15 Formal Hairstyles for Men That Command Respect at Any Event
Looking sharp at formal events requires the right hairstyle to complement your outfit and the occasion.
A well-chosen formal haircut can boost your confidence and make a lasting impression.
Your choice of formal hairstyle can transform your appearance from casual to sophisticated, making you ready for weddings, business meetings, or black-tie events.
The right cut combines polish with personal style to create a memorable look.
1: Classic Side Part
The classic side part is a timeless formal hairstyle that works for any hair type. You create it by making a sharp, clean part on one side of your head.
This simple look stays neat and polished with some styling product and regular combing.
Perfect for weddings, business meetings, and special events.
2: Slick Back
The slick back hairstyle creates a clean, professional look that works great for formal events. You can achieve this style by combing your hair straight back from your forehead.
Use pomade or gel to keep your hair in place and add shine.
The style pairs well with both short sides and longer lengths on top.
3: Pompadour
The pompadour gives you a polished look perfect for formal events. You sweep your hair upward and back from the forehead, creating height and volume at the crown.
This classic style works best with medium to long hair on top. You’ll need to keep the sides shorter to create the right contrast and shape.
Use a strong-hold pomade to maintain the swept-back look throughout your formal event. A light shine finish adds extra sophistication to this timeless style.
4: Quiff
The quiff is a classic formal hairstyle that adds height and volume to your hair. You can style it with short sides and a taller top for a modern look.
To create a quiff, brush your front hair upward and backward while using a strong-hold pomade to keep it in place.
5: Undercut
The undercut gives you a bold formal look by keeping the sides buzzed short while leaving length on top.
You can style the longer top hair neatly combed back or to the side for business settings.
This versatile cut works well with both textured and smooth styling approaches. You can adjust the length contrast between top and sides to match your preferences.
6: Comb Over
The comb over is a classic men’s hairstyle that sweeps your hair to one side. You can pair it with a fade on the sides for a modern look.
Add texture and volume to your comb over by using a small amount of styling product.
Your barber can help you choose the right length on top to match your face shape.
7: Buzz Cut
A buzz cut gives you a sharp, clean look perfect for formal events. The short, even length creates a polished appearance that works well with suits and business attire.
You can dress up your buzz cut by adding a crisp fade on the sides. This modern touch keeps the style looking fresh while maintaining its professional appeal.
The best part? Your buzz cut needs almost no styling for formal occasions. Just run a clipper over it every couple of weeks to keep it neat.
8: Crew Cut
The crew cut is a classic formal hairstyle that keeps the hair short and neat. Your barber will cut the sides shorter while leaving more length on top.
You can style your crew cut by adding a bit of pomade and brushing the top hair forward or to the side.
This look works great for business meetings and formal events.
9: French Crop
A French crop gives you a polished, formal look with short sides and back paired with a neat fringe on top. Your stylist will trim the fringe straight across for a clean, sharp appearance.
You can dress up this cut by adding a low fade on the sides while keeping the top textured.
This style works great for formal events and business settings.
10: Ivy League
The Ivy League haircut brings classic style to your formal look. Your hair stays short on the sides and back while the top remains longer with a side part.
You can style this cut swept to the side for a polished appearance that works great at formal events and business meetings.
11: Hard Part
A hard part creates a sharp, defined line shaved into your hair. You can pair it with many styles like fades, pompadours, or slicked-back looks.
Ask your barber to shave a clean line into your hair with clippers. This will give you a bold, professional look that works well in both corporate and creative settings.
12: Caesar Cut
The Caesar cut gives you a classic look perfect for formal events. Your hair stays short on the sides and back while the top features a straight fringe that lies flat against your forehead.
You can wear this cut brushed forward for a clean, sophisticated style. The short length makes it easy to maintain and style before any formal occasion.
13: Textured Top
Your hair on top stays longer while the sides stay short and neat. This modern style works great for formal events.
Add some texture cream to damp hair and style it upward for extra height and movement.
14: Taper Fade
The taper fade gives you a clean, polished look perfect for formal events. Your hair gradually gets shorter from top to bottom, creating a smooth transition between lengths.
You can customize this cut to match your style. Choose a high, medium, or low fade point based on how bold you want the effect to be.
This versatile cut works with straight, wavy, or curly hair. Ask your barber to keep the top longer for styling options at formal occasions.
15: High Fade
A high fade brings style and sophistication to your formal look. Your hair starts short near your ears and back. Then, it gradually fades up toward longer hair on top.
You can pair a high fade with neat, combed layers on top for business meetings and special events. Style the top hair to the side or back for a clean, polished appearance.
