The Best Man's Long Hair: Wedding Style Guide

The big question is: can the best man have long hair at a wedding? The short answer is yes, absolutely! However, there are a few things to consider when it comes to styling long hair for a wedding. Firstly, it's important to choose a hairstyle that suits the individual's personality and the tone of the wedding. While some men may opt for a classic, sleek look, others might want to embrace their natural curls or waves.

For those with very long hair, a man bun or ponytail can be a great option to keep the hair tidy and out of the face. On the other hand, some men might prefer to let their hair flow free, adding some product for texture and hold. Ultimately, the best hairstyle for the best man will be one that makes them feel confident and comfortable on the big day.

Long hair, don't care: wearing it down

If you're the best man and you've got long hair, you might be wondering what to do with it for the wedding. While there are many different styles to choose from, wearing your hair down can be a great option, especially if you want to keep things simple. Here are some things to consider if you're thinking of wearing your long hair down for a wedding.

The Benefits of Wearing It Down

One of the biggest advantages of wearing your hair down is that it's a low-maintenance style. You don't need to worry about intricate braiding or tying it up in a particular way. Simply wash and condition your hair, and let it air dry or blow-dry it, adding some product for texture and volume if you like. This can be a good option if you're short on time or don't want to spend ages getting ready.

Styling Options

Even if you're wearing your hair down, there are still some styling options to consider. You could go for a simple middle part, like Olivia Culpo, or add some soft curls like Harley Viera-Newton. If you want to keep your hair out of your face, you could try sweeping it back, using a small amount of product to keep it in place. This will give you a sleek, polished look without needing to tie it up.

Product Recommendations

When it comes to styling products, a little goes a long way. You don't want your hair to look greasy or weighed down, so opt for something lightweight like a texturizing spray or a small amount of pomade. If you want to add some shine, try a shine spray or a light hair oil. Avoid heavy gels or waxes, as these can make your hair look wet and may not hold as well throughout the day.

Maintenance Throughout the Day

Wearing your hair down can be a great option, but you might need to do some touch-ups throughout the day, especially if it's a windy location or you'll be doing a lot of dancing! Keep some product with you to smooth down any flyaways, and consider bringing a brush or comb to neaten things up if needed.

Suit and Accessory Combinations

If you're wearing your hair down, you might want to consider a suit and accessories that complement this style. A classic tux and sleek, polished shoes can work well with this hairstyle, creating a sophisticated and elegant look. You could also add a pocket square or a floral print tie or bow to bring some extra flair to your outfit.

In conclusion, wearing your long hair down for a wedding can be a great choice, especially if you want to keep things simple and elegant. With the right products and styling techniques, you can achieve a polished and handsome look that will last throughout the celebrations.

Curly, wavy, or straight: the best products for long hair

Curly hair

Curly hair requires the right amount of hydration, slip, and hold to get your curl pattern just right. Here are some of the best products for curly hair:

• Best Affordable Shampoo & Conditioner: Pantene Curl Define & Shine Shampoo & Conditioner. This product is affordable and effective in making curls feel light, healthy, and bouncy.
• Best Luxury Shampoo & Conditioner: Curlsmith Full Body Weightless Cleanser & Conditioner. This duo is perfect for fine hair, with ingredients like calendula flower, ivy leaf, and white nettle to define curls.
• Best Affordable Hair Mask: Function of Beauty SOS Custom Repair Hair Mask. This mask is great for thick, dry, and curly hair, helping to manage flyaways and unruly baby hairs.
• Best Luxury Hair Mask: Cécred Reconstructing Treatment Mask. This hair mask delivers high shine and silky texture to curly hair, with an intoxicating fragrance of oud, sandalwood, and night jasmine.
• Best Leave-In Treatment: SheaMoisture Bond Repair Leave-In Conditioner. This product is perfect for dry and bleached hair, repairing ends, smoothing frizz, and bringing back the natural wave pattern.
• Best Scalp Treatment: Maui Moisture Scalp Care Soothe & Strengthen Serum. This serum is ideal for fine, feather-like curls, leaving hair shiny and lightweight.
• Best Curl Cream: DevaCurl Curl Heights Volume + Boost Curl Cream. This curl cream provides an extra boost to curls, adding volume and an effortless finish without weighing hair down.
• Best Curl Refresher: Pattern Beauty Palo Santo Curl Mousse. This curl mousse defines curls with weightless volume, leaving hair soft, smooth, and sticky-free.

