For a man, getting ready for a job interview will involve; ironing your shirt, prepping for the interview questions, taking your suit out of the back of the cupboard (maybe dusting it a little?), polishing your shoes — but not a single thought about your interview hairstyle, especially if it’s on the shorter side. Make sure you get a haircut for your interview — we can’t stress how important it is.
You only get one chance to make a good impression and bag yourself a job. These days, interviewers want the overall package and will judge you on your appearance, down to the last strand of hair. If you’re debating which is the best haircut for an interview, you’ll find this article useful.
To not make any hairstyle mistakes, though, and follow the ideas below when you are getting ready for your big day to make sure you look interview ready.
Curly hair
1. Pushed-back and curly
Uproxx
For an interview, you’ll want your mane pushed back out of your face to make you look presentable. To make sure that your hair is appropriate, opt for an Adrian Grenier hairstyle like the picture above. To nail this look, a good tip is to use a leave-in conditioner that will neaten your curls. Make sure you spend a few minutes on the morning of your interview to keep your curls in line.
2. Buzz cut
Shutterstock
The strong and confident buzz cut is more than appropriate for any professional environment. This short haircut can be managed in seconds, just add a bit of molding cream to give it a cropped finish. This low-maintenance cut is great for the curly-haired men who struggle with more complex styles.
3. Ivy League
coolmenhairstyles
The Ivy League hairstyle is possibly the best curly hairstyle for businessmen. This look relies on trimming the hair with scissors but leaving different lengths: the sides and back are left to 1/2 inch and the top up to 2 inches. This easy do creates a very gradual fade and aesthetically pleasing effect to the eye and integrates the curly hair nicely to the head, which makes this interview haircut one of the most popular.
Long hair
4. Man-bun
Shutterstock
This staple and stylish trend is one that’s sported by many young males. To make your man-bun look stylish and sophisticated for an interview, make sure it’s neat and not messy. Use a gel or wax to brush the hair onto the bun and fasten it securely with a band.
5. Ponytail
allthingshair
While you might think that a ponytail isn’t an interview-appropriate hairstyle, it’s not just women that are allowed to sport a sleek pony. You too can opt for this simple but effective look. Alternatively, you can wear your hair in a half-pony. To rock this style, make sure your hair is neat and de-frizzed.
6. Slick back
Shutterstock
If time isn’t of the essence, wear your hair down but slicked back so it’s not hanging loosely in your face. You can run a serum through your hair with your fingers and use a gel or cream to slick the front of your hair out of your face.
7. Long and wavy
The Unstitchd
Long hair doesn’t need to look messy. To achieve this shiny look, you need to invest in good haircare. Start off with softening and nourishing shampoo and conditioner. Then, invest in some natural curling cream, and dry the hair with a diffuser for frizz-free and defined waves.
8. Tidy locks
Dreadlocks are often considered unprofessional in the workplace, with many hiring managers looking down on people who adopt this style. However, if that happens to be you, don’t fret! There are plenty of ways to make your locks look professional without having to sacrifice your look. This is just one of the ways that you can create a trendy updo that will finish off your professional attire.
Wavy and straight hair
9. Groomed cut
theindleman
This practical haircut accentuates all face shapes. To successfully achieve this look; after washing, use a blow dryer to straighten the hair backward and add volume. Finish with a spritz of hairspray and you’ll be good to go!
10. Neat pompadour
latina
With this neat and classic finish, this hairstyle makes you look passionate and confident. The quiff has been trending for quite some time now and has become ever popular amongst business professionals. To make it look neat for an interview, use a brush to blow dry your quiff and add some pomade to keep it in place.
11. Pulled back with a side-part
menshairstyletrends
This hairstyle oozes sophistication and is one that David Beckham sported back in the day. To achieve this look, first, wash your hair. Using a fine-toothed comb, create a parting or trace one that you already have. Push the hair to the other end of the parting. Blow dry this hair upwards and back to highlight the side part. Continue to comb and style the hair once it is dry. Use a tiny amount of wax or hairspray to create texture in the hair.
12. Modern French crop
Youtube
This simple hairstyle sports short sides and back with a textured crop. The hair is cut at about 1 to 2 inches in length. You can style this look according to your preference with this smart and detail-orientated look.
13. Gatsby slick back
Shutterstock
We’re taking it back to the ’20s with the Gatsby slick back. If you have medium length hair, avoid letting it flop around. Instead, choose to slick your hair back with a high-shine pomade or gel in order to give it that polished effect. It will make you look charming, like a true gentleman.
14. The undercut
Hairmanz
If you’re interviewing for a fashion brand, you’re going to want an on-trend hairstyle and one that is here to stay is the undercut. Think short back and sides with a carefully styled and blow dried barnet on top. To nail this look, you’re going to need to leave a fringe at the front of your hair and be dedicated to styling it every morning with some haircare products, like wax pomade or hairspray.
15. Skin fade
Menshairstyletrends
This hairstyle combines a sleek skin fade with some waves — a suitable style for any working environment. Besides being versatile, this hairstyle is also low maintenance. You’ll simply need a monthly visit to your trusted barbers to perfect your fade.
16. The facial hair
Facial hair doesn’t have to look unruly. If you have an interview coming up, make sure it’s trimmed and styled neatly like the example above. If you have curly hair that makes your beard look messy, invest in some beard oil to tame those loose ends.
Final thoughts
The key to nailing you’re your hairstyle is to ensure it ties in with your overall look for your interview. Make sure your hair doesn’t out-do the rest of your interview outfit; it needs to look natural and effortless. A clean-shaven face is always a safer bet, however if you don’t want to shave your beard off, just ensure it’s trimmed to a reasonable length and looks neat.
Have you nailed an interview hairstyle that isn’t mentioned above? What’s your favorite stylish hairstyle for an interview? Leave us a comment in the section below with your tips and tricks!
This is an updated version of an article originally published on 3 October 2017.