While undercuts have been a staple men’s hairstyle for decades, over the last few years, they’ve become increasingly popular for women as well. Today, you’ll find all sorts of celebrities and influencers sporting undercut designs whether on the red carpet or on your social media feed. We can totally see why! Undercut haircuts give you the best of both worlds—a classic style when hair is down and one that’s edgier when you’re ready to flaunt it. Also, if you have thick hair or live in a hot climate, it’s an easy way to help keep cool.
There’s one caveat among the perks, though. Whether you’ve got an undercut pixie, undercut bob, or have long hair paired with your edgy cut, maintaining the look can be a bit tricky. You’ve got to pencil in twice-monthly trips to the salon to keep your undercut haircut looking its best, or at least come up with some creative ways to handle new growth.
If you’ve been thinking about growing out your undercut hairstyle but aren’t sure how to get past that awkward stage, we’ve got just the tips and tricks for you. Pati Rodriguez, Matrix bilingual educator and artist, is breaking down everything you need to know.
Good hair day by @bleachedandblown.
How Long Does It Take To Grow Out An Undercut Hairstyle
When growing out an undercut haircut, the goal is to try to make all the hair on your head the same length. On average, hair grows about six inches per year, so the length of time it takes for you to grow out your undercut depends on how long you want your hair to be.
“Growing out an undercut can seem like a challenge, but with a little bit of patience and time, it can definitely be achieved,” Rodriguez says.
If you have really short hair and your undercut is a more subtle design, it should only take a few months to grow out. However, if you have very long hair, it may take several years for both lengths to match up.
Good hair day by @chelseahaircutters.
How Do You Gracefully Grow Out An Undercut
While you can’t speed up the process of growing out an undercut haircut, there are ways to make the transition less, well, awkward. For starters, Rodriguez says the best way to embrace your undercut while it’s growing out is to try hairstyles that pull attention away from the shorter hair underneath.
“The great thing about styling the rest of your hair while growing out an undercut is that [the shaved portion] is typically hidden,” she says.
In addition to trying new styles, it’s also important to get routine trims. While cutting your hair won’t make it grow any faster, it will help to keep your hair looking and feeling as healthy as possible by getting rid of your split ends. In fact, if you wait until your undercut is completely grown out to head to the salon, don’t be surprised if your stylist suggests you get rid of a significant amount of length to remove any damaged ends.
If you have long hair, opting to get rid of some of your length will help to even out your hair more quickly. As the lengths become similar again, you can also have your stylist add some layers or texture to blend the different lengths.
What Are The Best Products For Growing Out An Undercut?
Routine haircuts and patience are crucial when it comes to growing out an undercut haircut. Using the right hair care products can also help. Here are a few of our favorites:
Extreme Length Shampoo with Biotin
A strengthening shampoo for damaged hair with biotin to help grow hair longer and stronger.
Redken Extreme Length Shampoo with Biotin
Every good hair care routine starts with a top-notch shampoo and conditioner. If your end goal is to grow out your hair, then opt for a product that's formulated to help hair feel strong and healthy. Redken Extreme Length Shampoo with biotin contains a Fortifying Complex that helps achieve 81 percent less breakage when used as a complete system along with the Redken Extreme Length Conditioner.
All Soft Heavy Cream Deep Conditioning Treatment Mask
An anti-frizz moisturizing hair mask for dry and brittle hair.
Redken All Soft Heavy Cream Deep Conditioning Treatment Mask
In addition to improving your strand’s strength, make sure to treat your hair to some much-needed hydration. Redken All Soft Heavy Cream Deep Conditioning Treatment Mask is a once-weekly treatment that deeply moisturizes your strands, so they look soft, shiny, and healthy.
Discipline Keratine Thermique Blow Dry Primer
A leave-in treatment that protects against external aggressors, revitalizes frizzy hair, and prevents further damage.
Kérastase Discipline Keratine Thermique Blow Dry Primer
To further protect your hair from breakage, make sure to protect your strands whenever heat styling. Along with shielding your hair from heat damage, this leave-in primer protects your hair from environmental damage and can visibly reduce frizziness.
Style + Protect Mess It Up Texture Paste
A medium-hold styling paste that provides flexible controm, soft texture, and shine.
Pureology Style + Protect Mess It Up Texture Paste
As your undercut grows out, you might find yourself getting frustrated with the awkward length. To help control the hair underneath, try Pureology Style + Protect Mess It Up Texture Paste. This medium-hold flexible paste creates soft hold and control.
Styling Gelée All Purpose Styling Gel
An all-purpose styling gel that adds volume and smoothes frizz.
Biolage Styling Gelée All Purpose Styling Gel
If you prefer a gel over paste, try Biolage Styling Gelée All Purpose Styling Gel. This all-purpose gel helps smooth frizz and flyaways, boosts shine, and creates a firm hold without the crunch.
What Should I Do With My Hair When Growing Out An Undercut?
Looking for a little undercut style inspiration? Consider one of these eight styles that’ll flawlessly conceal an undercut that’s growing out.
Low Ponytail
“A sleek low ponytail is my go-to look for hiding a growing-out undercut,“ Rodriguez says. Whether your undercut is on the back of your head or the side, a low ponytail will easily cover it up! A chic bow or accessory can elevate the look, as well.
Good hair day by @lamajbackwards.
High Ponytail
If you’ve got hair to spare, a high ponytail can work just as well when concealing an undercut. Tease out the lower part of the ponytail for extra volume and gorgeous texture.
Good hair day by @realericvaughn.
Beachy Waves
“Beachy textured waves are a great styling option because they help to hide a spiky undercut,” she explains. For flawless and protected waves, try Pureology Style + Protect Beach Waves Sugar Spray.
Good hair day by @ellendevinehair.
Soft Waves
If you prefer a more uniform or sleek texture, opt for soft waves instead. It has the same effect of concealing your undercut, but feels a bit more put together for moments when you want to look extra polished. For shine, add a touch of hair serum to your strands. L'Oréal Professionnel Absolut Repair 10 in 1 Oil is a lightweight serum that nourishes your strands while creating enviable shine and gloss.
Good hair day by @its_micaaah.
Curls Galore
Embracing your natural texture is another simple way to cover up an undercut in the awkward growing-out stage. Use a product that will help define your curls, such as Mizani Curl Define Pudding. Diffusing your hair when blow drying can also help create texture, definition, and shine.
Extreme Length Shampoo with Biotin
A strengthening shampoo for damaged hair with biotin to help grow hair longer and stronger.
All Soft Heavy Cream Deep Conditioning Treatment Mask
An anti-frizz moisturizing hair mask for dry and brittle hair.
Discipline Keratine Thermique Blow Dry Primer
A leave-in treatment that protects against external aggressors, revitalizes frizzy hair, and prevents further damage.
Style + Protect Mess It Up Texture Paste
A medium-hold styling paste that provides flexible controm, soft texture, and shine.
Styling Gelée All Purpose Styling Gel
An all-purpose styling gel that adds volume and smoothes frizz.
Curl Define Pudding
A luxurious curl activator that elongates coily to extremely tight texture types.
Absolut Repair 10 in 1 Oil
A lightweight multi-benefit leave in oil
