There are many great Indian hairstyles for men out there, and these can also work for those who aren’t of Indian descent but have thick, dark, or textured hair.
Men of Indian origin, whether in India or abroad, have different types of hair. Some have enviable thick hair with a rich onyx color, like classic Hollywood icons like Cary Grant. Others have straight hair, oily and textured hair, or curly hair.
This diversity in hair types is reflected in the many Indian men’s hairstyles. Some men want a looser, longer surfer vibe, while others want a more classic look.
Today, we’ll look at some great hairstyles for Indian men, South Asian men, and anyone with dark, thick, and varied hair. Whether you’re looking for something trendy or timeless, there’s something here for everyone!
Indian Men’s Hairstyles
Finding the perfect hairstyle is a personal journey, as what works for one may not work for another. That’s why I’ve put together a list of options, starting with some longer styles that can work for you.
1. Long and Wavy
The long and wavy hairstyle is a favorite among Bollywood stars and Indian sports icons. It’s a handsome and free-flowing look. This style works best with straight or wavy hair, so it’s a great option for many.
Styling Tips
For those with straight hair, this is easy to achieve. You can use a hair product like sea salt spray or mousse along with a blow dryer to get soft beach waves. This adds texture and movement to your hair and gives it a relaxed yet stylish look. Personally, I love using a texturizing spray after blow drying; it gives my hair that effortless, tousled look that feels both chic and laid-back.
If you have curly hair and want to go for the long and wavy look, you might need to use a straightener to smooth out your curls before styling. This will help you get the wave effect without the bulk of tight curls. I’ve found that using a heat protectant spray is a must to keep my hair healthy while styling, especially when using heat tools.
Versatility and Face Shape
The long and wavy hairstyle is an effortless look that works for any face shape but particularly suits heart-shaped faces. The flowing waves can soften angular features and add balance to the face. I’ve noticed that this style not only looks good but also makes me feel more confident, whether I’m heading out for a casual outing or a more formal event.
2. Long Side-Swept
The long side-swept hairstyle is great for those with thick and textured hair. This style involves taking most of your hair and flipping it to one side, giving it a dramatic and stylish look. To keep the part in place, you need a good hair product.
Styling Tips
For those with thicker and coarser hair, the side-sweep can add a dynamic shape to your face and beautifully enhance your features. I’ve found that using a strong-hold gel or pomade helps to keep the structure of the part throughout the day, and my hair stays in place even in windy conditions.
This style looks great with a beard, as it creates a frame around your face. A well-groomed beard and a side-swept hairstyle give a sophisticated and polished look. Personally, I love how this style allows me to express myself while looking put together.
Versatile Options
To complete the look, you can tuck the remaining hair on the other side behind your ear for a clean finish. Or, if you want a more polished look, you can slick it back with some pomade. I switch between these two options depending on the occasion, tucking it behind my ear for a casual outing and slicking it back for a more formal event.
If your hair is long enough, you can even do a low man-bun with this style. This adds an extra layer of versatility. You can keep your hair off your neck during warmer months and still look stylish. I found that a low bun is a great way to transition from a day at work to an evening out without having to restyle.
3. Asymmetrical Long Side-Swept
The asymmetrical long side-swept hairstyle takes the classic side-sweep to a whole new level. This style keeps the dramatic sweep of hair to one side but buzzes the non-dominant side completely. This creates a bold contrast that can make a statement.
Styling Tips
To achieve the asymmetrical look, start by sweeping most of your hair to one side, just like the classic side-swept style. Instead of slicking back the hair on the other side, buzz it down to a very short length. This adds an element of surprise and emphasis to the longer side, creating a dynamic look.
For a more gradual transition, you can do a taper. This means gradually shortening the hair from the longer side to the buzzed side, creating a stylish and understated look. Or, if you want to be more adventurous, you can do a no-transition fade. This sharp contrast between long hair and the buzzed side can be really eye-catching and perfect for those who want to express themselves.
