Hairstyles for older men can be stylish, low-maintenance and youthful, offering a handsome look for the modern gentleman. These popular older men’s haircuts are classy and masculine choices that can work with different hair types, lengths and styles.
If you want to be treated like a senior or blend in with all the other dads, we recommend getting the same boring old man haircut. For a cool and professional option, these hairstyles for men over 50 can take your look to the next level.
Whether you’re graying or have thinning hair, there are several trendy haircut styles for older guys that can transform your look. Some middle-aged men will want a short haircut like a quiff or side part fade for a clean professional look at work, while others may prefer a medium to longer style for an effortlessly cool finish.
With so many great styles, it can be a challenge finding the right look for mature guys.
To inspire you, we’ve compiled examples of the best hairstyles for older men. From classic to modern, explore these older men’s haircuts to find stylish looks.
Older Men’s Hairstyles
Thinning Pompadour with Short Sides
If your hair is thinning, a pompadour can be a fantastic choice. This style is classy and cool, but it also provides volume that can create the illusion of thicker hair. The shorter sides create contrast, giving the look more lift and movement. It does require some styling, but many men find it to be relatively simple.
Short Quiff with Beard
The quiff is a classic style for men who want a stylish look with modern edge. If you have fuller hair, you will appreciate this look, but it does require a few minutes of styling each day. As a gentleman’s hairstyle, it is distinguished and casual at the same time, so it’s perfect for any occasion.
Hard Comb Over
While the comb over is often associated with men who have significantly thin hair, the truth is that it looks great on men who have thick, full hair, as well. When held into place with some gel or pomade, it has a formal or professional look, but it is still casual enough for everyday wear.
Short Crew Cut with Low Taper Fade and Beard
If you’re a man who prefers to keep things simple, a simple crew cut offers a rugged masculine look and requires very little fuss. Paired with a low taper fade and a full beard, it is a youthful look that makes your facial features the star of the show.
Gentleman’s Side Part
The gentleman’s haircut is easy to recognize thanks to its short length and very clear side part. It’s one of the classiest looks for men of all ages, and you can add some pizzazz to your style by combing it up and back all around. It’s perfect for men who want to add some volume to their hair.
Buzz Cut with Beard
The buzz cut is a low-maintenance haircut for those who want a short and simple look. Paired with a beard, it’s a rugged and masculine style that draws all the attention to your eyes. Try a buzz cut with a fade for some extra flair.
Short Messy Brushed-Up Curls
Messy hairstyles are all the rage, and they can give you the perfect balance between distinguished and youthful. This style involves brushing the slightly longer hair on top straight upward. You can use texturizing products to separate your curls for more definition, and you can pair it with a beard for a brawny look.
Textured Thick Brush Back
If you have been blessed with a head full of thick hair, the textured brush back is a popular style that offers some serious sex appeal. Just brush your hair up and back on the top and straight back on the sides, then hold it all in place with some texturizing pomade or mousse.
Long Wavy Hair with Beard
Wavy hair can be tricky to wear in shorter styles, and because of this, more older men than ever are shifting to longer hair. Long, wavy hair that has been slightly mussed and texturized creates an inquisitive and academic look, and the addition of a beard offers balance.
Thick Slicked-Back Undercut
If you have thick hair and prefer the look of voluminous styles, then the thick slicked-back undercut is a phenomenal choice. Just tease the longer hair on top, brush it back, and hold it all in place with some strong gel. The undercut adds contrast, and you can even grow a full beard to balance the look.
Textured French Crop with Long Choppy Fringe
The classic French crop is brushed forward and slightly spiked with some texturizing pomade, and the long fringe in the center adds interest. Paired with a bald fade on the sides and a stubbly beard, it’s the epitome of rock-and-roll in a hairstyle.
Textured Side Part with Tapered Sides
The classic side part is a handsome style that allows the top to be left slightly longer and paired with tapered sides. It’s a softer look that doesn’t sacrifice masculinity, and it works well for virtually all hair types. Pair it with a five o’clock shadow for ruggedness or wear it with a shaven face for a clean-cut approach.
