A professional hairstyle for men can be a transformative experience when refining one’s look. After all, a well-selected hairstyle can make a lasting impression in the corporate world and significantly influence how others perceive you.
Professional Hairstyles for Men
From classic cuts to modern twists, these professional men’s hairstyles offer a range of stylish options to suit various hair types and workplace environments.
If you’re unsure which men’s business haircut suits your face shape or professional style, experimenting before heading to the barber is smart. By using a men’s hair app, you can try different looks virtually and see what fits best.
Business Cut
The business cut is a professional hairstyle combining a classic taper and a side part. It features short sides and back, typically with a fade, and slightly longer hair on top parted to one side. This business haircut for men delivers an office-ready look that has been favored by executives since the mid-twentieth century.
Buzz Cut
The buzz cut is an effortless hairstyle, clipped close to the scalp for a clean, controlled look. Its streamlined finish makes it a favorite among professionals who appreciate sharp grooming with minimal upkeep.
Beyond its simplicity, the style offers surprising range—there are different kinds of buzz cuts, from the barely-there induction cut to longer variations like the crew or brush cut. Each version carries its own tone, whether it’s the strict efficiency of military roots or the confidence of modern minimalism.
Classic Taper
The classic taper hairstyle, with short sides blending into longer hair on top, has remained popular for decades. It’s favored for its clean-cut look. Perfect for a corporate hairstyle, this cut gained traction in the 1950s, gracing the likes of Cary Grant and later Paul Newman, and today it remains a mainstay among men’s haircuts due to its flexible nature.
Comb Over
Timeless, the comb over hairstyle features a side part and swept-over hair. It suits various hair lengths and textures, making it ideal for a men’s office haircut. For a modern twist, pair it with a fade on the sides.
Crew Cut
The crew cut is a practical and stylish short hairstyle, with longer hair on top and shorter sides and back. Its low-maintenance appeal makes it a favorite among professionals, especially those with active lifestyles who want a hassle-free look that’s easy to maintain.
Faux Hawk
Ideal for a more casual workspace, the faux hawk is a modern hairstyle combining classic mohawk elements with a more subdued, professional look. It features short sides and back, with longer hair on top styled upwards and slightly towards the center, resembling a mohawk without the dramatic shaving of the sides.
The faux hawk allows for versatility in styling, as the longer top section can be textured, spiked, or slicked back, depending on the desired level of boldness.
French Crop
The French crop offers a stylish, modern look with short sides and back and a slightly longer fringe. This trendy yet professional haircut is perfect for busy individuals, as it’s easy to style and maintain, requiring minimal upkeep.
High and Tight
The high and tight is a rugged, military-inspired haircut with extremely short sides and slightly longer hair on top. This disciplined look is perfect for men who want a clean, sharp appearance suitable for diverse professional settings.
Ivy League
The Ivy League haircut is a refined, longer version of the crew cut, allowing for a side part and a polished appearance. With its esteemed Ivy League origins, this classic cut, also known as the Harvard clip or Princeton, remains a timeless choice for a professional, refined look.
Pompadour
The pompadour is an eye-catching hairstyle with longer hair on top, styled upwards and back for volume. Perfect for creative professionals or even a salesman haircut, it adds flair to any look. Keep it short and styled neatly with a light pomade or styling cream for added hold.
Ponytail
The ponytail is a professional hairstyle for men with long hair. Securing the hair at the back of the head offers a neat appearance. Among classy professional long hairstyles, the ponytail keeps hair controlled and off the face, helping maintain focus and a clean presentation throughout the workday.
Executive Haircut
The executive haircut is a refined style built on the principles of neatness and professionalism. Featuring a sharp side part with shorter sides and a slightly longer top, it channels the power looks seen in Wall Street boardrooms since the Mad Men era.
This approach keeps hair off the face and maintains structure throughout the day, pairing easily with tailored suits or business casual looks.
Quiff
The quiff combines elements of the pompadour and the classic side part. It features longer hair on top, swept upwards and back to create volume and height, while the sides and back are kept shorter for a polished appearance.
With its balance of authority and style, the quiff also stands out as a popular choice for a lawyer haircut, delivering presence in and out of the courtroom.
Side Part
The side part is a timeless, professional hairstyle. This versatile style works well with various hair lengths and textures and is perfect for men who want a put-together look.
As one of the most popular classy men’s haircuts, the side part frames the face cleanly. It can be easily updated with a fade or undercut for a modern twist on a classic look.
Slick Back
Sleek and controlled, slick back hairstyles involve combing the hair away from the face and setting it with products like pomade or gel. Versatile across hair types and lengths, this style remains a go-to for professionals aiming to project a clean, assertive image.
With its neat finish and structured shape, the slick back offers a commanding presence, making it ideal for a men’s professional haircut.
Taper Fade
The taper fade blends short sides and back with slightly longer hair on top. This gradual transition creates a polished appearance, making it ideal for a corporate fade.
The taper fade can be customized to various lengths and combined with other styles, such as the side part or textured crop, making it quite versatile.
Banker Haircut
The banker haircut stands out for its strict lines. Defined by a sharp side part, short back and sides, and a longer top slicked flat, this cut projects professionalism at a glance.
The style’s roots run deep in the world of finance, shaped by decades of conservative dress codes. Hair is kept close to the scalp and set in place with a high-shine product, mirroring the high standards expected in traditional banking circles.
In contrast, the executive haircut offers a touch more flexibility. While both styles feature short sides and a longer top, the executive cut allows for a softer finish and less product, sometimes with a more natural texture. The banker haircut, on the other hand, keeps every strand in place.
Textured Crop
The textured crop is a hairstyle that combines short, textured hair on top with shorter sides. Often visited as a men’s classy haircut, this crop is ideal for professionals who want a contemporary look. With its mix of texture and style, the textured crop offers endless options for personalization.
Undercut
The men’s undercut features short sides and back with longer hair on top. From sleek and slicked back to textured and undone, the undercut’s striking contrast between lengths makes it an excellent choice for those who want to stand out.
How to Choose the Right Hairstyle
Selecting the right professional hairstyle involves considering several factors, including your hair type, face shape, and personal style. Here are some tips to help you make the best choice:
Hair Type: Your hair’s natural texture and thickness can influence the best styles. For example, thicker hair works well with styles like the pompadour or slick back, while finer hair might be better suited for a crew or buzz cut.
Face Shape: Different hairstyles can complement various face shapes. For instance, a round face can benefit from styles that add height, like the pompadour, while a square face might look great with a classic taper.
Maintenance: Consider how much time you will spend on styling and maintenance. Some styles, like the buzz cut or high and tight, are low-maintenance, while others, like the pompadour, require more effort.
Professional Environment: Think about your workplace’s dress code and culture. A more conservative office might call for classic styles like the side part or Ivy League, while a creative environment might allow for bolder choices, like the undercut or textured crop.
