Some men age like fine wine, emanating more appeal the older they get. Personal style can change as you age, be it due to a shift in preferences or simply trying something new. Here, we take a look at some of the most stylish hairstyles for older men. From red carpet looks to beloved movie roles, these celebrities show us how to look good at any age.
1. George Clooney
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A longtime icon of the salt-and-pepper look, George Clooney still remains at the top of his game. Many men aspire to be at his level of suavity even beyond the age of 50. This is especially since he’s a prime example of being considered appealing even at an older age.
Clooney has often been spotted with a side part to keep his trimmed hair neat and tidy. However, the comb-over style gives his silver locks that added touch of debonair that he’s known for. It’s one of the hairstyles for older men that adds sophistication despite being fairly simple.
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Emulate Clooney’s gentlemanly look by working some pomade into your hair. We recommend Murray’s Superior Hair Dressing Pomade. It’s a great pomade that keeps hair in place all day while adding some texture and shine.
2. Johnny Depp
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Known for being quite the chameleon when it comes to his diverse range of roles, Johnny Depp has adopted a variety of looks over the years. You might know him as Captain Jack Sparrow in the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise, or perhaps you’re more familiar with his role as greaser leader Wade Walker in Cry-Baby. Regardless of which role you associate him with, there’s no doubt that Depp can pull off vastly different hairstyles.
However, one hairstyle that is easily a “quintessential” Johnny Depp look is his loose and wavy hair. To pull off Depp’s messy waves, you’ll need to add some texture to your locks. Make sure to space out how often you wash your hair, as unwashed hair is best for when you want a bit of texture.
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If unwashed hair isn’t for you, you can enlist the help of sea salt spray — like the Seven Potions Salt Texturizing Spray — which can add volume and help give your hair that texturized look.
3. John Travolta
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John Travolta’s role as Danny Zuko in the 1978 film Grease has made him the poster boy for the greaser look. Although the Danny Zuko look isn’t typically one of the go-to hairstyles for older men, Travolta’s iconic role has made him the trendsetter for the greaser hairstyle, undeniably making it a pop culture icon in itself.
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Pomade will be your best friend when going for the greaser hairstyle. Go for one that’s oil-based, as you’ll want that extra bit of shine to achieve slick Danny Zuko hair. An excellent option would be Anchors Hair Company’s Teddy Boy Slick. It’s a high-shine pomade with a great amount of hold, which makes it perfect for when you want to channel Danny Zuko’s look. Plus, it’s got a minty scent that will leave your hair smelling fresh all day.
4. Jeffrey Dean Morgan
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Jeffrey Dean Morgan has always exuded a rugged but laidback sort of manliness. This was clearly shown when he joined the cast of AMC’s The Walking Dead as bad guy Negan. Though Negan has switched up his look as his character arc progressed, it’s his first appearance that remains to be the most iconic among casual and diehard The Walking Dead fans alike.
Slicked back hair gave Negan the appearance of someone well-groomed in spite of the apocalyptic circumstances. Furthermore, it added to his very commanding personality as a villainous foil to the rest of the cast. This first introduction became an infamous Negan look that many fans continue to channel through their cosplays to this day, complete with a leather jacket and a Lucille replica to seal the deal.
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To achieve Morgan’s iconic Negan look from season 6, you’ll need to make use of some good hair gel to slick your hair back all tight and neat. A good option would be the Hard Up Gel from Sexy Hair, as it gives you a great amount of hold regardless of your hair type. The amount of shine it provides might be excessive for some but it’s perfect for when you really want to tap into Morgan’s tough-guy persona as Negan.
5. Ken Watanabe
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Ken Watanabe needs no further introduction, having been a household name in Hollywood for years now. Watanabe’s personal style has always remained simple but sophisticated. He has often opted to keep his hair neatly cropped, but there’s one hairstyle in particular that works well for him: the shaved look.
Sporting a shaved head can be one of the easiest hairstyles for older men, particularly when receding hairlines might be an issue. With a shaved head, your high hairline won’t be as stark. This makes it an ideal haircut for older, thinning hair as well, as you won’t have to worry about how to style your hair in order to make it more voluminous.
The shaved look works well for Watanabe especially, not only for his hairline but just for his overall aesthetic to begin with. The actor has always presumed a humble outlook on his career despite his famous reputation, so something as low maintenance as a shaved head complements his personal style nicely.
