14 Groom Hairstyles for Long Hair That Steal the Spotlight
Your wedding day is a moment to shine, and your hairstyle is a powerful part of your signature look.Groom hairstyles for long Hair offers a incredible versatility that shorter styles can’t match, allowing you to express a range of vibes from classic romance to modern edge. Forget the simple ponytail; it’s time to elevate your mane with intentional, stylish looks designed to make you feel confident and unforgettable. Whether your ceremony is on a windswept cliff or in a grand ballroom, these 14 hairstyles will ensure all eyes are on you, the dapper groom with a head-turning presence.
1. The Refined Man Bun
The refined man bun is a contemporary classic, perfectly balancing casual coolness with wedding-day sophistication. This style involves gathering your hair into a neat, secure bun at the crown of your head, ensuring no stray hairs disrupt the clean lines. The key is preparation: use a texturizing spray on damp hair before blow-drying to add grip and volume. A light-hold pomade can then be used to slick down any flyaways for a polished finish. This look pairs exceptionally well with both sharp suits and more relaxed linen ensembles, making it a versatile choice for any groom.
To elevate the man bun from everyday to extraordinary, consider its placement and the details around it. A slightly higher placement can give a more samurai-inspired, assertive edge, while a lower bun feels softer and more romantic. Don’t forget the importance of grooming the rest of your hair; the sides and back should be neatly brushed, and if you have an undercut, ensure the fade is fresh. Adorn the look with a meaningful hair tie, perhaps one that matches your wedding colors, and remember that confidence is the ultimate accessory for pulling off this stylish and intentional look.
2. The Half-Up, Half-Down Style
The half-up, half-down style is the ultimate choice for the groom who wants the best of both worlds: the polished look of an updo with the free-spirited drama of flowing locks. This versatile style helps keep hair out of your face during the ceremony and vows while allowing your length to cascade impressively. Start by taking a section of hair from the crown, twisting it slightly or pulling it back loosely, and securing it at the back of your head. The goal is controlled texture, not a tight pull, creating a frame that highlights your features and your smile.
This hairstyle offers numerous customization options to match your wedding’s theme. For a bohemian or rustic wedding, gently backcomb the crown section for added volume and leave a few face-framing strands loose. For a more modern or Viking-inspired aesthetic, create a small, tight braid within the top section before pulling it back. Finish with a light-hold hairspray to maintain the shape without sacrificing movement. This look beautifully bridges formal and free, ensuring you look both incredibly dapper and authentically you as you say “I do.”
3. The Sleek Low Ponytail(Groom Hairstyles for Long Hair)
Embody timeless elegance with the sleek low ponytail, a look that speaks volumes through its simplicity and clean execution. This style is perfect for grooms with straight or slightly wavy hair who want a sharp, refined appearance. The process begins with applying a smoothing serum or cream to damp hair, followed by blow-drying with a brush to achieve a pin-straight, glossy finish. Gather the hair at the nape of the neck, ensuring it is low and centered, and secure it with a thin, matte-black or brown hair tie that blends seamlessly with your hair color.
The magic of the low ponytail lies in its impeccable details, which prevent it from looking too casual. After securing the ponytail, take a small section of hair from underneath and wrap it around the base to conceal the band, pinning it discreetly underneath for a tailor-made finish. Use a strong-hold, shine-enhancing pomade on a toothbrush to tame any baby hairs along your hairline and part for a flawless look. This sophisticated style pairs perfectly with a tailored tuxedo, projecting an air of confident, modern royalty.
4. The Textured Viking Braid
For the groom with a bold, adventurous spirit, the textured Viking braid is a show-stopping choice that channels raw, masculine energy. This isn’t about a perfectly neat braid; it’s about embracing texture and volume. Start by working a sea salt spray through towel-dried hair to enhance your natural waves and create a lived-in, gritty texture. Instead of a single center braid, the modern approach often involves a braid on one side, incorporating hair from the temple back, while the rest of your mane is left to flow freely, creating a dynamic, asymmetrical look.
To perfect this style, backcomb the crown area slightly before braiding to ensure maximum volume and a warrior-like silhouette. The braid itself should be loose and thick, with a few strands purposely pulled loose to frame the face and add a touch of romance. Finish with a matte texturizing clay worked through the ends of your loose hair to define separation and hold the shape without shine. This powerful hairstyle is ideal for outdoor, rustic, or themed weddings, ensuring you look like you’ve stepped out of an epic saga on your most important day.
