Reviewed & updated: August 30, 2023 by Jamie Wilson BA
Look, we’ve all heard the jokes about the comb over—it’s outdated, it’s for dads, blah blah blah. But here’s the reality: the comb over is making a comeback and it’s more versatile than ever. Whether you’ve got a thick mane or are dealing with a receding hairline, this style has got you covered. Literally. In this post, you’re going to get the lowdown on the 10 best comb over hairstyles in 2023, each with its own unique flair. If you’re short on time, here’s the quick answer: the comb over isn’t just a cover-up, it’s a fashion statement. So read on to make sure you’re making the right statement.
Undercut Comb Over
An undercut comb is fresh, edgy, and it looks fantastic on younger men. It has a lot of definition and volume from top to shorter sides. If you like haircuts that have a mix of conventional with contemporary, this is it.
Fade Comb Over
If you are a fan of classic comb over hairstyles and you love some unusual designs such as a fade or a side cut, get this style. You can go for a higher fade, mid, or low fade style based on your head shape & preference. Part your hair with your comb & you’ll be left with your ideal cut.
Semi-Long Hair Comb Over
If your hair is naturally longer & you love to emphasize your texture, simply part it one the middle section. A long comb over is defined by shorter sides and with a bit more volume at the top. If you want more definition & you are trying to emphasize your facial features, you will love a long comb-over.
Classic Comb Over Haircut
If you love simple & easy to wear haircuts, the classic comb-over will suit you. It was a popular choice in the 50s where men had to tame down their hair with a lot of hair gel. Nowadays, this haircut is a go-to for dates, any workplace, as well as formal dinners. Just make sure you have a lot of clay since it can be hard to maintain all baby hairs in place.
Classic Comb Over For Mature Men
If you are in your forties or fifties, you will try to style your hair differently. Why? Due to all grey hairs + because of your face structure. Get this haircut and go for a comb-over with a middle part. Make sure it is nicely combed through and that it looks neat since mature men need to take more care of their strands.
The Undercut Comb Over
Description: An edgy update on the classic, featuring shaved sides and a longer top. It’s the perfect blend of traditional and modern.
The Side Part Comb Over
Description: This style gives a subtle, elegant twist with a side part that can be as defined or as casual as you like.
The High Fade Comb Over
Description: Want to make a statement? This high fade version adds volume and draws eyes right to the top of your head.
The Low Fade Comb Over
Description: Similar to the high fade, but the fade starts much lower, providing a more subtle transition.
The Slick Back Comb Over
Description: Instead of combing to the side, slick it straight back for an ultra-sophisticated look.
Personal Anecdote: Tried this one for a gala event once. Got mistaken for a movie star, not even kidding.
The Textured Comb Over
Description: Add a bit of pomade and work it in for a more textured, casual look that’s great for weekend outings.
The Short Comb Over
Description: For the minimalist, this style keeps the hair short but maintains the elegance of a comb over.
The Long Comb Over
Description: If you’ve got the locks, flaunt them. This one keeps the hair longer on top for a more dramatic side sweep.
The Comb Over Pompadour
Description: A fusion of the classic pompadour and comb over styles, for the guy who’s not afraid to go big.
Locking Down Your Comb Over: No Bad Hair Days Allowed
So, you’ve settled on the comb over as your signature look. Solid choice. But now comes the challenge—how do you keep that bad boy in place? If you’re in a rush, the bottom line is: products and technique, my man. You need the right arsenal of hair care goods and the know-how to apply ’em. Let’s dive in, shall we?
The Product Line-Up: Your Hair’s Best Friends
Let’s face it, not all hair products are created equal. When it comes to keeping that comb over pristine, you’ve got to have the right tools for the job:
- Hair Gel or Pomade: These are your MVPs. Add them into your routine to make sure every strand stays where it needs to.
- Hair Oil: Short on time? Run some hair oil through your locks for a quick, sleek finish.
Personal Anecdote: I had a dinner date and was completely out of pomade. Panicked, I used hair oil as a last-minute substitute. Result? Still looked sharp and even got compliments on the “new style.”
