19 Hairstyles for Growing Out Undercut with Ease

Growing out an undercut can feel like a never-ending journey. The awkward phases often make you want to reach for the clippers again.

However, the right styling strategy turns this transition into a creative opportunity. You can look polished while your hair regains its length.

These clever styles bridge the gap between a shaved side and a full mane. Discover how to navigate the grow-out process with total confidence.

1. The Deep Side Part

Shifting your part to the far side is the most effective way to hide short, spiky growth. By bringing longer hair over the undercut, you create an instant veil.

This technique works best when the top length is at least four inches long. It allows the weight of the hair to sit flat against the scalp.

Use a light-hold pomade to keep the longer section in place. This prevents the tufts of the undercut from poking through during the day.

2. Textured Pixie Cut

When the undercut reaches an inch or two, a textured pixie helps blend everything together. It moves the focus from the sides to the movement on top.

Ask your stylist for choppy layers that incorporate the new growth. This softens the transition between the previously shaved areas and the rest of the hair.

Texture paste is your best friend for this look. It adds the “messy on purpose” vibe that makes the different lengths look intentional.

3. The Slick-Back Look

The slick-back is a high-fashion way to handle the awkward “fuzzy” stage. By using a firm-hold gel, you can comb all hair backward uniformly.

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This style works exceptionally well for formal events or professional settings. It creates a sleek silhouette that disguises the uneven density of the growing sides.

Apply the product to damp hair and use a fine-tooth comb. This ensures even distribution and keeps the shorter hairs pinned against the head.

4. Side-Swept Bangs

Focusing on the front of the hair can distract from the growing sides. Side-swept bangs draw the eye toward the face rather than the hairline.

Longer fringe can be styled to curve over the temple. This effectively bridges the gap between the top length and the rising undercut.

Use a round brush while blow-drying to create volume in the bangs. The extra lift helps the hair fall naturally over the transition zone.

5. The Dutch Side Braid

A Dutch braid along the side of the head is a mechanical solution for loose strands. It physically gathers the short hair and pins it down.

Start the braid at the temple and work toward the nape of the neck. This keeps the shortest, spikiest bits tucked securely under the longer hair.

If the hair is too short to stay in the braid, use a bit of hairspray on a toothbrush. Smooth it over the braid to catch any flyaways.

6. Low Messy Bun

The low bun is a classic “reset” style for any hair length. By pulling the top hair down, you can overlap the growing undercut.

This style is perfect for casual days when you don’t want to spend time styling. It provides a clean, gathered look from the front and sides.

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Use a decorative scrunchie to add some flair and extra grip. The bulk of the scrunchie can help cover the area where the hair is shortest.

7. The Modern Faux Hawk

If you can’t hide the growth, embrace it with a modern faux hawk. This style uses the shorter sides as a base for a voluminous center.

It works by pushing the top and side hair toward the middle of the head. This creates a vertical silhouette that makes the different lengths look edgy.

A strong-hold wax or clay is necessary to maintain the height. This style is particularly effective for those with thick or wavy hair textures.

8. Asymmetrical Bob

Transitioning into an asymmetrical bob is a strategic move for long-term growth. You can keep one side long while the undercut side catches up.

This cut looks completely intentional and fashion-forward. It removes the “growing out” stigma by turning the unevenness into a specific design choice.

As the undercut side gets longer, your stylist can gradually even out the other side. This results in a traditional bob over several months of maintenance.

9. Embellished Headbands

Headbands are the ultimate “cheat code” for growing out an undercut. A wide band can physically cover the entire growth area in seconds.

Choose padded or embellished headbands for a more professional look. They act as a focal point, making the hair beneath them less relevant.

Position the headband just behind the ears to press down the shortest hairs. This prevents the hair from “flaring out” at the sides.

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10. Geometric Bobby Pin Art

Visible bobby pins are currently a major trend in hair styling. Use them to create “X” or triangle shapes over the growing undercut.

This serves two purposes: it holds the short hair flat and adds a decorative element. It makes the transition look like a deliberate style choice.

Use pins that contrast with your hair color for maximum impact. Matte-finish pins tend to grip the shorter, coarser growth better than shiny ones.

11. Voluminous Curls

Curls add width and bulk to the hair, which is perfect for camouflage. The texture helps blend the transition line where the undercut meets the long hair.

