Best Men's Formal Hairstyles for Every Face Shape and Occasion

When it comes to men's formal hairstyles, the right cut and style can elevate your look from "okay" to "whoa!" in seconds.

Whether you're prepping for a wedding, an important interview, or just want to look extra sharp for that fancy dinner, finding the perfect formal hairstyle for men is key.

Let’s explore the best formal hairstyles for men, face-shape tips, and expert styling hacks to make sure your hair looks on point for every formal occasion!

Let’s get you looking fresh, polished, and ready to impress!

Best Men's Formal Hairstyles

When it comes to men's formal hairstyles, there’s no one-size-fits-all.

Whether you’re heading to a black-tie event, an important meeting, or a fancy dinner, the right hairstyle can set the tone and elevate your entire look.

Let’s explore some of the best men's formal hairstyles to help you nail your next big event in style.

Classic Side Part

This versatile hairstyle is characterized by a neat, defined part to one side, typically with shorter sides and a longer top.

The hair is combed over, creating a sleek and polished look that’s suitable for any formal occasion.

The simplicity of this style makes it a go-to for men who want a clean-cut appearance with minimal fuss.

The Slicked Back Undercut

The slicked back undercut combines a traditional, slicked-back top with short, faded or undercut sides.

The top section is left long and brushed back, giving a smooth, sleek appearance.

The sharp contrast between the long top and the close-cropped sides creates a modern and edgy vibe while still maintaining a formal finish.

Modern Pompadour

The modern pompadour is all about volume and drama.

With this style, the hair is swept upwards and back, creating a voluminous look that stands tall.

The sides are usually tapered or faded, allowing the longer hair on top to be the star of the show.

This hairstyle is bold and eye-catching, making it ideal for formal settings where you want to stand out.

The Textured Crop 

The textured crop is a hairstyle that’s all about texture.

This cut is characterized by short hair on the sides and back, with the top left slightly longer and styled with plenty of texture.

The fringe can either be left choppy or styled forward for a more relaxed look. 

This is a low-maintenance option that still looks stylish and modern for any formal event.

The High and Tight Fade

The high and tight fade is a sharp, military-inspired hairstyle.

The hair is kept very short on the sides and back, with a gradual fade upwards.

The top is left slightly longer, creating a clean contrast between the top and the sides.

This style is neat and precise, making it a perfect option for men who prefer a clean, no-nonsense look. 

The Classic Side Swept

The Quiff with a Side Part

The quiff with a side part is a bold, structured hairstyle that combines the volume of a quiff with the elegance of a defined side part.

The quiff is styled by sweeping the hair upward and back, adding height and texture, while the side part provides a clean and polished division.

The side part adds a refined touch to the style, making this a striking and formal hairstyle with plenty of personality.

The Trending French Crop

The french crop is a classic, minimalist hairstyle that’s short on the sides and back, with a textured, slightly longer top and a blunt fringe at the front.

This style is all about clean lines and simplicity, making it a great option for men who prefer a no-fuss haircut.

This hairstyle is perfect for those who want a sharp, formal look without spending too much time styling.

The Comb-Over Fade

The comb-over fade is a sophisticated and modern hairstyle that features a deep side part with a gradual fade on the sides and back.

The hair on top is left longer and combed over to one side, creating a polished, sleek look.

The fade on the sides adds a modern twist to this classic formal look, making it a popular choice for men who want to look sharp at any formal occasion.

Brushed Up Hair

The brushed up hairstyle is all about height and volume.

The hair is styled upward and slightly back, creating a voluminous, lifted look that’s both clean and bold.

This hairstyle works well for men with thicker hair who want to add some drama to their formal look.

It’s sleek, stylish, and perfect for any formal event where you want to stand out.

Long and Flowing Hairstyle

For men with longer hair, the long and flowing style is a great formal option.

This look is all about keeping the hair neat and well-maintained while allowing it to flow naturally.

The hair can be worn with a slight wave or kept straight, depending on your preference.