Wavy hair

Wavy hair requires the right products to enhance curl, bounce, and movement. Here are some of the best products for wavy hair:

• Best Wavy Hair Shampoo: Function of Beauty Custom Wavy Hair Shampoo. This shampoo encourages waves to form without causing flyaways or dryness.
• Best Deep Cleansing Shampoo: Kurl Kitchen Deep Cleansing Black Soap Shampoo. This shampoo effectively removes product buildup without weighing down the hair.
• Best Wavy Hair Conditioner: Function of Beauty Custom Wavy Hair Conditioner. This conditioner hydrates and detangles wavy hair without adding extra weight.
• Best Lightweight Oil: Moroccanoil Treatment Light. This oil provides shine and definition to wavy hair without being too heavy.
• Best Volumising Product: Christophe Robin Instant Volumising Leave-In Mist. This volumising mist lifts the roots and adds curl and bounce without creating a tangled mess.
• Best Hair Dryer: Remington PROluxe You Adaptive Hair Dryer. This hair dryer adjusts to suit your specific hair type, reducing breakage and enhancing waves.
• Best Styling Gel: Bouclème Curl Defining Gel. This gel helps to create and define waves, providing long-lasting hold and taming flyaways.
• Best Multi-Purpose Styler: Dr Paw Paw 7 in 1 Does it all Hair Treatment. This versatile product suits all hair types and boosts shine, hydration, and tames flyaways.

Straight hair

Straight hair can benefit from products that enhance shine and maintain damage-free strands. Here are some of the best products for straight hair:

• Best Affordable Shampoo & Conditioner for Volume: Pantene Pro-V Miracles Infinite Lengths Shampoo & Conditioner. This duo effectively cleanses and nourishes fine hair, adding volume without weighing it down.
• Best Luxury Shampoo & Conditioner for Volume: Amika Big Hit Volumizing Shampoo & Conditioner. This set is ideal for thick and coarse hair, providing thorough cleansing and hydration without being too heavy.
• Best Affordable Shampoo & Conditioner for Damaged Hair: Nexxus Amino Bond Shampoo & Conditioner. This drugstore combo leaves hair feeling soft and healthy, repairing damage without adding weight.
• Best Luxury Shampoo & Conditioner for Damaged Hair: Kérastase Première Bain Décalcifiant Réparateur Shampoo & Première Fondant Fluidité Réparateur Conditioner. This duo hydrates and nourishes dry and damaged hair, leaving it silky soft.
• Best Affordable Shampoo & Conditioner for Color-Treated Hair: Method Simply Nourish Moisturizing Conditioner & Shampoo. This set effectively cleanses coloured hair, replenishes moisture, and has a pleasant shea butter and coconut scent.
• Best Luxury Shampoo & Conditioner for Color-Treated Hair: Redken Acidic Color Gloss Shampoo & Conditioner. This set enhances shine and maintains the health of coloured hair, ensuring glossiness that lasts beyond a temporary shine spray.
• Best Hair Dryer Brush: Kristin Ess Hair Soft Volume Blow Dry Brush. This brush efficiently dries fine hair while reducing frizz and making it easy to style.
• Best Flatiron: Wavytalk Pro Steam Hair Straightener Brush. This straightening brush effectively straightens hair without leaving it dry and brittle, retaining moisture and providing a lightweight alternative to traditional methods.

Man buns: the dos and don'ts

The man bun is a versatile and stylish option for men with long hair. It is a great way to achieve a polished look for formal events such as weddings. Here are some tips to help you rock the man bun with confidence:

Do: Prepare in Advance

If you're considering a man bun for a wedding, it's important to plan ahead. Consult with your hairstylist well before the big day to get their input and advice. They can guide you on what will work best for your hair type and texture. Additionally, allow time for your hair to grow and transition into the desired style.