Short Haircut with Shaved Sides
When you want to rock a youthful style that isn’t too over-the-top, a short haircut with shaved sides is a fantastic option. The possibilities are endless, but the brushed-up look is particularly trendy these days. The shaved sides create significant contrast, but you can soften the look by opting for a bald fade.
Short Wavy Style
Short wavy hair is a stylish look for older guys who want to show off their waves with a low-maintenance style. Rather than fighting the waves, work with them by opting for longer hair on top and shorter, slightly tapered sides. By brushing your hair back and away from your face, you can create instant volume and flair.
Short Side Part with Tapered Sides and Clean Shave
If classic is the name of the game, there’s very little that can compare with a simple side part with tapered sides. The idea here is to leave the hair slightly longer at the fringe with a near-buzzed look everywhere else. Brush the front section of hair over and give yourself a fresh shave, and you’ll be ready for any event – formal or casual.
Messy Modern Quiff
The quiff is brawny, rebellious, youthful, and sexy on older men, and while it does require some styling, most men find that it’s simple to do. Just brush the long hair at the front and along the crown up, then tousle it slightly and let it fall where it may.
Textured Flowing Wavy Hair
Flowing, wavy hair is perfect for men who have a carefree spirit and who want to make the most of their natural texture. Ask your stylist to cut your hair longer on the top and sides but shorter around the ears and back, then add some texturizing product, work it through, and let your hair fall naturally.
Classy Comb Over
The classy comb over is ideal for a formal function, but it’s simple enough for everyday wear. This look requires a little bit of length on the top and slightly tapered sides. Just part your hair on the chosen side, comb it over and brush the front section up for lift.
Short Spiky Hair with Taper
Short spiky hair might look difficult to style, but it’s one of the simplest and trendiest looks of them all. Start with a classic cut that includes tapered sides, then brush the top section of hair forward and up for a slightly spiky appearance. It’s youthful enough to be fun, but clean enough to wear to the office.
Swept Back Long Hair with Beard
If you’re looking for a style that is different yet dignified, this could be the look for you. The classic undercut creates contrast, and the addition of the full beard makes you look distinguished and interesting. It’s stylish and popular with older gentlemen who want a style to suit any occasion.
Pompadour with Shaved Sides
When the classic pompadour isn’t quite enough, pairing it with shaved sides can turn it into a completely different look. It’s interesting and playful, and it looks awesome with silver hair and a short, full beard. Slick it all back for formal events, or let a few tendrils fall free for everyday wear.
High Volume Comb Over
For some men, the thought of a comb over conjures images of a few thin scraps of hair draped over a nearly bald head. This high-volume version is modern, trendy, and youthful, and it works well for virtually any hair type, whether yours is thin and straight or thick and wavy.
Blowout
Messy styles are taking over, and it’s just as true for older men as it is for the younger crowd. The blowout look certainly suits its name, and it’s easy to do. Just start with a classic short ‘do and use mousse or gel to stand it all straight up in all directions.
White Brushed Back with Tapered Sides
White hair tends to look like one solid mass when traditionally cut and styled, so it’s often necessary to create some contrast in lengths. The brushed-back look is modern and classy, and when paired with tapered sides (and even a full white beard), it looks sharp and stylish.
Short Buzz Cut with Thick Stubble
Busy men don’t often have time to fuss with their hair, and they certainly don’t have time to sit in a barber’s chair every few weeks. A short buzz cut with thick stubble is easy to create and maintain at home, and while it requires zero effort, it’s masculine and rugged.
Thick Textured Shoulder Length Hair
Men who prefer the look of longer hair often find that shoulder length is easy to maintain. A textured shoulder-length cut with some strategic layers and a slightly mussed appearance is just slightly rebellious, but still professional enough for a day at the office.
Brush Up with Taper Fade
If you are a guy who prefers every hair to be in its place, the brush up look is an excellent choice. Just brush your short hair upward and use a strong mousse or gel to hold it in place. When paired with a taper fade, the contrast adds height and interest.
