What Hairstyles Make You Look Like a “Cool Older Guy”? A Comprehensive Guide to Mature Hairstyles That Suit Men in Their 40s and 50s

What Is an “Ike-Oji”? The Essentials of a Cool Adult Hairstyle

The term “ike-oji” has spread rapidly over the past few years, but based on my observations of many men in real life, I feel that whether someone comes across as an “ike-oji” depends almost entirely on their hairstyle and how well-groomed they are—more so than their facial features.

In other words, simply changing your hairstyle can drastically alter your overall impression.

However, if you choose a hairstyle with the same mindset you had when you were younger, it’s not uncommon to end up looking like you’re trying too hard to look young—or, conversely, to look much older all at once.

There are certain common traits among hairstyles that make mature men look stylish.

Here, I’ll break down and explain the criteria for hairstyles that make a man look like an “Ike-Oji,” as well as why so many people make mistakes when choosing their hairstyles.

Three Qualities That Make a Man Look Cool (Cleanliness, Sex Appeal, and Youthfulness)

Having observed many men on the job, I’ve noticed that those who come across as “cool older guys” share certain common traits.

Those traits are a neat appearance, sex appeal, and a youthful vibe—these three things.

First, regarding a neat appearance: this isn’t simply a matter of keeping your hair short.

Whether the hair around your ears and the nape of your neck is well-groomed, whether you go out with bedhead, and whether your hair is styled—it’s the accumulation of these small details that makes a huge difference in the impression you give.

Next is sex appeal, which is greatly influenced by whether there’s a bit of movement in the hair.

A 7:3 part, swept-up bangs, or a loose perm—incorporating these elements instantly creates a mature vibe.

Finally, there’s youthfulness—but the youthfulness I’m referring to here is different from trying to look young.

A hairstyle with volume on top and sides that aren’t too puffy makes you look younger than your age.

Conversely, a hairstyle where the top is flat and the sides spread out makes you look much older.

Finding the right balance among these three elements is crucial for a mature hairstyle.

The Difference Between This Hairstyle and One That Makes You Look Younger

What’s the difference between a “cool older guy” and someone trying too hard to look young?

I get asked this question a lot at work, and to put it simply, it comes down to whether or not you’re trying too hard.

For example, a mullet that’s too heavy, a style with too much texture, flashy hair color, or a two-block cut that’s too high.

While these might work as trends for the younger generation, they often look out of place when men in their 40s and older adopt them as-is.

This is because their facial features, body type, and hair texture have changed since their 20s.

For mature men, it’s best to keep the base of the hairstyle understated and incorporate just a touch of trendiness.

For example, keep the sides trimmed short but not too short, avoid overly strong perms, and use styling products just enough to add a bit of shine.

By taking a “less is more” approach like this, you’ll move away from trying to look young and toward an air of mature confidence.

Why Men in Their 40s and 50s Make Mistakes with Their Hairstyles

So why do so many men end up with bad haircuts?

The reason is very simple: they keep getting the same haircut they’ve always had.

As you get older, your hair texture inevitably changes.

Your hair gets thinner, loses volume, and you get more gray hair; even the contours of your face change.

Despite this, many people still ask for the same haircut at the salon that they did when they were younger.

The result? They end up with a haircut that doesn’t suit them.

In fact, stylish mature men, without exception, keep updating their hairstyles.

Whether they cut it short, get a perm, or change their part—they’re always making some kind of change.

A hairstyle isn’t something you set and forget; it’s something you adjust to suit your age and hair texture.

Whether or not you have this mindset makes a huge difference in the impression you give.

Short Two-Block Haircut

The short two-block cut is one of the safest styles among those suited for stylish older men.

By keeping the sides and back neat and leaving length on top, this hairstyle makes it easy to strike a balance between a clean, neat look and a youthful vibe.

As you get older, the volume on top inevitably decreases.

However, since the two-block cut reduces volume on the sides, it creates the effect of making the top look fuller in comparison.

Plus, styling it isn’t all that difficult.

Simply lift the top with a hair dryer and lightly work in some wax to set the shape.

Since this hairstyle works for both business and casual settings, it’s a practical choice for anyone unsure of which style to go with.

In fact, I get the impression that many people in public-facing roles—such as salespeople and business executives—opt for this look.

