Do you fancy a pompadour haircut? It can add a royal touch to your look. With such a haircut, it’s much easier than it seems. Being named after a mistress of King Louis XV, it was formerly worn by women. However, another King, the King of Rock’n’Roll Elvis Presley, was the one who popularized it among men and made it the most stylish haircut ever since. Are you ready to bring out your inner King?
What Is A Pompadour Haircut?
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To get such rockabilly hair, it should be cut short on the sides and back while left long on top. Unlike the undercut fade, the pompadour men hairstyle has a gradual length decrease from the front to the back of the head. This “pomp” effect made it one of the most popular 50s hairstyles.
How To Get A Pompadour Hairstyle?
Today’s pompadour has nothing to do with the greasy hair it used to be in the past. Nowadays, it’s much looser and more textured.
However, if you don’t know how to cut men’s hair, leave it to a professional. Your barber or hairstylist should definitely know that to get true Elvis hair, he/she will need to taper fade your hair on the sides and back, living it long on top. Then he/she will create this gradual transition from the front to the back of the head. To avoid unexpected results, think through every detail of your desired short haircuts for men and be sure that your hair at the top is at least three inches long.
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How To Style A Pompadour Hairstyle?
Now that you have the haircut of your dreams, you might wonder how to style a pompadour, as visiting a barbershop or hair salon every day is hardly ever an option. These six easy steps will help you to get the most out of your look!
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- Wash your hair and blot it dry with a towel. It will prepare your hair for future manipulations.
- Get a bit of wax, putty, or pomade, warm it by rubbing it between your hands and running your fingers through the hair. Ensure that the hair styling product is evenly distributed all over your pomp.
- Gently blow drying, comb your top hair up and back. Thus, the pomp will start to curve and you’ll be able to get the volume and form you want.
- To get the maximum hair volume and styling product hold, brush up the roots with a comb, shaping your pomp the way you like.
- Based on your hair length, you have multiple options on how to shape the pomp. If your pompadour is a long on top short on sides type, you can push the back of it up, while smoothing the front. Or you can pay more attention to the back if your pompadour is short. Another option to consider is a low fade comb-over with or without a part. Use a comb to divide your hair for parting and brush it to the side that flatters you best.
- Finally, fix the outcome with a blow dryer.
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The Best Ideas For A Pompadour Hairstyle
The modern pompadour has many different variations and is totally adaptable to various settings, styles, tastes and hair types. Taking into account all these conditions, choose the most appropriate pompadour haircut for yourself.
Classic Pompadour Haircut
A classic pompadour haircut, as the name implies, is the most similar to the genuine version. Unlike the ducktail haircut, it does not have a central parting that runs down the back of the head. It’s also not as tapered as the low fade pompadour is. However, its most distinguishing feature is a shiny, polished, sometimes even oily finish that can be achieved with a hint of hair grease.
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Modern Pompadour Hairstyle
Contrary to the classic version, the modern pompadour is much messier and more outlined, yet very elegant and refined. Being a men’s fade haircut, it requires having exceptionally lengthy and voluminous pomp. This effortless hairstyle look, involving a minimum of hair styling products, pays tribute to the minimalist approach of the present, thus winning the title of one of the best men’s short haircuts 2024.
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Styled Pomp
Are you keeping up with the latest grooming trends? Then you’re bound to try this bold take on pompadour hairstyles. The pomp is styled so that it forms trenches at the front section, which looks really eye-catching medium-length hairstyles for men. Although you may not need any special tools for this trendy hairstyle, as your fingers will basically do the whole job, you may want to stock up on a hair styling product with a stronghold.
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Elvis Haircut
You can never go wrong with the classic pompadour hairstyle, the one that the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll used to wear as his signature. The Elvis pompadour is very full and voluminous. So, you need to make sure your hair texture allows for such an ample look.
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Short Pompadour Fade
For a pompadour short hair is not an obstacle. You will still be able to pull off the look. Moreover, it will be easier to maintain and more practical than the original version. To complement a short pompadour fade haircut is a perfect option. For a really high contrast look, consider a bald high fade pomp. Need something rather moderate? A low shadow fade pompadour is your sure bet
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Short Hair Pompadour Brushed Up
There are plenty of ways to style a pompadour. When you have short hair, you may not be able to achieve enough volume on top. For this reason, try to brush up your hair in the front and secure it in the upright position with the help of a strong hold hairspray.