Getting rid of all your hair in favor of a bald head can be easily done at your local barbershop. However, if you want a more DIY approach, you can invest in some good clippers to shave off your hair by yourself.
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The Remington HC4250 Shortcut Pro Self-Haircut Kit is highly recommended, as its ergonomic design makes it a breeze to shave off your own hair. It’s a rechargeable and cordless clipper, which makes it portable and easy to carry around with you. Maintaining a shaved head will be no problem when you’ve got this in your arsenal.
6. Colin Firth
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He may be known for a vast array of roles today, but Colin Firth ultimately gained widespread recognition for his rendition of Mr. Darcy in the Pride & Prejudice TV mini-series back in 1995. Those sideburns might be outdated, but Firth’s tousled curls only added to the charisma of his Mr. Darcy portrayal. Suffice to say, the television adaptation of Mr. Darcy has become synonymous with Firth and his career.
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Older gentlemen who have curls similar to Firth’s iteration of Mr. Darcy can use certain products to further enhance their hair. For curls that are more tousled and loose, try Redken’s Curvaceous Full Swirl Cream Serum. It seals in moisture and keeps frizziness at bay by locking out humidity, all on top of enhancing your curls or waves. Who knows, channeling your inner Mr. Darcy might just help you win some women’s hearts, sideburns included or not.
7. Brad Pitt
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Brad Pitt is yet another chameleon when it comes to hairstyles for older men. A guy like him can pull off any look he attempts, so you have a lot to draw inspiration from when you’ve got him as an icon.
That said, one hairstyle for men that stands out in Pitt’s gallery of haircuts is his long-haired look. Whether it be slicked back and messy such as in Troy, or something more soft and romantic in Interview with the Vampire, Pitt has rocked the long and luscious hairstyle without a hitch.
If you’re blessed with thick locks to grow out despite getting on in age, you can take a page from Pitt’s book and go for the long hairstyle. This will undoubtedly save you from meticulous haircut maintenance. You’ll also get to experiment more with longer hair, as the hair length gives you more styling opportunities to try.
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The basic upkeep of long hair calls for a lot of conditioning. A good conditioner will keep your hair soft and prevent tangling that comes with this kind of hair length. Try the K + S Men’s Hair Conditioner for something lightweight but healing for your mane, which can be especially beneficial for dry and damaged hair. Formulated with peppermint oil, this conditioning product can also nourish your scalp and reduce dandruff.
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Letting your long hair air dry can make it look more natural. It’s important that you maintain all that conditioning work in your hair routine even when you’re out of the shower. Make use of hair cream to give your long hair even more nourishment and tame any flyaways when wearing your hair down. The Baxter of California Grooming Cream is perfect for this purpose. I’s lightweight enough for thinner hair textures but strong enough to control frizz — all while keeping your hair looking natural.
8. Keanu Reeves
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There’s no denying how gracefully Keanu Reeves has aged in spite of how physically demanding his projects can be. These days, you’ll catch him with his messy bro flow hairstyle paired with an all-black outfit. It’s this contrast of undone hair next to a dark but sleek ensemble that gives Reeves a sort of nonchalant tastefulness that has won the hearts of many.
Going for the disheveled hairstyle that Reeves is known for is fairly simple, especially if you’re growing out your hair. It’s one of the easier hairstyles for older men to maintain, considering how unfussy it is.
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To keep your hair looking healthy, run some lightweight hair oil — such as the Macadamia Natural Oil Healing Oil Treatment — while your hair’s still damp. You can choose to blow dry your hair right after. However, leaving some room for air drying will help make your hair look more undone just like Reeves’.
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If hair oils aren’t for you, go for a thickening spray instead so as to give your hair more body. The Oribe Maximista Thickening Spray is great for this purpose because it adds volume that actually holds throughout the day. It also offers thermal protection for your hair, so you won’t have to worry about any sun damage when you’re out and about.
9. Tom Cruise
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For the most part, Tom Cruise’s hair has remained fairly consistent, save for the occasional grown out hairstyle here and there. He seems to favor a tapered haircut for men, which is understandable, considering a neat crop is easy to style. Many hairstyles for older men are cut in a similar fashion, as it’s a classic style that works for many. In Cruise’s case, the tapered cut has become a somewhat signature look, whether it be for another Mission Impossible film or for off duty days.