Pompadour Fade
Sometimes men want a hairstyle that’s larger than life, and the pompadour fade delivers. The tall hair at the front slowly fades back into a shorter style at the sides and in the back, and when paired with a groomed full beard, it’s a real showstopper.
Long Slicked Back Undercut
This look is ideal for men who love the perfect mix between daring and classy. The long hair on the top falls over the buzzed or shaven sides for a casual look, but it can also be pulled into a short ponytail for a more put-together and professional appearance.
Long Crew Cut with Side-Swept Fringe
This crew cut with a side-swept fringe is a masculine look with extra length. This longer style offers visual interest and can be perfect for guys who want to highlight their distinct facial features.
Messy Crop Top
The classic crop top is a masculine cut that works with all hair types for a cool look. This popular short haircut style offers a straightforward look, but can be too rigid for those who have playful, fun personalities. By tousling the hair at the top, you can turn a simple, timeless look into a more modern look that better reflects who you are.
Wavy Front with Short Tapered Sides
Wavy hair can be a challenge to style, but some haircuts make the most of it. The front is brushed up, back, and over to show off the beautiful wavy texture of your hair, but the rest is closely tapered for contrast and simplicity.
Textured Brush Back Taper
If you want to look like a distinguished gentleman with a slight hint of edginess, this is the style for you. The texture in the brush back gives your hair some personality and mystery, and it’s simple enough to do at home. Just brush back as usual but use pomade and a comb to create the precise texture.
Thick Volume on Top with Tapered Sides and Short Beard
If your hair is naturally curly or on the more textured side of the wavy spectrum, this look will allow you to make the most out of it. Cropping it close to the head (but not too close) creates instant volume, and the tapered sides and beard balance things out for a truly manly look.
Thick Comb Over with High Undercut
Some men prefer more traditional and classic looks, and this one is sure to please. It’s a longer version of a crop that is simply brushed over to one side and paired with a faded undercut. It’s clean and classy, and it pairs well with a beard, stubble or a clean-shaven face.
Salt and Pepper Side Part
The side part is a classic hairstyle for the modern gentleman who wants a timeless look. It looks classy and clean with salt-and-pepper hair, especially when it’s held in place by some strong-hold pomade.
Curly Side-Swept Hair with Taper
When you have curly hair, this style will allow you to rock your curls without too much effort. This style is a slightly layered short look on top paired with a taper on the sides and in the back. It looks best with a goatee, short beard, or stubble to balance out the mass of curls.
Short Side Swept
The simple short side-swept look is perfect for men who have rugged and well-defined features since it draws the eye away from the hair and down toward the eyes and face. It looks just as amazing with every hair in its place as it does when it’s slightly tousled and textured.
Tapered Crop Top
The crop top is a classic military haircut for guys who want a short style with texture. With tapered sides and tousled hair on top, it becomes a little softer without losing its brawn. Great for older men who have little time for styling, it pairs well with a short beard or stubble.
Short Curly Crop
Natural black hair is making a huge comeback, and the short curly crop is a fantastic way to show off your curls while maintaining a clean and professional look. It is perfect for everyday wear and looks just as sharp in a shirt and tie as it does in a pair of jeans and a tee.
Salt and Pepper Slick Back with Pomp
This simple handsome style has become a popular trend with men over 40 who are looking for some stylish volume. The slicked-back look pairs nicely with the height of the pomp, and the salt and pepper hair creates some sophistication.
High and Tight Fade
The high and tight fade is a military-inspired look that might be perfect for your face and style. It’s slightly longer in the front and at the crown, which gives you a bit of room to experiment with messy styles or even flipped fringe.
Gray Slicked-Back Style
Men who prefer their hair a bit longer tend to gravitate toward this slicked-back style. It’s a casual look that’s suited for everyday life, but the slicked-back front adds a hint of distinguished sophistication. For outdoorsy guys, this look offers a nice unkempt appearance.
Long Wavy Hair with Short Beard
There is no certain age at which men are required to chop off their beautiful locks, and this look pays homage to that. The long center-parted waves create interest, and the addition of a short, full beard balances things out for a style that looks clean, yet mysterious and sexy.
