27 Formal Hairstyles for Men: Stylish Options to Impress at Any Event

Looking sharp at a formal occasion starts with the right haircut. Whether you’re attending a wedding, business event, or any upscale gathering, the right hairstyle can elevate your entire appearance. From timeless classics to bold modern cuts, there are countless formal hairstyles for men that can complement your style and suit your hair type. This guide offers inspiration for every kind of gentleman, ensuring you leave a lasting impression.

Whether you have thick, thin, curly, or straight hair, the perfect men’s formal haircut can boost your confidence and tie your whole outfit together. The goal is not only to look well-groomed but to express your personality through your hairstyle. We’ve curated a comprehensive list of stylish hairstyles for men that are both easy to manage and elegant enough for the most sophisticated events.

 Formal Hairstyles for Men

1. The 80-20 Split

The 80-20 Split is a polished style where most of the hair is slicked back while a smaller section remains loose for contrast. It’s an excellent formal hairstyle for men who want structure with a touch of flair. Best suited for straight hair, this style thrives in professional settings or formal occasions like weddings. To maintain it, invest in a strong-hold pomade and regular trims.

The 80-20 Split

2. Classic Side Part

A timeless staple in men’s formal haircuts, the classic side part delivers an effortlessly neat look. With a defined side line and sleek strands, it’s ideal for men with straight or wavy hair. This cut works for everything from business meetings to black-tie events. Use a light styling product to hold the part and keep everything in place.

Classic Side Part

3. Crew Cut

If you prefer simplicity without compromising elegance, the crew cut is your go-to. This short, clean style is one of the easiest formal hairstyles for men to maintain. Suitable for all hair types, it offers a tidy look that suits both formal events and everyday life. A visit to the barber every few weeks keeps this cut sharp.

Crew Cut

4. The Man Bun

For men with medium to long hair, the man bun is a bold yet formal option. This modern style involves tying your hair into a neat bun, either high or low on the head. It’s a great pick for creative professionals or casual formal events. Use damage-free hair ties and condition regularly to keep the bun sleek.

 The Man Bun

5. The Pompadour

The pompadour is all about volume and confidence. This hairstyle lifts the front of the hair high while gradually tapering the sides and back. Perfect for thick-haired men, it adds height and flair to any formal look. Keep the style in shape with a blow dryer, volumizing mousse, and occasional barber visits.

The Pompadour

6. The Quiff

Blending elegance with attitude, the quiff combines volume and texture at the front of the head. It’s a stylish hairstyle for men who want something slightly edgy but still suitable for formal events. Works best on straight or wavy hair, and a matte styling product helps keep its textured finish.

The Quiff

7. Undercut with Textured Top

This men’s formal haircut plays on contrasts—buzzed sides paired with a voluminous, textured top. It’s trendy, clean, and customizable depending on your face shape. Use a lightweight product to define the top without weighing it down. This look is excellent for those wanting a modern edge at formal gatherings.

Undercut with Textured Top

8. Flowing Waves

Flowing waves offer a natural, laid-back elegance perfect for semi-formal and formal events alike. Best suited for men with medium to long wavy hair, this hairstyle highlights your natural texture. Keep your waves defined with a moisturizing cream or mousse, and don’t skip regular trims.

Flowing Waves

9. Curly Top

If you have natural curls, the curly top lets you embrace them with pride. This cut features shorter sides and voluminous curls on top for a balanced and stylish silhouette. It’s a formal hairstyle for men that celebrates texture. Use curl-defining products and maintain a clean trim around the sides.

 Curly Top

10. Slicked-Back Hair

Slicked-back hair is a tried-and-true look for men’s formal haircuts. It involves combing the hair away from the face with the help of a gel or pomade. This classic hairstyle works best for straight or slightly wavy hair and creates a sharp, professional finish. Regular grooming ensures the style stays pristine.

Slicked-Back Hair

11. Taper Fade

The taper fade gradually decreases in length from the top of the head down to the neckline, offering a clean and modern look. This versatile haircut suits all hair types and is ideal for men wanting low-maintenance formality. Pair it with any top style—from pompadours to quiffs—for a sophisticated edge.

Taper Fade

12. Textured Long Crop Cut

This contemporary cut combines longer hair on top with lots of texture, giving you a stylish and youthful appearance. Perfect for thick hair, it’s among the more fashionable formal hairstyles for men. Use texturizing spray or clay to keep the top structured, and trim the edges regularly.

Textured Long Crop Cut

13. Messy Quiff with Beard

This combination of a tousled quiff and a well-kept beard gives off confident sophistication. Ideal for men who like volume and facial hair, this style balances rough and refined. Keep the quiff styled with a matte paste and the beard groomed with oil and clippers.

Messy Quiff with Beard

14. Low Fade with Side Part

Combining a low fade with a classic side part delivers sharp lines and clean elegance. This look is especially good for men with fine or straight hair. It’s a simple but powerful hairstyle that’s versatile for any formal situation. Maintain the fade regularly to preserve its shape.

Low Fade with Side Part

15. High and Tight with Volume

The high and tight cut adds volume on top while keeping the sides short, giving you a structured, clean silhouette. It’s one of the best formal hairstyles for men who prefer sharp edges and minimal fuss. Style the top with a blow dryer or pomade for hold and height.

High and Tight with Volume

16. Classic Undercut

The classic undercut is a sleek and timeless hairstyle for men, featuring short sides and a longer top. This style suits both formal and casual events, making it incredibly versatile. Ideal for straight or slightly wavy hair, it allows for easy styling with gel or pomade. Regular maintenance helps preserve the sharp contrast between the top and sides, ensuring a clean and refined look.

Classic Undercut

17. Modern Pompadour with Beard

For men wanting to stand out at any event, the modern pompadour with a beard makes a strong impression. This hairstyle offers dramatic volume on top, complemented by a well-groomed beard that balances the look. Perfect for thick hair, it pairs formal elegance with a masculine edge. Use a high-hold product to maintain the pompadour’s height and keep the beard neat and shaped.

Modern Pompadour with Beard

18. Soft Waves with Part

Soft waves paired with a side part give off a classic and romantic vibe. This formal hairstyle is best for men with naturally wavy hair, providing texture without looking unkempt. Ideal for weddings, date nights, or black-tie affairs, it offers effortless sophistication. Light mousse or cream helps enhance the wave while keeping the part defined and the hair in control.

 Soft Waves with Part

19. Medium Length Swept Back

This style features medium-length hair brushed back for a clean, refined appearance. It’s one of the most polished formal hairstyles for men who prefer a relaxed but stylish look. Best suited for straight or wavy hair, this haircut frames the face while exuding elegance. A lightweight pomade or styling cream keeps the hair in place without weighing it down.

Medium Length Swept Back

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.

Natural Flow

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.

 Voluminous Quiff

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.

High Fade with Slick Back

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.

Long Textured Layers

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.

 Relaxed Waves

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.

Tousled Waves

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.

Loose Curls

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.

Middle Part Wet Look

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