average, Vietnamese hair grows about 1.5 cm per month, so you’ll want the sides to be between 5-8 cm long.
During this waiting period, it’s perfectly fine to get a trim to ease styling; just remember to resist the urge to chop it all off when it looks uneven.
Shampooing: Less is More
Vietnam’s climate can make hair greasy and dusty, but over-washing isn’t the answer. Frequent washing strips your scalp of its natural oils, which help keep hair strands together and enhance styling products like wax or pomade. Instead, aim to wash your hair 3-4 times a week, preferably in the evening. This way, your hair can absorb those natural oils overnight, making styling easier the next day.
Ideal Styling Products for Long Trim
Given the unique length of a Long Trim, opt for moisturizing styling products, such as oil-based or water-based pomades, instead of standard waxes, which can lead to tangles and breakage. For slicking down the sides, consider using heavier Clay Pomades to combat frizz - especially during that challenging growing phase when your hair isn't quite where you want it to be.

There are numerous styling variations within the Long Trim realm, offering a range of looks to keep your style fresh.
Ultimately, the key takeaway is that patience is vital when pursuing Long Trim hairstyles. Endure the growing pains, and the reward of a polished look will be well worth the wait! 😉
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