25 Best Formal Hairstyles for Men
Looking sharp for that upcoming wedding, business meeting, or gala?
The right hairstyle can transform your entire appearance and boost your confidence.
From classic cuts to modern interpretations, these 25 formal hairstyles will help you look your absolute best when the occasion demands sophistication.
1: Classic Side Part
The timeless side part never goes out of style for formal occasions. Use a fine-toothed comb to create a sharp part, then apply pomade for a sleek finish.
This versatile look works for all face shapes and can be adapted to various hair lengths.
For extra polish, use a blow-dryer before styling.
2: Slicked Back Undercut
Combine a modern edge with formal sophistication by pairing a clean undercut with slicked-back longer hair on top.
Apply strong-hold gel to damp hair and comb straight back for a sleek, controlled look.
This style creates a striking silhouette that works beautifully with formal attire.
3: Textured Pompadour
Elevate your formal look with a modern pompadour featuring textured volume on top.
Use a blow-dryer and round brush to create height, then apply matte pomade for hold and definition.
This style adds impressive stature while maintaining an elegant, controlled appearance perfect for black-tie events.
4: Low Fade with Structured Top
The low fade creates a clean transition that pairs perfectly with a neatly structured top. This balanced style offers sophistication without appearing too severe.
Use a medium-hold styling product to maintain shape throughout your event.
The subtle graduation keeps this look refined and event-appropriate.
5: Modern Quiff
Channel timeless charm with a modern quiff that adds height and movement.
Blow dry the front section upward using a round brush, then apply the flexible-hold product for definition.
This adaptable style works for various hair types and face shapes, creating a polished yet dynamic formal appearance.
6: Gentleman’s Crop
The gentleman’s crop features short sides with slightly longer, forward-styled hair on top.
This low-maintenance cut requires minimal styling for formal events—simply apply a light product and finger-comb forward.
The textured fringe adds interest while maintaining a neat, sophisticated silhouette.
7: Brushed Back Taper
Create a refined look by pairing a tapered cut with brushed-back styling.
Use a blow-dryer and flat brush to direct hair backward, then apply medium-hold pomade for a natural-looking finish.
This versatile style works well with various hair textures and complements all types of formal attire.
8: Sleek Comb Over
The sleek comb-over offers timeless sophistication for formal occasions.
Apply a high-shine pomade to damp hair, then create a deep side part and comb hair over to one side.
This controlled style stays neat throughout long events and photographs beautifully from every angle.
9: Structured Ivy League
The Ivy League cut—shorter than a crew cut but with enough length on top for styling—creates a distinguished formal appearance.
Use a matte product to create a slight texture while maintaining the structured shape.
This classic style signals confidence and attention to detail.
10: Textured French Crop
The French crop—featuring a short back and sides with a textured fringe—offers a sophisticated style with minimal maintenance.
Apply lightweight texture cream to create definition without stiffness.
This contemporary take on a classic cut keeps you looking sharp throughout formal events.
11: High and Tight with Styled Top
Combine military precision with formal styling by pairing high-and-tight sides with a longer, styled top.
Use pomade to create direction and control.
This sharp, clean cut communicates attention to detail while offering a contemporary silhouette that pairs perfectly with formal attire.
12: Wavy Brushed Back Style
Embrace your natural waves with a brushed-back style that adds character to formal looks.
Apply sea salt spray to damp hair, then blow dry backward using your fingers for movement.
This sophisticated yet relaxed approach works beautifully for evening events and wedding celebrations.
13: Dapper Faux Hawk
Create a formal-appropriate faux hawk by keeping the sides neat and styling the center strip upward without extreme height.
Use the firm-hold product to maintain the shape throughout your event.
This contemporary style adds distinctive character while remaining acceptable for professional settings.
14: Classic Caesar Cut
The Caesar cut—featuring a horizontal fringe and short, uniform length—offers sophisticated simplicity for formal occasions.
Apply a light product for control without stiffness.
This timeless style requires minimal maintenance during events and works well with all hair types.
15: Slick Side-Swept Undercut
Combine classic and contemporary elements with a side-swept style atop a clean undercut.
Apply high-shine pomade and comb hair to one side for a polished finish.
This distinctive yet sophisticated style creates a memorable silhouette that pairs beautifully with formal attire.
16: Formal Curly Top with Fade
Embrace your natural curls with a fade that transitions to defined curls on top.
Apply curl-enhancing cream for definition and control.
This textured style adds character to formal looks while maintaining a clean, structured silhouette appropriate for upscale occasions.
17: Brushed Up with Tapered Sides
Create height and dimension by brushing hair upward and slightly back while keeping sides neatly tapered.
Use pre-styling mousse before blow drying, then apply texturizing product for definition.
This versatile style adds visual interest without appearing too casual for formal events.
18: Sophisticated Man Bun
For longer hair, create a sleek man bun positioned at the crown of your head.
Secure with a discreet hair tie and apply pomade to control any stray hairs.
This elegant solution for longer locks looks intentional and refined when executed with precision.
19: Sleek Ducktail Style
Channel vintage sophistication with a modern ducktail style featuring longer hair combed back to a central point.
Use stronghold pomade for definition and shine.
This distinctive yet classic style creates a memorable silhouette that works beautifully for formal evening events.
20: Angular Fringe with Sharp Fade
Create contemporary edge with an angular fringe that adds architectural interest to your formal look. Pair with a sharp fade for clean contrast.
Use strong-hold matte product to maintain the precise shape throughout your event.
This modern style offers sophistication with a distinctive character.
21: Short Textured Crop with Line Up
Combine precision and texture with a short crop featuring a clean line up around the hairline.
Apply matte clay for subtle definition without shine.
This low-maintenance style stays neat throughout long events while offering contemporary sophistication appropriate for formal settings.
22: Vintage Sculpted Side Part
Channel golden-age Hollywood with a sculpted side part featuring height and controlled waves.
Apply strong-hold pomade to damp hair and use a fine-toothed comb for definition.
This classic style communicates attention to detail and complements formal attire beautifully.
23: Brushed Forward Crew Cut
Update the traditional crew cut by brushing the slightly longer top section forward with a textured definition.
Apply a lightweight product for natural-looking control.
This contemporary interpretation of a classic style offers sophisticated simplicity, perfect for formal daytime events.
24: Refined Pompadour with Taper
Create height and movement with a refined pompadour balanced by cleanly tapered sides.
Blow dry using a round brush for volume, then apply medium-hold pomade.
This elegant style creates a striking silhouette that photographs beautifully and stays neat throughout formal occasions.
25: Executive Contour Cut
The executive contour—featuring short sides that gradually blend into a slightly longer, side-parted top—offers distinguished sophistication.
Apply light pomade for subtle control and natural movement.
This timeless style communicates professionalism while remaining comfortably elegant for formal events.
Conclusion
Whether you prefer classic elegance or contemporary sophistication, these formal hairstyles will ensure you look your best.
Choose a style that complements your hair texture and personal aesthetic to make the right impression at your next formal occasion.
