Reviewed & updated: October 19, 2022 by Jamie Wilson BA
Wondering how to style a pompadour style? Pompadour haircuts are usually worn by guys who love attention-seeking haircuts. If you love voluminous & longer hairstyles you will love this cut. Although the styling process can be a bit difficult & hard as well as time-consuming, there are many different low-maintenance hairstyles. You could enjoy fade haircuts, a pompadour undercut, as well as any short pomp cut ideas. If you have long hair and you need to customize your look according to your face shapes, read on! So, do you need some inspiration? Read through the article & find the perfect pompadour style for your hair type & preference!
Why Is It Called A Pompadour?
Initially, this hairstyle was worn by women, believe it or not. But it seems like nowadays everyone is hopping onto the pompadour hair trend. The cut itself was invented in the 18th century by Madame De Pompadour. Madame De Pompadour was a chief mistress of Louis XV who was a French king. She made styling of her hair super easy & fashionable, and she influenced & thought women worldwide how to style a pompadour. As you can see this hairstyle has been around for an entire century (and even more) and is considered as a cool and often go-to for men who love stylish & longer cuts. In fact, did you know that Elvis Presley was one of the first celebrities who styled his pompadour haircut and brought it back to the scene? If you want to hop onto this trend and look as fashion-forward, keep on reading and you’ll find your perfect pompadour haircuts!
How Long Should Your Hair Be For A Pompadour?
This is different for every person since every hair texture & personal style is different. However, for most guys & in most cases, you should have around 4 inches of length on your upper half, while your sides don’t have to be as voluminous or long. This means that your hair should be 4 inches long once blown dry & styled. Some guys with curly hair may need even more inches, while guys with super sleek & straight hair will get this look in no time. You can wear a pompadour no matter your hair color – black, brown, or bleached, but you need to have mid-long length if you want to make the cutwork. Of course, you can go for a pompadour short cut if you can’t grow out your hair naturally, or if you need a quick design for an upcoming event & this seems like the most practical solution. However, just know that a fade pompadour, disconnected undercut, taper, quiff pompadour or any other pompadour hairstyles will look the prettiest on longer hairstyles & men who can grow out their hair along with their facial hair.
Top 10 Pompadour Hairstyles: Our Guide To Perfect Pompadour Hair
If you want to experience the best of the best pompadour haircuts you should look into these top 10 styles. They are relevant for guys who love textured & popular haircuts, as well as those who are interested in some serious volume.
1. Combed Back Faded Pompadour Haircut
A pompadour taper haircut isn’t hard to style, and it usually looks amazing on younger men or guys who naturally have shorter hair. If you are someone who loves to wear bold & sleek looks you will love this contemporary look. The pompadour haircut has its interesting history, and it is hands down one of the prettiest looks for school, college, or even your job. There is a lot of variations that you can go for. So, is blonde your favorite and next go-to shade to explore with?
How to style it?
Comb your hair backward every morning with a comb. Use a high-quality pomade or a wax and set your strands in place. Make sure you go for a fade on the sides and to this style at your favorite & trustworthy barbershop.
2. Curly Hair Pompadour Haircut
Men with curly hair will look amazing with a pompadour haircut. Only some guys can rock the curls, and that is as long as you don’t have flat or straight hair. Also, you should be into styling your hair because curls can be a bit harder to maintain. If you don’t mind the grooming, as well as all the extra care & using different hair products, you will love this cut! Make sure you wear it to both semi-formal or casual events since it is a show-stopper, no matter where you’re at. You should stick to short sides and a skin-fade detail to make this cut work and look good.
How to style it?
Hold your curls in your hand while they are still wet and apply a styling product on top. Your hair should be covered in a lot of shine & bounce. Make sure you add just the right amount of product just so you can create the right hairstyle. Don’t let your curls appear dry, and always reach for some shine-boosting sprays.
3. Slicked Back Short Hair Pompadour Fade
Slicked back hair is ideal for the work, and so is the fade or tapered cut. You can also incorporate a beard with this look if you are off to the office and if you need something a tad more professional. Make sure your skin is clear before you head out since your facial features are everything, and don’t forget your mustache area either! This short pompadour with a swept back look will always look elegant and formal. Make sure that you add your favorite hairspray on top as well to set your cut in place. This hard part look will be tricky to get and set, so take your time wth it.
How to style it?
Search for the right gel. It should have a stronghold that will allow you to add the right shape & sleekness to your strands. Start by adding the product to your roots and work it all up till your ends. This pompadour can be low-maintenance as long as you use the right set of high-quality products.
