Delving into the history of men’s hairstyles, the Pompadour stands out as a timeless emblem of style. Tracing its origins to Madame de Pompadour, the esteemed chief mistress of French King Louis XV, this towering hairstyle transcended over two centuries, evolving from a statement of aristocratic flair to a beloved choice for men worldwide. Immortalized by film stars like Clark Gable, Paul Newman, and modern celebrities such as Brad Pitt, David Beckham, and George Clooney, the Pompadour is more than a haircut; it’s a legacy that has inspired countless styles.
Switching gears from historical roots to present-day relevance, the Pompadour offers unmatched allure and versatility, making it a popular choice for those who admire classic football legends or the suave sophistication of film icons. Whether opting for a traditional or modern take, the Pompadour is a statement of confidence and timelessness.
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What is a Pompadour Haircut?
The Pompadour haircut, a sartorial masterpiece, involves hair swept back over the head, with the sides and back combed neatly, maintaining a close fit to the scalp. The signature mound or quiff at the front, crafted using longer hair, creates a striking profile. Adaptable to various contours and styles, this versatile haircut has been embraced by individuals ranging from stylish footballers to discerning film critics, each version capturing the essence of its rich history while being tailored to personal flair.
History of the Pompadour
Initially a women’s hairstyle, the Pompadour’s transition to a male-dominated sphere began in the 1950s with Elvis Presley, the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll. His adoption of this style introduced it to a new generation of male stars, including James Dean and Little Richard, making it a symbol of rebellion against conservative social mores of the time. The Pompadour’s exaggerated shape, contrasting with the styles of the 1940s, marked a bold fashion statement. After waning in popularity by the late 1970s, the Pompadour made a comeback in the 1980s with the rise of psychobilly culture. Today, while rarely seen in its classic form, the Pompadour remains a top choice among men, with style icons like Jon Kortajarena, Zayn Malik, and Zac Efron showcasing its enduring appeal and stylish versatility.
Things to Consider Before Getting a Pompadour Haircut
When your interest is piqued by the stylish Pompadour haircut, there are several things to consider before giving your barber the go-ahead.
1. Hair Type:
The Pompadour suits various hair types, but there are specifics to bear in mind. Ideally, you should have plenty of hair, around 4-6cm at the fringe with decent coverage. If you have a receding hairline or thinning at the top, a forehead-bearing style like the Pompadour might not be the most flattering. Lloyd Hughes, the creative director of the award-winning men’s grooming brand Men-ü, suggests that while straighter hair is easier to sculpt into a classic Pompadour, those with wavy or curly hair can enjoy textured variations due to their hair’s natural texture and body.
2. Hair Length & Cut
Creating the perfect Pompadour requires the right cut with the right amount of hair in the right places. Adam Gore, founder of Barberology (voted Barbershop of the Year 2016 at the hairdressing Oscars), emphasizes the importance of weight distribution. Your hair should be long enough in the right places to hold the style, typically 6cm or longer on top, and as short or long on the sides as you prefer.
3. Face Shape:
The Pompadour is ideally suited to those with a wide jawline and high cheekbones, according to Hughes. However, a skilled stylist can employ tricks of the trade to create an illusion of length or width for different face shapes. For example, Aveda master barber Stelios Nicolaou suggests leaving more hair at the sides for longer faces and opting for a shorter cut at the back for round faces to balance the height and reduce width.
4. Facial Hair:
Contrary to the Pompadour’s historical pairing with a clean-shaven face, it can harmonize well with facial hair. Modern Pompadour styles, as Nicolaou notes, can be accentuated by a beard, but it’s important to balance the length and shape of your beard with your hairstyle. A disconnected Pompadour with hair clipped short at the back and sides creates a sleeker, more modern look that contrasts well with the volume of the beard.
Types of Pompadour Hairstyles
When considering a Pompadour hairstyle, it’s essential to explore the main types that serve as inspiration for this iconic look:
1. The Classic Pompadour:
This is a true throwback to the 1950s, epitomizing the iconic hairstyle of Elvis. It demands serious upkeep, requiring scissor-cut hair that’s shorter at the back and sides but longer at the fringe and crown. The classic Pompadour is all about volume and a high-shine finish, achieved with old-school pomade like Dax for a slick, brilliantly shiny result.
2. The Modern Pompadour:
A contemporary twist on King’s do, the Modern Pompadour is a disconnected style characterized by clear contrast between the shortness of hair on the sides and back and the length on top. This style requires clipped hair, either to a uniform length or graduated faded, making it less work-intensive than its classic forebear.
3. The Short Pompadour:
An alternative to the classic that’s less extra, the Short Pompadour is a subtle take on the modern style. It’s less of a commitment and suited for those who prefer a shorter length, usually not beyond 4cm at the fringe.
4. The Curly Pompadour:
For those with curly, wavy, or thick hair, the Curly Pompadour adds a textured, rough touch to the time-honored style. It replaces classic clean lines and high-shine with a matte, tousled look that’s ideal for an adventurous spirit.
5. The Fade Pompadour:
Incorporating fades into a Pompadour can make you the sleekest looking guy in the room. This style features gradually tapered sides and a signature coif on top, blending the Pompadour into the 21st century while retaining a classic look.
