Top Groom Haircut Trends for 2026 (What’s Actually In Style Right Now)
Let’s be honest — most “groom haircut trend” articles online are written by people who don’t actually cut hair… and definitely don’t see what works on real wedding days.
In 2026, men’s hairstyles are trending toward natural texture, clean fades, and styles that transition seamlessly from casual to formal — perfect for weddings.
At Doorbell Barbers, we’ve groomed hundreds of grooms and groomsmen across New England, NYC, NJ, DC, and beyond — and we can tell you exactly what’s trending for 2026:
Haircuts that look sharp in person…and flawless in photos.
The 2026 Groom Haircut Guide — Classic, Trendy & Photo-Ready Styles Every Groom Should Know
2026 is the year hair texture, effortless looks, and versatile cuts take center stage. Whether you want timeless elegance or modern flair, these groom-approved hairstyles are dominating wedding photos this year.
1. The Modern Classic Taper (The #1 Groom Haircut)
Modern Classic Taper 2026 Groom Style
If you want the safest “always looks expensive” haircut, this is it.
The Modern Classic Taper keeps the sides clean without going too tight, while the top stays styled but natural. It photographs beautifully, works with almost every suit style, and doesn’t scream “barbershop fade.”
Best for: every groom
Pairs well with: stubble or a short boxed beard
Wedding vibe: luxury + timeless
2. The Low Fade with Natural Texture
Low Fade + Natural Texture Doorbell Barbers
Low fades are still dominating 2026 — but the trend is shifting away from overly harsh fades.
This look keeps the fade low and clean, while the top stays textured and slightly messy in a controlled way. Think: effortless, masculine, and modern.
Best for: grooms who want a clean but youthful look
Pairs well with: light beard or sharp beard line
Wedding vibe: modern + confident
3. The Soft Side Part (Old Money Groom Energy)
Soft Side Part
Old Money Groom Energy
This is the “I’m getting married at a private estate” haircut.
The Soft Side Part is clean and structured, but not stiff. It’s less Wall Street, more luxury countryside. This style is especially popular for black tie weddings and venues like Newport, Bedford, and coastal New England.
Best for: thick hair, straight to wavy hair
Pairs well with: clean shave or light stubble
Wedding vibe: classic + high-end
4. The Mid Taper Fade (Clean Without Looking Overdone)
Mid Taper Fade Doorbell Barbers
The mid taper fade is the perfect balance between classic and modern.
Not as conservative as a full taper. Not as aggressive as a skin fade. Just clean, polished, and sharp.
This is one of the most requested styles by groomsmen in 2026.
Best for: most face shapes
Pairs well with: any beard style
Wedding vibe: sleek + masculine
5. The Coastal Flow (Effortless Luxury Groom Vibe)
Soft layers, natural and flow — 2026 Haircut of the Year
This haircut is everywhere in 2026 — and for good reason.
The Coastal Flow is that medium-length, pushed-back style that looks like you casually stepped out of a GQ shoot… without looking like you tried. Hair is swept off the face (or tucked behind the ears), cut in soft layers, and designed to move naturally. Austin Butler, Timothée Chalamet, Harry Styles, Jared Leto, Jacob Elordi all wore this style in 2026.
It’s relaxed. It’s stylish. And it gives off major:
“Yeah, we’re getting married at a vineyard. No big deal.”
This is the perfect haircut for destination weddings, outdoor venues, and grooms who want something modern without looking overly “done.”
How to Style It
Apply a lightweight leave-in conditioner
Air dry whenever possible
Use a diffuser if you want bigger, surfer-style waves
Finish with a soft cream or light matte paste (nothing shiny)
Best for: longer face shapes
Avoid if: you have a shorter face (it can make your face look wider)
Hair type: straight or wavy only (curly hair is a hard no)
Wedding vibe: effortless + elevated
6. The Short Quiff (The Photographer Favorite)
Modern Quiff 2026
The quiff isn’t going anywhere — but in 2026 it’s shorter, cleaner, and less dramatic. This style adds shape and height without looking like you’re trying too hard. It’s one of the best haircuts for grooms who want to look “strong” in photos.
Best for: rounder face shapes (adds height)
Pairs well with: stubble or clean shave
Wedding vibe: confident + refined create this
7. The Clean Bald Fade + Sharp Beard (Luxury Power Groom Look)
Confident groom in classic tuxedo with Hot Towel Head Shave from Doorbell Barbers, 2026
Let’s be clear — bald is not a “lack of haircut.”
In 2026, the clean-shaven head with a sharp beard is one of the most high-impact groom looks out there. It’s bold, masculine, and photographs incredibly well in black tie settings.
When done correctly, this style looks intentional, polished, and expensive.
The key is a clean scalp shave paired with a crisp beard line-up and balanced fade at the temples (if applicable). This is the groom look that says:
“I didn’t lose my hair… I upgraded my whole face.”
Best for: every face shape (especially strong jawlines)
Pairs well with: full beard, short boxed beard, or heavy stubble
Wedding vibe: powerful + refined
8. The Buzz Fade (Minimalist Groom, Maximum Impact)
Modern Buzz with Fade for the 2026 Groom
Buzz cuts are trending in 2026 — but not the sloppy “I did this myself” version.
A professional buzz fade has clean blending, sharp edges, and a masculine simplicity that looks incredible with tuxedos.
This haircut is especially popular for grooms who want a powerful, no-nonsense look.
Best for: strong head shape, thick hair
Pairs well with: sharp beard or clean shave
Wedding vibe: modern + masculine
9. The High Fade (For the Bold, Clean-Cut Groom)
High Fade with Classic Side Part
High fades are still in — but they’re not for everyone.
If you want a strong jawline, sharp silhouette, and “fresh fresh” look, this haircut delivers. It’s bold and clean, especially for summer weddings.
Best for: athletic build, sharper facial structure
Pairs well with: clean shave or sharp beard edge
Wedding vibe: bold + modern
10. The Modern Wolf Cut (The Editorial Mullet)
Let’s get something straight:
The mullet is back… but in 2026, it’s not the redneck “business in the front, party in the back” look people joke about.
The modern version is called the Wolf Cut — a layered, textured haircut with volume on top and a longer neckline that creates movement and shape.
It’s edgy, stylish, and surprisingly high-end when it’s done correctly. It gives off major editorial energy and works incredibly well for grooms who want a look that feels personal, bold, and fashion-forward.
Think: “I’m getting married in Tuscany.”
Not: “I’m racing dirt bikes.”
Best for: longer or oval face shapes
Avoid if: you want a super traditional country club look
Hair type: thick straight or wavy hair
Pairs well with: stubble or clean shave
Wedding vibe: modern + cool + fashion-forward
How to Style It
Use sea salt spray for texture
Blow dry with fingers (not a brush)
Finish with matte cream or texture powder
Keep the neckline clean (this is what makes it wedding-ready)
Groom Haircut Tip for 2026: Timing Matters More Than Style
Here’s the truth:
Even the best haircut looks wrong if you get it at the wrong time.
Doorbell Barbers recommendation:
Haircut 5–7 days before the wedding
Beard shaping 2–4 days before
Touch-up + styling on wedding morning (the luxury move)