15 Pompadour Haircut & Hairstyles for Men

If nothing else, a classic pompadour haircut proves that the best looks never really go out of style. And what is a pompadour, one might ask? For a cursory idea, picture Elvis Presley shaking his hips with a hairdo that is big up top and short or slick around the sides. Not just the king of rock and roll, he remains the king of men’s pompadour hairstyles.

The style actually predates Elvis by centuries. Its earliest roots stretch back to 18th century France and Madame de Pompadour, mistress to Louis XV. Much later, icons like Elvis, Johnny Cash and James Dean helped transform the look into one of the coolest men’s hairstyles of all time.

The pompadour has surged back into fashion over the last decade, but today’s versions are wildly varied. Some are short and textured, others long and sculpted, and many incorporate modern fades, tapers or side parts. Barbers have pushed the style into new territory, and the list now includes everything from messy pompadours to skin fade pomps, scissor-cut versions and even bold disconnected shapes.

Below, we break down what defines a pompadour, how to style it properly, and 15 pompadour variations that suit different hair types and face shapes.

Related: Our complete guide to the best haircuts for men is your reference point for hairstyles.

What is a Men’s Pompadour Haircut?

In the simplest sense, the men’s pompadour haircut features longer hair swept up and back at the top, flanked by slick or shorter sides. The hair is usually the tallest and most voluminous at the front of the hairline, receding in size and scope as it flows back.

Since men’s hairstyles and face shapes vary, there’s accordingly a slew of pompadour haircuts to choose from. Generally speaking, however, most pompadour haircuts fall into two categories: classic and modern.

The “classic” men’s pompadour infers the longer, slicked-back sides once touted by the likes of Elvis and Johnny Cash. By contrast, the “modern” pompadour shortens the sides via an undercut, fade, or taper, and often takes more risks at the top to create a firmer sense of personal expression. To provide even further distinction, the modern pompadour with beard is as common as the classic pompadour with beard is rare.

Styling a Men’s Pompadour Haircut

If you’re exploring a new pompadour hairstyle for the first time, we always suggest going to the best barber in town and showing them exactly what you want (or what you think you want). That barber will also give you plenty of pointers on maintaining the aesthetic at home. Nevertheless, here’s how you style the men’s pompadour haircut by your lonesome:

1. Rinse your hair using shampoo and conditioner.
2. Towel-dry your hair until it’s damp but not fully dry.
3. Blow-dry your hair on the light heat setting while using a round brush to shape the pomp. Brush your hair according to how you want the pomp to look, but generally go up at the front and then back, tracing the brush strokes with the hairdryer.
4. Grab some pomade and rub it into your hands, then apply it to your hair evenly with your fingers. Apply more pomade as needed. If you’re rocking a “classic” pompadour haircut, consider working the pomade in from the sides first.
5. With the pomade now in your hair, grab a comb. Start at the front of the top, comb up, then back, following the comb’s movements with your fingers to keep the hair in place and control height. Let the hair rest into place.

One extra pointer: If you’re struggling to maintain height at the front, you can also put your hand in the middle of your scalp during step 5 and lightly push your hair forward, then start combing upward.

15 Pompadour Haircuts & Hairstyles For Men

Men’s hair is like men’s clothing in that you style it to your physical contours and wear it to express yourself. That means finding a pompadour haircut that speaks to you on a personal level and, at the same time, blends beautifully with the natural shape of your face. Scope the following pompadour haircuts to get your journey started right.

1. Classic Pompadour Haircut

If you are a vintage man living in the modern world, go full rockabilly with a classic men’s pompadour. Voluminous, slick and structured, this is Elvis-era style at its purest, and it still holds up today.

2. Pompadour Fade Haircut

Short, neat sides create a strong contrast with a fuller top, giving the pompadour a crisp, modern edge. The fade keeps the cut sharp, clean and easy to maintain, making it one of the most popular choices in barbershops right now.

3. Messy Pompadour Haircut

A messy pompadour strikes the perfect balance between texture and control. Use your fingers, not a comb, to add lift and separation. It is ideal for anyone who prefers an effortless, relaxed finish instead of a high-gloss look.

4. Side Part Pompadour Haircut

The side part is hot right now. Combine the best of two stunning styles by pairing a distinguished side part with that brilliant pomp. When styling the hair, be sure to comb it sideways rather than straight back, aka “duh”.

5. Curly Pompadour Haircut

Do you have curly or extra wavy hair? Good news! You can still rock a quality pompadour. We recommend a short pompadour cut to keep things manageable. Of course, if you have plenty of hair product and time to spare, by all means, go full fro. Couple that with a nice taper or fade, and you’re ready to roll.

6. The Short Pompadour Haircut

Sure, you can go long and tall, or you can keep those follicles tighter to the crown while looking just as sharp (if not sharper). We love the short pompadour, and so should you.

7. Side Swept Pomp Fade Haircut

A quality side-swept pompadour fade entails going extra short on the sides, then sweeping your long hair across the top. It’s handsome, modern, voluminous and distinct.

8. Long and Tall Pompadour Fade Haircut

With the right hair product, anything is possible. Emphasise length and volume by growing your hair out, slicking it up at the front, then back. Surround that with a nice fade, and you’ll turn eyeballs wherever you go.

9. Textured Pompadour Haircut

Similar to the messy pomp but more precise, the textured pompadour haircut aims for more layering up top. The result is definitely sharp, but less wild.

10. The Pomp Faux Hawk Haircut

Work those cutthroat lines, parts, and angles to create a distinguished strip up top. Apply plenty of hair product to keep the look intact. Unlike the far more raucous Mohawk, a quality faux hawk is approachable and classic.

11. Skin Fade Pompadour

A skin fade pompadour creates maximum contrast by taking the sides right down to the skin before blending into a full, sculpted top. It is clean, sharp and one of the most popular barbershop styles today.

12. Asian Pompadour

Straight, thick hair is ideal for this smooth and structured look. The Asian pompadour focuses on clean lines, controlled height, and a polished silhouette, which is very popular across Korean and Japanese fashion circles.

13. Disconnected Pompadour

This version removes the blend between the top and sides entirely. The longer length on top sits boldly above the short sides, creating a strong visual break. It is a confident, statement-making hairstyle.

14. Scissor-Cut Pompadour

A traditional barbershop approach that relies on scissor work instead of heavy clipper use. It produces a softer, more natural shape with fuller sides. Ideal for men who prefer a classic finish.

15. Messy Textured Pompadour

This variation is all about volume and lived-in detail. Use a matte product and your fingers to create separation and lift. The result is relaxed, stylish and easy to maintain.

On the lookout for more men’s hairstyles, haircuts, and pointers? Be sure to check out our curated list of articles below:

Useful Hair Tips

• How to Choose a Hairstyle for Your Face Shape
• How Often Should Men Shampoo Their Hair?
• How Wayne Carey Regrew a Full Head of Hair with Mosh
• How to Talk to a Barber
• How to Deal With Grey Hair

Hairstyles for Inspiration

• Quiff Hairstyle for Men
• Faux Hawk Hairstyles for Men
• Skullet Hairstyle for Men
• Bowl Cut Hairstyles for Men

Related: For more hairstyle ideas, check out our complete haircuts and hairstyles guide.

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