This style offers a relaxed yet refined look for formal settings.

The Man Bun

The man bun is a stylish and practical way to wear long hair in a formal setting.

The hair is gathered into a bun at the back of the head, either at the crown or lower down, depending on preference.

The man bun is ideal for men who want to keep their long hair under control while still looking formal and put-together.

The Buzz Cut

The buzz cut is a super short, minimalist hairstyle that’s easy to maintain and perfect for formal events.

The hair is clipped very close to the scalp, creating a clean, no-frills look.

This style requires little to no styling, making it a great option for men who want a sharp, low-maintenance haircut that still looks formal.

A bit of beard stubble can also add a rugged contrast to the clean lines of the buzz cut.

The Crew Cut

The crew cut is a slightly longer version of the buzz cut, with more length on top and short sides.

The top can be styled slightly with a bit of product, or it can be left natural for a simple, clean look.

The sides are usually tapered or faded, giving the hairstyle a sharp and neat appearance.

This is a classic men's hairstyle that’s perfect for formal settings, offering a timeless and polished look.

The Ivy League Cut

The ivy league is a refined version of the crew cut, with the hair on top left longer and styled into a side part.

The sides are typically shorter but still blended smoothly into the longer top.

This hairstyle is perfect for men who want a clean-cut, preppy look that’s sophisticated and appropriate for any formal occasion.

These men's formal hairstyles offer a variety of options for any guy, whether you prefer short and sharp or long and flowing styles.

Whatever you choose, these cuts will help you look polished and ready for any event!

Choosing the Right Hairstyle for Your Face Shape

Alright, gentlemen, let’s talk face shapes!

The perfect hairstyle doesn’t just happen—it’s all about matching the right style to your unique features.

Whether you’ve got a round, square, oval, or heart-shaped face, there’s a perfect hairstyle waiting for you.

Let’s break it down!

Hairstyles for Round Faces

Got a round face? Let’s add some angles and definition to balance things out!

• Go Big on Top: Styles like the quiff or pompadour add height and lengthen your face.
• Short on the Sides: Keep those sides trimmed with a fade or undercut to avoid extra width.
• Side Parts for the Win: A sharp side part gives your face more structure and definition.

Best Styles:

• Quiff with Side Part
• Pompadour with Fade
• High and Tight Fade

Hairstyles for Square Faces

Square faces = strong jawlines. Let’s make those angles pop with some killer formal hairstyles.

• Keep It Sharp: Buzz cuts and crew cuts highlight your strong features.
• Add Texture: Try a textured crop or comb over for a bit of softness up top.
• No Need for Big Volume: You’ve already got great angles, so keep it simple.

Best Styles:

• Buzz Cut
• Crew Cut
• Textured Crop
• Slicked Back Undercut

Hairstyles for Oval Faces

Oval face? Congrats! Almost every men’s formal hairstyle suits you.

• Anything Goes: Whether it’s a slicked back, Ivy League, or even long and flowing, you’re golden.
• Stay Balanced: Avoid going too extreme with height or length—keep it in proportion.
• Play with Texture: Try some waves or curls to mix things up!

Best Styles:

• Ivy League Cut
• Brushed Up Hair
• Long and Flowing
• Side Swept Hairstyle

Hairstyles for Heart-Shaped Faces

Heart-shaped faces need balance between a wider forehead and a narrower chin.

• Keep It Cool on Top: Medium-length styles like the French crop or side swept keep the top low-key.
• Grow Some Stubble: A beard can help balance out a narrower jawline.
• Layers Are Your Friend: Soft, textured layers work wonders for this shape.

Best Styles:

• French Crop
• Side Swept Hairstyle
• Taper Fade with Texture

So there you have it! The key to finding the perfect formal hairstyle is all about complementing your face shape.

Whether you’re rocking a quiff or keeping it cool with a crew cut, choose a style that makes you feel sharp, confident, and ready for any formal event.

