The Buzz Is Out: Long Hair Is in for Men

(MS) - While men's hair trends often take a backseat to those of their female counterparts, male grooming is now making a bold statement. Men have realized that it pays to push the ladies aside and share some time in front of the bathroom mirror. The trend toward longer-locked looks is cropping up all over the country. Just check out your T.V. for proof. Popular TLC host Evan Farmer of While You Were Out, often sports a longer look. And recent American Idol contestants Bo Bice and Constantine Maroulis proved long hair rocks. Plus, English soccer player David Beckham revolutionized the way long hair is perceived on men. It's evident; these days, the buzz is out. Long hair is in.

LOVING LONG LOOKS

No longer associated with 1980s "hair bands" or middle-agers trying to hold on to their youth, longer styles - those that reach collar length - are all about sleek sophistication. Think well- groomed with an edge of ruggedness and you're on target. In addition, bangs are making a comeback. Bang lengths that hit at the nose or lash line are designed to enhance a chiseled chin and masculine look.

What's good about these men's styles is that they work well with a variety of personalities and lifestyles. It is equally as acceptable to sport collar-length cuts in the boardroom as it is at the local bar on a Saturday night.

"There's a retro feel to men's hair this year," says Joico International Artistic Director Damien Carney. "The look is long hair, but it's a very clean, well-groomed look with clean-shaven faces."

The extra length is offering men greater versatility in how they wear their hair. They can pull it away from the face, Carney says, or wear it flat with bangs tucked behind one ear for a more groomed look.

HAIR-CARE ARSENAL

Though many men are reluctant to use products, many styles actually benefit from their use. Don't worry, it won't require hours of primping - it's actually easy to do. Layering of hair products is the key to creating texture and volume, and keeping the style in place. That's why hair-care manufacturers are now offering products designed specifically for men. For example, The Ice Hair line by Joico offers many flexible products that can be easily layered for a little or a lot of volume, texture and hold.

To give long hair more edge, many men are enhancing their hair with texture, which means thickening fine hair or toning down coarse hair. Apply a texture transformer to wet hair or dry hair depending upon the level of texture you want to achieve.

A lightweight, resin-free wax provides definition and intense shine without the weight of a gel. It can be softened in the hand and easily applied to hair to give it a choppy, modern feel.

And to enhance medium to extreme curl, the power is in the pull of the trigger. Use a liquid spray wax that offers lightweight volume and satin-like shine.

For more information on male hair trends and the right haircare items for you, visit www.joico.com.

CAPTION: The buzz is out! The trend toward longer-locked looks is cropping up all over the country.