5. The Elegant Braided Crown
Transform your long hair into a regal crown fit for your wedding day. The braided crown, or a crown braid, is a breathtakingly romantic and intricate style that circles your head like a halo. This look works beautifully with medium to long hair and can be adapted as a full crown or a partial one starting from the temples. It involves creating two French or Dutch braids starting from the front of your head and wrapping them around to meet at the back, where they are pinned securely. This style keeps every strand impeccably in place while making a profound stylistic statement.
The elegance of the braided crown is in its versatility. For a bohemian feel, keep the braids loose and slightly pulled apart to create a softer, more voluminous effect. For a sharper, more refined look akin to something from “Game of Thrones,” keep the braids tight and neat. Adorn the style by weaving in delicate greenery, baby’s breath, or even a thin, metallic thread that matches your wedding bands. This hairstyle is not only stunning but also practical, ensuring your hair remains flawless from the first look to the final dance.
6. The Polished Undercut & Top Knot
Make a bold, modern statement with the striking contrast of a polished undercut and top knot. This style showcases a dramatic dichotomy, with the sides and back either closely shaved or faded, while the hair on top is left long and gathered into a clean, defined knot. The sharpness of the undercut immediately elevates the look from casual to formal, drawing all the attention to the well-groomed top section. Consult your barber a few days before the wedding to get the freshest possible fade or line work, creating a crisp foundation for your style.
On the day, the focus is on perfecting the top knot. Apply a strong-hold pomade or gel to damp hair on top, brushing it through to ensure even distribution and a sleek, controlled look. Pull the hair up and into a tight, high bun, using a comb to smooth down every strand. The final result should be a stark, architectural silhouette that is both edgy and sophisticated. This look is perfect for the fashion-forward groom getting married in an urban, industrial, or contemporary setting, proving that precision can be incredibly powerful.
7. The Romantic Flowing Locks
Sometimes, the most powerful statement is to let your natural hair shine in all its glory. The romantic flowing locks style is for the groom who is proud of his healthy, well-maintained mane and wants to showcase its length and movement. This isn’t about an untouched, bed-head look; it’s about enhanced, styled naturalness. The process begins with a hydrating shampoo and conditioner to ensure your hair is frizz-free and luminous. While hair is damp, apply a defining cream or curl enhancer to encourage your natural wave pattern, then allow it to air-dry or use a diffuser for maximum volume.
The art of this style is in the finishing touches. Once your hair is fully dry, use a wide-tooth comb to gently separate curls or waves, avoiding a brushed-out look. Apply a light-hold, shine-enhancing serum only to the mid-lengths and ends to combat frizz without weighing the hair down. This creates a frame of soft, touchable texture around your face that looks effortlessly handsome and profoundly romantic. Perfect for a beach or outdoor ceremony where the wind can play with your strands, this style embodies a free-spirited and confident love.
8. The Slicked-Back Wet Look
Channel old-school Hollywood glamour with the slicked-back wet look, a style that exudes confidence and sophistication. This timeless look involves using a high-shine, strong-hold product like a gel or pomade to coat the hair completely and comb it straight back from the forehead, creating a glossy, seamless helmet of hair. It works best on groomed, one-length long hair and requires a precise application. Start with towel-dried hair, apply the product generously from roots to ends, and use a fine-tooth comb to create perfectly parallel lines from the hairline to the nape of the neck.
While the classic version is severe and glossy, a modern adaptation involves leaving the very ends of your hair slightly textured or loose to prevent it from looking helmet-like. The key is to ensure the look is intentional and sharp, not greasy. This style pairs impeccably with a classic black tuxedo or a white-tie ensemble, creating a powerful, red-carpet-ready silhouette. It’s a daring choice that commands attention and photographs stunningly, ensuring you look like the leading man in your own love story from every single angle.
9. The Messy Bun with Intent
The messy bun with intent is the carefully curated cousin of the thrown-together bun you wear at home. This style is all about achieving a balance between effortless cool and wedding-day appropriateness. It’s characterized by strategic volume, purposeful flyaways, and a relaxed shape that says you’re not trying too hard, yet you look incredibly stylish. To achieve this, start with day-old hair or use a dry texturizing spray to build grip and body. Pull your hair up into a high or mid-height bun, but instead of smoothing it, gently pull out sections around your face and crown to create a soft, framed effect.
This look is perfect for the groom who wants to feel comfortable and authentic without sacrificing style. It works exceptionally well for rustic, barn, or destination weddings where a perfectly polished look might feel out of place. The final step is to lock in the “controlled chaos” with a light-hold, texturizing hairspray from a distance. This maintains the shape and volume while keeping the touchable, soft texture. It’s a look that pairs wonderfully with a tweed suit or even a stylish vest, embodying a relaxed and confident charm.