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Tapered Curly Pompadour Haircut
If your hair is not straight naturally, it does not mean that you cannot wear a pomp. You do not even have to straighten your locks for it. A curly hair pompadour looks as bold and striking as its counterpart. For extra emphasis, get the sides and the back tapered.
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High Fade Pompadour Flat Top
A pompadour haircut fade is one of the most popular ways to sport modern pomp. Though, in case you want to give it an unusual twist, adjust the pomp so it is flat on top and enhance it with a high fade. To take it to another level of boldness, a flat undercut pompadour fade is your way to go.
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Undercut Pompadour Hairstyle
This contrasting and daring haircut, leading the lists of the most popular hairstyles for men, will make you really pop. Due to its buzzed sides, the pomp looks exclusively dramatic. The undercut pompadour hairstyle will define your edgy and sharp personality in the best way.
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Short Pompadour Haircut
Are you really into subtle and neat styles although still eager to be on-trend? The short pompadour haircut successfully enlivens the boring commonness of the men’s short hairstyles. However, note that you will need to apply a large amount of hair styling products to set the moderate pomp properly.
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Parted Pomp
Accentuate your haircut with a sharp edge – add a parting to your pomp. It will bring some dimension to the tapered hair look and make it really pop. You can style your pomp high or just comb it to the side. If you’ve always wanted to try on the hipster haircut, it’s time to give it a shot.
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Textured Top
The textured top pompadour looks extremely saucy with short sides long top combination. What’s unique about this hairstyle is that it goes classy with any hair type, whether it’s straight, wavy or curly. To avoid looking scruffy, balance the look with the high skin fade.
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Pompadour Fade
A pompadour fade is an incredibly versatile hairstyle. It gives you a number of fade types to choose from. Depending on the side hair length, you can opt for a high, mid, low or skin fade.
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Mohawk Pompadour
Not every man would dare to wear a Mohawk haircut pompadour fade. It requires careful attention to detail and a high precision of lines. It can be really challenging to keep the look on top because this pompadour styling requires a lot of dedication and hair products. However, if you do manage to keep it up, it completely pays off.
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Curly Pompadour
It may seem unbelievable at first, but pompadour is a very versatile hairstyle. Although a classic pompadour hair texture is supposed to be straight, there is an option for basically anybody. If naturally, you have curly locks, try on a curly pompadour to give your hair an elegant yet stylish touch.
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Straight Pomp
This straight pomp is a go-to option for guys who are not afraid to look bold and edgy. Although it is much easier to create on initially straight locks, curly and wavy hair guys can achieve this sharp look too. Just employ a round brush and a blow dryer and you are guaranteed a classy and chic hairstyle.
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Full Volume
If you want to bring your pomp to a new level of ampleness, go for an extra volume on top. While men with thin tresses may find it difficult to pull off, thick hair gents will benefit from it greatly. All you need to do is to build a plentiful volume using a hairdryer and a styling product.
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Low Fade Pompadour Haircut
Without a doubt, a pomp is a trendy and eye-catching hairstyle. Yet, as it features a large volume of hair, it may seem a little too much. Not so fast with giving up on it though. So that your pomp does not look so intense, you can complement it with a low fade. Not only does it make your hairstyle appear softer by removing a fair share of hair from the sides and back, but it also does not look overly contrasty or sharp.
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Messy Pomp
Here’s another way to style your pompadore so that it wouldn’t look too preppy. Tousle the hair on top with a sparse amount of hair styling product with a matte finish to add a bit of movement and texture to it. It’s better to flaunt your messy pompadour with a pair of stylish shades and a nicely trimmed beard to complete the look.
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High Volume
When it comes to the volume of the men’s pompadour haircut, only your personal taste is the limit. You can go with the hair atop as ample as you wish, but think carefully what you’re going to balance it with. Voluminous pompadours come out flattering with all kinds of fades and tapers.
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Slicked Back With Side Part
Pompadour haircuts can be as creative as you allow them to be. Adorn your pomp with a licked back and elaborate side part. For more contrast and definition, swipe the hair on top to the opposite side.
