We know the name sounds funny, but the look is anything but. This manly hairstyle is timeless and looks undoubtedly cool. Made popular by the likes of Elvis Presley and James Dean in the 1950s, the pompadour has since evolved and adapted to suit the ever-changing trends. That said, we have provided lots of modern-looking pompadours for you to try out!

What is a Pompadour?

Before diving into the myriad of pompadour styles, let’s first establish what a pompadour is. The pompadour is characterized by its signature voluminous top, styled upward and backward, with shorter sides and a tapered or faded neckline. This creates a striking contrast and accentuates the height and shape of the hair on top.

Quiff Vs Pompadour

Now that you understand the basics of a pompadour, let’s explore how it differs from another popular hairstyle – the quiff. While these two styles share some similarities, such as the voluminous top, they have distinct differences that set them apart.

Quiff	Pompadour
Typically features a more textured, tousled look, with a less defined shape compared to the pompadour. It’s a hairstyle that exudes a laid-back and effortless cool, making it perfect for those who want a more relaxed aesthetic. It was often styled with pomade or wax to achieve its signature height and volume.	The pompadour is more polished and structured. It requires more styling and attention to detail. The pompadour, on the other hand, requires more precision and skill. It often involves using a round brush and a hairdryer to create volume at the roots, then combing the hair back and using pomade or wax to shape and hold the style in place.

How To Style A Pompadour

Now that you’re familiar with the concept of a pompadour and its differences from a quiff, let’s delve into the nitty-gritty of achieving the perfect pompadour hairstyle.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you master the art of pompadour styling:

Step #1

Start with clean, dry hair for the best results.

Step #2

Apply a volumizing mousse or styling spray evenly throughout your hair, focusing on the roots.

Step #3

Using a comb, create a side parting that aligns with your natural hairline.

Step #4

Starting at the front, comb your hair backward and upward, shaping it into the desired height and volume.

Step #5

For added hold and definition, use a pomade or wax to style the top and sides, ensuring a sleek and polished appearance.

Step #6

Finish off with a hairspray to lock everything in place and maintain the pompadour’s shape throughout the day.

Japanese Pompadour

The Japanese take on the classic pompadour adds a touch of flair and uniqueness to this already iconic style. With its sharp angles and precise lines, the Japanese pompadour is a testament to the artistry and attention to detail that is deeply rooted in Japanese culture.

Modern Pompadour

If you’re looking for a pompadour with a modern edge, the modern pompadour is the way to go. The modern pompadour often features a longer, more textured top, giving it a more casual and effortlessly cool vibe. It can be worn with a fade or undercut for a more contemporary twist, or with a classic tapered neckline for a more polished look.

Undercut Pompadour

The combination of an undercut and a pompadour creates a striking juxtaposition between the longer, voluminous top and the shaved or closely cropped sides. This style is perfect for those who like things to look clean around the edges, while still looking fun and fresh on the top. It’s kind of the best of both worlds.

Elvis Pompadour

No article about the pompadour would be complete without mentioning one of its most famous enthusiasts – the legendary Elvis Presley. The Elvis pompadour is the epitome of rock ‘n’ roll swagger and timeless coolness. The Elvis pompadour pays homage to the original style, featuring a high and voluminous top coupled with slightly longer sideburns.

Short Pompadour

Think the pompadour is only for those with long locks? Think again. The short pompadour proves that you can sport this style even with shorter hair. The key to achieving a short pompadour lies in styling and precision. By keeping the top shorter and focusing on creating volume and height, you can achieve a mini pompadour that is both stylish and easy to maintain.

Messy Pompadour

Looking for a pompadour that embraces texture and a more laid-back vibe? The messy pompadour is just what you need. This style features a more tousled and relaxed appearance, with the hair on top styled in a slightly disheveled manner.

There are a few products you can use to get the messy pompadour look, such as:

1. Texturizing Hair Clay/Paste
2. Sea Salt Spray
3. Dry Shampoo
4. Hair Mousse
5. Texture Powder
6. Hair Wax
7. Flexible Hold Hairspray

Curly Pompadour

Curly hair and pompadours may seem like an unlikely combination, but the results can be absolutely perfect. The curly pompadour takes advantage of the naturally voluminous and dynamic nature of curly hair, creating an eye-catching style you won’t want to miss out on. If you have curly hair naturally, this is the pompadour for you.

Pompadour Fade Haircut

The pompadour fade combines the best of both worlds – the coolness of the pompadour with the edgy fade haircut look. The fade gradually transitions from longer hair on top to shorter hair on the sides and back, creating a sleek look. The fade adds an extra element of contrast and helps to emphasize the height and volume of the pompadour.

