A pompadour is a hairstyle where the hair on top is swept upward and back from the forehead, with the most height at the front. The sides are kept shorter and neat. Here's what sets it apart, who it suits, how to ask your barber for it and how to style it.
Pompadour at a glance
- Top: 4 to 6 inches at the front
- Sides and back: Tapered, faded or slicked back
- Maintenance: High
- Trim every: 3 to 4 weeks
What makes it different
It's a statement style with roots in the 1950s. The classic version is slick and shiny; the modern one has faded sides and a looser, matte finish.
Pompadour vs quiff
A pompadour is swept back smoothly with volume across the whole front. A quiff is brushed up and forward at the fringe and is usually messier.
Who it suits
Round, oval and square faces, since the height lengthens the face. You need fairly thick hair; fine or thinning hair struggles to hold the shape.
Not sure about your face shape? Find it with the free face shape detector, or read our guide to men's face shapes.
How to ask your barber for a pompadour
- Ask to keep 4 inches or more at the front, getting shorter toward the crown.
- Choose the sides: classic taper or a fade.
- Say whether you want it connected or with an undercut.
- Bring a photo. Barbers use these names differently, and a picture removes the guesswork.
How to style it
Blow dry up and back with a round brush, then apply pomade and comb into shape. Use water-based pomade for shine or clay for a matte finish.
Variations
- Modern pompadour: faded sides, matte finish.
- Pompadour fade: skin or mid fade.
- Short pompadour: less height, easier to manage.
Try it before you cut
A haircut takes weeks to grow out. Upload a selfie to the AI hairstyle changer and see the pompadour on your own face, next to up to three other styles.
Related haircuts
FAQ
What is a pompadour?
A pompadour is a hairstyle where the hair on top is swept upward and back from the forehead, with the most height at the front.
Who suits a pompadour?
Round, oval and square faces, since the height lengthens the face. You need fairly thick hair; fine or thinning hair struggles to hold the shape.
How often does it need a trim?
About every 3 to 4 weeks.
