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20 Best Professional and Business Hairstyles for Men
Professional guys can brush up the fringe, comb over a section of the top, or leave the style slightly tousled for volume. If your hair lacks a healthy shine, consider a pomade or cream with some gloss. Otherwise, a textured modern quiff will feature prominently in your business attire.
50 Best Professional Hairstyles For Men
If you’re looking for a business haircut to wear at work, then there are many good professional hairstyles for men to choose from. While “dress for success” is typically the motto, getting a business professional haircut matters just as much as the suit, tie and shoes you wear. Whether you’re giving a sales pitch or in a weekly meeting with your team, people in the office are scrutinizing how you look and present yourself. These conservative business men’s hairstyles can help you exude a level of sophistication and self-confidence that your boss and CEO will undoubtedly recognize.
Professional haircuts for men can definitely range based on your workplace environment, but no one can complain if you’re rocking one of the following easy executive hairstyles! From modern long and medium styles to short cuts, check out these trendy corporate haircuts to get right now!
- 1 Business Haircuts For Men
- 2 Professional Hairstyles
- 2.1 Short Haircuts
- 2.2 Medium Length Hairstyles
- 2.3 Long Hairstyles
- 2.4 Ivy League
- 2.5 Quiff
- 2.6 Curly Hair
- 2.7 Fade Haircut
- 2.8 Comb Over
- 2.9 Crew Cut
- 2.10 Side Part
- 2.11 Faded Undercut
- 2.12 Buzz Cut
Business Haircuts For Men
A business haircut is a stylish choice for men who want a clean and classy corporate look. Some of the most professional-looking men’s hairstyles are cool and casual looks that still work in the office without being boring. There are several trendy business styles so most guys have many respectable options.
For a great haircut, start with a taper or fade on the sides and back. Even an undercut that is more formal can be acceptable for young professionals. Just make sure to ask your barber to leave enough length with a #2 or #3 guard comb to avoid exposing any skin.
A skin or bald fade could be too edgy in certain industries, especially in finance, so aim for a conservative haircut.
As for the hair on top, longer offers a more business professional look. A short sides, long top haircut will maximize versatility and style. Men’s short professional haircuts include a crew cut, crop top, Ivy League, comb over, side part, and buzz cut.
Of these choices, the most executive haircut is the comb over taper fade. With a tapered cut on the sides and longer hair on top that is combed over, this style works in every office. Add a short, well-groomed beard for a very masculine finish.
Modern professional men should only ever try a buzz cut or very short hair if they have thick hair, no bald spots, and an evenly-shaped head.
However, there are countless men’s professional medium-length and long hairstyles. Popular medium haircuts include variations of the quiff, comb over, brush back, slicked back, and pompadour.
Business styles with long hair will likely need to be pulled straight back or parted down the middle and styled with a quality styling product.
Professional Hairstyles
Short Haircuts
Whether you’re a young professional or a seasoned executive, short business haircuts are always popular and in style. The best short professional hairstyles for guys start with a taper fade or undercut on the sides to create contrast. With a low-maintenance cut on the sides and back, you can ask your barber to leave 1 to 3 inches of length on top, allowing for any style from a buzz cut to a crew cut.
If you have high cheekbones and a chiseled jawline, a buzz cut fade can be a rugged yet charming look. However, the crew cut works with a side swept fringe and a textured finish for a soft, smooth style. Keep the hair longer if you want more versatility and styling options. Then use a matte hair product to create a natural look.
Medium Length Hairstyles
Medium length business haircuts are great for men who want to style all the most popular hairstyles. As a nice balance between short and long, professional medium hairstyles encompass all the favorites. Whether you want to style a comb over, quiff, slick back, or textured messy look, medium length hair needs undercut or faded sides to highlight the styling on top.
With the extra length on top, guys can brush the hair back, comb it to the side, pull it forward, or spike it up. As long as the general cut looks like a formal haircut, men can experiment with their medium length hair to find the right finish. Moreover, medium styles work well with all hair types, including thick, straight, wavy, curly, fine and thinning hair, especially if you need more coverage.
