10 Haircuts Any Black Man Can Wear to a Job Interview or Corporate Setting

Hey brothers, you’re in corporate America (or getting into it), and you need a professional haircut.

You may have that big meeting coming up, a company event, or you’re tryna get ready for that big corporate interview and want to look presentable.

You’ve been told for years that you may have to “buy in” or look more professional in these spaces, and I’m afraid to say that might be true.

How you look to others, especially in corporate America (which, even though it may not be designed for us), is extremely important to the success of your career regardless of how you may feel about it.

Changing your hair is just a necessary step you’ll need to take.

So today I’ve come up with 10 corporate haircuts Black men can comfortably wear, the ones you should avoid, and some final thoughts on whether you should switch to a professional haircut for corporate America.

Corporate Haircuts Black Men Can Always Wear 

Buzz Cut

This old-school haircut is the staple of a corporate Black man.

You’ve probably seen your dad (if they’re in corporate or professional settings) rocking this.

No brushing, styling, or curling.

Whether it’s a job interview, meeting, or company get-together — it’s simple and low maintenance, and everyone can get this cut.

However, I don’t recommend it if you are receding, so here’s a guide that goes over haircuts you can still go with if your corners are running away.

Come back to this guide once you’re done.

360 waves

Waves are another classic.

Low-cut and low maintenance once they’re waving.

Been around since the ’90s, and perfect for any corporate setting.

Now, enough with the low cuts.

If you have a little bit of hair, here’s some haircuts you’ll like.

Low Taper Afro

Low-taper afro is perfect for corporate, job interviews, or professional settings because all you need is a pick and a sponge.

No overcomplicated curling routines or 46-minute LOC tutorials on YouTube (which tbh don’t really work btw).

Just pick & go.

High Taper

Can’t go wrong with a high taper if it’s sponged.

Great style and can really show off the length of your hair.

Ideally, keep it about this length and go to the same barber.

If not, you’ll end up with a high-top.

Mid Drop Fade

Very similar to the high taper, except this goes all around.

Go to the same barber, or you’ll keep getting pushed up.

But nonetheless, this is a safe choice, brother.

Well-kept Dreads

I know they’re very popular right now in our community, and these are good.

Make sure they’re retwisted and tied back (at all times)

Dreads that fall forward are a no-go.

For anyone objecting:

When have you seen someone with Chief Keef dreads in law, finance, or banking?

Exactly.

Cornrows

Great choice. 

These are well-styled and don’t stick out.

Lined-up Afro

Same as the low-taper fro.

Just keep it picked and sponged, and you’re good.

High Fade

Good as well.

Sponge it up a little bit — or not.

But overall, the style looks good regardless.

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Btw, if your forehead is a little big, I made a quick guide for haircuts you brothers can still get.

Tied-Back Box Braids

As long as it’s tied back, you’re good.

The goal is to keep a presentable, unassuming look in corporate America.

Anything that stands out to them is seen as boasting.

Remember that.

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Now this next section is going to ruffle some of y’all the wrong way, but you’re going to have to hear it.

Corporate Haircuts Black Men Should Avoid

Unkept Dreadlocks/Wicks

This will not fly in corporate America under any circumstances.

With all due respect, you look like you’re in some New York drill video showing off weapons.

This is the utter opposite of unassuming.

You should expect to be stereotyped with this look.

Is that how it should be?

No.

But in corporate America, Black men — you must keep a neat, presentable look.

No messy dreads, wicks, or looking like a thug out on the corner.

Dyed hair

This doesn’t fall under unassuming and must be switched to your natural hair color (for most of us, Black).

This shouldn’t need to be explained.

Should You Switch to a Professional Haircut for Corporate America? (Last Thoughts)

The late Kevin Samuels once said, “It’s not selling out, it’s buying in.”

If you want to be respected or looked at like an equal in this environment, you need to look the part.

Having a thug look or an unpresentable style is everything but that.

We’re already at a disadvantage.

Like I always say, it’s not our country.

Unfortunately, if you want to succeed, you play their game.

And this is how you play it.

You need to learn to adjust, because the man who does things he doesn’t want to do when he has to is the man that eventually becomes a high-class man.

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About ME:

Too many Black men don’t realize that to be seen as an equal, you have to look the part.

It’s not about how you feel — it’s about how they see you.

This isn’t our system, but if you want to succeed in it, you’ve got to learn how to play the game.

I realized that early on. And I hope more of us do too.