As important as it is, your clothes and shoes are well-kept and professional, it is just as important that your hair is of the same professional standard. The consensus for the most appropriate hairstyle for men in a professional setting is clean, short and tidy.
Why Is a Professional Hairstyle Important for Work?
A professional hairstyle’s importance depends on the industry you choose to work in. Workers of finance and other related industries may prefer short and tidy hairstyles since low maintenance is valuable for time management. Simultaneously, if you work in the sales industry, a medium to long hairstyle could contribute towards the charisma required to secure a client. Every hairstyle gives a particular impression. Therefore, it is essential to think of what impression you would like to give to your employers.
What Hairstyles are Considered Unprofessional?
In some workplaces, expressions of individuality may be less appropriate than others. For example, when working in the business and finance sector, long hair that has been dyed with more than one color would be considered highly inappropriate. Sectors like public service are of the few places where focus on your hairstyle may not be as significant since your apparel is considered less important than your service. In any case, regardless of your workplace, you must keep your hair tidy to show that you take your job seriously.
Is a Beard Considered Unprofessional?
Beards share the same principle as hair. It is entirely acceptable in a professional setting as long as it is clean and well-trimmed. Depending on where you work, a long beard may be less appropriate to certain employers. However, this may differ depending on your cultural background. In some situations, a full and well-trimmed beard may help to give you a more authoritative image in a professional setting.
25 Best Men’s Professional Hairstyles for Business 2021
With restrictions from the pandemic being lifted, many companies will have an influx of applications for jobs. If you would like to improve your chances of employment in the business sector, a good impression is crucial. Consider the impression that you would like to give and how manageable your hair will be during the day. Here is a list of the most popular styles to win over your employers for 2021:
Traditional
Crew Cut
The Crew Cut is perhaps the most popular hairstyle among those in a professional setting. It is short and easy to manage, and it takes less preparation than most other styles. The term crew cut originated from members of Ivy League colleges. This hairstyle would prevent the wind from blowing hair in the student’s faces when they competed in boat rowing races. It also remains popular with members of the military. If you would like to give the impression that you are practical and care more about what you do than how you look but still want to look your best, this is perhaps the best option.
Ivy League
The Ivy League is one of the many variations of the crew cut. It is still a low-maintenance style but with a little more style to exude a sense of class. This style has the same origins and method as the crew cut, except it is slightly longer on the sides and leaves a little more on the top. This is perfect if you would like to give the same impression that a crew cut would allow you to give, but with a little more versatility.
Side Parting
The side part is another staple hairstyle for those who wish to have a manageable yet fashionable look. This was the most popular hairstyle for formal military events during World War One. Afterward, it became the uniform style for men in the US. Choose this hairstyle if you would like to give the impression that you are organized and responsible.
Sort Length
Hard Part
The hard part is a modern variation of the side part. The sides and back are cut to a fade, making the side part much bolder. It is also known as a type of undercut. The hard part was popularized by working-class British men during the 20th century and later during the early 2010s. If you intend to give a bold and serious impression, the hard part is one of the best hairstyles for the job.
Hard Part With Taper Fade
A slight variation of the hard part. Instead of the sides and back of the head being cut completely short, they are faded towards the bottom. This still gives a bold impression, and the taper helps to exude a little more sophistication during your meetings.
High Fade Hard Part Comb Over
This variation of the hard part generally allows more hair to be left on the top. The hair at the top of the head is styled as a classic comb-over. Although it is a little less manageable than the other variations, the style is powerful and elegant and certainly makes this impression in the workspace.
Slicked Back
The slicked-back hairstyle is a striking yet reasonably simple style to wear in a professional environment. Wear this if you would like to give the impression that you are determined and willing to get important things done. It is a modern trend to merge this classic style with a hard part or some other hairstyle for a classy and professional look.
Low Fade With Comb Over
This version of the comb-over is similar to many of the other variations of the side part. The comb-over is coupled with a low fade on the sides of the head.
Side Part Comb Over
This hairstyle is both the side part and the comb-over in one. If you would like the subtle sophistication of the side part and the classic professionalism of the comb-over, this two-in-one hairstyle is the best choice.
