The Essential Guide to Pompadour Hairstyles: Variations & Styling Options

The pompadour hairstyle is a popular men's haircut that involves combing the hair upwards and back, creating a high and voluminous "pomp" on top. It is a classic and timeless hairstyle worn by men for centuries—a versatile look that can be dressed up or down, making it a popular choice for men who want a fashionable and polished hairstyle. Many famous celebrities, from Elvis Presley, Brad Pitt to Justin Timberlake, have worn it. This sophisticated style adds a touch of glamour to any look.

Almost anyone can pull it off—all you need are the right products and some know-how. Keep reading to see 19 of the most popular pompadours trending today, how to request one from your trusted stylist, and the best styling products to achieve a long-lasting look.

Classic Pompadour

Want to look exactly like Elvis Presley? Then the classic pompadour might be your best bet. It’s the perfect monument to the pompadour, and it comes with style, too.

The classic pompadour can be easily recognized by the sheer volume of hair as well as its shine. The hair at the back and sides should be shorter than the front. However, in contrast to contemporary versions that use clippers, the classic pomp haircut typically leaves more hair on the sides and back.

However, there are some things you might need to do if you choose classic pompadour. Hair maintenance is one of them, which might be difficult considering the fast times we live in.

Modern Pompadour

The modern pompadour is the hair of Hollywood royalty. The difference between the classic and contemporary pompadour is the length of hair. With the modern pompadour, the hair on the back and sides is relatively shorter than the top.

Your hair also gets a pomp, which is wavy and delicately masculine. It oozes everything you would want with a hairstyle. There are variants of the modern pompadour to further match your unique style.

The undercut version offers a much different style from the usual modern pompadour. With the undercut, the hair on the sides looks a bit buzzed. The difference between the form on the sides and the top is more discernible.

This version of the modern pompadour comes out shorter on the sides. However, it maintains a different look from the undercut pompadour.

The Quiff vs. The Pompadour

The Pompadour and the quiff may appear similar in many respects. For example, both incorporate brushing up the front of the hair to give it volume. However, these classic hairstyles have key differences. It is important to understand these—especially before you go to talk to your barber!

The main difference is the direction of brushing and the quality of the volume created. With a quiff, your hair is brushed to create an airy volume and can be bundled to the side. In contrast, for a pompadour, you would brush your hair back to give it a denser volume in the bangs. The comb gives it uniform direction but more volume at the top.

The Slicked Back vs. The Pompadour

The slicked-back hairstyle is precisely what its name implies. With this style, your hair on top will get pulled back tightly, however, it should not have a line caused by combing your hair into a part. To complete the look, the slick back has to have a wet appearance. This can easily be achieved with pomade. Slicked-back hairstyles have a heavier look and feel—further reinforcing your authoritative gravitas, charisma, and alpha-male aura.

While pomps will usually use pomade, you get more of a high volume of hair on top. Pulling the hair backwards is optional.

Modern Comb-Over vs. Pomp

The contemporary comb-over hairstyle and the pompadour are similar in many ways and are considered equally trendy. The difference between these two hairstyles is that your hair is combed, and the hair on top has evenly sized and spaced bundles.

The Best Scene for a Pompadour

The pompadour can fit into most scenes. It’s all about finding a balance. Most times, the preferences of the social group have to be considered. We recommend rocking the pompadour when you want to make a statement, be assertive, and stand out.

Clothes that Complement the Pompadour

The pompadour goes hand in hand with fashion. Ideal clothes are corporate wear, such as suits. However, jackets, jeans, and denim shirts are also perfect. The bottom line is that while some clothes fit the style more than others, there is no stringent rule about what you can wear with this cut.

Attracting Romance with the Pompadour

This hairstyle oozes confidence. It also signals that you have a high awareness for style and fashion, which means that anyone who is looking for a confident and successful man who is on top of the trends will find your pompadour appealing.

Short Pompadour

The short pompadour is just what it says it is. Short. While it’s mostly short, the general principles of a pompadour hairstyle still apply here.

Mid Pompadour

The medium length pompadour is longer than the short pompadour. The mid pomp is usually styled with other variants such as the mid fade haircut.

Pompadour with Extra Volume

This pompadour comes with added volume. The top is much larger than the short or mid pompadour and can be divided into the full-volume and mountain-high pompadour.

