Contrary to popular belief, men have a ton of styling options. When it comes to the best hairstyles for men, we’re all about classic looks that you can go back to year after year. One of the most famous ‘dos of all time is the pompadour, made famous by iconic movie stars and 1950s musicians. This look is all about contrast, which means hair that boasts volume on top and subtle, tapered sides.
This style is so endlessly popular because it’s adaptable. Your barber can customize your side length, the fade you like, and the finish. If the pompadour cut is basically the denim of the hair world—there’s no way to wear it incorrectly. If you’re searching for the best ways to try pompadour hairstyles for men, we’ve got you covered! Keep scrolling for 10 of the best ways to try the look for all hair types in 2020.
The Best Pompadour Hairstyles For Men To Try Now
Classic Pompadour
We’re kicking things off with the traditional pompadour, a look that’s all about embracing that classic, slicked-back style. To make sure you’re getting the best cut possible, be sure to schedule a consultation with your barber or stylist ahead of time. He or she should have an idea of your experience with hair products, your daily routine, and how you feel about a statement hairstyle.
Once that’s done, sit back and let the professional do the work. Your final look should leave you feeling like the king of rock ’n’ roll—bedazzled suit, optional. When it comes to at-home styling, use a hair gel like Redken Brew’s Holding Gel to create a defined style with medium control.
Photo Credit: @cutskillah.
High Fade
All fade haircuts are a little different because there’s so much room for your stylist to play around with the sides. With a high fade pompadour, your long pompadour will quickly transform into nearly buzzed edges. Choose a high fade pompadour hairstyle if you’re looking for a look that’s a little more clean-cut.
Photo Credit: @gabriele_iervolino.
Low Fade
Unlike the high fade pompadour, the low fade is all about preserving as much hair as possible while staying true to the style. Instead of trimming down the sides of your hair, this variation of the cut will have your barber touching up the area just above the ears. That close crop will become a little longer (about eye height) and continue to transition into longer hair up to the pompadour.
When you think of the pompadour style, this is probably the iteration you’re picturing. It’s by far the most wearable, easy-going version of the look. If you’re just giving the hairstyle a shot for the first time, the modern pompadour is an excellent transition look.
Photo Credit: @the_texture_junkie.
Skin Fade
The skin fade cut (also called a “bald fade”) is an even more dramatic version of the high fade. Instead of barely-there buzzed strands, your barber will trim all the way down to the scalp.
Photo Credit: @virgiltb.
Hard Part
If you like the idea of not having to part your hair or making a statement without any work, the hard part might be your match. Your barber will create a clean-cut line on the side of your head to sharply separate two sections of hair. This will give your overall look a dramatic effect.
Photo Credit: @joemcbarber.
Wavy
It’s a well-known fact in the hair world: Natural wavy hair is the most coveted hair texture, so there’s no reason not to show it off! Give your wavy pompadour a bit of hold and added texture with a hair pomade like Redken Brews Texture Hair Pomade.
Photo Credit: @suncutz.
Curly
If you have curly hair, options for stylish haircuts can seem limited, but a pompadour can be an excellent way to show off your natural texture. Length on top lends itself to easy styling, while cropped sides mean you’ll have less work to do in the morning. Just shower, apply product, and go! Try a hair pomade like Redken Brews Cream Hair Pomade to give your look smoothness, texture, and medium control.
Medium Length
After you’ve decided on the kind of fade to get, you’ll have to make one other decision: pompadour length. The amount of hair you keep on top depends entirely on you (and how much you enjoy styling your hairdo).
For first-timers, we recommend a medium-length pompadour. It’s long enough to style with texturizing paste or hair gel, but not so long that you can’t leave the house without showering and running product through it. We’re all about practicality and wearability, so don’t choose a length you won’t want to maintain.
Photo Credit: @edimartorres.
Short
If you like to keep your cuts straight and to the point, a short pompadour is a winning option. While you’ll need to keep up with regular trims to maintain your shorter chop, styling will be a total breeze! All you’ll need is a comb and a hair paste like Redken Brews Molding Hair Paste for strong-hold with a natural finish.
Photo Credit: @barberbirdman.
Extra Long
When it comes to making your pompadour stand out, don’t be afraid of a little extra length. Let the strands at the top of your head grow out while keeping the sides short for a final look that’s voluminous and eye-catching. Complete your look with a few spritzes of volumizing hairspray like Matrix StyleLink Volume Fixer Hairspray.
Interested in trying a pompadour hairstyle? Use our salon locator to book an appointment at a barber shop near you.
Brews Holding Gel for Men
A men's hair gel with medium hold and medium shine.
Brews Cream Hair Pomade for Men
A water-based, low-shine pomade for smooth, flexible styles.
Style Link Volume Fixer Hairspray
A lightweight, volumizing hairspray for all hair types.
Brews Texture Hair Pomade for Men
A matte hair pomade that adds texture and separation without the crunch.
