17 Wedding Hairstyles for Men from Grooms to Groomsmen

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Your wedding day demands more than just a sharp suit. Your hairstyle defines your presence and sets the tone for your entire look.

From the walk down the aisle to the final toast, you deserve a cut that stays sharp. Every groom and groomsman needs a style that matches the occasion.

Choosing the right look depends on your hair type, face shape, and the wedding’s formality. A well-chosen style ensures you look your best in every photograph.

Explore these premium options to find the perfect balance of modern trends and timeless tradition. Here are 17 wedding hairstyles for men from grooms to groomsmen.

1. The Classic Side Part

The Classic Side Part

The classic side part is the gold standard for formal elegance and remains a top choice for grooms. It projects a sense of sophisticated authority that pairs perfectly with a traditional tuxedo.

This style works best for men with straight or slightly wavy hair. Use a high-shine pomade and a fine-tooth comb to create a clean, defined line that stays in place.

It is an excellent choice for groomsmen because it is universally flattering. This style ensures a cohesive, polished look for the entire wedding party without overshadowing the groom.

2. The Textured Quiff

The Textured Quiff

The textured quiff offers a modern, energetic alternative to flatter styles. It provides significant height and volume, making it ideal for men who want to appear taller and more commanding.

To achieve this look, blow-dry the hair upward using a vent brush for maximum lift. Apply a matte clay or sea salt spray to maintain the structure without a greasy finish.

This style is particularly effective for men with thicker hair and square face shapes. It balances a rugged masculine jawline with a soft, approachable texture on top.

3. Slicked Back Undercut

Slicked Back Undercut

The slicked back undercut is a bold choice for the groom who wants a sharp, contemporary edge. It features short sides and a long top that is swept back smoothly.

This hairstyle is perfect for black-tie weddings where a high-fashion look is encouraged. Use a firm-hold gel to ensure the hair stays strictly back throughout the ceremony and reception.

Men with oval face shapes benefit most from this style as it highlights their natural symmetry. It requires a fresh trim just days before the wedding to keep the fade crisp.

4. Natural Waves with Tapered Sides

Natural Waves with Tapered Sides

Embracing your natural texture is a great way to look relaxed yet refined at a summer or beach wedding. This style keeps the sides tidy while letting waves flow naturally.

Use a light leave-in conditioner or curl cream to define the waves without making them stiff. This approach prevents frizz during outdoor ceremonies where humidity might be a factor.

It is a low-stress option for groomsmen who want to look groomed but not overly “done.” It creates a friendly, accessible vibe that works well for semi-formal celebrations.

5. The Polished Buzz Cut

The Polished Buzz Cut

The buzz cut is the ultimate low-maintenance wedding hairstyle for men who prefer a minimalist aesthetic. When executed with a sharp fade, it looks incredibly clean and intentional.

This style is perfect for grooms with thinning hair or those who want to highlight their facial features. A professional line-up along the forehead and temples is essential for a wedding-ready finish.

Because there is no styling required on the day of the event, it is a stress-free choice. It ensures you look exactly the same from the first photo to the last.

6. High Volume Pompadour

High Volume Pompadour

The pompadour is a statement style that screams “Groom.” It draws inspiration from vintage looks but stays modern through updated fading techniques on the sides and back.

This style requires a bit of prep work, including a round brush and a high-quality blow dryer. A combination of wax and hairspray will provide the structural integrity needed for the day.

It is best suited for grooms with round or heart-shaped faces, as the height elongates the face. It creates a striking profile that looks magnificent in candid wedding photography.

7. Mid-Fade with Curly Top

Mid-Fade with Curly Top

Men with naturally curly hair can lean into their texture with a mid-fade that keeps the look organized. This style provides a clean transition from the skin to the curls.

Hydration is the secret to making this look work for a wedding. Use a curl-enhancing smoothie to keep the ringlets defined and to prevent them from looking dry or unruly.

This is a versatile choice for groomsmen of various ethnicities, as it celebrates natural hair while maintaining formal standards. It looks best when paired with a well-groomed beard.

8. The Messy Ivy League

The Messy Ivy League

The Ivy League is a slightly longer version of a crew cut, offering more styling flexibility. For a modern wedding, a “messy” or “deconstructed” version looks effortlessly cool.

Apply a small amount of matte paste to the fingertips and work it through the top of the hair. This creates a piecey texture that looks intentional rather than neglected.

This style is perfect for more casual or rustic-themed weddings. It allows the groom to look put-together without appearing too stiff or formal for the setting.

9. Shoulder-Length Flow

Shoulder-Length Flow

For the groom with long hair, a polished “flow” can be just as formal as a short cut. The key is ensuring the hair is healthy, shiny, and tucked behind the ears.

Use a smoothing serum to tame flyaways and add a healthy glow to the hair. This prevents the long hair from looking unkempt or distracting against a high-end suit.

This style is excellent for outdoor, bohemian, or destination weddings. It conveys a sense of freedom and confidence that matches a more relaxed matrimonial atmosphere.

10. Comb Over with Hard Part

Comb Over with Hard Part

The hard part involves a barber shaving a thin line into the scalp to emphasize the hair’s natural parting. It adds an extra layer of precision to a standard comb-over.