Pompadour Mullet

It’s true; the mullet is back and better than ever! The pompadour mullet is great if you love the look of the mullet but want to take things even a step further. This style features a shorter, voluminous pompadour on top, paired with a longer, more wild mullet at the back. It’s pretty cool looking if you ask us.

Classic Pompadour

As the saying goes, “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it,” and that certainly applies to the classic pompadour. The classic pompadour is timeless and features a clean, well-defined shape with a high and voluminous top. This style is perfect for those who appreciate tradition and want to pay homage to the roots of the pompadour. With a classic pompadour, you can never go wrong.

Slick Back Pompadour

For those who want a polished look and to keep their hair out of their faces, the slick back pompadour is here to help. This style combines the sleekness of a slicked-back hairstyle with the height and volume of a pompadour. The hair on top is styled backward, creating a smooth and streamlined appearance. This style works particularly well for those with thick hair, allowing for better control and definition.

Pompadour 50s

Step back in time and channel the spirit of the 1950s with the Pompadour 50s style. This style pays homage to the golden era of the pompadour when it first became popular. The pompadour 50s style features a high and voluminous top, often coupled with a sharp side parting and closely cropped sides.

Low Fade Pompadour

The low fade pompadour style features a low fade haircut, with the hair tapering gradually from longer on top to shorter on the sides and back. This low taper fade adds depth and visual interest, allowing the pompadour to take center stage.

Side Part Pompadour

The side part pompadour is great for those with a natural side part. The side part pompadour features a distinct side parting while the hair on top is styled in a pompadour fashion, with the height and volume offset by the clean and well-defined side part.

Pompadour Mohawk

Yep, you read that right. Pompadour mohawk. The mohawk is making a comeback, and it’s even better than before now that it’s combined with the pompadour hairstyle. The hair on top is styled into a high and voluminous pompadour, gradually tapering into a strip down the middle of the head.

Long Pompadour

If you have long hair, there’s no need to go under the scissors to get the pompadour look. The long pompadour is here for you to try out. This style makes use of the added length to create a more dramatic and voluminous pompadour. It’s all about playing into the natural flow and movement of your hair and shaping it into an eye-catching style.

Comb Over Pompadour

The comb over pompadour has a distinct side parting, with the hair on top combed over to one side, creating a polished look. The comb-over pompadour is perfect for those who want a more refined and professional look while still rocking a pompadour. It’s a style that transitions seamlessly from the office to a night out on the town.

Greaser Pompadour

Sometimes, lived-in and slightly greasy-looking hair can be the vibe, and in this case, it certainly is. To achieve the perfect greaser pompadour look, start with a low taper fade on the sides and back, leaving the hair on top longer. This creates a striking contrast that emphasizes the height and volume of the pompadour.

Skin Fade Pompadour

If you’re looking for a more modern take on the pompadour, consider the skin fade version. This hairstyle features a high skin fade on the sides and back, contrasting with the longer hair on top. The skin fade pompadour is a popular choice among men who want to look clean-cut while still having a hairstyle visually intriguing.

Pompadour Taper

The pompadour taper combines the best of both worlds – the classic pompadour shape and the clean lines of a taper haircut. When it comes to the pompadour taper, the key is in the details. It starts with a longer length on top, allowing for plenty of volume and height. This length gives you the freedom to style your hair in a variety of ways, from a sleek look to a more tousled and textured style.

Wavy Pompadour

If you have naturally wavy or curly hair, the wavy pompadour is a great choice. This style shows off your hair’s texture.

Want to know how to style the wavy pompadour? It’s super easy so it’ll only take a second to read over:

• Apply a curl-enhancing product to damp hair
• Use a diffuser while blow-drying.
• Gently sweep the hair back to create a voluminous wave

That’s it, it’s that simple! Of course, you need to already have the pompadour haircut, but if you are just looking to style it then those three steps above will do the trick.

Disconnected Pompadour

The disconnected pompadour takes the classic style to new heights of distinction. This bold variation features a stark contrast between the longer hair on top and shaved sides. The disconnected look adds an element of modernity and keeps things looking crisp.

Giant Pompadour

Go big or go home! If you’re looking for a pompadour that commands attention, the giant pompadour is the way to go. This exaggerated style features an amplified pomp that stands proudly on top of your head. Use a strong-hold pomade and a comb with wide teeth to create volume and height.

Textured Pompadour

The textured pompadour adds a look of ruggedness to the classic style. Adding texture to the hair gives you a more relaxed and effortless look – perfect for those who want to look like they didn’t try and when they really did. To create texture, use a texturizing spray or clay pomade, and tousle the hair with your fingers.

High Pompadour Fade

If you like the look of a high taper fade, then you’ll likely love this high pompadour fade. This style features a high fade on the sides and back, creating a sharp contrast against the long hair on top. The high fade adds an element of modernity to the classic style, making it a go-to option for those who want to make a stylish statement.