4. Soft Curls
The soft curls hairstyle is a beautiful look that’s relaxed yet structured. This style allows for a gradual fringe at the front, framing the face in a way that feels effortless and youthful. Unlike stick-straight hair, soft curls create a more natural look that flows freely while still being structured.
Styling Tips
To achieve soft curls, you can use a curling wand or a flat iron to create gentle waves throughout your hair. The key is to keep the curls loose and bouncy, not tight ringlets, for a more relaxed look. Suppose you have coarser, closer to the scalp curls. You might need to use a bit of hair oil or a straightener to smooth out the hair before curling. This will help you achieve that soft, cherub-like look that feels both youthful and fresh.
I love how this style can be worn for different occasions. For a day out, I might leave the curls more natural and tousled, and for a night out, I’d define the curls a bit more with a light mousse or styling cream to add volume and hold.
Face Shape Compatibility
Soft curls are great for oval or round faces as the gentle waves can soften angular features and add balance. The gradual fringe can also frame the face beautifully and enhance your natural beauty. I found this style not only looks good but also makes me feel more approachable and alive.
5. Close Curls/Zoomer Perm
Close curls, also known as the Zoomer perm, are a bold and trendy style popular among youth. This look has extra thick, tight curls that create a lively and dynamic look. To enhance this style, shaving the sides can add an edgy touch and allow the tight curls to fall freely, creating a striking contrast.
Styling Tips
When you do close curls, the texture of your hair will play a big role in how the style falls. Depending on your natural curl pattern, the curls may fall towards the front and create a curly fringe, or they may spread out haphazardly around your head and create a mushroom-like effect. This unique silhouette can be really eye-catching and perfect for those who want to make a statement.
To achieve this look, you can use a curling iron or get a perm treatment at the salon. If you have naturally curly hair, you can enhance your curls with a curl-defining cream or mousse to get that tight, bouncy look. I found that using a good styling product is key to keeping the curls defined and frizz-free throughout the day.
Face Shape Compatibility
This style isn’t for everyone, but it can work on most face shapes. The volume and texture of the close curls can add depth and interest, so it’s a versatile choice. I’ve seen this style look great on many people, and it often has that fun, youthful vibe that’s really appealing.
6. The Buzzcut
The buzzcut is a timeless style that works on all hair textures. It’s a go-to for those who want an easy, low-maintenance style. It’s one of the most popular short haircuts for men, and it’s a favorite among many.
Buzzcut Variations
The buzzcut comes in many variations, so you can choose a style that suits your face shape and personal preference. For example, a super short army buzz is great for men with angular face shapes. This style accentuates the angles of your features and gives you a clean and disciplined look that’s both practical and stylish.
On the other hand, the crew cut is similar to a buzzcut but has a longer top. This variation works well for men with straight hair, whether it’s soft or textured. The extra length on top allows for some styling flexibility, so it’s easy to look polished. I personally like the versatility of the crew cut. It can be styled casually or dressed up for more formal occasions.
Side Part
To take the crew cut to the next level, consider adding a slight side part. This small detail turns the crew cut into an Ivy League style and gives it an old-school, wholesome look. The side part adds a touch of sophistication and looks great on oval or round face shapes. I found that this small adjustment can make a big difference in the overall look and make it feel more refined.
Maintenance and Convenience
One of the best things about the buzzcut is its low maintenance. With minimal styling required, it’s perfect for busy people or those who want a no-fuss approach to hair. Just regular trims, and you’re good to go. You can even maintain it at home with clippers if you’re comfortable doing so.
7. Quiff Hairstyles
Quiff hairstyles are a stylish and versatile option that combines longer hair in the front with a trimmed back and sides. This style is universally flattering and works great with dark, thick hair, which many Indian men have, so it’s a popular choice for those who want to upgrade their look.
Quiff vs. Pompadour
While the quiff is similar to the classic ’50s pompadour, it’s airier and less dense. This gives the quiff a more relaxed and natural look and allows for many styling options. You can comb and bundle the hair to the side and look effortless yet polished. I like how this style can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion, whether you’re going to work or out for a night.