Long Hairstyles
If you want to grow out your hair, you’ll appreciate the fact that there are some trendy long hairstyles for professional men. Men with long hair who want to get ahead in business need to be careful about their style. Proper hair care and regular trims are important to maintaining a clean look, and some old-school industries do not consider long hair manly.
To address this, professional men’s long hairstyles look best swept back with shorter sides and longer hair on top. A top-rated shampoo and conditioner paired with a light hold styling product for a textured look can transform your long hair. To avoid a very youthful appearance and a situation where no one takes you seriously, we recommend you grow a beard.
Ivy League
The Ivy League style is a short men’s haircut that can most easily be described as a longer crew cut with a side swept fringe. As one of the most classy and popular hairstyles, your barber will fade your sides and back short to create contrast and highlight the styling on top.
The short hair on top is trimmed and cut, leaving about 2-3 inches of length, with some guys preferring the hair in front slightly longer. To style this formal hairstyle, you’ll want a quality hair product with hold and texture. The end result is a good look that is sharp and fresh for the office.
Quiff
When you think of a corporate haircut that an executive would wear, you often don’t think of the quiff. However, this trendy hairstyle is clean, classy, and attractive. With a short tapered cut on the sides and thick flowing hair on top, the modern quiff can be quite the sexy hairstyle for businessmen.
Professional guys can brush up the fringe, comb over a section of the top, or leave the style slightly tousled for volume. If your hair lacks a healthy shine, consider a pomade or cream with some gloss. Otherwise, a textured modern quiff will feature prominently in your business attire.
Curly Hair
While curls can be tough to manage at times, there are many professional curly hairstyles that are easy to style for an edgy, fashionable look. For starters, you’ll want to tell your barber you want a fade haircut on the sides and back. Stick to a mid to high taper fade for a cut that’s simple to maintain. Short curls on top can be effortless to work with, but longer curly hair makes a bold statement.
When styling a curly business haircut, you’ll need to ensure your curls have adequate moisture and conditioning to minimize frizz. Run a strong pomade, wax or clay through your hair. Short curly hairstyles are perfect for minimal effort. Otherwise, you can leave your curls loose and messy for maximum volume, brush them forward to style a tight fringe, or part them to the side for a balance between neat and tousled.
Fade Haircut
A fade haircut blends all the elements of a modern cut into one. The most common professional fade haircuts are complemented with longer hair on top. Guys can ask their barbers for a high, mid or low fade to determine where the tapering begins on the scalp. If you want to blend the hair into the skin for a cool haircut, request a bald fade.
Great for men with wavy, curly, straight or thick hair, a fade gets you contrast and texture that will elevate your business haircut. While a clean-cut fade can be work-appropriate, not all offices will appreciate a skin fade that exposes the scalp. When in doubt, choose a mid or low taper for a classy hairstyle that works in casual and formal environments.
Comb Over
The comb over is one of the most iconic and timeless haircuts for men. Known as the classic business hairstyle, the comb over sweeps the hair from one side to the other. Fortunately, the modern comb over haircut is a new trend that looks stylish and professional. With a taper fade or undercut on the sides and back combined with short to medium length hair on top, this handsome style becomes the perfect look for work.
Start with a mid or low comb over fade to keep the cut conservative. Using a good hair product, you’ll want to brush all your hair over. Avoid a flat look by lifting as you comb the hair over. Similarly, you can brush your hair to the side and back for an angular styling. Add a line up to your hairline and trim a stubble or short beard for a masculine look. Otherwise, clean-shaven will get you that suave, successful men’s style you’ve always wanted.
Crew Cut
Neat and short, the crew cut is one of the best professional haircuts for men who want a traditional look. Whether you want a uniform length all over or a fade on the sides for some contrast, the crew cut hairstyle works on all hair types and textures. Start with a mid to high taper fade haircut with longer hair on top.
