Finding the perfect formal hairstyle can significantly enhance your overall appearance, especially when you need to make a lasting impression.
Whether you’re preparing for a wedding, a corporate event, or a sophisticated evening out, choosing the right hairstyle can complement your outfit and boost your confidence.
This article will provide you with a range of ideas for formal hairstyles for men, tailored to different hair types and preferences.
From classic cuts to modern, edgy styles, these hairstyle ideas will not only make you look sharp but also reflect your personality.
If you’ve ever wondered how to choose a hairstyle that suits both your face shape and the occasion, or how to maintain that polished look throughout the event, this guide has you covered.
The following ideas are easy to manage and style, ensuring that you walk into any formal event looking your absolute best.
Whether you have short, medium, or long hair, you’ll find the perfect inspiration here to elevate your formal look.
27 Formal Hairstyles for Men That Will Impress
1. The 80-20 Split
The 80-20 split is a classic and sophisticated hairstyle that involves slicking back the majority of the hair while leaving a smaller section slightly loose.
This style is perfect for men who want to maintain a polished and professional look.
Ideal for straight hair, it works well for formal events such as weddings or business meetings.
To maintain this look, use a strong hold gel or pomade and ensure regular trims to keep the hair in perfect shape.
2. Classic Side Part
The classic side part is a timeless hairstyle that never goes out of fashion.
It features a deep part on one side with the hair neatly combed over to the other.
This look is best suited for men with straight or slightly wavy hair.
It’s an excellent choice for those who want a clean, sophisticated appearance.
Maintaining this style is easy with regular trims and a good quality styling product to keep the part defined and the hair in place.
3. Crew Cut
The crew cut is a low-maintenance hairstyle that is perfect for men who prefer a clean and simple look.
It features short hair all around, making it an ideal choice for formal events and everyday wear.
This hairstyle works well for all hair types and is particularly good for those with a busy lifestyle.
To keep the crew cut looking sharp, regular trims are necessary every few weeks.
4. The Man Bun
The man bun is a trendy and versatile hairstyle that works well for formal events.
It involves gathering the hair into a bun at the back of the head, which can be either high or low.
This style is ideal for men with medium to long hair who want a modern and stylish look.
To maintain a man bun, ensure your hair is regularly washed and conditioned, and use hair ties that don’t damage the hair.
5. The Pompadour
The pompadour is a bold and stylish hairstyle characterized by volume at the front that gradually tapers down the back.
This look is perfect for men who want to make a statement at formal events.
It suits those with thicker hair, as it requires volume to achieve the height.
Regular styling with a strong hold product and frequent visits to the barber will keep this look sharp and impressive.
6. The Quiff
The quiff is a stylish and versatile hairstyle that combines elements of the pompadour and flat top.
It features volume and texture at the front, creating a casual yet polished look.
This style is great for men with straight or wavy hair who want a modern, fashionable appearance.
To maintain the quiff, use a good quality styling product to add volume and texture, and visit the barber regularly for trims to keep the shape intact.
7. Undercut with Textured Top
The undercut with a textured top is a modern and edgy hairstyle that features a sharp contrast between the closely shaved sides and the voluminous, textured top.
This look is perfect for men who want to combine formality with a touch of contemporary style.
Ideal for straight or slightly wavy hair, this hairstyle requires regular trimming of the sides and styling of the top with a good quality hair product to maintain its texture and volume.
8. Flowing Waves
Flowing waves are a sophisticated and natural-looking hairstyle that emphasizes the hair’s natural texture and movement.
This style is best suited for men with medium to long hair who want a relaxed yet polished look.
Perfect for formal events, this hairstyle requires regular conditioning and trimming to keep the waves healthy and well-defined.
To maintain the look, use a lightweight mousse or styling cream to enhance the waves without weighing them down.
9. Curly Top
The curly top is a playful and stylish hairstyle that embraces natural curls.
This look is ideal for men with curly hair who want to showcase their natural texture in a formal setting.
It involves keeping the sides shorter while allowing the curls on top to add volume and personality.
To maintain this style, use a curl-enhancing product and keep the sides neatly trimmed.
10. Slicked-Back
The slicked-back hairstyle is a timeless and elegant look that is perfect for formal events.
It involves combing the hair back from the forehead and securing it with a strong hold gel or pomade.
This style is best for men with straight or slightly wavy hair who want a sleek and polished appearance.
Regular trims and high-quality styling products will keep the hair in place and looking sharp.
11. Taper Fade
The taper fade is a versatile and modern hairstyle that features a gradual fade from the hairline to the neck.
This look is perfect for men who want a clean and sharp appearance with minimal effort.
Suitable for all hair types, the taper fade can be easily maintained with regular visits to the barber.
Use a light styling product to add a bit of texture to the top, and keep the fade looking fresh with frequent trims.
12. Textured Long Crop Cut
The textured long crop cut is a stylish and contemporary hairstyle that combines length and texture for a unique look.
This style is ideal for men with thick hair who want to add some edge to their formal attire.
It involves keeping the hair longer on top with plenty of texture, while the sides are slightly shorter.
To maintain this look, use a texturizing spray or pomade and get regular trims to keep the shape defined.
13. Messy Quiff with Beard
The messy quiff with a beard is a bold and rugged hairstyle that combines a voluminous, textured top with a well-groomed beard.
This look is perfect for men who want to make a statement while maintaining a sophisticated appearance.
Ideal for those with thicker hair, this style requires regular styling to keep the quiff in shape and the beard neatly trimmed.
Use a good quality styling product to add texture and hold to the hair.
14. Low Fade with Side Part
The low fade with a side part is a sleek and modern hairstyle that combines a classic part with a contemporary fade.