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As is the case with a shaved head, getting a classic tapered haircut can be easily achieved by making a quick appointment to your barber. Nevertheless, if you’re adamant about getting the job done yourself, go for the Andis Master Adjustable Hair Clipper. Its adjustable blade width allows for precise cuts that cater to different hair thicknesses. As such, even thick-haired guys will have no problem with these clippers.
10. Matthew McConaughey
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Wavy surfer hair just seems to work for Matthew McConaughey no matter what age he’s at. The natural wavy texture of his hair gives him a beachy look, which complements the easygoing persona he exudes in public. Beach hair can be one of the best hairstyles for older men, as it gives off a more carefree feel.
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In any case, going for wavy surfer hair requires a lot of texture. This can be easily achieved with the help of some sea salt spray. If you have fine hair, go for Oliology’s Coconut Oil Beach Wave Sea Salt Mist. This will give you the right amount of grit without wearing your hair down. It’s got a matte finish that will leave your hair looking naturally tousled.
On the other hand, your hair might already have a bit of natural waviness or curl to it like McConaughey’s. If that’s the case, then go ahead and enhance its texture by using a curling cream. This hair product can be applied while your hair is still wet before leaving it to air dry.
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The curling cream we recommend is the TIGI Bed Head For Men In Check Curl Defining Cream, as a little goes a long way with this one when it comes to taming frizz while holding curls.
11. Jeff Goldblum
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A style icon in his own right, Jeff Goldblum is no stranger to the world of daring fashion choices. Maybe that’s why his hairstyle of choice is relatively tame next to wardrobe pieces? Whatever the reason may be, Goldblum always looks dapper and chic. Having already embraced the silver fox look, the Jurassic Park veteran falls back on a classic men’s haircut: the comb-over fade.
Goldblum is the perfect example of how the comb-over fade can be one of the best hairstyles for older men. It’s modern, smart, and won’t take away from your overall look. That’s exactly why it works so well for the actor’s quirky sense of style.
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When going for Goldblum’s hairstyle, make sure to use a fine-tooth comb in order to achieve a clean comb-over. The Kent 82T Folding Pocket Comb is a great one to have due to its portability, being foldable and all. As a fine-tooth comb, the Kent 82T Folding Pocket Comb is excellent in achieving polished comb-overs. This is especially since its smooth surface won’t snag on your hair. Whether it be for hairstyles for men over 50 — or even hairstyles for grey hair over 60 — with a good fine-tooth comb and some pomade, you’ll be on your way to looking as spiffed-up as Goldblum himself.
12. John Stamos
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John Stamos went through plenty of hairstyles during his stint on Full House. He got the classic 80s mullet and even went for a more slicked back and heavily gelled style. Thanks to Full House, Stamos secured his spot as America’s heartthrob. It should thus come as no surprise that we’re here to pay homage to his ever-so-glorious Uncle Jesse hair.
Though Stamos has ditched the floppy bangs in lieu of a style more convenient for his age, his Uncle Jesse hair is no doubt iconic even years after Full House’s initial run. Notably, his windswept look is easy to achieve when it comes to hairstyles for older men. Since it adds a touch of youthfulness, sweeping your hair back can be great even for guys who are on the older side of the spectrum.
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Add some texture to your pushed-back hair and mimic Stamos’ laid-back Uncle Jesse vibes with some hair cream, particularly one that’s low-shine to make your hairstyle look more natural. For this, we recommend the Smooth Viking Hydrating Fiber Cream due to its matte finish and medium hold. You’ll thus be able to replicate the tousled and messy Uncle Jesse hairstyle that many have come to adore.
13. Robert Downey Jr.
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Today, you can’t think of Robert Downey Jr. without recalling his portrayal of Iron Man in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. RDJ is, undoubtedly, the living embodiment of Tony Stark. Thus, when we’re talking about hairstyles for older men, RDJ’s Tony Stark already has it in the bag with the trimmed sides of his hair. The slight feathering of his hairstyle features some layers and texture. So, if you have a similar haircut, we suggest reaching for some hair wax to play around with your styling options.
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One hair wax recommendation is the Hanz de Fuko Sponge Wax. This boasts of a matte finish for more natural-looking hairstyles. Its formulation promises balanced flexibility and hold, so it’s a versatile hair wax that can work for several hairstyles for men.