This is a high-contrast look that demands attention and looks very sharp in black-and-white photography. It is a favorite among younger groomsmen who want a trendy, “fresh” appearance.

To keep this look wedding-ready, the hard part should be cut no more than two days before the ceremony. Use a medium-shine wax to keep the hair flat and sleek.

11. The Afro Fade

The Afro Fade

The Afro fade is a sophisticated choice for Black grooms, combining natural texture with surgical precision. The fade can be adjusted to a low, mid, or high height.

Ensure your barber uses a sharp straight razor for the line-up to create those crisp edges. This frame for the face makes any man look more alert and photogenic.

Adding a light sheen spray can give the hair a healthy, vibrant look under the bright lights of a reception. It is a timeless style that never goes out of fashion.

12. Salt and Pepper Slick Back

Salt and Pepper Slick Back

Distinguished grooms or fathers of the groom often look best embracing their grey hair with a slicked-back style. This look exudes maturity, wisdom, and classic style.

Use a cream-based pomade rather than a gel to avoid making the hair look thin or brittle. The goal is to provide a soft sheen that highlights the different tones in the hair.

This style works exceptionally well with silver-toned accessories or a grey suit. It provides a dignified presence that commands respect throughout the wedding weekend.

13. Braided Bun for Men

Braided Bun for Men

Braids offer a clean and intricate look that keeps long hair secured and stylish. Pulling the braids into a neat bun at the nape of the neck is a formal masterpiece.

This style is highly practical for long-day weddings as it keeps the hair completely out of the face. It also prevents the groom from getting too hot during the reception dance.

Grooms should have their hair braided by a professional the morning of the wedding. This ensures the scalp remains clean and the tension is even for a symmetrical finish.

14. The French Crop

The French Crop

The French crop features a short, horizontal fringe that is combed forward over the forehead. It is a contemporary European style that is gaining massive popularity for weddings.

This look is perfect for men who may have a receding hairline, as the forward-combed fringe provides coverage. It is a smart, architectural style that looks very deliberate and trendy.

Keep the sides in a tight taper to ensure the focus remains on the texture of the fringe. It works best with a matte product to give it a natural, modern feel.

15. The Modern Mullet (Polished)

The Modern Mullet (Polished)

While traditionally casual, the modern “Euro-mullet” or polished mullet can work for a trendy, unconventional wedding. The key is keeping the sides very short and the back groomed.

This style is for the groom who wants to showcase his personality and doesn’t mind breaking tradition. It should be styled with volume at the crown to maintain a balanced silhouette.

Ensure the length in the back is trimmed neatly so it doesn’t overlap the suit collar. A well-tailored suit is necessary to “ground” this bold hairstyle choice.

16. Tapered Caesar Cut

Tapered Caesar Cut

The Caesar cut is a short, uniform length all around with a very short fringe. It is a masculine, low-profile style that has roots in ancient history but feels modern.

It is an excellent choice for men with fine hair, as the uniform length creates the illusion of more density. It requires almost no maintenance during the wedding day itself.

For the best results, use a light styling cream to give the hair a bit of direction. This style is subtle enough to let the suit and the bride take center stage.

17. The Man Bun with Low Fade

The Man Bun with Low Fade

Combining long hair on top with a low fade provides a sharp contrast that is very popular for modern weddings. The bun should be placed at the crown for a balanced look.

This hairstyle is ideal for groomsmen because it looks uniform and clean from the front. It allows for individuality while still adhering to a neat, groomed dress code.

Use a small amount of oil to smooth down any flyaways around the bun. This ensures the style looks intentional and high-end rather than like a gym hairstyle.

How long before the wedding should I get my haircut?

Grooms and groomsmen should ideally get their hair cut about 3 to 5 days before the wedding. This allows the hair to “settle” and any tan lines on the neck to fade, while still keeping the edges crisp for the ceremony.

Which hairstyle is best for a receding hairline?

The French Crop or a textured Ivy League are excellent choices as they allow for hair to be styled forward, naturally masking the temples. Alternatively, a polished buzz cut is a confident way to embrace the hairline while looking sharp and intentional.

Should I use a matte or shiny product for wedding photos?

Matte products are generally safer for wedding photography because they don’t reflect camera flashes, which can sometimes make hair look greasy. However, for a very formal black-tie wedding, a slight sheen from a high-quality pomade can add a touch of classic elegance.

How do I keep my hair from falling flat during the reception?

The secret to longevity is using a “pre-styler” like sea salt spray or mousse on damp hair before blow-drying. Once your hair is styled with your primary product, a light mist of high-hold hairspray will lock the structure in place for hours of dancing.

Is it okay for groomsmen to have different hairstyles?

Yes, it is perfectly acceptable and even encouraged for groomsmen to have different styles that suit their specific hair types and face shapes. To maintain a cohesive look, you can ask everyone to visit the same barber or ensure everyone follows a similar level of formality.

Can I change my hairstyle between the ceremony and reception?

While possible, it is usually not recommended as it adds unnecessary stress to your wedding day timeline. It is much better to choose a versatile style that looks great during the formal ceremony and can be slightly “loosened” or tousled for the party later.

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