What’s a Pompadour Hairstyle?
A pompadour is a classic men’s haircut known for its signature high, voluminous look. To achieve this style, the hair is combed upwards and back, creating the characteristic “pomp” on top.
Often seen in celebrities like Elvis Presley, Brad Pitt, and Justin Timberlake, it’s a timeless style that adds an element of glamour to any appearance. Whether you’re looking to dress up or keep it more casual, this polished style suits any occasion. Anyone can pull it off with the right products and a bit of know-how.
The pompadour continues to be trending, making it a popular and stylish choice for men who want to stand out with a sophisticated edge.
Types of Pompadour Hairstyles
Classic Pompadour
For a bold, timeless look, the classic pompadour is a great choice. Inspired by Elvis Presley, this hairstyle offers a striking appearance with plenty of character and style.
This look adds height at the front, contrasting with the shorter sides and back. Unlike modern versions using clippers, the pomp keeps more hair on the sides and back for a fuller, natural feel.
Though it requires maintenance, especially in balancing the hair at the front, it’s a manageable style with the right care. Despite the busy pace of life, this look channels both rock ‘n’ roll and sophistication.
Classic Pompadour with Beard
Paired with a full, it creates a refined look. The enhances the hairstyle’s volume and gives it a rugged, masculine edge, adding sophistication while maintaining a clean, sharp.
Traditional Pompadour for Curly or Permed Hair
This style works for permed hair with slight adjustments. For black hair, the goal is smoothness and control while maintaining a full look, adding timeless style with individuality.
Modern Pompadour
Features shorter hair with a voluminous top that creates a masculine, stylish look. It’s a versatile choice with different variations, offering a contemporary twist on the classic style.
The Modern Undercut Pompadour
This style features buzzed sides and a voluminous top, creating a sharp contrast between the two. It gives a modern, bold look while maintaining the classic style’s elegance.
Modern Pompadour with Short Sides
Featuring shorter sides and a voluminous top, this look offers a balanced, modern edge. It differs from the undercut with less contrast and is easy to maintain, suitable for various hair types.
Messy Pompadour Hairstyle for Men
The style offers a more relaxed, casual version of the classic look with a textured, tousled top that requires minimal precision and product. It’s perfect for an easy, stylish style that looks natural and effortless.
Pompadour Fade Hairstyle for Men
This hairstyle blends classic and modern styles, featuring voluminous hair on top that is styled upward and backward. The look transitions from fuller hair at the top to shorter hair on the sides and back, creating a clean, balanced effect.
You can choose from different fade heights—low, mid, high, or drop fade—to adjust the intensity and suit your personal style. It’s easy to maintain while still making a bold statement.
Overall, the style offers a versatile option that works well for both casual and formal occasions. The seamless transition between the top and sides makes it a sharp and stylish choice.
Pompadour Low Fade
Starts just above the ears, gradually blending into the skin. It’s perfect for those who want a more balanced contrast between the top and sides, maintaining a professional yet understated vibe for both casual and formal environments. This style gives a refined feel without being too bold.
Pompadour Mid Fade
Starts higher on the head, around the temples, offering a noticeable contrast compared to the low fade. It blends modern and classic elements, suitable for different face shapes and hair types. This cut is stylish, balanced, and easy to manage, making it a popular choice for men.
Pompadour High Fade
The style features a fade starting near the top of the head, creating a contrast between long hair on top and closely cropped sides. The result is an eye-catching look with plenty of height. It’s a perfect choice for those who enjoy daring, edgy styles and want to make a strong statement with their hairstyle.
Pompadour Drop Fade
Combining a classic style with a curve behind the ears, creating a unique drop effect. The modern fade adds an edgy, contemporary twist, making it stand out and providing a distinctive, trendy appearance for men who want something fashionable.
Pompadour Taper Haircut
Gradually decreases in length from the sides and back, offering a sleek style that blends modern and classic elements. This clean-cut and well-maintained hairstyle ensures a fashionable look, perfect for those who value grooming and attention to detail.
Textured Pompadour Haircut
This style adds layers and texture for a more casual and relaxed look, perfect for wavy or thick hair. It suits round and oval face shapes and works well for everyday wear. To enhance the style, use texturizing paste or sea salt spray.