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Additionally, you can also make use of a good brush to get that soft, brushed-back look that Tony Stark has in Avengers: Endgame. For something that offers both soft and stiff bristles, try the Diane Double Sided Club Brush. It’s versatile enough to use for both styling and regular brushing. Plus, that affordable price tag won’t put a dent in your bank account either.
14. Pierce Brosnan
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As the fifth actor to take on the James Bond mantle, Pierce Brosnan made a name for himself as a memorable 007. Agent Bond has always held a reputation for being a refined gentleman. That didn’t mean Brosnan’s hairstyle as the character had to be all prim and proper though. In fact, Brosnan’s loose, falling quiff in Tomorrow Never Dies only added to his dashing charm as James Bond.
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A loose quiff is perfect for older gents, as its more undone approach feels more casual yet current. Use a water-based pomade, like the BYRD Light Pomade, to achieve a quiff that’s a little on the loose and natural side. With this hairstyle, you’ll be able to capture the essence of Brosnan’s James Bond, all without the safety hazards that come with being a secret agent.
15. Ian McKellen
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Some people may know Sir Ian McKellen as the great Gandalf in The Lord of the Rings franchise. Others might be more familiar with the actor’s role as Magneto in the X-Men film series. Regardless of where you’ve seen him, McKellen remains to be one of the most prolific actors of his time.
McKellen shows us that age is but a number, as he still looks just as good as ever even now that he’s in his 80s. Older gentlemen with fine hair similar to McKellen’s can benefit from a messier hairstyle that looks a little pushed back and windswept. With that said, it’s best to avoid styling products that are too heavy, as they can really weigh down already thinning hair.
Going au naturel will be your best bet if you have McKellen as a style inspiration. You’ll want to prioritize hair care over hair styling in order to give your fine hair just a bit more body to go for a tousled and windswept look. Try going for a hair thickening shampoo in order to provide your thinning hair the fullness and nourishment it needs.
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The Aveda Invati Men Nourishing Exfoliating Shampoo is one product worth trying for this purpose in particular. On top of reducing hair loss from breakage, it’s also a great scalp revitalizer that removes build-up from your scalp. With this shampoo, your hair will feel refreshed straight from the roots.
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If, however, you want to go for McKellen’s Gandalf hairstyle, then you’re going to have to give your long and luscious locks just as much nourishment. Opt for a lightweight hair oil — like the Verb Ghost Oil — to revitalize your hair and boost its shine. Gandalf the White’s hair looks especially sleek, so a good hair oil will be perfect to work out any frizziness when you’re trying to emulate his noble, wizardly aesthetic.
16. Hugh Jackman
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Hugh Jackman’s role as Wolverine in the X-Men films made him an undeniable hairstyle icon. Although the Wolverine hairstyle became tamer and less pointy (yet still recognizable) as the franchise expanded, we can’t deny just how well-known Jackman’s Wolverine hair has become over the years. It’s almost as if the Wolverine hair has a reputation of its own. Let’s not forget the infamous beard, either.
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Most hairstyles for older men might not be as flashy as Wolverine’s signature style, but if you’re looking to recreate it anyway, you’re going to have to start out with a good base. Use a volumizing shampoo, for starters. Try the 2-in-1 Thickening Shampoo and Conditioner from Every Man Jack which works especially well on fine or thinning hair to give yourself a thick head of hair to work with.
Utilize some mousse while your hair’s still a bit damp to help shape it into the notorious Wolverine hairstyle. Then, lock everything in place with hairspray. You’ll want something heavy-duty to keep those pointed ends elevated.
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We recommend something like the Redken Control Addict 28 Hairspray. Redken’s hairspray comes with humidity resistance, so you’re sure to get some ultra-firm hold for your hair with this one.
17. Russell Crowe
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Aussie actor Russell Crowe arguably pioneered the Caesar haircut into the spotlight following his award-winning role in Gladiator. It’s worth noting that Crowe’s hair already has some natural waviness to work with. Despite that, it’s his short Caesar style that has really left a lasting impression over the years.