Messy Medium-Length Curly Hair
Letting your curls grow out a bit on top and in the back creates a slightly playful look that will keep you looking younger than your years. It pairs especially well with a thick beard, and if you have salt-and-pepper hair, it will be the star of the show.
Thinning Crew Cut
If your hair is thinning as you age, finding a style that suits your personality and your thinning hair can be difficult. While the traditional crew cut is as simple as it gets, some careful styling and the addition of a short beard can make you look sophisticated and professional.
Shaved Head
A shaved head is ideal for men who are experiencing significant balding, but the truth is that many men who have perfectly thick heads of hair opt for this look because they enjoy it. It does require regular shaving to maintain, so keep this in mind before you take the plunge.
Low Fade with Hard Side Part
A low fade is a great option for men who are experiencing some thinning in their hair as it creates a stacked appearance that gives the illusion of thickness. Paired with a hard side part, it is clean and professional-looking.
Short Messy Ivy League
The Ivy League cut is a true classic, and there are very few men who can’t pull it off. If you like this look but you want to add something more, the short and messy version is a great choice – especially if your hairline has started to recede. The shape of the cut and the forward sweep draws the eyes inward, which takes attention away from the sides and the hairline.
Comb Over Mid Fade
The comb over is a fantastic way to add some height to your hair, and it’s also fantastic for covering any thinning you might be experiencing on top. The mid fade makes the hair on the sides appear thicker but still provides some contrast. Wear this cut with a goatee or short beard for a more rugged or manly look.
Buzz Cut Fade with Line Up
The classic buzz cut fade will never go out of style, and it’s a favorite among men of all ages. When paired with a detailed line-up, it puts the attention right where you want it – on your eyes. It’s a versatile look that you can wear with a goatee, a full beard, or a clean-shaven face.
Slicked-Back Taper Fade
This cut features short sides and longer hair on top that is brushed straight back. The result is a very distinguished look for men who like to show off their sense of style. Styling is simple and requires a brush and some gel or pomade; you can opt for a matte look or a hint of shine depending on your preferences.
Long Comb Over with Brushed-Up Fringe
The long comb over is a stylish and timeless hairstyle for everyday wear or to the office. By brushing the fringe upward and over, you can add volume and lift that pair nicely with a full, short beard.
Thick Gray Bro Flow
The bro flow is a cool longer hairstyle that flows backward and away from the face. If you have thick gray or silver hair, this style is mysterious and distinguished, and will turn a few heads.
Short Wavy Brush Back
Wavy hair tends to look poofy and massive when it’s cut too short. This wavy cut is still short, but because there’s a little length on the top, the waves take center stage. It’s a timeless look that draws attention to the face, and it looks great with or without a beard.
Thick Slick Back Undercut Fade and Beard
This look falls somewhere between a pompadour and a slick-back, and many men prefer it because it’s slightly less dramatic than either of those styles alone. The undercut fade gives it some edginess, and the beard perfectly balances the height of the hair on top.
Curtain Bangs with Heavy Stubble Beard
Curtain bangs continue to grow in popularity among men of all ages. They give the hair a sexy, romantic, and somewhat mysterious look and puts all the attention on your eyes. The heavy stubble completes the frame for your face and a hint of rugged masculinity.
Classic Messy Brush Up
As a popular style in the late 90s, the classic messy brush up is a versatile short style. This timeless haircut is brushed upward and swept to the side, then tousled with the fingers to create texture. You can use some pomade when styling for further texturizing and a hint of shine.
Dreadlocks
Dreadlocks have been around since the 1960s, and they’ve evolved into hundreds of different looks over the years. You can wear them down for an everyday casual look, or you can wrap them up and pin them on top of your head for a highly sophisticated and academic appearance.
Clean Shaven Head with Short Beard
If you’re dealing with a receding hairline or male pattern baldness, or even if you just want to look more youthful, a clean-shaven head is a great choice. Bald heads are often associated with power and strength, especially when paired with a short beard or thick stubble.
