How to Keep Long Hair Out of Your Face (for Guys)

Co-authored by Nick Arrojo

Last Updated: December 3, 2022 References

Having long, flowing locks is great unless your hair is constantly in your face. Fortunately, if you have long hair, there are a lot of things you can use to keep it out of your face. However, no matter what devices or products you use, it’s always important to keep your hair happy and healthy so it’s easy to manage and style.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Tying or Pinning Your Hair Back

1
Put your hair up with an elastic hairband. Use an elastic hairband, also known as a hair tie or a ponytail holder, to hold hair without damaging or fraying it. Gather your hair with your hands and pull it out of your face. Slide your hair through an elastic hairband to make a simple ponytail that will keep your hair out of your face. You could also make a man bun by bunching your hair up in the back of your head, pulling it halfway through a hair tie, and twisting and wrapping the hair tie around the bun again.^{[1]
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Expert Source

Nick Arrojo
Master Hair Stylist
Expert Interview. 9 September 2021.}
- You may need to double-wrap the hairband to keep it securely attached.
- Never use a rubber band as a hairband! The rubber will strain and damage your hair. It may also be painful to remove.
2
Slide on a headband for a sporty-casual option. Pull a fabric or stretchy elastic headband over your face, brush your hair back, then slide the headband up until it reaches your hairline. Make a few small adjustments so it rests comfortably on your head.^{[3]
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- The headband will keep your hair from falling down into your face and is a great option if you’re exercising.
- You can also push the headband back a little further so it’s more on the crown of your head if that’s more comfortable for you.
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3
Make a messy bun with a plastic hair clip. A hair clip, also known as a clasp, is a plastic clip with jaws that clamps onto your hair. Use your hands to pull your hair out of your face and gather it into a bundle. Then, clamp the hair clip onto the bundle to hold it in place and out of your face.
- Hair clips come in a variety of colors and styles. Visit your local department store or beauty supply store and choose a clip that suits you.
4
Try tying your hair back with a bandana. Choose a bandana with a color and pattern that you like, gather your hair with your hands, and sweep it back. Wrap a bandana around your forehead and tie it behind your head to keep your hair contained and out of your face.^{[4]
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- There are a variety of colors and styles of bandanas to choose from.
- Tie a bandana like a headband and use it to keep your hair out of your face.
5
Tuck your long hair up inside of a hat. If you’re struggling to keep your hair out of your face, you don’t have any other hair control items with you, or you’re just having one of those days, reach for a hat to put on. Use your hands to brush your hair back out of your face and slide the hat down over it to keep it held down.^{[5]
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- Go with a ball cap for a simple solution.
- Use a hat to add to your style. For instance, a fedora could make your outfit look more beachy or casual, while a snapback can make you look more hip.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Styling Your Hair Out of Your Face

1
Rake your fingers through your hair to style it. Brushing your hair with a standard brush will make your hair straighter and more likely to blow around and fall into your face. Whenever you’re styling your hair, use your fingers so your hair is more collected and less stringy.^{[6]
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- Using your fingers to style your hair can also give you that just-out-of-bed casual look.
- Go with the direction that your hair naturally parts as well instead of forcing it.
2
Apply hair spray for a light and more natural-looking hold. Once you’ve styled your hair, hold a can of hair spray about 8 inches (20 cm) away from your hair. Move the can around your hair as you spray to add a light coating that will give your hair some hold, but won’t weigh it down or make it look greasy.^{[7]
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- Hairspray will also help control frizz as well.
3
Slick back your hair with gel for a stronger control option. Brush your hair back out of your face with your hands. Apply a dime-sized amount of hair gel to your hands and then run your hands through your hair to apply it. Avoid adding more than a dime or quarter-sized amount of gel or your hair will look oily.^{[8]
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- Hair gel hardens as it dries and will provide the most control.
4
Use grooming cream, paste, or wax for a lighter hold than hair gel. Grooming cream, paste, and wax are other hair-styling products that provide control and can be used to help keep your hair out of your face.^{[9]
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Expert Source

Nick Arrojo
Master Hair Stylist
Expert Interview. 9 September 2021.} Apply a small amount of the product to your hands and style your hair back. As they dry, they’ll help your hair keep its texture and style.^{[10]
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- Control creams add more body and texture than paste or wax.
- Wax is less oily than gel but provides a super strong hold.
- Control paste is a good in-between of cream and wax. It provides a sturdy hold, but also adds body and texture to your hair.
- Hair pomades are another great styling option.^{[11]
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  Nick Arrojo
  Master Hair Stylist
  Expert Interview. 9 September 2021.}
5
Braid your hair if you have thick or coarse hair. Braiding is a great way to help keep your hair out of the way and out of your face. Gather your hair and divide it into 3 even sections. Starting at the base of your hair, cross the left section over the middle section, then cross the right section over the middle section. Keep working your way down the length of your hair following this pattern until your hair is braided, then use a hairband to tie off the end of the braid so it doesn’t come undone.^{[12]
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- Visit a salon or stylist to have your hair professionally braided.
- Cornrows are super tight braids that last a long time and will keep your hair out of your face as well.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Maintaining Long Hair

1
Use shampoo no more than 1-2 times a week to minimize frizz. Shampoo cleans your hair, but it also strips it of the natural oils that help make it manageable and easy to keep out of your face. To keep your hair healthy, less frizzy, and easy to maintain, use shampoo once or twice a week when you shower.^{[13]
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- Choose a moisturizing shampoo as well to help keep your hair from getting frizzy.
- If your hair gets greasy or smelly in between washes, use dry shampoo to clean it.
2
Condition your hair every single day to keep it healthy. Every time you take a shower use hair conditioner to help add moisture and keep your hair healthy and easy to manage. If you don’t take a shower, apply moisturizing hair lotion or leave-in conditioner before you go to sleep.^{[14]
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- Your pillowcase can actually absorb a lot of the natural moisturizing oils from your hair, so a little bit of leave-in conditioner is a great way to keep your hair nourished.
3
Style your hair while it’s still damp after a shower. When you get out of a shower or bath, pat your hair with a towel so it isn’t dripping wet and let your hair air dry for a few minutes. While your hair is still damp, apply whatever styling products you plan to use and fix your hair. As your hair dries, the products will set in and your hair will be easier to manage and keep out of your face.^{[15]
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- Towel drying your hair can damage it and make it frizzy.
4
Avoid running your hands through your hair too often. Try to avoid constantly running your hands through your hair so the extra oils from your fingers don’t make your hair look greasy. It’s totally fine to occasionally make adjustments, brush your hair out of your face, or fluff it up, but try not to do it too often.^{[16]
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Expert Q&A

Question

How do men with long hair keep it out of their eyes?

Nick Arrojo
Master Hair Stylist
Nick Arrojo is a Master Hair Stylist and the Owner and Founder of Arrojo NYC, an independent hairdressing brand. With over 35 years of experience, he specializes in cutting and styling hair using precision-based hairdressing and educating hair professionals through Arrojo Education. Nick has become a well-known icon in the hair industry with his internationally recognized razor-cutting technique, work with fashion designers, and seven years as TLC’s ‘What Not to Wear’ hairdressing host.

Nick Arrojo

Master Hair Stylist

Expert Answer

The most quick and effective solutions are a low ponytail or a man-bun. If you don't want to tie your hair, try using a pomade or a styling crème to keep it away from your eyes.