If you want to style a side part or sweep your bangs over, leave the front longer. You can sweep or comb your cropped hair for additional volume, or you can go all-natural with a short and messy finish. Easy to style and universally masculine, the modern crew cut has always been a good look for the office.
Side Part
The side part is a brilliant choice for the modern professional. Also known as the classic gentleman’s hairstyle, the side part haircut is cut short on the sides with short to medium length hair on top that is emphasized by a hard part. Comb the back and sides away from the rest of your hair for a contrasting effect, and incorporate a side part for a textured, sleek appeal.
While the conservative version might be ideal as a Wall Street hairstyle, guys who work in tech or other open-minded industries might want a unique variation that stands out. Consider asking your barber for a shaved hard part. Combined with a shape up, low skin fade and light stubble, this side part haircut is fashionable and professional. Use a medium to high hold styling product and comb over with a light touch to maintain volume and lift.
Faded Undercut
The undercut fade pairs the stylish undercut haircut with the tapered sides of a fade. Unique and flattering, the faded undercut adds a trendy look to any hairstyle and can take any cut to the next level.
The short sides and back are tapered down the head, ensuring a clean-cut look, while the stylish hairstyle on top is instantly eye-catching. As one of the best ways to pull off any short sides, long top hairstyle, you’ll want to wear your hair slicked back, combed over, brushed forward, or messy all over.
Buzz Cut
Business hairstyles should be stylish and professional, and a buzz cut is both in equal measure. A buzzed haircut requires no maintenance so you can go from the office to a bar without a second thought. Plus, the close-cut is manly and flattering with a little growth on top.
From a basic transition from side to top, get a simple buzz cut fade. Sharp and bold, this very short men’s haircut should be reserved for men with the right face shape who make regular trips to the barbershop. Otherwise, make sure to invest in quality clippers so you can buzz your own hair at home.
Professional Beard
The most popular professional beard styles are short and trimmed for the perfect businessman look. Corporate beards have to be well-maintained and groomed because you can’t get away with dirty or unkempt facial hair.
Start with a good beard shampoo and conditioner to grow healthy, full facial hair. Then use a good trimmer with a full set of attachments to design your a formal beard that works with your look and face.
The best beard styles for corporate professionals are short and thick like heavy stubble. If you have patches or thin facial hair, strongly consider going fully shaven for a clean-cut look.
Professional Business Hairstyles For Men
- The most popular business haircuts for men are styles that exude class, sophistication and confidence while still looking good and being low-maintenance.
- Get short haircuts and style neat hairstyles for a clean, classy look.
- If you’re a business professional working in a conservative office or industry, choose a classic hairstyle on top like the side part, comb over, or crew cut with a taper fade haircut on the sides and back.
- If you work in a relaxed casual environment, medium-length to longer trendy hairstyles like the pompadour fade, quiff, and slick back undercut offer great ways to mix up your style.
- Use high-quality hair products to boost volume, achieve a healthy natural shine, and get a matte textured finish.
- Get regular haircuts to keep your style neat and tight without your hair becoming long, frizzy and messy.
- Whether you’re pitching a sales presentation to an executive or walking through a construction site, your appearance is crucial to making a good first impression.
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20 Best Professional and Business Hairstyles for Men
Whether it’s boardroom presentations, million-dollar deals, or that all-important first interview, every man wants to look polished and put together when it comes to business. And just like the perfect suit, the right hairstyle makes all the difference. While the rules of office grooming were once rigid, today’s workplaces are a little more flexible. Here are some of the best professional styles for all hair types and lengths that are sure to impress when you suit up on a Monday morning.
1. Side Part
A classic side part is one of the most stylish and low-maintenance hairstyles for men – which is why it’s ideal for professionals. It looks great whether your hair is straight, wavy, or curly and gives you a debonair Mad Men vibe. To create a smooth and polished side part that Don Draper would be proud of, comb your hair, leaving it to fall naturally. Finish with pomade or matte clay to hold the style in place.
