13 Groom Hairstyles for Wedding That Look Timeless

Your wedding day is forever immortalized in photographs, making your hairstyle a key element of your timeless look. While fashion trends come and go, a classic hairstyle ensures you look back on your photos with pride, not puzzlement. The goal is to choose a cut that reflects your personal style while standing the test of time. This guide explores 13 enduring 13 groom hairstyles for wedding that pair perfectly with any wedding aesthetic, from a black-tie affair to a rustic barn celebration. Let these ideas inspire you to look effortlessly sharp and sophisticated on your walk down the aisle.

1. The Classic Side-Part

The classic side-part is the undisputed king of timeless groom styles. Characterized by a clean, defined part—either with a razor line or a natural comb-through—this look exudes old-school Hollywood elegance and modern polish. It works beautifully with medium-length hair, allowing for a smooth sweep from the part. Styled with a high-shine pomade or a flexible cream, it creates a sleek, intentional look that is perfectly suited for a formal suit or tuxedo. This style communicates confidence and refinement, ensuring you look dapper and put-together from the ceremony to the final dance.

This style’s versatility is its greatest strength. For a summer wedding or a more relaxed vibe, you can ask your barber for a slightly softer version with less rigid lines and a matte finish product. It also pairs wonderfully with various facial hair styles, from a clean shave to a well-groomed beard, allowing you to personalize the classic foundation. When discussing this look with your stylist, bring inspiration photos to clarify the level of crispness you desire. Remember, the goal is a polished yet natural appearance that enhances your features without looking overly “done” for your big day.

2. The Timeless Pompadour

The pompadour is a statement of bold, retro-inspired confidence that never fails to impress. This style features volume on top, with hair brushed upward and back, often paired with faded or short sides for a striking contrast. It channels the spirit of rockabilly icons and classic Hollywood stars, making it a powerful choice for a groom who wants to make a memorable impression. While it appears daring, a well-executed pompadour is fundamentally a classic, relying on strong structure and expert styling rather than fleeting trends to create its lasting impact.

Achieving the perfect wedding-day pompadour requires the right styling products and a trial run. A strong-hold pomade or volumizing mousse is essential for building height and maintaining that lifted shape throughout a long, emotional day. It’s crucial to work with a barber who understands your hair type and can build a cut that supports the style. This look is ideal for grooms with straight or wavy hair and works exceptionally well with vintage or themed weddings. It’s a hairstyle that photographs beautifully, adding height and presence to your overall silhouette.

3. The Textured Crop: 13 Groom Hairstyles for Wedding

For the modern groom seeking a low-maintenance yet incredibly sharp look, the textured crop is a perfect choice. This contemporary classic is defined by its short, choppy layers on top, creating a sense of effortless, lived-in texture and movement. The sides are typically kept tight and tapered, which frames the face and emphasizes the texture above. It’s a style that feels both current and enduring, bridging the gap between casual cool and wedding-day formal. It’s particularly flattering for men with fine hair, as the layers create the illusion of fullness and body.

The beauty of the textured crop lies in its ease of styling. A small amount of matte paste or texturizing clay worked through damp or dry hair is all it takes to define the separation and create that coveted piecey effect. This style is incredibly resilient, able to withstand hugs, windy photo sessions, and hours on the dance floor without falling flat or losing its shape. It pairs wonderfully with any wedding style, from a beach ceremony to a downtown loft reception, and always looks intentional and stylish without a hint of being over-styled.

4. The Slicked-Back Undercut

The slicked-back undercut offers a dramatic and powerful silhouette that commands attention. This style features a stark contrast between very short or shaved sides and back, and longer, flowing hair on top that is swept directly back. It’s a look rooted in early 20th-century sophistication but amplified with modern precision. The result is a clean, sharp, and undeniably masculine aesthetic that looks phenomenal with a tailored tuxedo. It’s a bold choice for a groom who wants his hairstyle to be a statement of confidence and classic style with an edge.

Styling this look requires a strong-hold, high-shine product like a pomade or gel to keep every strand in place. The key is to create a seamless, glossy sweep from the forehead back, with no part, for a flawless finish. This style works best for grooms with thick, straight hair that can hold the weight and direction of the slick-back. It’s important to have a trial run to ensure the length on top is perfect for achieving the desired volume and hold. This hairstyle guarantees you’ll look sharp and unforgettable in every single photograph.