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Undercut With Short Pompadour
If you’re not much into hair designs nor do you gravitate to long hairstyles, you may still create a contrasty and edgy look with a short pompadour undercut. Get the sides faded or tapered for a clean cut and stylish appearance. To transform your hairstyle into a Japanese pompadour, pair it with subtle sideburns and a narrow strip of facial hair on the chin.
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Contoured Pomp
A pompadour is already quite a sharp hairstyle, but you can add even more edginess to it by creating a defined contour with a line-up along the forehead, temples and cheekbones. The high taper fade on the sides and back is a rad addition to the look.
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Mountain Inspired
What are the best sources to draw your inspiration? Celebrities and trendsetters are a nice option, but they also get it from somewhere. Your surrounding will give you an abundance of original ideas, such as this mountain-like pompadour man with an exquisite sense of style would only dare to rock.
Source: @meha_barber via Instagram
Disconnected Pompadour
A pompadour can be adjusted to follow the most popular tonsorial fashion trends, such as short on sides long on top hairstyles. To achieve it, get the hair on top disconnected from the sides and lift it up. This distinguished ‘do will sit perfectly on any men no matter his hair type or personal style.
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Gentlemen’s Pomp
You don’t always have to bring changes into a classic pompadour. This timeless hairstyle looks beyond praise when flaunted in its original form. It’s a gold standard of real gents who want to add a touch of retro and a dose of elegance to their look.
Source: @rpb_nq via Instagram
Silver Pomp + Fade + Part
No matter whether it is ageing or you simply follow the latest fashion trends on silver-gray hair, but a pompadour in this color looks exceptionally bold. If that does not seem enough for you, you can always add more sharpness to it by pairing with any kind of fade and enhancing with a hard part.
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Wavy Pompadour
There are no restrictions on a hair structure when it comes to a pompadour hairstyle. Even if you have wavy locks, you can still pull it off. Instead, in this way, it gains an intricate twist, especially when defined with a side part. No matter whether you will choose to style it slicked or messy, it will come out looking attractive and fashionable anyway.
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Messy Auburn Pomp
Auburn’s hair color looks eye-catching and unusual itself. So, you can just enhance its uniqueness by styling your hair in relaxed pomp. Yet, for an added dose of exclusivity, you might want to spend some time growing out your facial hair. This will ultimately make you pass for a fashion-forward guy.
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80s Pomp
To add sharpness to your classic pompadour style, you can opt for such a trendy cut as a skin fade. In addition to putting a modern twist on your pomp, it also helps you to achieve a more contrasty look because thanks to bald sides, the focus shifts to the top of your head.
Source: @the_bloody_butcher via Instagram
Quiff Pompadour Hairstyle
One of the best things about pomp is that you can combine it with other popular hairstyles to get a completely new trendy look. A quiff is a perfect accompaniment to a pompadour, as apart from creating an abundant volume on the top of the head, it also takes the hair at the front to the spotlight.
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Slick Back Pompadour
If you prefer an elegant and refined hair look, then it is hard to think of a better option for you than a slick back pompadour. What makes it different from its messy and textured counterparts is that slick back pomp suits any ambiance, from casual to formal. While it may seem like it requires much styling, all that it takes is a tad of hair wax or pomade and a fine tooth comb.
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Blonde Highlighted Pomp
Do you feel that your pompadour hairstyle lacks edge and boldness? Why don’t you paint some highlights in it in that case? They will help you to achieve a more defined and prominent look of your pomp thanks to the play of light and shade they create while naturally dark roots add depth and dimension to the style.
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Japanese Pompadour
When it comes to the best types of hair for a pompadour Asian hair is on the top of the list. Because it is so thick and dark, an Asian pompadour looks effortlessly attractive and elegant.
Slickback Pomp
Although a mens pompadour haircut is quite polished and smooth already, you can take it to a whole new level of elegance by slicking back the hair on the top of your head.
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Big Pompadour
Pompadour cuts come out very eye-catching and pronounced. However, to draw even more attention to your hair, go for really big pomp in the front.
