21 Dapper Hairstyles for Long Haired Men
Long hair on men doesn’t have to mean casual or unkempt—in fact, your flowing locks offer endless possibilities for sophisticated, polished styles that work everywhere from boardrooms to black-tie events.
These 21 dapper hairstyles will help you transform your length from laid-back to refined, proving that long hair can be just as professional and elegant as any short cut.
Discover how to elevate your look while embracing your signature length.
1: Classic Man Bun
Transform your lengthy locks into this timeless style that offers clean, professional appeal while keeping hair neatly secured.
The classic man bun creates a polished silhouette perfect for formal occasions.
You’ll appreciate how this versatile style keeps hair off your face and neck while creating a sophisticated appearance.
Position it at your crown for a balanced, flattering look that works with any outfit.
Achieve the perfect tension by gathering your hair at the appropriate height, twisting as you wrap your elastic to create a secure hold that won’t sag throughout your day.
2: Sleek Low Ponytail
Channel refined elegance with this timeless style that secures your length at the nape of your neck.
The sleek low ponytail creates a clean line that pairs perfectly with suits and formal attire.
You’ll create a sophisticated silhouette by applying smoothing product and brushing thoroughly before securing your ponytail.
The low positioning complements your natural hairline while maintaining masculine appeal.
For extra polish, wrap a small section of hair around the elastic and secure with a hidden pin, creating a finished look that appears thoughtfully styled rather than hastily pulled back.
3: Half-Up Top Knot
Combine the best of both worlds with this balanced style featuring the top section secured in a knot while the rest flows freely.
This sophisticated approach offers versatility with a contemporary edge.
You’ll find this style particularly practical when you want your hair contained but not completely pulled back.
The half-up approach frames your face while maintaining the impact of your length.
Style by sectioning hair from your temples upward, securing at your crown with slightly less tension than a full bun for that perfect balance of polished and relaxed.
4: Gentleman’s Slick Back
Create timeless sophistication with this wet-look style that directs all hair straight back from your forehead.
The sleek appearance offers old-world charm with modern sensibility.
You’ll achieve this dapper look by applying styling product to damp hair, then combing everything backward with a wide-toothed comb followed by a finer comb for detailed smoothing.
For maximum hold and shine, choose a medium-hold pomade or gel that creates a sleek effect without making your hair feel crunchy or overly rigid.
5: Sophisticated Side Part
Add architectural precision to your long hair with this classic style featuring a clean, defined part and smoothed sides.
The side part creates structure within your length while maintaining refinement.
You’ll appreciate how this simple styling change adds immediate polish to your appearance.
The defined part creates an intention that transforms casual length into a deliberate, sophisticated style.
Create this look by establishing your part while hair is wet, then blow-drying with a round brush to maintain smoothness while allowing your length to flow naturally past the structured top section.
6: Refined Braided Back
Incorporate elegant braiding with this distinctive style featuring one or more braids that pull hair back from your face.
This technique adds sophisticated texture while keeping your look neat and intentional.
You’ll stand out with this detailed approach, which showcases your length and attention to styling details.
The braided elements add masculine refinement, which works beautifully for formal events.
Consider a simple three-strand braid along each temple or a single French braid down the center—both options create a structure that elevates your long hair to event-ready status.
7: Dapper Waves
Embrace controlled texture with these polished, uniform waves that add sophisticated movement throughout your length.
This refined approach offers elegance with a touch of old Hollywood glamour.
You’ll create a distinguished appearance with these intentional waves that transform naturally straight hair into something more deliberate and styled.
The uniform pattern adds refined texture.
Achieve this look with a medium-barrel curling iron, working in consistent sections and brushing through gently once cooled for that perfect dapper wave pattern that looks intentional rather than beachy.
8: Executive Tuck
Create clean lines with this sophisticated style that tucks longer hair behind your ears and at your nape.
The executive tuck offers professional appeal while showcasing your face and jawline.
You’ll appreciate this practical approach for important meetings or formal events where you want to maintain your length while creating a more structured appearance. The tucked style frames your features beautifully.
Style with smoothing product and a blow dryer, directing hair back and down before strategically tucking behind ears and at the nape, and setting with light-hold hairspray for lasting neatness.
9: Formal Textured Pompadour
Add architectural height with this statement style featuring volume at the front that gradually recedes toward the back.
The textured pompadour creates sophisticated drama while controlling your length.
You’ll make a confident impression with this elevated style that draws attention upward while keeping the rest of your hair neatly styled.
The pompadour creates a focal point that frames your features.
Create this look by applying volumizing mousse to damp roots, blow-drying the front section upward with a round brush, and lightly texturizing the elevated section for refined, lasting volume.
10: Gentleman’s Braid
Showcase sophisticated detail with this single, centered braid that contains your length in an intentional, polished manner.
The structured plait creates a distinctive silhouette with historic inspiration.
You’ll stand out with this refined style that offers more formality than loose hair while maintaining a distinctive, masculine appearance.
The centered braid creates a clean line down your back.
Choose between a traditional three-strand braid for simplicity or a more intricate French braid for added sophistication, securing the end with a small, neutral-colored elastic for a finished appearance.
11: Distinguished Low Bun
Create elegant containment with this sophisticated style featuring a neatly wrapped bun positioned at your nape.