Undercut Pompadour Style
The shaved or cropped undercut on the sides, paired with a voluminous top, is ideal for straight or thick hair types and suits oval or rectangular face shapes. To style, use a matte pomade or texturizing clay, and finish with a firm hold gel for a strong hold, making it perfect for social events.
Face Shape: Oval, Square
Hair Type:Thick, Wavy
Best for Occasion: Casual, Special Events
Product Suggestion: Matte Paste, Styling Cream, Strong Hold Gel
High Volume Quiff Pompadour
Adds flair, especially for those with an oval or heart face. This works best for straight or fine hair, giving it more fullness. It’s perfect for high impact, formal events. To maintain, use boosting mousse and a strong hold spray for lasting results.
Curly Pompadour Haircut
Style highlights natural hair while maintaining the look. It works well with oval and round face shapes and is perfect for casual or trendy occasions. Using curl defining gel or lightweight cream helps keep the look defined without being heavy.
The Pompadour vs. Other Popular Men’s Hairstyles
The Quiff vs. The Pompadour
These styles add height to the hair but differ in how they’re styled. A quiff creates a light, airy appearance with hair brushed to the front and often to the side. In contrast, a pompadour involves brushing back the hair for denser, more uniform height at the top, typically using a comb for precise direction.
The Slicked Back vs. The Pompadour
The style involves pulling hair back tightly for a smooth, controlled finish, often achieved using pomade. This gives a heavier, more authoritative vibe, ideal for those looking for a sleek, sophisticated look.
In contrast, a style with more height on top allows for more fullness and body. The option of pulling the hair back is flexible, and while pomade is used in both styles, one focuses on sleekness while the other gives a bolder, lifted appearance.
Modern Comb-Over vs. Pomp
Hairstyles are trendy but differ in styling. One involves combed hair with fullness on top, while the other adds more height and creates a bolder look. These styles are neat but offer different arrangements, with one providing a more dramatic, upward style.
Best Matching Face Shapes for the Pompadour
Choosing the right hairstyle depends on your face shape. A good barber can help you find the perfect look that complements your features. Round faces can rock any version, while a square face works best with a classic cut. For those with a thin face, a shorter option is the most flattering choice.
Pompadour Hairstyle Oval Face
The style enhances an oval face by adding height to the top, improving balance. Keep the sides tapered or faded, and use pomade or wax for a polished look. A mid fade or low fade completes the style.
Why It Works
The pompadour works well for an oval face because it enhances natural symmetry. Adding volume to the top helps elongate the face slightly, improving overall balance.
Styling Tips
To achieve the best results, focus on volume at the crown and keep the sides tapered or faded to highlight the natural shape of the face.
Volume
Emphasizing volume on the top creates a fuller, more balanced look that complements the proportions of an oval face.
Sides
Keep the sides either tapered or faded to draw attention to the face’s natural features, enhancing its overall balance.
Product
Use a pomade or wax to style the top backward and upward, ensuring a smooth, polished finish.
Example
A classic pompadour with a low fade or mid fade creates a sophisticated, clean style that works perfectly for an oval face.
Modern Pompadour Hairstyle for Round Faces
For a round face, focus on adding height to the top with a high fade or undercut on the sides. Adding texture to the top breaks up the roundness, creating more angular lines. This style elongates the face and gives it a sharper, more structured look.
Wearing the Pomp Hairstyle Like a Pro
Use pomade or gel for a sleek, slicked-back style with a tapered cut for height. It suits both formal and casual occasions, ensuring a refined, attention-grabbing look.
The Best Scene for a Pompadour
A pompadour is a statement-making option that fits well in many scenes. It reflects confidence and assertiveness, but it’s important to consider the preferences of your social group when choosing it. It works when you want to stand out, but balance is key to making it work.
Clothes that Complement the Pompadour
The right clothing can enhance the overall look. Suits offer a formal touch, while denim shirts, jackets, and jeans give a more casual feel. There are no strict rules, allowing for flexibility in pairing based on the occasion. The cut works well with various outfits.