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Today’s Caesar cut has taken on a more modern look with the addition of some fading on the sides. When styling your Caesar cut, be sure to use something with a matte finish. You don’t want anything too shiny with this type of hairstyle, after all. Use a bit of Jack Black’s Clay Pomade to keep your Caesar crop clean and natural-looking with this pomade’s matte formula.
The Caesar cut has stood the test of time, so it’s clear that it’s one of the best hairstyles for older men. Moreover, it requires minimal maintenance and keeps you looking neat and tidy. It may be simple, but as Crowe has shown us, it can make an impact — even if you’re not a Roman gladiator.
18. Steven Tyler
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More than just Aerosmith’s frontman, Steven Tyler is an entire force to reckon with all on his own. Despite already being over 70 years old, Tyler is still going strong. The rock icon has been known to deliver memorable performances thanks to his high energy and incredible stage presence. Even when he’s offstage, Tyler shows that he has a personality that’s just as big as his hair.
Tyler has been said to use two hairdryers at once to achieve his voluminous mane. While you can choose to follow in his footsteps, you can save yourself the extra hairdryer by using other products that can give your mane some lift. Use a volumizing spray, for example, to give your hair more body.
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We recommend the Color Wow Raise The Root Thicken & Lift Spray, as it will lift your hair right from the root. It’s ideal for guys who have flat or fine hair and is even formulated with a UV filter. Thus, if you’ve got highlights similar to Tyler’s, Color Wow’s volumizing spray will be safe for your colored hair as well.
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For a hairdryer recommendation, try out the John Frieda Frizz Ease Full Volume Hair Dryer. It’s a powerful dryer that will build volume in your hair. Furthermore, it includes two concentrators to help you specifically target certain sections of your hair. Finish off with some sea salt spray to build texture and mimic Tyler’s rockstar locks.
19. Josh Brolin
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Josh Brolin became a prominent figure in the Marvel Cinematic Universe as supervillain Thanos. In addition to that, he also had a notable role as Cable, the time-traveling soldier in Deadpool 2. Brolin’s look in Deadpool 2 came with a very hip hairstyle: slicked back with shaved sides.
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Cable’s hair in Deadpool 2 looks sleek, which complements his rather strict persona. Thus, if you want to cop that look, go for something that adds shine while holding your hair in place. One recommendation worth checking out is the Suavecito Pomade Firme Hold, a water-based and strong-hold pomade that offers medium shine.
Ultimately, the swept-back hairstyle gave Brolin’s iteration of Cable a very modern feel. However, the shaved sides give an edge that adds to his character’s military background. By pulling off this hairstyle and wearing it well, Brolin shows how other guys his age can rock this haircut, regardless of how old you are.
20. Antonio Banderas
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Antonio Banderas seems to simply ooze a suave sort of energy wherever he goes. His portrayal as the legendary Zorro cemented his presence in Hollywood as a household name, so it should come as no surprise that his Zorro look has become iconic in its own right.
Banderas’ slicked-back curls in The Mask of Zorro added to the actor’s natural charisma. Matching the actor’s level of charm isn’t an easy feat, but replicating his Zorro hair might be a more achievable task, especially with how readily available curl-friendly products are today.
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You’ll want to use a good hair mousse to enhance your curls, so go for something like the OGX Locking + Coconut Curls Decadent Creamy Mousse. OGX’s hair mousse will not only define your curls, but it will also provide your hair with some extra hydration. Marketed as having the hold of a mousse but the hydration of a cream, the OGX hair mousse also builds volume and will leave your hair with a pleasant coconut scent.
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Other than an effective hair mousse, you’ll also want to use a shampoo that specifically caters to curly hair. A good choice would be the Bb Curl Care Shampoo from Bumble and Bumble, as it works with all curl types and will help tame frizzy hair. It’s also sulfate-free, which makes it great for color-treated hair as well.
Many hairstyles for older men might be considered “acceptable” based on what society dictates is the most “appropriate” style for someone’s age. It’s worth noting, though, that you can rock whichever hairstyle pleases you no matter what society says.
In the end, it’s all in the attitude and how you carry yourself. Whether you’re in your 30s, 40s, 50s, or more, any hairstyle will look good on you so long as it makes you feel good. So go out and rock what you’ve got!
If you’re looking for more hairstyles for men, check out our recommendations for short haircuts that suit different face shapes. Otherwise, you can take a peek at our list of best men’s medium hairstyles worth trying out today.