What’s your face shape, and which style are you going to try next?

Tips for Styling Men’s Formal Hairstyles

Now that you’ve found the perfect men’s formal hairstyle, it’s time to style it like a pro!

Whether you’re rocking a sleek side part, a voluminous quiff, or a sharp fade, the right products and tools can make all the difference.

Let’s dive into the fun part—styling! 

Styling Products for a Formal Finish

Want that polished, "I just stepped out of the salon" look? You’re going to need the right products to keep your style looking sharp all day (and night) long.

• Pomade: For a slick, shiny finish, hair pomade is your go-to. Perfect for styles like the classic side part or slicked-back undercut.
• Gel: Need strong hold without the shine? Hair gel offers firm control, great for spikes, quiffs, or any style where you want some volume and definition.
• Hair Spray: Set it and forget it! Hair spray locks your look in place without weighing it down. Great for maintaining volume in pompadours and brushed-up styles.

Hair Care Tips for Formal Hairstyles

Your hairstyle can’t look its best without some TLC. Keep your hair healthy and looking great with these easy hair care tips.

• Shampoo and Condition Regularly: Clean hair is the foundation of any good hairstyle. Make sure you’re using a men's shampoo and conditioner suited to your hair type—whether it’s curly, straight, or somewhere in between.
• Moisturize: Dry hair is no fun. If your hair is feeling rough or brittle, try using a leave-in conditioner or hair oil to keep it smooth and shiny.
• Trim It Up: Regular trims keep your style looking fresh and prevent split ends from ruining your look. Even if you’re growing your hair out, a little shape-up goes a long way.
• Watch the Heat: Too much heat from styling tools can damage your hair. Always use a heat protectant before grabbing that hair dryer or flat iron.

Tools for the Perfect Look

Ready to take your styling game to the next level?

Let’s talk tools! Here’s what you need to nail that perfect formal look every time.

• Comb: Every man needs a good comb in his toolkit. Use a wide-tooth comb for adding texture or a fine-tooth comb for precise styling, like creating a sharp side part.
• Hair Dryer: This is your secret weapon for adding volume and shape. Use a hair dryer to lift your quiff or give your pompadour that gravity-defying height. Pro tip: Always dry your hair in the direction you want it to go!
• Flat Iron: Want sleek, straight hair? A flat iron can help tame curls or waves for a more refined look. Great for slicked-back styles or side parts where you need that smooth finish.
• Round Brush: If you’re aiming for volume (hello, brushed-up hairstyles!), a round brush paired with a blow dryer is your best friend.

There you have it! Whether you’re using pomade for that sharp slick-back or a blow dryer to lift your quiff, the right products and tools can make a world of difference when styling your formal hairstyle.

Conclusion: Style with Confidence and Class!

Alright, gents, we’ve traveled through the world of men’s formal hairstyles, and now it’s your time to shine!

Whether you’re aiming for a sleek side part, a bold quiff, or the timeless charm of the Ivy League, you’re now armed with everything you need to knock it out of the park at any formal event.

Here's the game plan:

• Match your hairstyle to your face shape: Whether your face is round, square, oval, or heart-shaped, there's a style out there designed to bring out your best features.
• Use the right products: Pomade, gel, and hairspray are your best friends when it comes to keeping your hair looking sharp from dusk till dawn.
• Healthy hair = great hair: Take care of your hair with regular trims, proper moisturizing, and heat protection—your hair will thank you!

But let’s not forget the most important ingredient—confidence. The right hairstyle doesn’t just look good, it makes you feel good, too.

Whether you’re at a wedding, an important interview, or a formal dinner, your hairstyle is a reflection of your personal style and flair.

So, what’s your next move? Step out of your comfort zone, try something new, and own it.

Whether you’re going for a sleek slick-back or a textured crop, the best men’s formal hairstyles are the ones that make you feel like you’re at the top of your game.

Now you're ready to confidently step into any formal event, styled to perfection!