Your wedding day is one of the most photographed moments of your life, so your hairstyle deserves to look sharp, polished, and effortlessly stylish.
Whether you prefer timeless classic looks, modern textured cuts, or bold statement styles, the right groom’s hairstyle can elevate your entire appearance and complement your suit perfectly.
Here are 10 eye-catching options to inspire confidence and turn heads on your big day.
1. Classic Pompadour with Taper Fade
The Classic Pompadour with Taper Fade is one of the most elegant and sharp wedding hairstyles for grooms in 2026, blending tradition and modern flair. This look features a voluminous, swept-back top paired with a clean taper fade on the sides and back — a contrast that photographs beautifully in formal settings. It’s ideal for oval and rectangular face shapes, and works especially well with medium-thick hair that can hold lift without weighing down.
Materials Needed
- Clippers with guard set
- Haircutting shears
- Comb
- Strong-hold pomade or gel
- Heat protectant spray
- Blow dryer with round brush
Time Period
- Haircut: ~50–60 minutes
- Styling: ~12–15 minutes
Step-by-Step Apply Method
- Prep Hair: Start with clean, towel-dried hair. Apply heat protectant evenly.
- Taper Fade: Use clippers to taper sides and back from shorter at the bottom to longer toward the top — creating a smooth transition.
- Top Length: Leave the top about 3–4 inches for ample lift and form.
- Blow-Dry Lift: With a round brush and blow dryer, lift the hair upward and back to create the classic pompadour height.
- Apply Product: Work a strong-hold pomade or gel from roots to ends for hold and shine.
- Shape: Comb hair back and slightly upward to form a smooth, raised curve at the front.
- Finish: Light mist of hairspray keeps the shape all day, even through emotional moments.
Maintenance Tips
- Trim the fade every 4–6 weeks to keep the clean silhouette.
- Use a deep-conditioning treatment 1–2 times a week for top health and shine.
Image Prompt:
“Groom pompadour with taper fade — sleek voluminous top with clean faded sides, stylish wedding hairstyle 2026”
2. Side Part Comb-Over Elegance
The Side Part Comb-Over Elegance is a timeless groom hairstyle that radiates sophistication. With a neat side part and smooth sweep, it’s perfect for formal ceremonies and classic wedding portraits. The cut features a soft fade on the sides and back, while the top retains enough length for a sleek comb-over. Best for oval and heart face shapes, this look balances structure and refinement.
Materials Needed
- Clippers
- Haircutting shears
- Fine-tooth comb
- Light styling cream or pomade
- Blow dryer with nozzle
Time Period
- Haircut: ~45–55 minutes
- Styling: ~8–10 minutes
Step-by-Step Apply Method
- Clean Fade Base: Use clippers to fade sides and back gently — choose a low or mid fade depending on desired contrast.
- Top Length: Leave around 2.5–3.5 inches on top for a sleek sweep.
- Define Side Part: With a fine-tooth comb, mark a natural part line on one side.
- Blow-Dry: Direct airflow along the part while sweeping hair to the side using the comb for shape and smoothness.
- Apply Product: Work a light styling cream or pomade through hair to enhance shine and hold.
- Comb Finish: Comb the hair across the part into place, making sure lines are clean and tidy.
Maintenance Tips
- Keep the part sharp with minor trims every 4–5 weeks.
- Opt for water-based pomades for a natural finish that’s photo-friendly.
Image Prompt:
“Side part comb-over wedding haircut for men — sleek parted top with smooth fade, elegant formal hairstyle”
3. Textured Crop with Low Taper
The Textured Crop with Low Taper is a modern and effortless groom hairstyle that plays up natural texture while keeping a neat silhouette. It’s especially flattering for oval and square faces and great if you want something less formal but still ultra-stylish. The low taper softens the sides while the top remains textured and tousled, giving life and character to wedding photos.
Materials Needed
- Clippers with guards
- Haircutting shears
- Texturizing shears
- Comb
- Light matte clay or cream
- Blow dryer with diffuser
Time Period
- Haircut: ~50 minutes
- Styling: ~8–12 minutes
Step-by-Step Apply Method
- Low Taper Fade: Use clippers to taper sides softly toward the bottom, creating a subtle contrast with top length.
- Trim Top Crop: Use haircutting shears to trim the top to about 1.5–2 inches.
- Texturize: Employ texturizing shears to remove bulk and add layers for natural separation.