5. The Gentleman’s Quiff

Sitting perfectly between a pompadour and a slick-back, the gentleman’s quiff is a timeless style of understated cool. It features volume at the front, with hair pushed upward and backward, but in a softer, more wearable way than its more dramatic counterparts. The quiff maintains a touch of effortless texture and movement, avoiding any stiff, helmet-like appearance. This makes it an excellent choice for a groom who appreciates classic aesthetics but wants to retain a sense of modern personality and ease. It’s a versatile look that adapts to both formal and semi-formal wedding settings.

To achieve the perfect quiff, focus on building volume at the roots with a blow dryer and a round brush before locking it in with a medium-hold matte product. The aim is height without hardness, creating a shape that has body and flow. This style complements most face shapes and hair types, especially those with a natural wave. It pairs exceptionally well with a well-trimmed beard, adding to the overall sophisticated yet rugged appeal. The quiff is a reliable and handsome choice that will never look out of place in your wedding album.

6. The Tapered Fade with a Scissor-Top

This style is the epitome of sharp, modern barbering and has earned its place as a timeless classic. The tapered fade creates a seamless gradient from skin or near-skin at the bottom to longer hair at the top, offering a incredibly clean and polished look. This is combined with a scissor-cut top, where the hair is left longer and textured with shears instead of clippers. The result is a beautiful balance of crisp, sharp sides and a soft, natural-looking top that can be styled in various ways, from a casual side-part to a textured push-back.

The appeal of this cut is its flawless framing of the face and its incredible versatility. It provides a neat, contained appearance that grows out gracefully, making it a practical choice for the honeymoon period. For the wedding day, you can style the top with a light paste for a textured, piecey look or a light-hold cream for a softer, more refined finish. This hairstyle communicates that you pay attention to detail and value a clean, contemporary appearance. It’s a foolproof option that ensures you look impeccably groomed.

7. The Messy, Textured Fringe

For a relaxed, romantic, and effortlessly cool vibe, the messy textured fringe is an impeccable choice. This style leans into natural texture and movement, with longer hair on top that falls softly over the forehead. The “messy” aspect is carefully curated, using products to create separation and piecey definition rather than looking unkempt. It’s a wonderfully youthful and approachable style that works beautifully for outdoor, bohemian, or destination weddings. It suggests a sense of ease and confidence, perfect for a groom who wants to look stylish without appearing as though he tried too hard.

Achieving this look is all about the right product and technique. A sea salt spray applied to damp hair can enhance natural wave and texture, which is then finished with a matte clay or fibre to define the ends and create that “lived-in” feel. The sides can be kept tight with a fade or left slightly longer for a more cohesive, shaggy look. This style is ideal for grooms with wavy or curly hair, as it celebrates their natural hair pattern. It’s a timeless look because it feels authentic and personal, capturing a moment of genuine joy.

8. The Ivy League (Harvard Clip)

The Ivy League, or Harvard Clip, is the definition of refined, East Coast prep and remains a perpetually stylish option. This conservative yet modern cut features slightly longer hair on top that is tapered down the sides and back. It is typically styled with a short, textured side-part, allowing for a neat but soft appearance. It’s the hairstyle of choice for politicians, businessmen, and anyone who values a look that is both professional and handsome. For a wedding, it communicates stability, class, and timeless good taste, making it a perfect match for a traditional church or country club celebration.

What sets the Ivy League apart is its incredible versatility and low-maintenance nature. It can be styled with a light-hold cream for a clean, business-like look for the ceremony and then easily messed up slightly for a more relaxed party vibe. It always looks intentional, whether you’re saying your vows or dancing with your grandparents. This cut works with all hair types and is particularly forgiving as it grows out. It’s a safe, sophisticated bet that guarantees you’ll look polished and respectable in photos you’ll cherish for a lifetime.

9. The French Crop

Minimalist, modern, and effortlessly cool, the French Crop is a timeless short style that focuses on texture and a strong frontal fringe. This cut is characterized by its very short back and sides, with a slightly longer, textured top that is cut straight across the forehead. It has a distinct European sensibility—think of a modern-day Jean-Paul Belmondo—that exudes confidence and nonchalant style. It’s a remarkably clean and practical look that eliminates any worry about your hair falling out of place, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the moment.