Styling Options
When it comes to quiff hairstyles, you have the option to choose from different heights and styles. A short quiff is a great option for a professional and elegant look. It’s perfect for office or formal events and gives you a clean and sophisticated look. I go for a short quiff when I want to look polished but still show my personal style.
On the other hand, a taller quiff makes a statement. This one adds height and drama and is great for those who want to stand out. The taller quiff can be styled with a bit of product to add volume and hold, and you can create a more dramatic look. I find this style perfect for social gatherings or events where I want to make an impression.
Maintenance and Products
To achieve and maintain a quiff, you need the right styling products. A good pomade or styling cream can help you get the hold and texture you want. I recommend trying out different products to see what works for your hair type and look. Regular trims are also important to keep the back and sides sharp and the front long.
8. Short or Medium Side-Swept
Short or medium side-swept is a classic style that works great for thick hair. Its clean side part adds structure and volume and enhances facial features regardless of bone structure. The neat and tidy look of a side-swept style is timeless and never goes out of fashion.
Timeless and Traditional
If you want a sophisticated and traditional hairstyle, the short or medium side-swept is a great option. It’s versatile enough to be worn in professional and casual settings, so it’s good for many occasions. I like how this style can go from office to night out and still look polished.
Adding a Youthful Twist
If you want to add a youthful spin to this classic style, consider pairing it with a high-contrast fade. This modern twist adds an edge to the traditional side-swept style and creates a striking contrast between the hair on top and the faded sides. The fade not only enhances the look but also adds a contemporary feel to the style that makes it feel fresh and exciting. I find this combination perfect for those who want to keep the classic style but want to be current.
Styling Tips
To achieve the short or medium side-swept style, use a light-hold styling product like pomade or styling cream to define the part and keep the hair in place. A comb is useful for creating a clean part and making sure the hair is swept to the side.
9. Curly and Short
For those with tight curls, curly and short hair is a stylish and low-maintenance way to showcase your natural texture. There are two ways to wear curly hair short; each gives a different look that can be both flattering and practical.
Tight to the Scalp
One way is to wear your curls tight to the scalp. This style is popular and looks great, especially for African Americans. The close-cropped curls give a clean and polished look and highlight your facial features. I like how this look is confident and simple and is a great option for those who want low maintenance and style.
Sculpted Side Part
Alternatively, you can go for a more sculpted look by cutting the sides shorter and leaving the curls on top. This way, you can use a styling product to create a side part and mimic the straight-hair side sweep. This adds a touch of sophistication and is great for those who want to look polished. I find using a curl-defining cream or mousse helps to enhance the curls and keep them defined and in place.
Clean and Classy Look
Both options give a clean and classy look, so they’re good for many occasions, from casual to formal. The short, curly hairstyle is versatile so that you can dress it up or down depending on your outfit and the occasion. I like how these styles allow self-expression but are low-maintenance.
10. Textured Brush-up with Taper
The textured brush-up with taper is a stylish and dimensional hairstyle perfect for those with multi-textured hair. This style combines medium-length side-swept hair with a taper on one side and shows off the different textures of your hair.
How to Get the Look?
In this style, the taper on one side allows the texture closer to your roots to show through, while the fringe and sides have a different texture. Usually, this gives a softer look at the taper and a coarser, thicker look when you brush the hair up. This combination gives a dynamic and interesting look that can upgrade your overall look.
If you don’t have multi-textured hair, don’t worry—you can still get this look! Start by using a texturizing spray or cream on the longer parts of your hair to create that coarseness. I find a good texturizing spray or cream adds volume and definition and makes it easier to style.
How to Style?
Then, apply some hair oil to the shorter parts of your hair and blow dry it to get a fuzzier texture. This adds a bit of softness and blends the textures together. Finally, to get a sleek and polished look on the straighter parts, use a product like pomade or gel. This will hold the style in place and look clean.