This version is all high and full. It’s taller and longer than other hair lengths associated with the pompadour.

It comes with one side raised in volumes like a mountain, which is really the only main difference between this type and the full-volume pompadour

Pompadour Fade

The pomp fade is a variation of the classic pomp. It combines the more illustrious taper fade hairstyle with the pomp. It also comes with very short sides and a longer top. The pomp fade has many variants itself.

The low fade pomp offers a clean-cut hairstyle. The short sides give the top a big bump and clearly bring out its style.

This version is similar to the low fade but a bit showier. Just like the name implies, the fade starts higher up the sides. This toughens the look and offers some more contrast. It also comes with a lot of options. Shorter or medium hair lengths are more ideal with this hairstyle.

This is often described as the ultimate hairstyle for barbers. The fade is much higher up, which makes it perfect for a short pompadour. If you wish to style shorter hair, the high fade might be your best choice.

Disconnected Pompadour

The disconnected pomp can be identified by the clear break between the sides and the top. What this achieves is more emphasis on the height and length of the pomp. This hairstyle gives you a fun and badass look.

Side Part Pompadour

The side part pompadour is a combination of traditional pomp and a side part. This hairstyle can be combined with several other variations including facial hair. Whether you rock it clean-shaven, with a thick yet beautifully sculpted beard, or somewhere in between, your look will be bold and distinguished.

Slicked Back Pompadour

This hairstyle combines the slicked back hairstyle with pomp. It’s delicately precise and looks good too!

Wavy Pompadour

The wavy pompadour gives off a vibe that is fresh and youthful. You can keep your wavy hair while turning most of the top into pomp, for a look that exudes calmness and cheerfulness.

Loose Pompadour with Shaved Sides

This cut comes with a large volume of hair. However, the pompadour is a bit loose, which gives a different feel. Combine this with completely shaved sides and you have an exciting look.

Textured Relaxed Pompadour

This variation is best described as the “hazy waking up from sleep” look. You get full-volume pomp combined with a touch of messiness. Most times, the textured relaxed pompadour is perfected by applying a bit of pomade to it.

Communicating with Barbers and Stylists

Interested in getting a pompadour? You should be! If this is your first time trying this hairstyle out, you might be wondering how to go about it. The first step will be to request a pompadour at your barbershop or salon.

When visiting a barber, hairdresser, or stylist, it helps if you bring a picture of the specific pompadour variation you want. However, be aware that the model in the picture will likely have a different shaped head, face, and hair type. Thus, it will help if you can also be ready to describe any specific things that the stylist needs to know in order to achieve the look you want.

The DIY Pompadour Styling Process

Sure, your hair looks incredible when you first walk out of the barbershop, but how do you achieve the same effect the next morning? Here is the complete process on how to style your pompadour

Styling: Apply a small amount of styling product, mainly on the bangs and the top. Make it stand upwards and then run it to the back. After that, grab the bangs and emphasize the volume. Once you are happy with your hair, feel free to apply a bit of hairspray to keep everything in place.

Tip: Before styling, it is recommended to create the base shape of your hair by blow-drying with a hairdryer.

While drying, brush the hair back from your temples towards the back of your head. If you have a roller brush, use it to roll up your bangs in an up/back direction. This makes it easier to create a more voluminous base.

From 1950 to 1969

Up until 1950, pompadour hairstyles were mostly associated with women. However, things changed as men’s interest in the pompadour soared. The first famous icon to sport this hairstyle was Elvis Presley. Then came other famous stars like Little Richard and James Dean that helped cement the pompadour as a hairstyle for men. It’s believed that the style’s popularity came down to its uneven shape.

From 1970 to 1979

The ’70s were marked by a preference for having a full head of hair. With so many men keeping their hair natural and having only the occasional wash, the rise of the pompadour took a hit.

From 1980 to Today

Pompadours came back with a bang during the ’80s. Interestingly, this was also a period where rock music fusion became popular. Also called psychobilly, it was clear that the music and cultural outlook of the generation’s youth were having a significant influence on hairstyles.

Even after this era passed, the pompadour has remained for many reasons. One is the eternal love of pompadours among celebrities. Icons like David Beckham and Zayn Malik are just a couple of the many ambassadors of this hairstyle.