Job-Winning Haircuts for Men Aiming for a Well-Paid Career

Ace your next interview with sharp haircuts that reflect professionalism.

If you always thought your hair was your personal business only, you might want to reconsider your opinion. True, you could get away with surfer hair or an edgy mohawk as a college student but this hair is not very likely to land you a well-paid (read “corporate”) job. And it’s not just your grandma’s prejudice. There’s actual research behind this claim.

In a perfect world, we’d be judged solely on our qualifications and experience. But in the real world, a big part of interviews is about connecting with the interview board and coming across as professional. How you present yourself plays a huge role in that.

Here’s the bottom line for corporate fashion: Keep it conservative. Why? Because you want to be remembered for your performance, not your looks. Stick to short, clean styles, especially for interviews.

This is backed by the research performed by the Opinion Research Corporation for Wahl Clipper. According to their findings, successful interviewees “are better served to go with either the easy cut—shorter all-around—or the peaked cut, which is shorter on the sides and longer and spikier on top.”

These two hairstyles proved best for landing jobs, with 60% of candidates finding new employment sporting one of these looks. But there’s a catch. The study found that 90% of guys with crew cuts and peaked styles make less than $100,000. So, if you’re looking to move up in your career, you might need a new hair game plan.

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The side part has always been super popular with guys. But what you probably don’t know about this hairstyle is that it’s also the most financially successful. Research shows that men with a side part are over 35% more likely to earn $100,000 or more annually than any other hairstyle.

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And it’s no wonder—six out of ten people see it as professional, trustworthy, confident, organized, and capable of leadership. Plus, it’s often linked to high-profile fields like finance, law, and medicine.

The surfer hair, with its relaxed vibe, isn’t the best if you are looking for a job or aiming for higher pay. It has potential in the entertainment industry, but overall, it hasn’t been great at landing job offers or helping careers advance. Its downfall? The majority of people see it as unprofessional.

According to Wall Street Oasis, in finance, long hair is acceptable in a few cases, like for religious or Native American tribal reasons. If you do have long hair, just make sure to keep it neat and tidy.

All in all, your hairstyle can be a powerful tool in boosting your professional image. A well-chosen haircut may give you the extra confidence needed to land your dream job. For an inspiration boost, check out our impressive collection of male haircuts 100 Cool Short Haircuts for Men for 2025.