Short, Faded Haircut

A short crop is the hairstyle that best conveys a clean, neat appearance.

Especially for men in their 40s and older, the most important aspects of a hairstyle are a clean, neat look and the impression that it’s well-maintained.

Since a short crop keeps the area around the ears and the nape of the neck neat and tidy, it naturally gives the impression of being well-groomed.

It’s also relatively easy to style in the morning.

While short hair is often seen as low-maintenance, if it’s simply cut short, it can end up looking like a crew cut and give off a slightly unrefined impression.

For a mature short crop, it’s important to leave a little length on top and use styling to create movement.

Simply using gel or pomade to create a subtle sweep is enough to project a calm, professional aura.

This hairstyle is particularly well-suited for people who don’t want to spend time styling their hair or who work in jobs that require wearing a suit.

Side part

The 7:3 part is a classic hairstyle that easily brings out a mature man’s sex appeal.

While it can look a bit too serious on younger men, it instantly gives men in their 40s and older a sophisticated, mature vibe.

The key to this hairstyle is not to part your hair too neatly.

By creating a part while letting your hair fall slightly tousled, you avoid looking too stiff.

When it comes to styling products, gel or pomade works better than wax.

Adding shine gives off a clean, attractive look.

This hairstyle is ideal for salespeople, managers, and executives—anyone who wants to project a composed image.

It pairs exceptionally well with a suit and is highly recommended for business settings.

Up-swept bangs

An “up-bangs” style is one where the bangs are swept up.

Exposing the forehead gives a clean, neat appearance and makes your facial expressions look brighter.

For adult men, sweeping the bangs up tends to create a cleaner, neater look than leaving them down.

Especially for those in sales or customer service—jobs that involve meeting people—sweeping the bangs up creates a better impression.

Additionally, sweeping the bangs up adds volume to the top of the head, making this style suitable for men whose hair is thinning.

Styling isn’t too difficult—simply use a hair dryer to lift the bangs and then apply some wax to set the shape.

This hairstyle is best suited for men who want to project an air of professionalism and maturity rather than trying to look younger.

Soft Mohawk

The soft mohawk is a hairstyle where the top is styled slightly higher and the sides are kept short.

The biggest advantage of this hairstyle is that it’s easy to add volume to the top.

As men age, the volume on top tends to decrease, and their hair often starts to spread out to the sides.

When hair spreads out to the sides, it inevitably makes a man look older.

Since the soft mohawk adds height on top while keeping the sides tucked in, it’s a great fit for older men.

It’s especially well-suited for men whose hair has become thinner or who find it harder to add volume.

Styling is also straightforward—simply blow-dry the top to lift it up and apply some wax to set the shape.

This hairstyle is recommended for anyone who wants to project a clean, masculine look.

Center Part

A center part is a hairstyle that easily conveys a sense of maturity and calmness.

While many people associate it with younger generations, it’s actually a style that can exude a certain allure when worn by mature men.

The key is not to keep the hair too long and not to make the part too sharp.

If the hair is too long, it can look unkempt, and if the part is too sharp, it can give an outdated impression.

A light part with hair flowing naturally is the perfect balance.

When styling, use oil or a light wax to add definition and shine for a mature look.

This hairstyle is well-suited for people with long faces or those who want to project a calm, composed vibe.

It pairs better with jackets and casual outfits than with suits.

Medium Perm

A medium perm is a style where you keep your hair slightly longer and apply a loose perm.

The best things about this hairstyle are that it’s easy to style and helps you exude a mature, alluring charm.

People with straight hair tend to have hair that lies flat.

As you get older, your hair tends to lose volume, making the top look flat.

That’s why a loose perm naturally adds volume and movement.

In the morning, simply dampen your hair slightly and work in some wax to shape it—making this style ideal for those who don’t want to spend a lot of time styling.

It’s important to opt for a perm that creates just enough natural movement, rather than a strong one.

A perm of this intensity avoids looking overdone and gives you a relaxed, mature vibe.

Slicked-back hair

The slicked-back hairstyle is a great way to exude mature masculinity and sex appeal.

Since it clearly shows your face, it gives off a clean, neat appearance and conveys an air of confidence.

However, if styled incorrectly, this hairstyle can make you look a bit old-fashioned or even intimidating.

