So you’re in business, huh?

So you want to sport a snazzy, stylish haircut, but you also want to come off as professional. And at the same time, you want a style that reflects your personal style. How do you meet all of these demands simultaneously?

Or maybe you want a conservative cut for a different job-related reason. According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, in 2015, 39% of Americans were employed in white collar jobs. If you’re one of these workers, chances are you have to follow a dress code, and hairstyles are often mentioned in such codes.

Whether it’s for personal or work-related reasons, finding great-looking business hairstyles can be difficult, especially if you don’t know what to look for. To help you out, we’ve put together a list of of our favorite business hairstyles for men and a few notes on what makes these haircuts stand out.

Elements of a Business Hairstyle

Traditionally, many office jobs have required more conservative haircuts in order to maintain a well-groomed appearance among the staff members. Recommended haircuts are typically anything from super-short crew cuts to a slightly longer cut like the Ivy League or classic taper haircut.

When fashion-forward men enter the workforce, they might find it difficult to abide by company code and find a style that suits them at the same time. Of course, not every white collar worker wants a mohawk, but some men crave a more stylish hairdo that fits the confines of a traditional business hairstyle.

So what makes a good business hairstyle for work or the office? There are three essential components to a good business hairstyle:

Conservativeness:

This doesn’t have to mean “plain” or “boring.” The aesthetic of the business hairstyle is often more laid-back and nondescript, but it can still be stylish. In other words, a mullet with a spiky top would be a bad business hairstyle.

Cleanness:

Good business hairstyles are nicely and closely trimmed around the edges. The cut is even, and the haircut looks tidy. This is often the result of the barber or stylist who’s cutting your hair, so make sure you choose a reputable stylist. 

Versatility:

This might seem counterintuitive at first, but a true business hairstyle can be worn in a wide range of situations. It should be appropriate whether you’re heading to work, having dinner with your family, or attending a prestigious ceremony. Many guys choose business hairstyles for their flexibility.

So lets talk about 5 top hairstyles: 

Classic Taper

Also commonly referred to as the “businessman’s haircut,” the classic taper haircut is a timeless style that’s perfect for any job. It strikes the fine line between stylish and professional, and it does so effortlessly.

The smooth taper and length on top of the head create a nice contrast that’s ideal for all hair types and face shapes, including guys with round faces. It’s a style you’ve most likely seen other guys sporting, and it’s common because of its simplicity and classic appearance.

The classic taper haircut is easy to get, and you can vary the length to your liking. To learn more, read our guide to the classic taper haircut. 

Ivy League

If you like the crew cut style but want a little extra length on top, go for the Ivy League cut. It’s almost always paired with a side part, which is one of the trademark elements of a stylish businessman.

Like the classic taper haircut, the Ivy League features a taper that adds a touch of cleanliness to the style. It’s also a nice low maintenance haircut that’s ideal for those busy weekday mornings. You can get up and go with minimal hassle and still have a professional hairstyle that looks sharp.

Slicked Back

If you dig the slicked-back, traditional look that’s been popularized recently, then you can’t go wrong with this style. It combines a striking, defined side part with a glossy shine to make a dapper cut.

A high quality hair product is the key to achieving this look. Apply some gel or, preferably, pomade to your hair and work it evenly. This will give it the glossy shine. Then comb your hair to one side, creating the part, and comb the hair below the part ina downward direction.

This is one of the classiest business hairstyles, and it’s a wonderful match for any office job (or any job, period). This professional men’s hairstyle is trending now, and we suspect it won’t be going out of style anytime soon.

High Volume Classic Cut

Professional haircuts don’t have to be super short. You can grow your hair out and still keep it formal with a style like this one. It’s still a traditional business cut, just with a bit of volume.

 Classic Brushed Back Pompadour

The tidy, gelled pompadour of the fifties and sixties still serves as inspiration for many contemporary styles. This one uses matte finish hair products to make the hair voluminous and textured.