4. Undercut Pompadour Hairstyle
An undercut or any form of a disconnected undercut or a disconnected pompadour is something that men love to wear on a day-to-day basis. Only some guys can rock these cuts, which is why it is essential you feel confident enough to wear them. If you are still in your teens or your twenties you will be able to pull off this look the best. If you want a high fade pompadour that is bold and unique, this is it! Guys who like quirky looks and those who have time to invest in their high shine look should book this design.
How to style it?
Ask your hairdresser to give you the right pompadour cut, as well as an undercut detail. Let your hair grow out on the top and leave your sides defined. Try to come back to the salon every 3-4 weeks to maintain the sides.
5. Wavy Hair Pompadour Haircut
Is your hair naturally wavy? Ever thought about putting it in a pompadour haircut? This is a must-have for wavy hair types since it is one of those hairstyles which is not too hard to style. If you love your natural texture and if you have mid-long curls, you will love this style. It is wavy & perfect for casual events + it isn’t too bold or tacky for the office. If you want a long top type of pompadour hairstyle, this is your top-pick! Do you dare to wear it with plenty of volume?
How to style it?
Make sure you blow-dry your hair and style it into a pompadour. The upkeep should be simple, just use some oils & shine-boosting products. Wavy hair is naturally dry, so make sure you re-moisturize it often enough. Don’t forget a high-quality conditioner either.
6. Classic Pompadour Mid Fade Haircut
If you have a trustworthy stylist and you love to follow trends you will love this haircut. It is very voluminous, and it usually looks amazing on guys who have dark brown or black hair. The mid fade adds an element of mystery, while the whole look itself screams fun! The mid fade isn’t too hard to achieve, but you should visit your favorite barber every 3-4 weeks just so they can maintain your style. You will love it the most if you’re into slicked-back pompadour looks.
How to style it?
Style your hair with a matte pomade. These hairstyles will demand a bit of work, so make sure you set them in place with your favorite & high-quality products. Use the best round brush to achieve this look, along with a bit of lightweight hair gel.
7. Side Part Pompadour Classic Haircut
A side part pompadour is fancy & ideal for night-outs. Men who are into formal hairstyles will love this one. All you have to do is wear it with confidence, and the ladies will love the look on you! Also, make sure you use high-quality hair products by trusted brands. You will want your pompadour to always stay on one side, and the other one should still look even & voluminous, and not like you didn’t put any effort into it. This is a classic pomp that will look great on most face shapes and facial features, which means that it is your lucky day!
How to style it?
Add your favorite hair pomade over your entire front portion. Try to comb your hair to your preferred side. Some guys love this look since it can hide some minor imperfections, such as molds or scars that they may have on one side. Add your favorite pomade with a matte finish to rock this chic cut.
8. Messy Pompadour Hairstyle
Men who love pompadour hairstyles and who are always running out the door should get this cut. It is a bit messy looking but it can suit many different activities. You can wear it casual & sporty as long as you are off to casual everyday activities or some less-formal events. The messy cut will suit guys who love walking out the door and looking well-put as quickly as possible! Do you want to rock longer and bolder locks?
How to style it?
Wear your hair a bit messy and like straight out of the shower. You will love this cut since all it takes is 3-4 minutes to style. Add your favorite hair-gel or cream and enjoy your day.
9. Modern Pompadour Taper Haircuts
Wear your pompadour hairstyle super modern & defined. This cut is appropriate for the office as well as mature men. The cut itself is a bit hard to achieve since it is shaped on the sides differently, therefore make sure you go to the right barber which will help you achieve this modern hairdo. The best thing about this stylish look is that it will suit most age groups. Want to rock it?
How to style it?
Hairstyles which are modern and ideal for the office should be styled with a matte clay. Define all of your frizzy strands with a pea-sized amount of your clay and you’ll have a sturdy & long-lasting cut during the day.
10. Thick Pompadour Haircut
A thick pompadour is a pompadour which suits men who have naturally thicker, frizzy & longer strands. If you want to enjoy the right hairstyle for night-outs and if you need something which suits your hair type, this is it! Try to enjoy your cut for both casual & formal events, just get your trims cut every 2-3 months. Although it is a bit thick, long & hard to maintain, this hair should still be cut properly & regularly so it stays healthy. Guys who like highlights will also like this color combo.
How to style it?
Style your hair with a gel which is made for thick or frizzy hair. Apply a generous amount and wash your hair every 3 days (not more or less often). Often washes will dry out your hair & ruin your thick strands. Let your hair produce its natural oils & don’t strip them away.
On That Note
So, after looking into our reviews on all the pompadour hairstyles, which one is your favorite? You can try out any of these as long as you have the right length & hair texture. Pompadour cut is a bit harder to maintain & it usually looks the prettiest on men who have longer hair, as well as on those who prefer bolder hairstyles. If you don’t mind investing 5 minutes per day just to style your hair, you will love this look!
