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Long Trim: A Test of Patience and Style

Writer's picture: Tom GoedhartTom Goedhart

Among the ever-changing waves of hair trends, one timeless classic stands tall: the Long Trim. This hairstyle has effortlessly stood the test of time, blending sophistication with versatility.


Growing out a Long Trim, however, isn’t for the faint-hearted. The journey to achieving this look comes with its own set of challenges - most notably, enduring the awkward growth stages when your hair looks, well, not its best. But hang in there, because the payoff is worth it. It’s a slow grind, but the result is pure elegance.

Take the Long Trim Slick Back, for example. This iconic style turned Leonardo DiCaprio’s Jack in Titanic from a scrappy artist in steerage into a dashing, polished gentleman.

What Exactly Is a Long Trim?

The hallmark of the Long Trim lies in the hair’s length along the sides and nape. Unlike the Undercut, which features closely shaved sides, the Long Trim keeps the sides long enough to slick back for a refined, polished look. The top, meanwhile, can be styled in various ways - think Pompadour, Side Part, or Slick Back.

Long Trim Pompadour (on the left) and Undercut Pompadour (on the right).

This style harks back to the classic looks of old-school gentlemen, where sleek hair paired with a glossy pomade shine was a symbol of class. And yes, achieving the Long Trim requires more than just a good barber - it demands patience.


Patience is Key: The Growth Timeline

If your current hairstyle involves short or medium-length sides - or worse, a skin-tight undercut - transitioning to a Long Trim will take time. To achieve the desired side length of 5–8 cm, you’ll need to let your hair grow for about 10 to 12 weeks. Given that Vietnamese hair grows an average of 1.5 cm per month (individual results may vary), this means months of resisting the urge to cut it all off when it hits that awkward phase.


You can opt for light trims during this time to maintain some control, but remember: patience is everything. The payoff will be worth the wait.


Shampoo Less, Style More

Vietnam’s humid climate can tempt you to over-wash your hair, but frequent shampooing isn’t ideal when working toward a Long Trim. Your scalp produces natural oils that help bind hair strands and improve styling. Over-washing strips these oils, leaving hair softer and less cooperative for products like pomade.


Instead, wash your hair 3–4 times a week, ideally at night. This allows your scalp’s natural oils to develop overnight, making it easier to style your hair the next day.


Picking the Right Styling Products

Styling a Long Trim requires products that strike the right balance between moisture and hold. Oil-based or water-based pomades work best, as they add the needed shine and manageability without making the hair sticky or brittle. For the sides, especially during the mid-growth phase, a heavier Clay Pomade can help tame frizz and keep things looking sharp.

Some hairstyle variations when paired with Long Trim details.

Achieving a Long Trim is a lesson in perseverance. It’s about enduring the growing pains and trusting the process. Stick with it, and you’ll walk away with a timeless hairstyle that’s as classic as it is stylish.


Suffer through the awkward stage now, and enjoy the rewards later. 😉

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