Attracting Romance with the Pompadour
The hairstyle exudes confidence and self-assurance, making you stand out as someone who’s in tune with trends and fashion. It signals success and attracts attention, showcasing your success and appeal to those seeking a successful and fashionable person.
Pompadour Hairstyles by Hair Length
Length of hair shapes style, with longer hair creating more and shorter hair offering a sharper, cleaner look, blending classic and modern styles for a customized finish.
Short Pompadour
This style keeps hair short with the top slightly longer than the sides, creating a neat and practical look. It’s easy to manage while remaining stylish and functional for everyday wear.
Short Curly or Permed Pompadour
Ideal for men with curls or perm hair, offering a defined shape similar to a top fade while embracing texture and volume. It’s a polished yet relaxed way to showcase curled hair.
Mid Pompadour
Offers a balanced length with more than the short pompadour, often styled with a mid fade for a sharp, clean look. This style provides height and is a perfect blend of classic and modern elements.
Pompadour with Extra Volume
The top is much larger than shorter styles, with added extra creating either a full or mountain-high look. This style brings a youthful, energetic vibe and stands out with attention-grabbing height.
Full-Volume Pompadour
It offers a high, full, and taller look with extra height, making it impactful. The combination of longer hair and fullness creates a striking, confident look.
Mountain-High Pompadour
Style features extreme height on top, creating a mountain-like shape. It stands out by focusing on height rather than the broader full-volume style, with the sides styled more subtly. Result is a confident style statement.
The Best Pompadour Hairstyle Combinations
Pompadour with Low Fade
This style blends a clean-cut fade on the sides with volume on the top, creating a smooth transition. It offers a bold yet polished look with a short and easy-to-maintain appearance, highlighting the bump on top and the subtle fade.
Pompadour with Mid Fade
This style offers a striking contrast with shorter sides and voluminous hair on top. The mid fade starts higher on the sides, creating a balanced, edgy look perfect for men with medium to longer hair and providing various styling options.
Short Pompadour with High Fade
A shorter pompadour with a high fade offers a sharp, stylish look, combining volume on top with clean, faded sides. This style is easy to maintain and works well for different hair types, making it a perfect choice for a modern, bold appearance.
Skin Fade with Textured Pomp
The skin fade paired with a textured pomp offers a sharp contrast, with bald fade sides and a voluminous, shiny top. The whipped texture creates a bold, refined look, perfect for those wanting a modern, stylish appearance with a clean, edgy finish.
Disconnected Pompadour
This style focuses on a clear contrast between the shorter sides and longer top, emphasizing height and length. It creates a dramatic, badass look with a noticeable break, highlighting the volume at the crown for a bold, confident vibe.
Side Part Pompadour
A side part with a pompadour creates a bold, distinguished look, especially for those with thick hair. This hairstyle offers a sculpted, traditional style that can be customized with different variations. Pair it with a beard or go clean-shaven for a unique touch.
Slicked Back Pompadour
The style combines a smooth, slicked back look with a voluminous top and a tapered fade on the sides, offering a clean, polished appearance that is both bold and refined. It’s a precise way to achieve a sharp, well-groomed look that always looks good.
Wavy Pompadour
This style combines volume with waves at the top, offering a fresh, youthful vibe that’s both bold and calm, making it a sophisticated yet dynamic look.
Loose Pompadour with Shaved Sides
This style combines a voluminous top with shaved sides for an exciting, edgy look. The contrast highlights the hair’s volume, creating a bold yet relaxed feel. It’s perfect for those seeking a minimal-maintenance, striking appearance.
Textured Relaxed Pompadour
The style blends a neat fade on the sides with a voluminous top, creating a bold yet relaxed look. A small amount of pomade adds texture and volume, giving a stylish appearance with minimal effort.
How to Get a Pompadour
To achieve this look, start with damp hair and apply pomade for texture and hold. Shape with your fingers for a relaxed, messy style, adjusting the volume to your preference.
Communicating with Barbers and Stylists
When visiting your barber or stylist for a pompadour fade, bring a picture to help clearly describe the style you want, especially if it’s your first time. This ensures they understand your hair type, face shape, and the specific look you’re aiming for. Make sure to mention how you want the cut and fade to be, so the final result meets your expectations.