This look is ideal for men who want a clean and professional appearance with a touch of style.
Suitable for straight or slightly wavy hair, this hairstyle requires regular trims to maintain the fade and a good styling product to keep the part defined.
15. High and Tight with Volume
The high and tight with volume is a sharp and stylish hairstyle that features a high fade with significant volume on top.
This look is perfect for men who want a modern and edgy appearance while keeping it formal.
Ideal for thick hair, this style requires regular trims and styling with a strong hold product to maintain the volume.
16. Classic Undercut
The classic undercut is a timeless hairstyle that features short sides and back with longer hair on top.
This versatile look is perfect for both formal and casual events.
Ideal for straight or slightly wavy hair, this style requires regular trims to keep the sides short and the top neatly styled.
Use a quality pomade or wax to add shine and hold to the top.
17. Modern Pompadour with Beard
The modern pompadour with a beard is a striking and sophisticated hairstyle that combines a voluminous pompadour with a well-groomed beard.
This look is perfect for men who want to stand out at formal events.
Ideal for thick hair, this style requires regular trims and a strong hold product to maintain the height and shape of the pompadour.
Keep the beard well-trimmed to complement the hairstyle.
18. Soft Waves with Part
Soft waves with a part is a classic and elegant hairstyle that emphasizes the natural texture of the hair.
This look is perfect for men with wavy hair who want a relaxed yet polished appearance for formal events.
Regular conditioning and trims will keep the waves healthy and defined.
Use a light styling product to enhance the waves without weighing them down.
19. Medium Length Swept Back
The medium length swept back hairstyle is a classic and sophisticated look that is perfect for formal events.
This style works best for men with straight or slightly wavy hair, adding a touch of elegance and refinement.
To achieve this look, use a lightweight styling product to keep the hair in place while maintaining its natural movement.
Regular trims are necessary to maintain the shape and prevent split ends.
20. Natural Flow
The natural flow hairstyle is ideal for men who prefer a relaxed yet polished look.
This style emphasizes the hair’s natural texture and movement, making it suitable for medium to long hair lengths.
It’s perfect for formal events where a touch of casual elegance is desired.
To maintain this look, use a lightweight styling cream and regular conditioning to keep the hair healthy and shiny.
21. Voluminous Quiff
The voluminous quiff is a bold and stylish hairstyle that combines height and texture for a striking appearance.
This look is perfect for men with thick hair who want to make a statement at formal events.
Achieving this style requires a strong hold product to maintain the volume and regular trims to keep the shape.
It’s an excellent choice for those looking to add a modern twist to their formal look.
22. High Fade with Slick Back
The high fade with a slick back is a modern and sleek hairstyle that combines a sharp fade with a smooth, slicked-back top.
This look is ideal for men who want a clean and professional appearance with a touch of style.
Regular trims are essential to maintain the fade, and a strong hold gel or pomade is needed to keep the top in place.
23. Long Textured Layers
Long textured layers are a stylish and versatile hairstyle that emphasizes natural texture and movement.
This look is perfect for men with long hair who want a sophisticated and elegant appearance for formal events.
To maintain this style, use a texturizing spray or lightweight mousse to enhance the layers and regular conditioning to keep the hair healthy.
24. Relaxed Waves
Relaxed waves offer a natural and effortlessly stylish look that is perfect for men with wavy hair.
This hairstyle is ideal for formal events where a casual yet polished appearance is desired.
To achieve this look, use a lightweight styling product to enhance the waves and regular trims to maintain the shape.
Conditioning the hair regularly will keep the waves soft and manageable.
25. Tousled Waves
Tousled waves are a relaxed and stylish hairstyle that gives off an effortless charm.
This look is perfect for men with wavy hair who want to maintain a casual yet refined appearance for formal events.
To achieve this style, use a lightweight mousse or sea salt spray to enhance the natural waves and provide texture.
Regular trims will keep the hair looking neat and manageable while maintaining the desired tousled effect.
26. Loose Curls
Loose curls offer a natural and voluminous hairstyle that is perfect for formal occasions.
This look is ideal for men with naturally curly hair who want to showcase their texture in a polished way.
To maintain loose curls, use a curl-enhancing product and regular conditioning to keep the hair hydrated and frizz-free.
Regular trims will help maintain the shape and prevent split ends.
27. Middle Part Wet Look
The wet look is a sleek and modern hairstyle that gives the appearance of freshly washed and styled hair.
This look is perfect for men who want a clean and edgy appearance for formal events.
To achieve this style, use a high-shine gel or pomade to slick the hair back, creating a smooth and glossy finish.
Regular trims are necessary to maintain the shape and keep the look sharp.
How Do You Choose the Best Formal Hairstyle for Your Hair Type?
Choosing the best formal hairstyle depends largely on your hair type and the event you’re attending.
For those with thicker hair, styles like the pompadour or a voluminous quiff can add a touch of elegance and height.
If you have fine hair, consider a classic slicked-back style or a neat side part to add structure without overwhelming your hair’s natural texture.
Always consider the level of maintenance you’re willing to commit to when selecting a formal hairstyle.
What Are Some Quick Tips to Maintain a Formal Hairstyle Throughout an Event?
Maintaining a formal hairstyle throughout an event requires some preparation and the right products.
Start with a strong-hold styling product that suits your hair type, whether it’s a gel, pomade, or hairspray.
It’s also helpful to carry a small comb or brush for quick touch-ups. If your hair tends to lose volume, consider using a texturizing spray or dry shampoo before the event to keep your style intact.
With the right preparation, your formal hairstyle will stay sharp and polished all night long.
By exploring these hairstyle ideas, you’ll be well-equipped to choose a look that not only complements your outfit but also reflects your style, ensuring you stand out at your next formal event.