- Prep for Style: Slightly dampen hair, then apply a small amount of light matte clay or cream.
- Diffuse Dry: Use a diffuser on low heat to lift the hair and enhance texture while keeping it control-friendly.
- Define Pieces: Use fingertips to pick and define pieces for a tousled, intentional look.
- Finish: A light mist of flexible hairspray keeps the texture in place without stiffness.
Maintenance Tips
- Refresh the taper every 6–8 weeks.
- Avoid heavy gels that weigh down texture.
Image Prompt:
“Textured crop with low taper for wedding hairstyle — tousled top with neat faded sides, modern groom look”
4. Slicked Back Undercut
The Slicked Back Undercut delivers bold, handsome energy with a classic edge — perfect for grooms who want a fashion-forward yet timeless wedding look. With shaved sides and a longer top tucked slickly back, this style creates a powerful silhouette, especially with formal attire. It’s ideal for rectangular or oval faces and medium-thick hair.
Materials Needed
- Clippers
- Haircutting shears
- Comb
- Strong-hold gel or pomade
- Heat protectant spray
- Blow dryer with nozzle
Time Period
- Haircut: ~50 minutes
- Styling: ~8–12 minutes
Step-by-Step Apply Method
- Undercut Sides: Use clippers to trim sides and back very short, leaving the top noticeably longer (3–4 inches).
- Prep Hair: Apply heat protectant to damp hair to avoid damage.
- Blow-Dry Back: Use a comb and blow dryer with a nozzle to direct hair straight back.
- Apply Product: Use a strong-hold gel or pomade for a sleek, polished look.
- Comb Again: Comb fully back to define the slick shape.
- Finish: Mist with light hairspray to lock style in place.
Maintenance Tips
- Touch up undercut every 4–5 weeks.
- Condition regularly to avoid dryness from product buildup.
Image Prompt:
“Slicked back undercut wedding hairstyle for grooms — long sleek top with short sides, polished modern look”
5. Classic Ivy League Cut
The Classic Ivy League Cut is ideal for grooms who want polish without fuss. It’s a refined version of the crew cut with enough top length to style elegantly into a side sweep or light part. This is perfect for traditional weddings, corporate formals, or black-tie events. It suits oval and rectangular faces.
Materials Needed
- Clippers
- Haircutting shears
- Comb
- Light styling cream or pomade
- Blow dryer
Time Period
- Haircut: ~45–50 minutes
- Styling: ~5–7 minutes
Step-by-Step Apply Method
- Trim Sides: Use clippers with a moderate guard (#2–#3) for neat sides.
- Top Length: Leave the top slightly longer (~1.5–2 inches).
- Blend: Use shears to blend top to sides for smooth transitions.
- Comb Direction: Decide whether to sweep forward slightly or create a soft side part.
- Blow-Dry: Use a nozzle to set the direction while drying.
- Apply Product: Light cream or pomade adds subtle hold and shine.
- Final Comb-Through: Define the direction for a polished finish.
Maintenance Tips
- Trim every 5–6 weeks to retain shape.
- Avoid heavy products that flatten natural volume.
Image Prompt:
“Ivy League wedding haircut for men — refined short top with neat sides, classic groom style”
6. Curly Top with Low Taper
For grooms with natural curls or waves, the Curly Top with Low Taper offers texture, personality, and a clean silhouette. The low taper keeps sides neat while curls on top add movement and interest — excellent for outdoor or creative wedding settings.
Materials Needed
- Clippers
- Haircutting shears
- Curl-enhancing cream or mousse
- Diffuser attachment
- Wide-tooth comb
Time Period
- Haircut: ~50–60 minutes
- Styling: ~10–15 minutes
Step-by-Step Apply Method
- Low Taper: Use clippers for a low taper along the sides and back.
- Top Length: Leave curls around 2–3 inches.
- Prep Curls: Apply curl-enhancing cream or mousse to damp hair.
- Diffuse Dry: Use a diffuser to encourage curl formation while lifting at the roots.
- Separation: Use wide-tooth comb or fingers to define curls without frizz.
- Final Adjust: Slight mist of light hairspray for humidity resistance.
- Finish: Shape curls with fingers for a natural framing effect.
Maintenance Tips
- Condition curls regularly for definition.
- Refresh taper every 6–8 weeks.