The key is not to style it too stiffly.

Use gel or pomade to sweep your hair back, but leaving it slightly tousled gives it a modern feel.

Leaving a little volume on top helps create a good balance.

This hairstyle is particularly well-suited for people who wear suits for work, such as business executives, or anyone who frequently appears in public.

It’s a hairstyle that creates an aura only mature men can pull off.

Very Short

A very short haircut is a style that makes it easy to look neat and clean.

It’s ideal for people who don’t have much time to spend on their hair or who prefer simple styles.

If you don’t take care of short hair, it can end up looking like a simple buzz cut, but leaving a little length on top and styling it can instantly transform it into a sophisticated short hairstyle.

Also, since short hair clearly highlights your facial contours, your physique and posture become important factors.

If you go for a short hairstyle, it’s important to make sure your overall look—including your clothing and physique—is well-put-together.

This hairstyle is particularly flattering for people who work out or play sports.

It’s simple, yet it’s a style that easily conveys a clean, neat look and masculinity.

Two-Block Cut × Perm

A two-block cut with a loose perm is a hairstyle that easily conveys both a clean, neat look and a touch of sex appeal.

The sides are kept neat, giving a clean, neat look, while the perm adds movement to the top, creating a touch of sex appeal.

It’s particularly well-suited for people with straight hair who struggle to style it, or those who have trouble adding volume to the top.

Getting a perm also makes your morning styling routine much easier.

It’s important to consult thoroughly with your stylist at the salon before getting this haircut.

Since the balance between the strength of the perm and the length of your hair can drastically change your overall look, you’ll need to have it adjusted to suit your hair type.

When worn by mature men, it creates an atmosphere that’s both neat and slightly alluring, making it a very well-balanced hairstyle.

How to Style Your Hair to Look Like a Cool Older Guy

When it comes to hairstyles, many people focus solely on what style to choose. But in reality, daily styling is even more important than the hairstyle itself. Even if your hair looks great right after a haircut at the salon, it’s pointless if you can’t style it yourself.

From what I’ve seen in the field, even with the same hairstyle, the impression is completely different between someone who styles their hair and someone who doesn’t. For adult men, an overly elaborate style isn’t necessary, but looking like you haven’t done anything to your hair can make you look much older.

You don’t need any difficult techniques—just learning basic drying methods and how to use styling products can make a significant difference in your appearance. Here, I’ll explain some basic styling methods that anyone can do.

How to Apply Wax

The way you apply wax can drastically change your look.

Many people tend to apply wax to their bangs or the top of their hair first, but this is a common mistake.

The basic rule is to start from the back.

Apply it to the back, then the sides, and finally the bangs—following this order creates a well-balanced look.

If you apply it to your bangs first, they’ll end up looking flat and heavy, resulting in an unnatural hairstyle.

The key is to work the wax thoroughly into the palms of your hands first, then work it into your hair starting from the inside.

For mature men, there’s no need to create too much texture.

Just enough to add a little movement is sufficient.

Also, using wax or grease that adds shine helps create a clean, neat look.

Styling products that provide a slight sheen are better suited for mature hairstyles than matte-finish waxes.

How to Use a Hair Dryer

Many people think a hair dryer is just for drying hair, but it’s actually a tool for styling.

Whether your hairstyle turns out well depends almost entirely on how you use the hair dryer.

The key is to dry your hair in a way that lifts the top.

If you direct the airflow at the roots and dry your hair while lifting it upward, you’ll naturally create volume.

Conversely, if you direct the airflow from above, the top will flatten out.

When the top flattens, it can make you look older.

To keep the sides flat, dry them by directing the airflow from above.

Lift the top and keep the sides flat—just by drying your hair this way, your hairstyle will take shape quite nicely.

How to Style Hair with or without a Perm

The styling method varies slightly depending on whether you have a perm or not.

If you have a perm, styling is relatively easy because the shape is already there.

Simply dampen your hair slightly and work some wax into it to set the style.

If you have a perm, you don’t need to spend much time styling your hair.

On the other hand, if you don’t have a perm, the process of shaping your hair with a hair dryer is crucial.

It’s important to follow this order: use the hair dryer to lift the top and create movement, then apply the wax.

If you try to style your hair using only wax without a hair dryer, the style will inevitably fall apart easily.