Black Pompadour

The black pompadour celebrates the natural beauty of black hair. This style is all about embracing your natural texture and showcasing its unique qualities. With the right styling products and techniques, you can achieve a sleek, glossy black pomp.

Blonde Pompadour

Blonds have more fun, and the blonde pompadour is proof of that. This style is all about embracing lightness and brightness. Whether you’re naturally blonde or bleaching your hair, a blonde pompadour will look great.

Pompadour With Beard

To take your pompadour to the next level, pair it with a well-groomed beard. The combination of a full-bodied pomp and a perfectly trimmed beard creates a masculine look. No matter if you prefer a short stubble or a long beard, the pompadour with a beard is a winning combination.

Pompadour For Thin Hair

If you have thin or fine hair, you aren’t limited when it comes to the pompadour! The pompadour for thin hair focuses on creating the illusion of volume and thickness. Use a volumizing mousse or spray on damp hair and blow-dry with a round brush to add lift. Finish with a light-hold hairspray to keep everything in place without weighing your hair down. These tips and products will help you to create a perfect pompadour for thin hair.

Afro Pompadour

The afro pompadour combines the iconic shape of the pompadour with the natural texture of afro hair. This style showcases your curls and their fullness. Use a curl-enhancing product to define your curls and create a voluminous pomp.

Spiky Pompadour

If you’re feeling a bit spiky, try channeling it into your hairstyle – aka spiky pompadour. This style adds spikes to the classic pompadour shape, creating a punk-inspired look. Use a strong-hold gel or wax to create the spikes and finish with a high-shine product for added impact.

If you want to know a bit more about how you can create spiky pompadour at home, we have a quick tutorial for you below. Good luck!

How to Style The Spiky Pompadour	Description
Get the Right Cut	Ask your barber for a pompadour cut with shorter sides and back while leaving the top longer. The length on top should be suitable for creating spikes.
Wash and Condition	Start with clean, towel-dried hair. Use a good-quality shampoo and conditioner to prepare your hair for styling.
Apply a Volumizing Product	Apply a volumizing mousse or gel to add texture and volume to your hair. Make sure to distribute the product evenly.
Blow Dry	Use a blow dryer on low to medium heat to dry your hair while lifting the roots with your fingers. This will help create volume at the crown.
Comb and Part	Comb the hair on top of your head back and slightly to one side to create the pompadour shape. Define a part if desired.
Styling Product	Use a strong-hold styling product such as pomade, wax, or clay. Work a small amount through your hair, focusing on the top and front sections.
Create Spikes	Lift small sections of hair using your fingers or a comb and twist them to create spikes. Work from the front to the back, adjusting the height and direction of the spikes as needed.

Pompadour Pink

If you’re looking to make a vibrant statement, consider the pompadour pink. This look combines the classic shape of the pompadour with a playful color, aka pink.

There are many different shades of pink you can try out, such as:

• Pastel Pink
• Bubblegum Pink
• Cotton Candy Pink
• Hot Pink
• Dusty Pink

Mini Pompadour

If you want a subtle take on the pompadour, the mini pompadour might be just what you’ve been on the hunt for. This style features a smaller pomp that is more understated than the ones we’ve talked about so far. It’s a great option for those who want to go for the pompadour style while keeping things more low-key.

Mexican Pompadour

The Mexican pompadour pays homage to the rich cultural heritage of Mexico. This style features a pompadour that is influenced by traditional Mexican hairstyles, incorporating elements such as braids or leaning into the typically thick strands of people of Mexican descent. The Mexican pompadour is a bold and artistic choice that allows you to express your cultural pride and inspire others.

Loose Pompadour

If a more relaxed and effortless look is speaking to you, the loose pompadour is likely right up your alley. This style is slightly messy and undone, while still maintaining the classic pompadour shape. Use a light-hold pomade or wax to create a tousled pomp that exudes a sense of carefree coolness.

Pompadour Asian

The pompadour Asian style takes inspiration from traditional Asian hairstyles and combines them with the iconic shape of the pompadour. People of Asian descent typically have thicker strands, so pairing the pompadour with a slight fade on the sides will help to lighten the load of hair and keep things looking clean-cut.

Pompadour With Hard Part

The pompadour with a hard part adds a sharp and defined element to the classic style. This variation features a shaved or sharply carved line on one side of the head, creating a clear separation between the longer hair and the faded sides.

Conclusion

The pompadour is more than just a hairstyle – it’s a statement. Whether you’re combing it, growing it, or cutting it, the pompadour is an excellent style choice. Now, go forth and conquer the pompadour world, our fellow grooming enthusiasts!