Stylish and Flattering Hairstyles for Older Men

Hairstyles for older men offer just as much versatility and individuality as styles for anyone else. Just because you may be going grey, experiencing thinning hair, or even seeing some bald patches doesn't mean you can't have some fun with your style. Embrace the traditional layered cut, or play around with different lengths and textures. There are lots of great options for senior men who want to look like a million bucks.

A blocked hairline is squared in the back. This is a good cut for those with thin necks. However, if you have a thicker neck, this can add even more width to your overall look from the back. This is a great wash-and-go look for most men. 

There's enough length here that you can style it to give it a tousled look as well. With hair still damp, place a dab of styling gel or mousse on your fingers and run them through your hair, using your fingers to create the look you're going for. If you want additional hold, blow dry and add a spritz of hair spray.

A tapered cut has a closer look that outlines the shape of your neck and the sides of your head. This is a good choice for those with a rounder face and neck. If you like to wait a little longer between trims, the tapered cut tends to hold its shape better than a blocked cut.

The hair on top is longer, which offers some style options. You can use a straightener to help achieve a smoother look on top, which you can sweep to one side. Or, if you have natural waves, you can use a spot of curl cream to bring those out instead. 

Closely cropped at the back and sides with just a little length on the top, the high and tight haircut is a clean, easy-to-manage option that is best suited for men with straight hair. Curly guys can still rock this style — just keep the top a little shorter. 

Wash, comb (or if you have curly hair, run your fingers through the top), and let it dry naturally.

Most male pattern baldness is on the top, back, or front of the head. A good stylist will help you decide the best cut to cover any baldness if that's your desire. For example, if you only have a small amount of thinning in the back, you can grow the top part of the hair just a little longer, and it will effectively cover it. This isn't to be confused with the comb-over, something most men should try to avoid these days. Frontal baldness requires an entirely different cut to help camouflage thinning hair.

When You Can't Cover Baldness

On the other hand, if the area is very large, hiding it may not be an option. It might be easier to go extremely short with a buzz cut and just let the bald spot show. While you may feel a little self-conscious at first, most other people will hardly even notice.

If you want a zero-maintenance look, the buzz cut is your go-to. It's a great choice for those with thinning hair, but if you're starting to get bald spots, it can look a little odd. This is a classic DIY look you can maintain at home without any pricey salon cuts or hair products. And it looks great on all head shapes. 

If your hair is just starting to thin out, you can get away with growing it longer on top and combing it back. Keep the sides short for contrast (and to ensure you aren't tempted to comb to the side). Add a little texture cream and a dab of hair gel while your hair is still damp, running it through the long hair on top. Then blow dry on low or let your hair air dry.

Thinning hair usually occurs in a few select spots on your head rather than all over. With a cut like this, you can sweep your hair in whatever direction you need to cover the thinning spots without resorting to the old-fashioned (and, if we're honest, outdated) combover. This style works best for hair that is just starting to thin out. 

Grow your hair out a bit, then have your stylist work out how best to style it. Make sure that they give you tips and show you how they are blow-drying your locks so you can replicate it at home. (And know that it'll take a few tries on your own. It always does with a new cut/style!)

A shaved or bald head can be quite attractive on an older man, especially if he has a nicely shaped head. It's one of the easiest haircuts to maintain at home with a good shaver or with a short trip to the barber or salon. No hair doesn't equal no shampoo, though, as you'll still need to wash away dead skin and excess oil. Thin hair isn't an issue when you shave your head!

Thick hair can be easier to manage when you keep it shorter, but if you don't like the look or feel of very short hair, keep the sides trimmed and the top a little longer. To achieve the effortless look in this photo, tousle the hair gently with just a small amount of product (any good styling cream or gel will work) while still wet and either blow dry or allow to air dry. 

Related: Hair Color Tips for Senior Men

Curly hair is really fun, but it does take a bit of extra care and maintenance. If you're not keen on that, go for a shorter cut to keep your curls in check. 

If you want to highlight those curls, though, grow it out as much as you're comfortable with, all over your head or just on top. Then invest in a good curl cream, and use a dime-sized amount throughout your hair to keep your curls from getting frizzy. A good conditioner is also your new best friend. 

This look is really just a longer-on-top cut that you can play with to get the spiked look. When your hair is still wet, apply 2-3 times your usual amount of gel or other styling product. As you blow dry your hair, use your fingers to pull it straight up on the top to achieve a gravity-defying look. 

Whenever you don't want to throw a nod to your Billy Idol punk roots, you can use a small amount of product and just blow dry as usual (or brush it back). 

If you've got it, flaunt it! Lots of older men have no issues with thinning or balding, and if that's you, long hair can look stunning. Some good shampoo and conditioner might be all you need to keep it looking great but talk to your stylist about treatments or masks if you notice it's getting dry or unmanageable. 

Related: How to Make Grey Hair Soft & Shiny

The most important tip for you is to not be afraid to switch things up. You don't have to stick with the same haircut style you've had for decades, but if you love it, you can! It's all about what makes you feel good and confident. 

Don't search for a style that tries to hide your aging. Instead, look for a haircut that accentuates your features and celebrates your age.