For many professionals, looking sharp matters just as much as performing well.
The hairstyle is an essential part of their image, and the right one can give the confidence boost to excel in any business setting. For that reason, it’s worth spending those extra minutes in the morning to get it right.
The key to maintaining any men’s hairstyle is regular upkeep—get hair trimmed when needed, invest in good hair products, and don’t be afraid to switch up your style as trends change.
Notwithstanding if you’re in a corporate setting or a creative environment and have short, medium-length, long, or curly hair, a smart hairstyle is key to a polished appearance. These 21 men’s work hairstyles offer office-ready options with minimal effort.
Men’s Short Work Hairstyles
Short hairstyles are often the go-to for many men in the office. It’s practical, low-maintenance, and can still look stylish. Here are several options that you can achieve in minutes:
1. The Classic Crew Cut
One of the most popular men’s hairstyles for a reason—this short, neat cut works well in any office environment. It requires minimal styling, making it a favorite for busy professionals. Just comb it through or apply a tiny amount of pomade for a polished look.
2. Side Part Fade
A classic, versatile choice, the side part works well for men who want a clean, professional look. Simply comb the hair to one side, add a little gel or pomade, and you’re ready for the day. This cut works best if your hair is straight and stays in place easily.
3. Buzz Cut
The buzz cut is as easy as it gets. It’s super low-maintenance and doesn’t require much effort to look professional. If you’ve got a strong jawline, this haircut will accentuate it beautifully. To keep it fresh, get it trimmed regularly.
4. Textured Top
For men looking for a bit of flair with their short hair, a textured crop emphasizes a messier, tousled finish. The top is left longer and styled with a matte product for volume and separation, giving it a more casual, modern edge. Use a lightweight wax or clay, like TIGI Bed Head Matte Separation Wax, to tousle the top and keep it looking slightly messy but still controlled.
5. Ivy League
This Ivy League combines the clean look of a crew cut with a bit more length on top, allowing you to style it with a side part or a small quiff. This hairstyle is perfect for professionals who want something traditional yet stylish.
6. Comb Over
This sleek style works especially well for short to medium-length hair and can be a great choice for men with thinning hair. Use a lightweight gel or mousse like American Crew Forming Cream to give it structure and volume without looking too heavy.
7. French Crop
The French crop features a short, neat fringe that’s combed forward for a more classic, European-inspired look. This style offers a clean and structured appearance, making it ideal for formal or traditional office environments. It’s easy to maintain and often styled with minimal product.
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8. Parted Pompadour
The pompadour can be adapted to shorter hair for a more subtle yet stylish look. Use a blow dryer and some pomade to lift the hair at the front, creating a smooth, controlled wave that exudes confidence.
9. Wavy Side Part
A classic and easy-to-maintain style, the wavy side part works well for men with naturally wavy hair. This look adds sophistication while allowing the natural texture to shine through. To achieve this, simply part your hair to the side and use a light pomade or mousse to keep the waves in place without weighing them down. This is perfect for a professional yet relaxed office look.
10. Curly Undercut
Similar to the standard undercut, the curly version pairs short sides with voluminous curls on top. Let your curls fall naturally or use a bit of product to give them more structure.
11. Spiky Texture
For a bit more edge without crossing into overly casual, the spiky texture hairstyle adds volume and dimension to short hair. Use a matte pomade or styling wax, like Baxter of California Clay Pomade, to achieve a clean yet textured look that’s still office-ready. Make sure to keep the spikes subtle for a more polished appearance.
Men’s Medium-Length Work Hairstyles
For those who have a bit more locks to play with, contemporary medium-length men’s hairstyles offer versatility while still being appropriate for the office. Here are some styles that only take a short while to master.
12. Textured Waves with Tapered Sides
This style combines the natural movement of wavy hair with a clean, sharp taper on the sides. The contrast between the waves on top and the tight cut on the sides creates a well-groomed look that’s office-appropriate but still modern. Use a sea salt spray to enhance your hair’s natural wave, and keep the sides neatly trimmed for a polished finish.
13. The Quiff
The quiff is a versatile men’s hairstyle that combines volume with style for a more flexible, relaxed look, perfect for a busy workday. Using a blow dryer and some styling-wax-dry-shampoo combo to absorb excessive oil like Hanz de Fuko Quicksand, you can easily sweep your hair back and up in a few minutes. The result is a look that’s perfect for the office but also stylish enough for after-work events.
14. Bro Flow
The bro flow is a relaxed, easygoing style where your medium-length hair is simply pushed back without much product. It’s ideal for offices that have a more casual dress code, and it’s low-maintenance while still looking intentional.
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15. Messy Side Sweep
While this look is professional in many offices, certain workplaces may prefer a more conservative style. When in doubt, opt for a cleaner finish. Just sweep your hair to one side with your fingers, applying a small amount of pomade for texture. It’s polished enough for work but laid-back enough to not seem overdone.
16. Curtains
While curtains evoke a sense of ‘90s nostalgia, they’re back in style and can easily be adapted for a modern professional setting. Use a lightweight styling cream like American Crew Forming Cream to keep your hair in place without weighing it down, allowing it to fall naturally and look intentional.
17. Curly Fringe
Curly hair naturally lends itself to a fringe. The key here is to keep it tidy—use a curl-defining cream to ensure the curls look intentional and controlled, not messy.
Men’s Long Hairstyles for Work
While not all workplaces are open to longer hair for men, if you happen to be in a more creative or casual field that allows it, make sure your long hair is sleek and well-maintained. Here are a few long hairstyles that are still appropriate for the office.
18. Loose Waves
Loose waves offer a relaxed, natural look that works well in more casual office environments. However, if your workplace leans more formal, consider using a no-crunch styler like TWIST Weather Up Weightless Curl Defining Gel to keep the waves controlled and professional.
19. Half-Up, Half-Down
For men with long hair who want a bit of variety, the half-up, half-down style offers a polished, professional look. Simply tie up the top half of your hair into a small ponytail or bun, leaving the rest flowing naturally.
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20. Slick Back
Long hair doesn’t have to look unkempt. Use a high-hold pomade like Old Spice Pomade to slick back long hair, giving it a controlled, sleek finish. It’s quick and easy, leaving you with a confident look without appearing greasy.
21. Man Bun
Perfect for creative professionals, the man bun is versatile and can be styled high or low depending on the occasion. Ensure it’s neat and tidy by using a styling gel or pomade to tame any flyaways and keep it professional.
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