The DIY Pompadour Styling Process
To style the pompadour, apply a small amount of product to damp hair and blow-dry it forward. Use a brush to shape the bangs up and back, then roll the back section for volume. Finish with a small amount of hairspray to hold the style in place, focusing on the temples and back for a clean fade effect.
What is the Best Hair Length for a Pompadour?
The ideal hair length for this style is usually 3-5 inches on top for enough volume and height. The sides and back are kept shorter, often with a fade or undercut to create contrast. The key is balancing the top’s length with the fade to achieve your desired look.
Pompadour Hairstyle Men Short Hair
To get a Pompadour Fade with short hair, focus on blending the fade with enough length on top for volume. Use styling products like pomade to maintain a voluminous look. A proper cut ensures the style stays stylish and well-balanced.
Pompadour Hairstyle Men Long Hair
The pompadour fade for long hair adds height and volume, creating a dramatic, striking look. The contrast between the voluminous top and the faded sides gives a bold, impactful appearance that stands out.
How Long Should Your Hair Be for a Pompadour?
For a good Pompadour Fade, the top should be 3 to 5 inches long to ensure you have enough volume and flexibility for styling, while keeping the style intact throughout the day.
How Do I Ask My Barber for a Pompadour?
To get a pompadour fade, clearly communicate the length for the sides and back, and mention if you want a taper or undercut. Bringing photos as reference helps the barber understand your vision. Be specific about the style—whether classic or modern—to ensure the cut matches your desired look.
People Also Ask :
How can I make my pompadour last all day?
To keep your style in place all day, start with damp hair and apply a stronghold product like pomade or gel. Use a round brush while blow-drying to shape it, then finish with a light hairspray for extra hold. This method ensures your hairstyle lasts all day.
Can I achieve a pompadour with curly hair?
Yes, you can achieve a pompadour with curly hair. Use a blow dryer to shape the top, and if necessary, smooth with a flat iron. Secure the style with stronghold pomade and add an undercut on the curly sides for contrast.
Is a pompadour suitable for thinning hair?
A pompadour fade can be a great choice for thinning hair, as the shorter sides and lifted top add volume. Using volumizing products and consulting your barber can help achieve the best look for your hair.
How often should I trim my pompadour?
To maintain a sharp look, it’s important to trim your hair every 3-4 weeks. Regular trims keep the fade clean and the top at the right length for easy styling, ensuring the overall look stays neat and manageable.
Can I style a pompadour without heat tools?
You can style your hair into a pompadour without heat tools by using damp hair. Simply apply pomade for a strong hold and shape the hair with your fingers or a comb. Let it air dry to allow the product to set naturally and give your hair volume and texture.
What type of comb is best for a pompadour?
The right comb is key to achieving the desired look. A fine-tooth comb gives a sleek, smooth finish, while a wide-tooth comb with fingers adds more texture and a messy feel. Your choice depends on the style you’re aiming for.
Can I combine a pompadour with a beard?
A pompadour fade and a beard can create a sharp, well-groomed style if the two are balanced. Ensure the beard matches the hairstyle in length and shape for a cohesive, polished look.
Is a pompadour high maintenance?
Maintaining this style requires regular trims, the right products, and a consistent routine to keep it in shape. Though not overly complicated, it needs attention to stay sharp.
What products should I use for a modern pompadour?
To achieve a sleek look, use a strong hold pomade or gel. Start with volumizing mousse, then use a round brush and blow dryer for shaping. Finish with light hairspray to set the style without weighing it down, ensuring volume and hold throughout the day.
What hair color looks best with a pompadour?
Choosing darker shades like black or deep brown enhances volume and depth, while lighter shades give a softer look. Adding highlights boosts texture and emphasizes the fade’s layers for a dynamic effect.
How do I maintain a pompadour in humid weather?
To keep your pompadour fade intact in humid weather, use a stronghold hairspray with anti-humidity features and avoid heavy pomades. Opt for lighter products to prevent melting and carry travel-sized items for quick touch-ups throughout the day.