Tips

Pompadour hairstyle – how to style it

Posted on by Inna Morozova

The pompadour is one of the best-known men’s hairstyles. It was made famous in the 1950s by Elvis Presley and is still popular with men today. Interestingly, its name comes from Madame de Pompadour, the favourite of the French king Louis XV, who wore a high, swept-up hairstyle. The style is defined by hair that is longer at the front than at the back and sides, forming a soft, high wave. There are many variations. How do you style a pompadour? Read our tips.

Pompadour – who suits this hairstyle?

The pompadour is a versatile style that suits many men regardless of age and personal style, and it works with different hair types. It will not be the right choice for everyone, though. It is not for those who lack the patience to grow the top to at least 7 cm – that is the length at which the best results are possible. Men with fine, thin hair may also find it harder to cut and style. Curly hair, on the other hand, is no obstacle for this style.

The pompadour haircut

The pompadour is an elegant style that needs some work, and styling it takes time. If you are still interested, here is how to get it. First, the sides must be shorter than the top. There are no strict rules, but a clipper guard of 1–2 mm is a common choice. You can also leave the sides a little longer – a good option for men with a round face. For a modern look, the sides can blend into a beard. The top needs to be fairly long – at least 7–10 cm – so the hair can be lifted and form a wave. It is a classic cut, so any experienced hairdresser will know how to do it.

Which styling products help? Pomade, hairspray, mousse

To create an impressive pompadour that holds all day, you need the right men’s styling products. For everyday styling, a good pomade is especially useful. A small amount does not weigh the hair down, gives a strong hold and a natural look, with a matte or shiny finish depending on the product. Besides pomade, you can use gel, mousse or hairspray. A round brush is also very helpful when blow-drying and shaping the hair.

Pompadour styling – how to do it

How do you style your hair into an eye-catching pompadour? Follow these steps:

  1. Wash your hair thoroughly and gently pat it dry with a soft towel – do not rub it hard. If your hair lacks volume, use a pre-styler to make styling easier and add volume.
  2. Use a comb to separate the sides from the top and start by styling the sides.
  3. Set the hairdryer to a medium temperature and take a round brush.
  4. Wrap sections of hair around the brush and pull them up and back while blow-drying.
  5. Style the hair section by section from the back to the front, focusing on the front sections and wrapping them around the brush several times. The front needs the most lift at the roots.
  6. Apply pomade to the top, work it in and finish shaping the pompadour.

Pompadour – important tips

To get a near-perfect result, keep a few things in mind. First, regular trims are essential – only then will the pompadour look fresh and the hair healthy and well-groomed. Trimming the sides and top every 2–3 weeks keeps a clear contrast between them. Proper hair care matters too: use conditioners, oils or masks that nourish and protect your hair. Do not be afraid to experiment with different styling products – different finishes and levels of hold can give surprisingly different results, so your pompadour can have many faces.

The pompadour is a style with a long history that is still loved by confident men – traditional and stylish, yet bold. At Haircut Express you can get a men’s haircut without an appointment – find your nearest salon and check the prices.

FAQ

Who suits a pompadour?

Men with a round or square face – the high top makes the head look longer. With a very long, narrow face, a lower version is better. You need thick, straight or slightly wavy hair about 8–12 cm long on top.

How do I style a pompadour step by step?

Apply mousse or a volumising product to damp hair, then blow-dry with a round brush, lifting the hair up and back from the forehead towards the crown. On dry hair, apply pomade (for shine) or paste (for a matte finish), shape with a comb and set with hairspray.

Pompadour vs quiff – what is the difference?

A pompadour is swept back evenly, with shine and clear volume above the forehead. A quiff is looser and more textured, often with a matte finish and pushed slightly to the side.

Which pomade is best for a pompadour?

A water-based pomade gives shine, washes out easily and lets you rework the style during the day. Oil-based pomades hold more strongly but are hard to wash out. For a matte version, use paste or clay.

How do I ask for a pompadour at Haircut Express?

Say: “short sides with a fade, long on top, swept back with volume” – the hairdresser will leave the right length above the forehead. Men’s haircuts without an appointment, at the price shown in the price list.

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Inna Morozova