The Technique: It’s All In The Wrist
Application is key, so listen up. Blow-drying your hair on high heat is your best bet for a killer comb over. This ensures you lock in that style effectively. And remember, wash your hair every 3-4 days with lukewarm water—it’s the sweet spot for styling flexibility.
Decoding the Comb Over Fade: More than Just a Haircut
Bored of the usual? Spice things up with a comb over fade. It’s a gradient masterpiece, with your barber crafting low, mid, or high fades that blend seamlessly with the longer hair up top. Talk to your barber about what kind of fade works best for you; they’re the experts, after all.
How to Brief Your Barber: Speak Their Language
When you hit the barber’s chair, come prepared.
- Inspiration Picture: Bring one. It sets the stage and eliminates any guesswork.
- Side Part: Tell ’em where you want it. Left, right, smack in the middle—it’s your call.
- More on Top: Ask to leave a bit of extra length up there; it adds some dynamic flair and rounds out your face.
Personal Anecdote: For my first comb over fade, I showed my barber a photo of David Beckham rocking one. Not only did I get the style I wanted, but I also got advice tailored to my hair type. Double win.
Now you’re armed with all you need to know to rock that comb over like a boss. Go forth and turn heads, gentlemen.
Should I Part My Hair Left Or Right?
This is different for everyone, and all guys should style their hair differently. However, the best way to determine this is if you look into your spiral. If the spiral moves clockwise, try to part your hair on the left side. If your spiral is counter-clockwise, your hair should go on the right side. This will make the parting & styling a lot easier. Of course, you don’t have to follow this pattern of your natural texture. You can always go for a messy cut & enjoy a bald comb-over, or a short comb-over if that’s what you like. You can also slick back your hair to the side where you’re trying to hide some minor imperfections, like a receding hairline, moles, scars, etc.
Maintenance Tips for the Perfect Comb Over: Your Blueprint for Hair Perfection
Alright, you’ve got your comb over looking slick, but how do you keep it that way? You don’t want to spend all that time and effort, only to have it looking like a bird’s nest a week later. Let’s get into the nitty-gritty—a step-by-step guide for daily, weekly, and monthly routines to keep your comb over in prime shape.
Daily Routine: Keep It Fresh
Morning Check-in
- Quick Wet Down: A light spritz of water to dampen your hair, making it easier to style.
- Apply Product: A dab of your go-to hair gel or pomade, worked from roots to tips.
- Comb It Over: Start from the part and comb it to the side. Take your time to get each strand in place.
Throughout The Day
- Touch-ups: Keep a pocket comb handy for quick touch-ups, especially if you’ve got a big meeting or date.
Personal Anecdote: Early in my comb over journey, I underestimated the power of midday touch-ups. Got caught in some windy weather and let’s just say, it wasn’t a good look.
Weekly Routine: Maintenance Mode
Shampoo & Condition
- Shampoo: Go for a quality shampoo that matches your hair type.
- Condition: Follow it up with a conditioner to keep your hair soft and manageable.
Post-Wash Styling
- Blow Dry: Always use a blow dryer for added volume and style retention.
- Product Application: Once the hair is dry, time for your styling product.
Weekly Check-up
- Product Build-up: Check for any build-up. If you see some, consider a clarifying shampoo for your next wash.
Monthly Routine: Long-Term Game Plan
Trim Time
- Get a Trim: Depending on how fast your hair grows, schedule a trim every 3-4 weeks to keep it neat.
Product Rotation
- Switch It Up: Rotate your styling products every month to prevent build-up and keep your hair responsive.
Deep Conditioning
- Treat Your Hair: Once a month, go for a deep conditioning treatment. This could be at home or a professional service.
Personal Anecdote: I used to avoid deep conditioning, thinking it was overkill. The first time I tried it, it was a game-changer. My comb over had never looked better.
On That Note
Don’t let the comb-overs fade scare you. Now you know how to style a comb-over, right? As you can see, the perfect comb-over can be easy to achieve if you add the right pomade or hair gel. Make sure you talk with your barber about proper parting and if you should add some additions such as a fade, pompadour, fringe, etc. In the end, you don’t have to follow a certain trend. You can go for a comb-over hairstyle that does not demand a lot of styling, and that only speaks to you.