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Long Pompadour Haircut
When you opt for a long hair pompadour, you can rest assured that it will not go unnoticed. Even though it requires a little more maintenance than a regular men pompadour haircut, it fully pays you off.
50s Pompadour
If you are into retro hairstyles, then you will most definitely like this 50s take on a pompadour. A ducktail haircut is full of character and gives a really strong impression.
Pompadour Side Part
Similar to other popular male hairstyles, a pompadour allows for many different accents. For example, a pompadour side part fade looks defined and neat at the same time. So, you can never go wrong with it.
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Boys Pompadour
Mens pompadour haircuts appear flattering and appropriate no matter how old you are. So, feel free to choose it for your kid as well.
Things To Consider
There are several points you should take into account before opting for a pompadour haircut for men.
Hair Type
To pull off a pomp style, your hair should be no less than 4 cm long and quite dense. If you have short scarce thatch, then a pompadour should not be your hairstyle of choice. Also, this cut looks better when your hair is straight. So, if you have naturally curly locks, then you should either straighten them out to pull off a classic pomp style or embrace your hair texture and rock a curly take on a pomp.
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Hair Length & Cut
So that your pompadour haircut looks its best, it is important that the cut be done right. Not only should your hair be ample but its growth should also follow a specific pattern. To be able to keep the hair on the top of your head in place, its length should reach around 6 cm. As for the sides, their length does not matter, as they can be trimmed according to your preferences.
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Face Shape
So that a pompadour flatters you, your cheekbones should be high and the jawline wide. However, in case you do not possess the required facial features, your barber should be able to balance out your proportions with the right cut. If your face is long, the hairstylist should chop off less hair from the sides and stop trimming before they reach the crown. Those who have a round face will benefit from short sides buzzed to the area above the crown.
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Facial Hair
Unless you want to channel a traditional pomp look, you do not have to pair it with a bare face. There are many facial hair styles that make a perfect combo with a pompadour. Moreover, when you flaunt it partnered with a beard, you give this classic hairstyle a modern twist. Just ensure that the beard style looks in conformity with your hairstyle.
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The pompadour haircut has withstood the pressure of time, fashion and gender, adjusting to the relevant trends and needs of society. It has evolved into a variety of forms, styles and combinations, allowing every man to find the most complimenting hair look for him. However, no matter how drastically the pompadour changes, it never loses its edge.
FAQs
What is a pompadour haircut?
A pompadour is a popular mens hairstyle with a lot of volume and length in the front. The top is styled back, whereas the rest of the hair is either trimmed short or styled down. It owes its popularity to the King of rock ‘n’ roll, Elvis Presley. Though, there are many modern ways to pull off this classic hairdo.
What’s the difference between a quiff and a pompadour?
While a quiff and a pompodore have a lot in common, they are still two different hairstyles. The pomps hairstyle implies styling all of the hair on top slicked back and voluminous. A quiff only interacts with the hair in the front of your head and it should not necessarily be very slicked or neat. You can make it slightly messy and textured.
How long does hair need to be for a pompadour?
To shape up a perfect mens pompadour, you want your top hair to be 3-4” long, whereas the back and sides should be relatively short to create contrast. Their length though depends on the way you are going to style them.
How do you do a pompadour hairstyle?
To style a pompadour, follow these steps:
1. Wash your hair and towel dry it.
2. Apply a blob of a hair pomade, ideally, water based.
3. Set your hair dryer to a high temperature and dry the hair on the top of the head. To achieve an ultimate volume, brush your hair upwards and towards the back using a round brush.
4. In case your hair on the sides is long too, take the same approach to drying it.
5. When it is dry, scoop a sparing amount of a hair product, rub it between your palms and sleek back the hair on top, while styling the sides and back down.
6. If needed, eliminate any flyaways with the help of a comb or brush.
7. Spritz a couple of times with a hairspray as a finishing touch.
REFERENCES:
- The pompadour is a hairstyle named after Madame de Pompadour, a mistress of King Louis XV of France… Source
- Pompadour is, a style of dressing the hair in which the front hair is rolled back and the side hair up to meet it in a roll that is drawn high over the forehead… Source
- Elvis Presley, also known mononymously as Elvis, was an American singer and actor or simply “the King”. Source
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