The low placement offers classic appeal with a refined silhouette.
You’ll appreciate this polished option for formal occasions where you want a more sophisticated approach than a standard man bun.
The low positioning creates a mature, distinguished appearance.
Style by gathering hair at the nape with a smoothing brush, twisting and wrapping to create a clean, circular shape that sits flat against your head for maximum refinement.
12: Vintage Pomade Slick
Channel retro sophistication with this high-shine style featuring smoothed sides and controlled length.
The vintage-inspired approach offers timeless appeal with contemporary relevance.
You’ll create a distinguished appearance with this polished style that works beautifully with formal attire.
The controlled smoothness offers an old-world charm without appearing costume-like.
Achieve this refined look with traditional pomade applied to damp hair, combing carefully to create the precise, sleek finish that defines this classic gentleman’s style.
13: Tailored Quiff with Length
Combine structure and flow with this hybrid style featuring volume at the front that transitions into neatly styled length.
The tailored quiff creates architectural interest while maintaining your long hair.
You’ll achieve perfect balance with this sophisticated approach that offers the best of both worlds—the refinement of a structured style with the distinctive character of longer hair.
Style by blow-drying the front section upward and slightly back using a round brush, then smoothing the remaining length for that perfect contrast between height and flow.
14: Formal Dutch Braids
Create symmetrical sophistication with this dual-braid approach featuring neat plaits that start at your temples and work backward.
The structured style offers refined containment with distinctive texture.
You’ll stand out with this detailed style that showcases both your length and your attention to detail.
The Dutch technique (reverse French braid) creates a raised texture that adds a masculine dimension.
Consider finishing with both braids joined at the back in a low bun for maximum formality, or leave the ends loose for a slightly more relaxed yet still sophisticated appearance.
15: Swept-Back Elegance
Create refined movement with this smoothed-back style that directs hair away from your face without severe slickness.
The swept-back approach offers sophisticated flow with natural movement.
You’ll appreciate this versatile option that works across formal situations while maintaining a natural appearance.
The directional styling creates intention without the wet look of more severe slicked styles.
Achieve this distinguished look by applying medium-hold product to damp hair, then blow-drying backward using your fingers followed by a wide-tooth comb for that perfect balance of control and movement.
16: Gentleman’s Ponytail with Undercut
Create architectural contrast with this sophisticated combination featuring closely cropped sides with length gathered into a neat ponytail.
The structural elements add contemporary refinement.
You’ll make a distinctive statement with this modern approach that offers the best of both worlds—the polish of short sides with the character of a longer top and back section.
Style by applying smoothing product to the longer sections before gathering into a precise ponytail, positioned either at the crown or nape, depending on your preferred silhouette.
17: Formal Side Sweep
Add asymmetrical sophistication with this polished style featuring hair neatly directed to one side.
The intentional side sweep creates structure and movement while framing your features.
You’ll create a refined appearance with this straightforward yet effective approach.
The deep side part adds architectural precision that transforms casual length into a deliberately styled look.
Achieve this distinguished style by establishing a deep side part, applying smoothing product, blow-drying in your desired direction, and setting with light-hold spray for lasting refinement.
18: Distinguished Gray Blend
Embrace natural aging with this sophisticated approach that incorporates your gray hair into a deliberately styled, longer look.
The dimensional color creates a distinguished character with timeless appeal.
You’ll project confidence and maturity with this refined approach that works with—not against—your natural color evolution.
The blended appearance creates depth that adds to your distinguished presence.
Style with products specifically formulated for gray or silver hair, which often has different texture needs, focusing on smoothness and control for maximum sophistication.
19: Refined Curls
Transform natural texture into a polished style with these controlled, defined curls that add sophisticated volume and movement.
This deliberate approach creates intentional texture rather than casual messiness.
You’ll appreciate how this refined technique elevates your natural curls or waves into something more formal and distinguished.
The defined pattern creates a polished appearance suitable for formal occasions.
Achieve this sophisticated look by applying curl-enhancing product to damp hair, defining each curl with your fingers, and then drying with a diffuser for that perfect balance of texture and control.
20: Corporate Layered Length
Maintain professional appearance with this strategically cut style featuring face-framing layers that create structure while preserving your overall length.
The tailored approach offers sophisticated movement.
You’ll find this versatile cut particularly practical for workplace environments where you want to maintain your signature length while creating a more polished, intentional appearance.
Ask your stylist for layers that specifically frame your face and create movement without disconnection, maintaining enough weight to keep your long hair looking distinguished rather than shaggy.
21: Sophisticated Samurai Knot
Channel historic elegance with this distinctive top-knot inspired by traditional Japanese styling.
The structured placement and clean execution create a formal appearance with cultural significance.
You’ll create a memorable impression with this refined style that positions hair neatly at your crown with architectural precision. The historical reference adds depth to your personal style story.
Achieve this distinguished look by gathering hair smoothly at your crown, twisting and wrapping to create a clean, circular shape that sits perfectly centered for balanced sophistication.
Conclusion
From sleek ponytails to architectural braids, these 21 dapper styles prove that long hair can be sophisticated and professional.
Remember, the most refined long hairstyles combine intentional styling, quality products, and regular maintenance for a look that’s both distinctive and polished.