6. The Low-Fade Pompadour:
If you prefer something less dramatic than the standard fade, the Low-Fade Pompadour offers a nuanced look with a more balanced and less contrasting fade.
7. The Undercut Pompadour:
Combining the Pompadour with an undercut creates a striking style. It’s a dramatic pairing with clipped sides and back and longer hair on top, offering a clean, versatile look.
8. The Voluminous Pompadour:
Ideal for those with a lot of hair, the Voluminous Pompadour makes the most of thick hair, giving an eye-catching style with extra volume.
9. The Relaxed Pompadour:
For a low maintenance option, the Relaxed Pompadour is suitable for a variety of hair types, especially those with wavy, curly, or thick hair. It offers an effortless, laid-back look.
10. The Single Length Pompadour:
This style maintains the same length throughout, avoiding faded sides or undercut, giving a classic haircut that’s easy to maintain.
How to Style a Pompadour
Styling a Pompadour, whether a slick, tightly sculpted classic or a loose style that lets you run your hands through, involves a basic styling method that remains largely the same.
Step 1: Wash & Condition:
Start with freshly washed and conditioned hair that’s free of excess oil, dirt, and product residue.
Step 2: Dry: Towel dry your damp hair.
Then, using a comb and a hairdryer, blow dry your hair backwards from your forehead and temples towards the crown and back of your head, moving along the full shaft of the hair from root to tip.
Step 3: Apply Product:
Work in a pea-sized amount of product. Rub it between the palms of your hands to warm it up before running it through your hair. Be mindful of the product dosage; starting with a small amount is key, as applying too much can leave you looking like a Love Island reject or, in the worst case, heading back into the shower to start over.
Step 4: Comb:
Resume combing your hair using the technique outlined in step two. As you comb with one hand, use the other to gently pat down the hair, helping to further smoothen and shape the style.
Step 5: Create the Quiff:
Use the palm of your free hand to gently push forward the hair you’ve just combed backwards, just enough so that it starts to bend slightly. Then, use the comb to gently tease your fringe straight up and back, so that it curves up and back over your head. If your fringe grows poker straight or tends to fall to one side, don’t fight it. Embrace how the style sits naturally, whether falling to the right or left.
Step 6: Use Hairspray:
Once you’re happy with the shape of your Pompadour, and depending on your desired finish, spray judiciously with a strong-hold hairspray to help keep everything in place.
Choose Your Finish
When it comes to finalizing your Pompadour, the product you choose can make all the difference, offering options for a classic glossy look, a more laid back, textured style, or a fresh, natural appearance.
1. Sleek Pompadour:
For a classic, sleek finish, opt for a high-shine pomade. This will give your Pompadour a polished look that’s both sharp and refined. Finish with a strong-hold hairspray to ensure your style stays in place.
2. Textured Pompadour:
If a meticulously sculpted look isn’t your style, a textured Pompadour might be more up your alley. Use a texturizing clay, cream, or paste, and apply it either by combing through or using your hands to scrunch the hair for a more natural, lived-in look. For this style, you might want to hold off on the hairspray to maintain the texture.
3. Loose & Natural Pompadour:
For those who prefer a more surf-inspired, relaxed look, swap out the pomade and paste for salt spray. Apply it liberally to towel-dried hair and use a comb to form a loose Pompadour. This approach offers a natural look without the need for heavy or greasy products, allowing you to seductively brush your hair off your forehead and back into place with ease.
Each finish has its own charm and is tailored to different preferences and lifestyles. Remember, the right product can bring out the best in your Pompadour, keeping your hair game strong and your style on point.
Pompadour FAQs
When considering a Pompadour haircut, there are often a few questions that need answering. Here are some FAQs to provide final advice and clarity.
1. How Long Does Your Hair Have to Be for a Pompadour?
To achieve a Pompadour hairstyle, you don’t necessarily need a ton of hair, but having a solid three to four inches on top is crucial to create the distinct shape of the style. The length of hair on the rest of your head can vary according to your personal style preference.
2. How Do I Get a Pompadour?
To get a Pompadour, start by growing your hair out, especially on top. Once you have decent locks, choose a style that suits your look and hair type. Bring a reference picture to your barber shop for precision. Remember, a Pompadour requires a commitment to styling. You’ll need to brush your damp hair back and up, use a blow dryer to create volume, and secure with product or hairspray, while smoothing the hairs into place.
3. Are Pompadours Still in Style?
Yes, Pompadours have withstood the test of time surprisingly well. A hairstyle that dates back to the French Revolution, it has been sported by men throughout history and has only increased in popularity. Today, the Pompadour is embraced by the modern guy as a timeless look.
4. What’s the Difference Between a Quiff and a Pompadour?
It’s common to confuse a quiff with a Pompadour, but the main difference lies in the volume location. In a Pompadour, the volume is focused on the top of the head, with the hair brushed back for a sleek look. A quiff, however, has its volume concentrated just above the forehead, utilizing only the front portion of your hair. While Pompadours often require meticulous styling, quiffs can be styled quickly with more texture.
These insights should help guide you through the process of choosing and maintaining a Pompadour that best suits your style and hair type.