LONG HAIR IS HAVING A DISTINCTLY cinematic moment. In the wake of Dhurandhar, Ranveer Singh has turned his length into a point of fascination. That hair flip in the film’s action sequence has already been recreated enough times online to say everything it needs to. And now, with Dhurandhar: The Revenge out, the volume and texture make it clear that the hair has become integral to the character’s image.
Indian cinema has flirted with long hair before. John Abraham in the early ’00s set a precedent, while more recently Ranbir Kapoor in Animal and Shah Rukh Khan in Pathaan (2023) reframed it for a more contemporary sensibility.
This isn’t just a Bollywood thing. Keanu Reeves has kept that length for years without it ever feeling dated. Brad Pitt and Matthew McConaughey have dipped in and out of longer hair without it ever feeling like a fleeting trend. And now we’ve got Jacob Elordi in Wuthering Heights with that same grown-out ease. If you’re considering it, here’s how to approach it.
Most people misread length as health, but that’s not the case. “Long hair can be extremely unhealthy, even if it looks good from a distance,” says Amit Yashwant, co-founder of Manemaniacs. “The real test is how it feels. If it’s not smooth to the touch, if the density drops towards the ends, that’s a sign something’s off.”
He points to a simple check most people overlook: how your hair behaves after a wash. “If it holds on to water for too long, feels heavy, or takes forever to dry, it’s likely damaged,” he says. Healthy hair, on the other hand, dries more evenly and doesn’t feel weighed down.
“Hair grows about half an inch a month. I don’t believe in quick fixes,” says Florian Hurel, founder of Florian Hurel Hair Couture and Spa. “What works is consistency over six to twelve months. That’s when you start seeing real change in shine, density and movement."
A trim every 12 to 18 weeks, taking off a small amount, keeps things looking clean without sacrificing length. The awkward, in-between phase is where most people give up but it’s also where the groundwork is laid.
Start with the cut. Without shape, long hair lacks movement. “Good layers make all the difference. And keep the products light. Heavy waxes will weigh the hair down,” Hurel says.
Think in terms of what your hair needs: protein for strength, oils for shine and hydration for manageability. Oil, especially, plays a key role. “Use it before washing, for 30 minutes or even overnight, and a small amount on the ends after. It nourishes in a way that styling products don’t. Just avoid overusing it, as it can leave hair greasy and flat,” he says.
If you’re aiming for something close to Ranveer Singh, rely on the cut. Hurel suggests minimal styling for a raw, undone finish that still moves naturally. It only works if the hair feels healthy underneath.
Yashwant gets more specific about the day-to-day. “Wash your hair two to three times a week to preserve natural oils. If you’re using styling products regularly, then wash daily but use sulphate-free formulas.”
He continues, “When you blow-dry, direct the airflow downwards from root to tip. It smooths the cuticle and adds shine. If you wear it open, use a comb when it’s about 80 percent dry to reduce frizz.” Keep tied styles loose, as tight tension stresses the hair and reduces volume over time.
This is where long hair can start to feel like work, especially in climates that don’t give you a break. “In hot and humid conditions, you have to be a bit more mindful,” Yashwant says. “Use a heat protection serum if you’re out in the sun and don't let sweat sit on the scalp for too long."
To read more stories from Esquire India's May-June 2026 issue, pick up a copy of the magazine from your nearest newspaper stand or bookstore. Or click here to subscribe to the magazine.