Use a small-barrel curling iron to create tight rings or waves. The bounce of the curls will naturally fill in the gaps over the ears.

Finish with a sea salt spray to give the hair a “lived-in” look. This prevents the style from looking too stiff or “done.”

12. The Half-Up Top Knot

A half-up top knot allows you to keep hair out of your face while letting the sides show. This is for those who want to embrace the undercut look.

By tying the top section high, you create a clean line. This makes the growing-out portion look like a deliberate “fade” style.

It is an excellent choice for the middle stage of growth. It balances the silhouette and prevents the hair from looking heavy on top.

13. The Modern Shag

The shag is all about layers and face-framing pieces. It is perhaps the best haircut for blending multiple lengths into a cohesive look.

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The choppy nature of the shag means that the shorter bits of the undercut fit right in. There is no clear line where the “old” hair ends.

This style requires very little daily maintenance. A quick tousle with some texturizing spray is usually enough to get out the door.

14. Silk Scarf Wrap

For days when the growth is particularly unruly, a silk scarf is a stylish savior. You can wrap it around the hairline to hide everything.

This look can be styled as a headband or a full turban. It is an excellent way to protect the hair while adding a pop of color.

Ensure you tie the scarf snugly but comfortably. The friction of the silk is also gentler on the new growth than cotton or synthetic materials.

15. The Quiff

A quiff involves brushing the hair upward and backward from the forehead. It adds height and a classic, polished feel to the grow-out process.

By focusing the volume on the front and top, the sides become secondary. This draws the eye upward and away from the temples.

Use a blow dryer and a vent brush to train the hair to stand up. A light dusting of styling powder at the roots will help maintain the lift.

16. The Tapered Fade Transition

Sometimes the best way to grow out an undercut is to get a professional “blend.” A stylist can taper the edges of the growth to match the top.

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This removes the “shelf” effect where long hair sits over short hair. It creates a smooth gradient that looks like a standard short haircut.

This requires a trip to the salon every four weeks. However, it is the most “seamless” way to transition back to a uniform length.

17. Slicked Side-Part

Different from the deep part, this version is more structured. It uses a defined part line and heavy product to create a vintage aesthetic.

This is an excellent option for formal occasions. It makes the transition look like a classic “executive” cut, hiding any awkward fuzziness.

Apply a high-shine pomade for a “wet” look. This keeps the hair compressed and prevents the undercut from sticking out horizontally.

18. The Wolf Cut

The wolf cut is a hybrid of the shag and the mullet. Its extreme layering is designed to create volume at the top and wispy ends.

The “disconnected” look of a wolf cut is perfect for an undercut. The naturally messy layers swallow the shorter sections of hair.

This style works best for those with some natural wave or curl. It provides a “rock and roll” edge that makes the grow-out period fun.

19. Hat and Beanie Styling

When all else fails, a well-chosen hat is the easiest way to manage an undercut. Beanies are especially good for tucking away all lengths.

During the “spiky” phase, a hat keeps the hair flat. This helps “train” the hair to grow downward rather than outward.

Choose a hat that fits your personal style, from baseball caps to fedoras. It’s the ultimate low-effort way to look great during the transition.

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How long does it take for an undercut to grow out?

Hair typically grows about half an inch per month. Depending on your desired final length, it can take anywhere from six months to a year to reach a uniform bob or short crop.

Should I trim the top hair while growing out the sides?

Yes, trimming the top helps maintain a balanced shape. If you let the top grow without maintenance, the hair can become “top-heavy” and make the growing sides look more obvious.

How do I stop the short hair from sticking straight out?

As hair grows from a shaved state, it often grows horizontally. Using heavy pomades, wearing hats, or using bobby pins can help “train” the hair to lie flat against the scalp.

Is it better to hide the undercut or show it off?

This depends on your personal style. Hiding it with a deep part is great for professional settings, while styles like the faux hawk or top knot embrace the look.

What is the best “bridge” haircut for this process?

A textured pixie or a modern shag are considered the best bridge cuts. They use layers to disguise the different lengths, making the transition look intentional rather than accidental.

Can I use extensions to hide the growing undercut?

Tape-in or clip-in extensions can be used if the top hair is long enough to cover the attachment points. This is a popular way to skip the “awkward phase” entirely by adding instant length.