Image Prompt:
“Curly top with low taper wedding hairstyle — natural textured curls with neat faded sides, stylish groom look”
7. Modern Slick Back with Mid Fade
The Modern Slick Back with Mid Fade is a polished yet contemporary hairstyle that photographs beautifully. The mid fade adds a clean contrast while the longer top slicks back for a refined silhouette — perfect for classic or modern weddings alike.
Materials Needed
- Clippers
- Haircutting shears
- Comb
- Strong-hold pomade or gel
- Heat protectant
- Blow dryer with nozzle
Time Period
- Haircut: ~50–55 minutes
- Styling: ~10–12 minutes
Step-by-Step Apply Method
- Mid Fade: Use clippers for a mid fade from the temple downward.
- Prep Hair: Apply heat protectant to damp hair.
- Blow-Dry Back: Use comb and nozzle to direct hair straight back.
- Apply Pomade: Strong-hold product ensures sleek texture.
- Comb Again: Define the slick shape.
- Finish: Light mist holds all day and night.
Maintenance Tips
- Refresh taper every 5–6 weeks.
- Use conditioner to avoid dryness.
Image Prompt:
“Modern slick back with mid fade wedding hairstyle for grooms — polished back top with clean fade sides”
8. Classic Brush Up with High Taper
The Classic Brush Up with High Taper adds height and presence for grooms who want a lively, confident style. The top is brushed upward and slightly back, while a high taper on the sides keeps it fresh and elevated — great for contemporary weddings and formal portraits.
Materials Needed
- Clippers
- Haircutting shears
- Comb
- Light styling mousse or paste
- Blow dryer with nozzle
Time Period
- Haircut: ~45–50 minutes
- Styling: ~8–10 minutes
Step-by-Step Apply Method
- High Taper: Clip sides high with clippers for a clean fade.
- Layer Top: Leave ~2–3 inches on top.
- Prep for Lift: Apply light mousse or paste to damp hair.
- Blow-Dry Up: Lift from roots toward the back with a comb while drying.
- Brush Up: Use comb or fingers to brush hair up and slightly backward.
- Finish: Light mist of hairspray for hold without stiffness.
Maintenance Tips
- Refresh fade every 5–6 weeks.
- Use lightweight products for natural lift.
Image Prompt:
“Brush up with high taper wedding hairstyle for men — lifted top with neat sides, confident groom look”
9. Short Caesar Crop with Clean Line
The Short Caesar Crop with Clean Line is perfect for grooms looking for low-maintenance but stylish. The short forward fringe helps control hair and frames the face, while the clean line keeps it crisp and modern — great for destination or summer weddings.
Materials Needed
- Clippers
- Haircutting shears
- Comb
- Light styling cream
- Blow dryer
Time Period
- Haircut: ~45 minutes
- Styling: ~3–5 minutes
Step-by-Step Apply Method
- Short Crop Cut: Use clippers to trim top to ~1–1.5 inches.
- Forward Fringe: Comb hair forward and trim a short, straight fringe.
- Blend: Smooth transitions with shears.
- Apply Cream: Light cream to keep fringe in place.
- Blow-Dry: Quick dry to set shape.
- Finish: Light tack of product for faint texture.
Maintenance Tips
- Trim every 5–6 weeks.
- Keep product minimal for a natural finish.
Image Prompt:
“Short Caesar crop wedding hairstyle for men — neat forward fringe with clean lines, modern elegant look”
10. Natural Tousled Medium Length
The Natural Tousled Medium Length gives a relaxed yet intentional look — ideal for outdoor or casual weddings. Medium length (~3–5 inches) allows natural flow and movement, adding charm without looking sloppy.
Materials Needed
- Haircutting shears
- Texturizing shears
- Comb
- Sea salt spray or lightweight mousse
- Blow dryer with diffuser
Time Period
- Haircut: ~55–65 minutes
- Styling: ~10–15 minutes
Step-by-Step Apply Method
- Medium Length Cut: Trim top to ~3–5 inches with shears.
- Add Texture: Use texturizing shears for natural movement.
- Prep with Product: Apply sea salt spray or lightweight mousse to damp hair.
- Diffuse Dry: Use diffuser to enhance natural flow.
- Tousle: Use fingers to tousle for soft volume.
- Finish: Light mist of flexible hold.
Maintenance Tips
- Trim every 6–8 weeks.
- Refresh texture with light products.
Image Prompt:
“Natural tousled medium length wedding hairstyle for groom — soft flowing layers with relaxed movement”