2. Slick Back
The slick back was one of the go-to professional hairstyles in the 1980s when it became the stockbrokers’ signature look on Wall Street. Before that, it was popular in the 1940s. Today, the hairstyle still has a bold vintage appeal – making it a strong contender for confident men with an affinity for Old School cool. To create the slick back, keep your hair in place by combing it back while it’s still damp, then adding a strong-hold gel and blowdrying.
3. Quiff
The classic quiff has been popular since the 1950s – and it’s no wonder. Polished and professional without looking stuffy, the quiff still looks as stylish today as it did then. For best results, make sure your hairline is clean and even, and the sides of your hair are short and neat. Then use a high-shine product to create the glossy effect that is the signature of the classic quiff.
4. Buzz Cut
The buzz cut is a simple and masculine haircut for the man who means business. Short and sharp, its military-inspired origins give it a serious and mature feel – perfect for tough negotiations or a board room presentation. Your barber can subtly vary the length of your buzz cut to suit your face shape and features, and it also looks great if you have stubble or a goatee.
5. Crew Cut
Short and sharp, the crew cut is an ideal business hairstyle. It’s low-maintenance, neat, and tidy, and requires minimal styling to look great, saving you more time in the morning. Plus, this masculine and minimalist haircut has a classic appeal and looks great with a suit. For a modern and mature look, pair it with stubble.
6. Hard Part
One of the quickest and simplest professional men’s hairstyles is the traditional hard part. It’s a clean and distinctive look that adds a touch of character to any haircut. If you have a naturally defined side part, you can create a hard part with gel and a fine-tooth comb. When it comes to placing the part, make sure you follow the direction in which your hair naturally falls. If yours is less obvious, have your barber find your natural side part and razor or shave it to be more noticeable.
7. Comb Over
One of the most iconic and traditional professional haircuts, the comb over adds a touch of class and a classic feel to your look. Polished and sophisticated, a comb over is flattering on nearly all face shapes and is appropriate for most workplaces. Plus, it works well with a beard or a clean-shaven face. Simple, neat, and dignified, a comb over is the failsafe choice for every guy.
8. Hard Part + Taper Fade
Tradition meets modern cool in the hard part and taper fade haircut. The sleek and sophisticated hard part is a classic look for professional men, worn by the iconic 1960s businessmen of the Mad Men era. To update it for the 2020s, add a stylish taper fade. Neat and structured, it draws attention to your face and makes it look slimmer.
9. Ivy League
The classic Ivy League haircut is a favorite professional haircut for men of all ages. Combining the best parts of a side part and a crew cut, it’s a dapper look with vintage appeal. As the name suggests, it also has an upper-crust feel called the ‘Princeton cut’ or ‘Harvard clip.’ Because it tapers at the side and is a little longer on top, the Ivy League suits most face shapes, and it looks great with a suit.
10. Clean Shave
A clean shave sends a bold message. Cool and fresh, it’s made for guys who have nothing to hide. One of the best looks for guys with a receding hairline or wear glasses, the clean shave screams ‘confidence’ and maturity. For best results, visit a barber to get that ultra-clean look, as there’s nothing worse than a patchy at-home shave. Grow out your facial hair to add some balance, angles, and definition to your face, making sure all lines and edges are precise.
11. Hard Part + Slick Back
A hard part and slick back is a great option if your hair is naturally wavy. Wavy hair can risk looking too casual or unkempt – particularly if it’s on the curlier side of the spectrum. The strong-hold gel used to create the slick back helps keep any stray hair in place. Meanwhile, a hard, defined part adds structure to your hair, creating a more serious and controlled look.
12. Low Fade + Hard Part + Quiff
For professional men who are a little more daring, a low fade, hard part, and quiff combination is a great option. While the quiff is one of the most universally-flattering hairstyles for men, the low fade and hard part add some individual flair. To keep the style looking office appropriate, use a gel or pomade to ensure no hairs are out of place. This has the bonus of giving your look a touch of retro cool.