The more you struggle with styling, the more important it is to use a hair dryer properly.

How to Recreate That “Just-Back-from-the-Salon” Look

You look great right after leaving the salon, but when you try to do it yourself, it never turns out the same.

I think this is something a lot of people experience.

The surest way is to ask your stylist how to style your hair.

Ask specific questions—like which direction they blow-dry your hair, what styling products they use, and how much wax they apply—and it’ll be easier for you to recreate the look on your own.

If possible, ask if you can record a video with your smartphone—that makes it much easier to understand.

Once you’ve learned the technique, you’ll be able to style your hair every morning without spending too much time on it.

While your hairstyle is created at the salon, styling it yourself is your job.

If you cut corners here, it defeats the whole purpose of getting a great haircut in the first place.

How to Place an Order at a Hair Salon

For many people who end up with a bad haircut, the problem lies not so much in the haircut itself as in how they give their instructions at the salon. If you make vague requests like “Just make it a little shorter” or “Give me a clean, neat look,” the stylist won’t be able to visualize what you want, and the result is likely to differ from what you imagined. On the other hand, people who know how to give specific instructions rarely end up with a major disaster. For adult men, there’s no need for an eccentric hairstyle; it’s important to choose a style that looks neat and presentable and is appropriate for the workplace. Here, we’ll explain specific ways to give instructions at the salon to minimize the risk of a bad haircut.

How to Place an Order Without Making a Mistake

When giving instructions at a hair salon, it’s more important to describe the shape you want rather than the length.

Many people ask the stylist to cut a specific number of centimeters off, but it’s more important to explain the silhouette you’re aiming for.

For example, if you say, “I want the sides and back to be neat and short, but I want to keep the top long enough to create movement,” specifying each section like this makes it easier for the stylist to visualize the look.

For adult men, simply communicating two points—that you don’t want the sides to look puffy and that you want volume on top—can make a significant difference in the final result.

Another approach is to simply say you want a hairstyle that’s appropriate for a business setting.

Hairstylists will adjust the style to suit your profession and age.

Instead of vaguely asking for a “short” cut, be specific—saying “I want the sides neat and short, but keep some length on top”—will help minimize the risk of a disappointing result.

Examples of Haircuts That Aren’t Too Short or Too Youthful

I think the main concerns for adult men are whether the haircut is too short and might look intimidating, or whether it makes them look like they’re trying too hard to look young.

In this case, the height of the fade and the length of the top are key.

If you ask for a natural fade that isn’t too high and request that the top be left long enough to style, you’re more likely to end up with a mature-looking hairstyle.

Conversely, if the fade is too high or the top is cut too short, the hairstyle tends to give a slightly youthful impression.

As for the bangs, specifying whether you want them all down, swept up, or swept to the side will change the final look.

If you tell your stylist that you want to keep your bangs long enough to sweep them up, it gives you more styling options.

As you can see, simply communicating these three points—the height of the fade, the length of the top, and how you want your bangs styled—will help you get a haircut that closely matches the look you have in mind.

Examples of Business Orders

I think many people can’t have very flashy hairstyles because of their jobs.

In that case, the clearest way to get your point across is to tell your stylist you want a clean, professional look that’s appropriate for a business setting.

For example, if you say something like, “I’d like the sides and back kept neat, but leave the top long enough to comb back,” the stylist will give you a business-appropriate hairstyle.

Styles like a 7:3 part, swept-back bangs, or a short two-block cut are perfectly acceptable in a business setting and give a mature impression.

If you tell your stylist that you often wear a suit, work in sales, or have a job that involves appearing in public, they’ll adjust your hairstyle accordingly.

Since your hairstyle affects not only your appearance but also the impression you make at work, it’s important to choose a style that suits your profession.

Examples of Perm Requests

Many people are interested in getting a perm but aren’t sure how to ask for one.

For adult men, a loose perm that adds just a bit of movement tends to look better than a strong one.

When placing your order, let your stylist know if you want to add volume, make styling easier, or add movement—whichever applies—and they’ll adjust the strength of the perm accordingly.

A perm that’s too strong can make you look a bit younger, so asking for just enough movement to look natural is the safest bet.

Another option is to get a perm just on the top of your head.