Short Afro
For a long time, the short afro has been the most popular hairstyle of black men in the professional setting. It is an exceptionally manageable hairstyle and requires little maintenance. It can also be combined with variations that often give a subtle stylishness. This is an excellent choice if you would like to appear neat, organized and pragmatic.
Afro Side Part
The afro side part is a variation of the short afro. Like the side part, more hair is left at the top of the head and cut short at the sides. Unlike the side part, the top part of the hair should be neatly combed up rather than to the side. Alternatively, you can style the top part in any manner that appears neat and fashionable. This style is a fine choice for some extra sophistication when choosing a variation to the short afro.
Low Fade With Short Twists
The low fade with short twists is one of the most versatile options for black males in a professional work environment. The recently popular style comprises a faded uniform cut on the sides and back of the head. The hair at the top of the head is left in short twists. This hairstyle is a great choice when you would like to establish confidence and appear organized and reliable.
Quiff
The quiff is a combination of the flattop and the pompadour. The hair from the front of the head is lifted and held. This hairstyle is not the most manageable compared to all the other options and generally requires pomade or any hair gel to stay in place. It is a hairstyle that exudes confidence and is a perfect option for making a daring impression.
Pompadour
The pompadour is very similar to the quiff. Like the quiff, the hair at the front of the head is lifted and combed towards the back. This is perfect for appearing confident and establishing a likable personality.
Crop Top
Also known as the ‘French Crop’, the crop top is often worn with a fade to the sides and back of the head with short hair on top leading into a straight fringe. It is both manageable and versatile. This hairstyle is very useful when you want to portray confidence as well as seriousness.
Buzzcut
The buzzcut is a masculine and straightforward style that requires the least effort to maintain all the styles on this list. All that is needed for this style is a good set of clippers. Set the clippers to the desired height and carefully shave your entire head. The masculinity of this hairstyle allows it to be the most effective hairstyle when trying to appear serious.
Buzzcut Fade
This is a variation of the buzzcut where the sides are faded shorter downwards. It has the same effect and the same utility as the buzzcut but with a little extra style.
Undercut
The undercut serves as one of the more versatile hairstyles on this list. The hair is cut short at the sides and back of the head. The top of the head is left to be styled in any manner you choose. This is a popular choice for men in the workplace since it offers versatility and practicality and professionalism.
Medium/Long Length
Comb Back
The comb back is like a mix between the slicked-back hairstyle and the pompadour. The hair is generally short at the sides, while the hair on top is slicked back. The hairstyle is generally associated with a fun and charismatic personality.
Sleek Man Bun
This version of the man bun is perhaps the best option for men with longer hair. The hair is slicked back and tied into a short bun. It is the most practical, manageable and arguably fashionable style for men with long hair in the workplace. It is also a hairstyle that is associated with charismatic personalities.
Long Textured Side Part
This style is a step up from the ivy league hairstyle. The hair is parted to the side (like other side part variations), but the hair at the top is left much longer. This style adds a prestigious quality to the professionalism of the side part.
Flowing Brushed Back
This hairstyle requires neck-length hair that is brushed back, often to give a flowing appearance. Although very high maintenance, this hairstyle is effective at establishing confidence and portraying ambition.
Flowing with Side Part
This variation of the side part is the least manageable one. However, it makes up for it in pure aesthetics. The like the side part, most of the hair is combed to one side, but the sides are not cut short and remain a medium length. With the professionalism that a side part brings, this version may add a level of distinction to your appearance.
Long Slicked Back
This hairstyle is similar to the slicked-back style. However, with this style, the hair goes all the way to the neck. It’s a good option for those who don’t want to cut their hair but portray the same bold ambition portrayed with the shorter version.
Final Thoughts
It’s always important to look your best when attending work or a work interview. Regardless of the hairstyle you choose, make sure that it aligns with your company’s dress codes. When choosing a hairstyle, keep these things in mind:
Consider the impression that you would like to give your employers Consider what you are most willing to manage during the day Make sure that it is always presentable (clean and well-trimmed)