13. Man Bun
The secret to looking professional with long or medium hair is making sure you look groomed, neat, and serious. One of the best options is a sleek man bun, which will ensure your hair doesn’t flop in your face or clash with your suit during that all-important meeting. Don’t leave it up to chance – instead of a brush, use a little pomade or gel to set your strands in place as you comb it back. Then, secure your man bun at the back of your head or base of your neck using a clear elastic or one that matches your hair color.
14. Medium Length Comb Back
A great professional hairstyle for medium-length hair is the comb back. Neither as flat nor wet-looking as a slick back, the comb back still has a polished feel. Instead of combing your hair straight back, use an upward motion instead. This causes your hair to fall back on itself, creating a flattering volumized effect that makes your face seem longer and more balanced.
15. Pompadour
One of the most distinctive and popular men’s hairstyles, the pompadour, may not seem like the most professional hairstyle at first. But this bold and edgy look can be adapted for the office with a few simple tweaks. Opt for a less exaggerated quiff, use products with a matte finish instead of the traditional oily wet look, and pair your pompadour with a modern taper at the sides to keep it looking clean, modern, and proportional.
16. Quiff + Hard Part
The quiff never goes out of style. Not only does it suit almost every face shape, but it is also appropriate for men of all ages and can be worn everywhere from date night to the gym and the office. For the ultimate modern gentleman look, pair your quiff with a hard part. The part’s defined line adds structure and definition, while the quiff makes your face look more balanced and adds a timelessly classy quality to the overall style.
17. Short Afro
For men with Afro-textured hair, a short afro is a great low-maintenance option for the office. Your barber can shape the cut to suit your face shape while removing any stray hairs or flyaways, as well as keep your hairline looking neat and sharp. To add a little extra personality to your short afro and give it a modern update, add a subtle mid fade or low fade.
18. Bro Flow
The bro flow is best known as a relaxed and rugged hairstyle. In recent years, it’s also become accepted as a professional business look. Ideal for guys in creative, entrepreneurial industries like fashion or technology, the bro flow is for confident men who like to lead the way and tread their own path. Because it has a slightly more cool and casual appearance, it’s best to make sure the rest of your look is polished and put together – think a collared shirt, tailored blazer, and neatly groomed facial hair.
19. Half Up Half Down
For guys with long hair, looking professional doesn’t have to mean chopping off your signature locks. In modern offices, longer hairstyles are embraced – so long as they have a clean, polished, and intentional look. A half-up the half-down style will keep your hair out of your face while maintaining your individuality during business hours. Apply a little pomade and comb your hair back, securing the top section in a small, neat bun. Use a little more product to keep the loose lower section in check, and ensure you get regular trims to avoid split ends.
20. Undercut
Now a far cry from its gangland roots in the early 20th Century, the undercut is a popular and respectable haircut for men. However, it’s best to go for a more subtle take in the professional realm – skin-shaved undercuts are a little too bold for the office! A short undercut with a longer, side-swept top section looks modern and cool while still maintaining a mature and stylish image.
FAQs
What is the most professional haircut?
The haircut that suits most professional settings is one that keeps it short and tidy. A buzz cut, side part, slick back, quiff, hard part, taper, and comb over are all great options that combine business-appropriate length with on-trend styling elements.
Is a fade haircut professional?
A fade haircut is an excellent way to incorporate short sides into your hairstyle while still having fun and adding a trendy element to your cut. As such, it’s perfect for work, keeping you stylish and professional.
Are skin fades professional?
A skin fade is a much bolder take on the fade, making it a bigger statement. As such, it may not be the best choice for ultra-conservative workplaces. However, for environments that don’t mind individual expression, it’s still a short, neat style that looks exceptionally suave. Just remember to make regular appointments at the barber to keep it from growing out too long.
Can a buzz cut be professional?
A buzz cut is a professional haircut. It is neat, low maintenance, and looks great on most face shapes.
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