By keeping the sides and back neat and adding movement only to the top, you can easily strike a balance between a clean, neat look and a touch of sex appeal.

Once you get a perm, styling becomes much easier, so it’s a great option for anyone looking to save time in the morning.

Points to Consider When Styling Your Hair

We’ve been discussing hairstyles so far, but in reality, simply styling your hair doesn’t necessarily make you look like a “cool older guy.” From observing many men in real life, I’ve noticed that stylish, mature men pay attention to their overall appearance—including not just their hairstyle, but also the area around their face, their clothing, and their physique. Conversely, if you focus only on your hairstyle while neglecting other aspects, you’ll end up looking somewhat mismatched. For mature men, it’s important to create your look through overall balance rather than relying solely on your hairstyle to set the tone, as you might have done when you were younger. Here, I’ll explain the key points you should address in addition to your hairstyle.

Beard

A well-groomed beard can exude a mature, sexy charm, but if it’s unkempt, it just looks like stubble.

This difference is quite significant.

If you’re growing a beard, there are two key things to focus on: managing the length and shaping the contours.

Leaving the hair on your cheeks and neck unkempt makes you look unkempt.

While beards suit some people better than others, there’s also the idea of making them work for you.

For example, pairing a slightly tousled, permed hairstyle with a well-groomed beard can create a mature look.

Conversely, short hair paired with a scruffy beard can give off a slightly sloppy impression.

If you’re growing a beard, it’s essential to keep it well-groomed.

Eyebrows

Your eyebrows can change your appearance just as much as your hairstyle.

However, surprisingly few people groom them themselves.

If your eyebrows are left unkempt, it can make you look unkempt.

Conversely, just a little grooming can significantly change the impression your face gives.

You don’t need to make them all thin; simply trimming the longer hairs and shaping them is enough.

These days, there are salons that specialize in eyebrow grooming, so having a professional do it for you is another option.

Just like with your hairstyle, keeping your eyebrows groomed makes your entire face look more defined.

Attire

Even if your hair is styled perfectly, you won’t look like a stylish older guy if your clothes don’t match.

For mature men, simply wearing simple, well-fitting clothes can significantly improve your appearance.

You don’t need to wear expensive clothes, but the fit is very important.

Clothes that are too big or too small will automatically give off a sloppy impression.

People who wear jackets, shirts, and simple pants well automatically look more mature.

Thinking of your hairstyle and outfit as a set will improve your overall impression.

Glasses

For people who wear glasses, the frames can change their overall impression.

Thick black-rimmed glasses give a slightly casual impression, while thin-framed glasses give a more mature look.

Since glasses sit right in the center of your face, they have a surprisingly big impact on your overall appearance.

If you take the opportunity to try a new hairstyle to also reevaluate your glasses, it can change your overall look.

Body Type

Finally, there’s body type.

This may not seem directly related to hairstyle, but it actually has a significant impact.

Even with the same hairstyle, the impression you give can change drastically just based on your body type.

In particular, if you have a protruding belly, you’ll inevitably tend to look older than you actually are.

Conversely, people who are in decent shape tend to look great with short hair or a buzz cut.

You don’t need to change everything all at once, but if you pay a little attention to your clothing and body type when you change your hairstyle, your overall impression will change significantly.

A stylish older guy’s impression is determined by his hairstyle

So far, I’ve explained the hairstyles that make a man look like a “cool older guy.” From observing many men in the field, I’ve come to realize that a person’s appearance is influenced far more by their hairstyle and how well-groomed they are than by their natural facial features.

In other words, simply styling your hair can drastically change your overall impression. This is especially true for men in their 40s and older—if you keep wearing the same hairstyle you had years ago, you might end up looking older than you are without even realizing it. It’s crucial for mature men to be mindful of switching to hairstyles that suit them as they get older.

The key elements of a mature hairstyle are a neat, clean look, a youthful vibe, and a touch of sex appeal. You don’t need to go for a flashy style, but letting your hair go unkempt is the biggest waste.

Keep the sides and back neat, add volume on top, and either sweep your bangs up or to the side. Just keeping these basics in mind will change your overall impression. How you give instructions at the salon and your daily styling routine are also important.

While your hairstyle is created at the salon, styling is something you do yourself. Whether or not you can make this a habit will change how you’re perceived, so please give it a try.