Don't: Neglect the Details

The devil is in the details, and the same is true for the man bun. To achieve a sleek and polished look, pay attention to the smaller aspects of your hairstyle. For example, consider using hair products like molding paste or texturizing spray to enhance and define your man bun. A small amount of product can go a long way in creating a refined and controlled look.

Do: Complement Your Attire

When styling your man bun for a wedding, consider the overall theme and your chosen attire. A well-styled man bun can complement your wedding outfit and enhance your overall appearance. Opt for classic and timeless hairstyles that will stand the test of time, even in wedding photos years down the line.

Don't: Overdo the Products

While hair products can be your friends, it's important not to overdo it. Avoid using too much gel, as it can make your hair look wet and greasy. Instead, opt for matte options or products with a subtle shine, such as pomades or texturizing sprays. These will give your hair a natural and controlled finish.

Do: Experiment with Variations

The beauty of the man bun is its versatility. You can experiment with different variations, such as the top knot or the low bun. Play around with leaving some tendrils or face-framing strands loose for a more effortless and natural look. You can also try incorporating braids or adding accessories to elevate your hairstyle.

Don't: Forget to Maintain Your Bun

A man bun requires maintenance to keep it looking neat and tidy throughout the day. Carry a travel-sized version of your chosen hair product to touch up your hairstyle if needed. Additionally, be mindful of the weather and potential humidity, as this can affect your hair. A leave-in conditioner with humidity control can help maintain a fresh and camera-ready look.

Timeless styles: classic cuts that will always photograph well

When it comes to your wedding day, it's important to remember that less is best when it comes to your hair. Opt for a classic and timeless hairstyle that will photograph well and stand the test of time.

Celebrity hairstylist and photographer Michael Dueñas recommends clean tapered sides with a little length on top and well-groomed. He suggests thinking of men's styles from the 1940s but with less product. Dueñas also recommends avoiding skin fades as these are a fad and will look harsh in wedding pictures years later.

• The Slicked-Back Look: This is a classic special occasion style for men. Use a pomade instead of gel to add volume without too much shine.
• The Pompadour: This is a popular choice for those with medium-length hair, especially if you have a beard. The center hair is longer with an undercut on the sides, providing a shiny and sleek texture.
• The Side Part: A classic that never goes out of style. Get a side part cut into your hair to take the guesswork out of styling. Go to the same barber each time so they can get to know your hair texture and growth patterns.
• The Buzz Cut: This is a minimalist look that will always be in style. Keep the hair slightly longer on top than the sides to accentuate your bone structure.
• The Flow: This is a popular style among athletes and it works well with a trimmed beard. It provides a nice texture to neck-length hair.
• The Vintage Look: This is a popular choice for weddings, combining a vintage hairstyle with a modern twist. It can include a high or low comb-over or side-sleek and chic look, styled with gels or hairspray.

Short back and sides: when to get a trim before the big day

As a best man, you want to look sharp and feel confident on your friend's big day. A fresh haircut is a must, but when is the best time to get that trim? Here are some tips to ensure you're looking your best when it matters most.

First things first, don't leave it until the last minute. While a fresh cut is important, you don't want to be dealing with any last-minute haircut disasters. Aim to get your haircut about a week before the wedding. This gives you a little bit of time to make any necessary adjustments and ensures you're not rushing to the barber the day before.

If you're thinking of trying out a new style for the wedding, be sure to consult your barber well in advance. They can advise you on what styles will work best for your hair type and face shape. It's also a good idea to allow time for your hair to transition to the new style. If you're growing your hair out, for example, plan to get a trim about once a month in the lead-up to the wedding.

For shorter haircuts, like a buzz cut, you can afford to leave it a little later. A fresh cut a couple of days before the wedding will ensure you're looking sharp and won't give your hair too much time to grow out.

On the day of the wedding, don't forget to style your hair. Even a simple trim can be elevated with the right products. A little bit of pomade or styling cream can go a long way in helping you achieve a sleek and polished look.

Remember, as the best man, you'll be standing up there with the groom, so you want to make sure you look the part. With a little bit of planning and the right haircut, you'll be ready to confidently take on your best man duties and enjoy the celebration.

Frequently asked questions