Top 30+ Professional & Business Hairstyles for Men
So you want to sport a snazzy, stylish haircut, but you also want to come off as professional. And at the same time, you want a style that reflects your personal style. How do you meet all of these demands simultaneously?
Or maybe you want a conservative cut for a different job-related reason. According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, in 2015, 39% of Americans were employed in white collar jobs. If you’re one of these workers, chances are you have to follow a dress code, and hairstyles are often mentioned in such codes.
Whether it’s for personal or work-related reasons, finding great-looking business hairstyles can be difficult, especially if you don’t know what to look for. To help you out, we’ve put together a list of of our favorite business hairstyles for men and a few notes on what makes these haircuts stand out.
Elements of a Business Hairstyle
Traditionally, many office jobs have required more conservative haircuts in order to maintain a well-groomed appearance among the staff members. Recommended haircuts are typically anything from super-short crew cuts to a slightly longer cut like the Ivy League or classic taper haircut.
When fashion-forward men enter the workforce, they might find it difficult to abide by company code and find a style that suits them at the same time. Of course, not every white collar worker wants a mohawk, but some men crave a more stylish hairdo that fits the confines of a traditional business hairstyle.
So what makes a good business hairstyle for work or the office? There are three essential components to a good business hairstyle:
- Conservativeness: This doesn’t have to mean “plain” or “boring.” The aesthetic of the business hairstyle is often more laid-back and nondescript, but it can still be stylish. In other words, a mullet with a spiky top would be a bad business hairstyle.
- Cleanness: Good business hairstyles are nicely and closely trimmed around the edges. The cut is even, and the haircut looks tidy. This is often the result of the barber or stylist who’s cutting your hair, so make sure you choose a reputable stylist.
- Versatility: This might seem counterintuitive at first, but a true business hairstyle can be worn in a wide range of situations. It should be appropriate whether you’re heading to work, having dinner with your family, or attending a prestigious ceremony. Many guys choose business hairstyles for their flexibility.
If you’re having trouble finding a good style, we’ve compiled a list of cuts that meet all three of the above criteria. There’s plenty of different sizes and shapes for you to choose from, so whether you’re a fan of the classic, early twentieth century style or a no-fuss, shorter style, you’ll find something here to love.
Here are our top business hairstyles for men:
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ESB Professional/ Shutterstock.com
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BY
March 1, 2021
Some men’s hairstyles come and go, only lasting a few years. These temporary styles die out after a fashion fad is over and don’t have the impact to survive the test of time. Others stay trendy for decades and remain a classic style that can’t be touched. Slicked back hair is exactly that.
While slicked back hair dates back to well over 100 years, the style gained immense popularity in the fifties with styles like the pompadour. Today, slicked back hair is loved by both classy guys who like its retro vibe and contemporary men who want a refined hairstyle.
The idea of slicking back hair is a particularly versatile technique. It can be applied to a variety of haircuts and works well with most hair types and face shapes. Think of slicking back your hair as the secret sauce to go along with your favorite haircut. You can sport a slicked back undercut, a slicked back side part––the only limit is your imagination.
What do I need for slicked back hair?
You might be wondering if you have the right hair type or face shape to get slicked back hair. The good news is that slicked back hair will work pretty well for all face shapes. Whether you have a round, square, diamond, or even oblong shaped face, you can use slicked back hair to get a suave look.
However, slicked back hair doesn’t work perfectly with all hair types. Both thin and thick hair will work, and if you have straight or wavy hair, you’re good to go. If your hair is extremely wavy, curly, or coiled, you’ll have a tougher time. The more unruly your hair is, the tougher it will be to slick it back. So if your hair is very wavy, you have a chance at taming it. However, if your hair is curled into tight coils, you probably won’t be able to slick it back.
If you have a hair type that’s good for slicked back hair, you’ll need to get your hands on some essential hair products. First, you’ll need a good pomade. Get a light hold if you have thin hair or a firm hold if you have thick hair. We recommend a water-based pomade instead of oil-based. Water-based pomades are much easier to wash out and manage. Suavecito and Layrite offer good options.
Next, you’ll need a good comb. While this seems like a basic necessity, the quality of your comb is a crucial component to getting a good slicked back hairstyle.
There are a couple of optional accessories you can use as well. If your hair is having a hard time staying in place even with pomade applied, you can use a blow dryer to blow your hair into place. If all else fails, you can use a light amount of hairspray to make your slicked back hairstyle stay right where you want it to.
How to Style the Slicked Back Hairstyle
Since slicked back hair can be applied to a wide range of haircuts, we’ll go over only the styling process. You can start from almost any haircut and slick back the hair to add a touch of class.
It’s best to start with damp hair that’s been towel dried after a shower. Scoop out a small amount of pomade, roughly the size of a small coin (an American nickel size is a good start), and use your fingers to work it into your hair. Make sure the pomade only coats your hair and not your scalp.
The slicking action should be a smooth motion toward the back of your head.
Next, take a comb and proceed to slick the hair back. Start with the comb right above your forehead and continue moving back until you reach your crown.
After the first slick back, you can follow up with more to make sure your hair is laying the right way. Using a comb will provide the neatest results.
And that’s it! If your hair is having problems staying, use a blow dryer or a little hairspray to help it stay in place.
To know more check out these examples in action:
Featureflash Photo Agency / Shutterstock.com
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Jaguar PS / Shutterstock.com
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Tinseltown / Shutterstock.com
Classic cut – Natural loose slick back hair, Credits: Braid Barbers
Slicked Back Undercut, by @shrunknheads
Featureflash Photo Agency / Shutterstock.com
Finger Comped Back Swept Hairstyle, by @javi_thebarber_
Back Swept Hairstyle, by @tombaxter_hair
Skin Fade + Slicked Back Hairstyle, by @javi_thebarber_
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Maksym Poriechkin/ Shutterstock.com/ Shutterstock.com/ Shutterstock.com/ Shutterstock.com
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