The Flow Haircut: a barber’s guide to mid length hair.

2 days ago

Mid length hair may often look laid back, low maintenance and red carpet cool, but there’s a definitive checklist you need covered off to earn a style that appears nonchalant. With the help of Covent Garden store manager Jake Murphy, bro flow status is yours for the taking. Explore our mid length hair guide below.

Styled with Beach Salt Spray and Hybrid Pomade

What actually is mid length hair?

Mid-length hair is a vast spectrum, but I try to define it as anything that either tucks behind the ears, falls below the brow, or has yet to tickle the collar. You have your short-mid length, and your mid-long length, and many other variables, but I will stick with the above definition for this article!

How should I get my hair cut for the flow?

The fabled 'flow' is achieved by the culmination of a few factors: the natural hair texture and growth patterns of the hair, and the shape and movement said aspects are cut into. A great tonsorialist will be able to achieve these parameters without worry. A great shape allows the structure for the hair to sit properly, and movement the avenues for hair to maintain length, without feeling heavy.

What options work best for hair types? Curly, straight, thick, thin

Curly and straight hair sit on the opposite ends of the spectrum but share a lot in common. Without adequate length, even in a short haircut, there is no structure or integrity, and the hair is unable to thrive or function properly. For both styles, the common faux pas is simply keeping it all long without a shape or style.

Styled with Beach Salt Spray

With curly hair if you cut it too short, it is unable to curl and either gets bulky, or frizzy depending on hair density. With straight hair. It becomes rigid and runs the risk of standing straight on end. The easy solution is to just leave it all to grow, and it is that grown out phase that lacks 'flow'. When growing a shorter haircut out, don't be afraid to go into a barbershop for touch ups; you can have just the back adjusted, the fringe, not every haircut has to cut every hair!

Are there any considerations I need to make? Ie hairline, face shape

Yes, the only consideration is that it may take a haircut or two to achieve the desired cut. Everyone's head is different, some are lumpy and bumpy, others are flat and square. Some foreheads are big, others are small. They all have different requirements, and may take some growth to 'even out'

If the hair around the curve of the head sticks straight out, it often times is too short. Once it had a bit more length, it becomes mailable and is able to bend.

How do I style my flow?

The cut does most of the work, but a good styling product will make it POP! The Ruffians Smoothing Balm is our gold medalist for this. It enhances definition, applies a light layer of hold, and nourishes growing hair. Apply on damp hair, covering from root to tip, and style accordingly. For a shinier alternative, try our Hybrid Pomade!

TOP TIP: when styling your flow, imagine you're encouraging and enhancing what your hair naturally wants to do, not forcing it into a style.

How do I maintain my hair?

Bi-monthly hair appointments will keep it in good standing. Too often and your hair will drift shorter and shorter; too long, and the structural integrity of the mid-length shape will falter and the flow will lose its majesty!