Despite its simplicity, the French Crop makes a strong style statement. The blunt fringe draws attention to the eyes, making it a great choice for grooms who want a focal point. A small amount of matte product can be used to enhance the texture and separation on top, but the cut itself does most of the work. This style is ideal for men with straight, thick hair and works wonderfully with a sharp suit. It’s a timeless look because it is stripped back to its essential elements: great shape, texture, and undeniable confidence.

10. The Side-Swept Undercut

Elegant and romantic, the side-swept undercut is a dramatic variation of the classic side-part. It combines the sharp, clean contrast of an undercut with the soft, flowing movement of longer hair swept dramatically to one side. This creates a sense of volume and grandeur that is perfect for a formal wedding. It’s a look that feels both vintage and contemporary, offering a touch of theatrical flair without sacrificing sophistication. This style is ideal for grooms with thick, luxuriant hair that can hold a strong side-swept shape throughout the day.

Styling this look requires a blow dryer to build volume at the roots and direct the hair across the head, followed by a strong-hold pomade or wax to secure the sweep in place. The parting can be defined or blurred for a softer effect, depending on your preference. This hairstyle pairs beautifully with a clean-shaven face or a neatly trimmed mustache, allowing the hair to be the star. It’s a guaranteed show-stopper that will make you feel like the leading man in your own classic romance film.

11. The Brushed-Back Flow

For grooms with longer locks, the brushed-back flow is a majestic and timeless way to wear your hair. This style involves brushing all of your hair away from your face and letting it fall naturally onto your shoulders or collar. It’s a look associated with artists, musicians, and free spirits, perfect for a rustic, beach, or non-traditional wedding. It demonstrates a commitment to personal style and offers a powerful, romantic silhouette. When executed well, it looks incredibly intentional and polished, proving that long hair can be just as formal and sophisticated as any short cut.

The key to perfecting this look for a wedding is control and health. Using a blow dryer and a vent brush, you can smooth the hair and create volume at the roots before applying a light-hold serum or cream to tame flyaways and add a healthy shine. The goal is to look windswept and elegant, not messy or unkempt. This style allows for incredible movement in photos and during your first dance, capturing a dynamic and passionate energy. It’s a timeless choice for the confident groom who owns his unique look.

12. The Clean-Cut Buzz

Sometimes, the most timeless statement is one of pure simplicity and confidence. The clean-cut buzz is a powerful, no-fuss option that puts the focus squarely on your face, your smile, and your expression. This style is universally understood as clean, masculine, and low-maintenance. It works for any wedding style, from a military ceremony to a modern minimalist celebration. By choosing a buzz cut, you are making a bold declaration of self-assurance, showing that your confidence comes from within, not from your hairstyle.

While it seems straightforward, a buzz cut for your wedding day should be a fresh trim, ideally done a day or two before the event to allow for any skin irritation to subside. You can choose a length that suits you, from a very short skin fade to a slightly longer #3 guard. This style pairs exceptionally well with a well-groomed beard, adding a touch of rugged contrast to the clean scalp. It’s a timeless look because it is honest, direct, and will never, ever look dated in your wedding photos.

13. The Modern Mullet

Before you dismiss it, hear us out: the modern mullet has been rehabilitated by high fashion and expert barbers, emerging as a bold and surprisingly timeless choice for the fashion-forward groom. Today’s version, the “mullet,” features a sharp, tapered fade on the sides and back with significantly longer, textured hair at the crown and neckline. It’s a style that celebrates contrast and personality, perfect for a groom with a rock-and-roll spirit or an artistic, non-traditional wedding. It’s a conversation starter that shows you’re confident in your style choices.

The key to a wedding-appropriate mullet is impeccable tailoring and balance. The front should be kept tight and sharp, often with a textured crop or fringe, while the back is left long but meticulously shaped and layered to avoid a shaggy appearance. Styled with a matte texturizing product, it creates a dynamic, eye-catching silhouette from every angle. This is not your uncle’s 80s mullet; it’s a sophisticated, intentional cut that commands respect. For the right groom, it’s a timeless testament to individuality and cool.