Pompadour: Everything to Know About this Iconic Cut for Men

Hair trends are proof that nothing lasts forever. But despite how fleeting some trends may be, certain hairstyles have proven timeless, evoking as much power as they used to since their emergence. The pompadour is one of them. This style has remained iconic over the years. Its statement look cemented its place in the haircut hall of fame as a hairdo to be reckoned with.

Here is a trim with true staying power, and that’s not just about the ungodly amounts of pomade often used to hold it firm. This staple hairdo has been around since the 1700s and doesn’t seem to be leaving anytime soon. Instead, we’ve seen modern tweaks, giving a contemporary edge to this classic from the Age of Enlightenment.

This begs the question: What gives the pompadour its staying power and timeless appeal? Also, who does it suit best, and what are the latest variations? Here, we answer all these questions and more.

What is a Pompadour?

The pompadour is a voluminous hairstyle that involves combing the hair upwards and sweeping it backward away from the forehead to create a high ‘pomp’ on top. In other words, it’s a hairdo that’s big on top and slick around the sides. It’s named after Madame de Pompadour (1721–1764), mistress of King Louis XV of France.

It was originally a woman’s style in the 1700s and 1800s when it emerged. However, it became a staple men’s hairstyle in the 1950s. There and then, its look transformed, especially when rock n’ roll music came on board. Stars like Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash embraced this hairdo, making it a huge part of their aesthetics.

Their versions featured a shorter, cropped length and a much lower overall look. Furthermore, the sides are usually kept shorter than the top but still long enough to be combed back behind the ears.

While you may know Elvis as the King of Rock ‘ n’ Roll, he’s also one of the key pioneers of men’s pompadour hairstyles. The lyrical icon was no stranger to using a comb and an ungodly amount of styling product on his hair. His recurring public appearances in this cut have made no discussion about the pompadour complete without his name and face. And to date, the pompadour remains one of the coolest men’s hairstyles.

The Pompadour Today

Ever since its emergence in the 1700s, the pompadour has experienced many iterations for men, women, and children. Today’s most popular pompadour styles still retain the original idea but have ditched the flamboyant, voluminous ‘do of the 18th century. 

For instance, the latest versions now incorporate contemporary barbering techniques such as undercuts, tapers, and fade haircuts. These modern tweaks have given the pompadour a refreshing look, allowing it to transcend time and remain cool as one of the most popular haircuts for men of all ages in the 2020s and beyond.

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Things to Consider Before Getting a Pompadour

Before going for this cut, consider:

Your Face Shape

While pompadour hairstyles can be adapted to suit different face shapes and structures, certain faces look better when rocking it. Fr instance, because of its high look, it’ll look great on round faces with the extra length the pomp creates. The height will balance out proportions, making round faces look slimmer.

On the other hand, rectangular faces may not look perfect with this cut. This is because these faces are already long, and a pompadour will further elongate them. Hence, the best face structures for this style are round, oval, or square-shaped faces.

Your Facial Hair

Will you be wearing the look with beards or a clean shave? Thankfully, this style pairs great with facial hair, whether it’s a stubble, mustache, goatee, or any beard style. And if you rock it without beards like Presley, it works, too.

Your Routine

This style isn’t for you if you’re too busy for your hair. It requires regular touchups with styling products and combing. So, you have to e ready to give it your full attention before taking the plunge.

How to Style a Pompadour Haircut

The best way to style this haircut is through a professional barber’s help. Just show them the particular style you want to recreate, and they’ll help you out. They’ll also offer styling and maintenance advice to ensure you get the best of your cut. 

Nevertheless, here’s how to style a men’s pompadour haircut yourself:

• Wash your hair with shampoo and conditioner.
• Dry your hair with a towel until it’s damp. It shouldn’t be completely dry.
• Use a round brush to shape the pomp while blow-drying your hair in the light heat setting.
• Brush your hair how you want the pomp to look: take it upward at the front and backward while synchronizing the brush strokes with the hairdryer.
• Apply some pomade evenly on your hair. Use your fingers to ensure it touches all strands and your scalp. Apply more pomade if necessary. 
• If you’re rocking a classic pompadour, first work the pomade in from the sides before extending to other parts.
• Comb your hair from the front upward and then back. While combing, use your fingers to keep the hair in place and to control the height. 

Types of Pompadour Hairstyles for Men

The pompadour is a versatile and adaptable hairstyle for men. For instance, if you don’t want the classic look, ask your barber to customize your side length to incorporate a fade. Men have various styling options when it comes to rocking this look. And the best part is there’s no incorrect way to rock it. Keep scrolling for the best variations you can start with.

The Classic Pompadour

Want to look exactly like Elvis Presley? The classic pompadour is your best bet. While the over-the-top hairdo of the 1700s birthed the pompadour, this classic cut established its place as a men’s staple cut. It features longer hair on top with short sides, smoothly combed backward to create a sleek, sophisticated look.
 
This style is suitable for straight and wavy hair. It’s known for its volume and its sheen. What’s more? It suits different occasions; you can dress it up for casual occasions or style it casually.

Undercut Pompadour

This modern take leaves more length on top while shaving the back and sides to almost a buzz cut. Its high top gives the illusion of a longer or slimmer face, making it suitable for oval or round faces. Go for this look if you’d like a contemporary touch to the classic pomp.

Messy Pompadour

Want some tousled effect for that bedhair vibe? Give your pomp a messy look. Striking the perfect balance between messiness and allure can take time and effort. But a pro tip is to use some hairstyling product and your fingers (or your barber’s) to add an extra texture to your hair. The result will be an untamed yet attractive look.

Layered Pompadour

This style gives a relaxed look by featuring layers and textures. Go for this if you’d love to wear your hair in different lengths while looking slicked back. But remember to apply pomade and trim regularly.

Curly Pomp

Speaking of textures, no hair type does it better than curly hair. This is one modern pomp that incorporates many textured elements. Pair it with well-groomed facial hair and watch how your handsomeness takes a higher leap.

Side-Parted Pomp

A quick way to add accents to your haircut is to adorn it with a parting. The side parting sweeps the pomp to the side of your hair, making it look disconnected from the rest. This style is ideal if you love pomp ‘do different from the regular. Ensure the top length contrasts the sides to make the parting more obvious.

Pompadour Fade

This style is a combo of a fade haircut and a pompadour. Thanks to its adaptable and clean look, it’s a favorite among men. Its gradual length transition at the sides and back makes it a statement hairdo for modern men. Furthermore, the tapered sides give the pomp on top more room to shine. Any style of fade works for this cut, whether skin fade, high fade, mid fade, or low fade.

Quiff Pomp

Take your pompadour to new heights by making it a quiff. Here, you brush the hair forward instead of backward while keeping the top significantly longer than the sides and back. This adds more volume, drama, and flair to the traditional pomp.

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Bask in the Timeless Appeal of a Pompadour

Though an oldie, this haircut has proven that not all trends come and go; some remain to solidify their existence as a staple in the industry and never lose their relevance. Achieving the perfect pomp is a combination of skill and the right products.

For example, use the right hair product for your hair type, whether it’s pomade, wax, or styling cream. Also, get a good comb and blow-dryer as they work hand-in-hand when achieving this style. And most importantly, consult a skilled barber for the specific length, shape, and volume that will suit your face shape. 

If you need more pompadour ideas to tickle your style buds, find them below:

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