Best Black Hairstyles for Older Men (Age 40 & Up)

Hey brothers, as an older guy, you want to feel confident as you age.

But you know it’s time to let go of the young pretty-boy look because now you want to look like you own every room you walk into.

Whether you’re in corporate America, have an event coming up, or just want to look good in any situation, even at an older age, the right haircut makes all the difference.

You’ve probably struggled to find a guide that actually works for older Black men.

That’s why I put this one together to help you find the best cuts that keep you looking mature and confident.

And for my corporate guys, make sure you check out my corporate haircuts guide for Black men before coming back here.

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Best Low-Maintenance Hairstyles for Black Men Over 40

I get it. Hair, styling, and long routines might not be your thing.

You don’t have time to spend hours in the bathroom.

What you want is a hairstyle that’s quick, professional, and sets you apart without being high-maintenance.

So let’s jump right into #1.

Full Bald with Beard

Other than some of the next haircuts, any guy can pull off the bald look.

Now, the beard is where genetics play a big role.

Not everyone can grow a full one, but if you’ve got some growth, you can definitely work with it.

And if you’re stuck in that patchy beard phase, don’t worry. 

I put together a guide with 6 ways Black men can fix a patchy beard check it out here.

Mid Fade

Can’t go wrong with the mid fade, it’s perfect for black men with hair on the shorter side. 

And maybe requires haircuts every 1-2 weeks or so.

Low-Cut Waves

Now waves aren’t low maintenance to start off with. 

However, once you get them they pretty much are. 

If you don’t know how to get waves, here’s a video I really recommend.

Low Taper Fade

The taper fade is one of my favorite haircuts, but you need a haircut every two days tbh. 

The next three haircuts are the epitome of low maintenance.

Low Taper

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Low Fade

Buzz Cut

These three are perfect for Black men who want to do the bare minimum but still look good.

If you’re receding and don’t want a buzz cut or low cuts

here’s a quick guide I made on how to slow down a receding hairline as a Black man.

Now, let’s move into the higher-maintenance styles for guys who want to take things to the next level. 

You’re probably willing to put in a little more effort to stand out.

For my brothers who prefer to keep it simple & low maintenance.

but still want to step up your fashion game, I’ve got you covered too. Check out these guides:

• Asap Rocky Style & Haircuts Guide

• Damson Idris Style Guide

• Michael B. Jordan Style Guide

• Lewis hamilton style & haircuts guide (+ HIS JEWELRY COLLECTION)

Now, let’s get into some higher maintenance hairstyles for older black men. 

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Best High-Maintenance Hairstyles for Black Men Over 40 

Long Dreads

Dreads are perfect for black men who are looking to keep the long style, but still look good in the process. 

Longer hair is usually better as it makes you look more youthful.

looking for different dread styles?

here’s 13 dreadlock styles for black men you can try.

Full Afro

Just like the Afro, it’s great for guys who are willing to maintain, and take care of it. 

If your forehead is big, afros can hide it too. 

Want to try other styles with a larger forehead, here are some other hairstyles you can try.

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High Taper with Sponged Curls

Like the low taper, the high taper won’t last long. Usually less than a week.

Tons of trips to the barber can get expensive with how much barbers are charging now.

Keep this in mind. 

If you want to curl it up after the cut, here’s a simple method to get defined curls as a Black man.

It works even with short hair (and long hair too).

Curly High Fade

Similar to the high taper, except it goes all around.

Afro with Temp Fade

Just like the afro, it’s still high maintenance but still looks great if you’re older.

Cornrows with Low Taper

Once they’re in, they don’t take much work. Just use the oil + hair dryer method and you’re set.

But if you want to keep the look fresh, plan on re-doing the style every two weeks.

have longer hair as an older black man, and want to experiment with different styles?

check this long hairstyle ideas guide for black men.

FAQ for Older Black Men’s Haircuts

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Q1: What’s the best low-maintenance haircut for Black men over 40?

The buzz cut or bald look with a beard is the easiest to maintain.

Both keep you looking clean and confident without needing constant trips to the barber.

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Q2: Can older Black men still pull off long hairstyles like dreads or afros?

Yes. Dreads and afros can look great if you’re willing to maintain them.

They often make you look more youthful, but they take more effort than a buzz cut or fade.

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Q3: How often should I get a haircut to keep it looking fresh?

It depends on the style. A taper or fade can require cuts every week, while buzz cuts or bald styles are easier to maintain at home.

Braids or cornrows usually need to be redone every two weeks.

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Q4:  What if my hairline is receding?

 If you’re dealing with a receding hairline, avoid styles that pull too much (like tight braids).

You can either lean into simpler cuts like the buzz or bald look, or check out my guide on how to slow down hair loss for Black men.