10. The Regal Ponytail with a Twist
Elevate the simple ponytail to regal status by incorporating a sophisticated twist. This style adds an element of detailed craftsmanship to an otherwise straightforward look, making it perfect for a formal wedding. The process involves creating a deep side part or sweeping the hair back from the face, but instead of pulling it directly into a ponytail, you take two sections from the front and twist them back, securing them into the base of the ponytail. This creates a beautiful, architectural detail that frames the face and adds a touch of elegant complexity to your hairstyle.
The ponytail itself can be sleek or textured, depending on your overall vibe. For a modern prince feel, keep the ponytail smooth and the twists tight. For a more romantic, bohemian aesthetic, gently pull the twists apart to make them wider and more voluminous. This style is not only visually striking but also highly functional, keeping hair securely off your face and neck. It’s a perfect choice for grooms who want a touch of traditional elegance with a unique, personal twist that will be remembered and admired by all your guests.
11. The Sophisticated French Twist
The French twist is a timeless, elegant updo that is rarely seen on grooms, making it a uniquely chic and memorable choice. This style involves twisting the hair vertically along the back of the head and tucking the ends inward to create a sleek, folded effect. It’s a more complex style that may require a professional stylist, but the result is unparalleled in its sophistication. The French twist beautifully showcases the nape of the neck and works wonderfully with suits that have interesting back details or high collars, offering a clean and polished silhouette from every angle.
To achieve this look, hair should be brushed smoothly and gathered low at the nape of the neck. As you twist the hair upward, it is pinned securely against the head, creating a sleek roll. The ends are then tucked under and pinned invisibly. A strong-hold hairspray and a light application of anti-frizz serum are essential to maintain the sleek, glossy finish throughout the day. This style is the epitome of classic glamour and is ideal for a black-tie wedding, a ballroom reception, or any groom who wants to make a statement of refined taste.
12. The Layered Waves with Accessories
Incorporate personal flair and cultural elements into your look by adorning your layered waves with meaningful accessories. This style starts with your hair in its most natural, textured state—enhanced with sea salt spray and diffused for volume. The real magic happens when you carefully place accessories that complement your wedding theme. Think thin, leather cord headbands for a rustic or Celtic vibe, or elegant metallic clips placed strategically to hold back sections of hair. For a touch of nature, small sprigs of olive leaf or eucalyptus can be pinned in place, adding color and symbolism.
Choosing the right accessory is key to personalizing this look. It could be an heirloom piece from your family, something that represents a shared hobby, or an item that matches your partner’s bouquet or jewelry. The accessory should enhance your hair, not overwhelm it. Place it on one side to create an asymmetrical focus, or use a headband to create a clear, defined line. This approach allows you to tell a story with your hairstyle, making your wedding look deeply personal, culturally significant, and visually captivating in your photographs.
13. The Samurai-Inspired Top Knot
Draw inspiration from the disciplined and powerful aesthetics of the samurai with a top knot that is both structured and strong. This style is distinct from a standard man bun in its placement and the preparation of the base. The hair on top is pulled straight up and tied tightly into a compact knot that stands perpendicular to the head, while the sides are often undercut or faded very short. The result is a vertical, commanding silhouette that conveys strength and honor. It’s a look that requires confidence and pairs perfectly with a minimalist, modern suit or even a more avant-garde wedding ensemble.
To perfect the samurai knot, the hair must be long enough on top to form a substantial knot. After applying a strong-hold product, the hair is gathered high on the crown and secured tightly. The ends are then wrapped around the base to form the knot and pinned. The contrast between the severe shortness on the sides and the vertical knot on top is the defining feature. This style is ideal for the groom who wants a hairstyle that is not just stylish but also symbolic—representing focus, integrity, and the strength of his commitment.
14. The Classic Side-Swept Style
For a touch of timeless, leading-man charm, the classic side-swept style is an impeccable choice. This look is all about creating soft, voluminous waves that are brushed to one side, creating a graceful, romantic cascade over one shoulder. It works beautifully for grooms with wavy or curly hair but can also be achieved with straight hair using a large-barrel curling iron. The style begins by creating a deep side part and using a round brush while blow-drying to build volume at the roots and direct the hair flow across the head.
The final effect is soft, touchable, and incredibly photogenic. A light-hold, matte-finish texturizing paste can be worked through the ends to define the waves and ensure they hold their shape without any stiffness or shine. This style keeps the hair off the face in a gentle, flattering way, highlighting your eyes and smile. It’s a perfectly romantic look for a classic, vineyard, or garden wedding, evoking the feel of a poetic hero from a classic novel and ensuring you look both gentle and strong as you exchange your vows.
