There’s no arguing it: the pompadour is one of the most enduringly stylish cuts out there. You see variations of it on every street and in every barbershop - long, short, classic, modern. It’s the hairstyle you’ve probably admired but didn’t always know by name.
The Origins of the Pompadour
Surprising fact: the pompadour was first a women’s hairstyle, popularized by Madame de Pompadour, the renowned mistress of King Louis XV. She wore her hair swept high, pinned back with ribbons or clips, making her one of the original trendsetters. Fast-forward to the mid-20th century, and this feminine look transformed into a bold men’s style, largely thanks to the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll himself.
The inspiration for today’s most popular men’s hairstyle actually comes from an 18th-century woman.
The "King" Elvis.
From the 1950s to 1960s, icons like Elvis Presley, James Dean, and John Travolta catapulted the pompadour into stardom. Today, as classic and vintage styles make a comeback, the pompadour remains as popular as ever.
The Classic Pompadour
The classic version of the pompadour is all about length. To keep its signature fullness, it’s usually cut with scissors only - no clippers - allowing the hair to softly contour the scalp. The result? An elegant, even look that’s both refined and timeless.
The Modern Pompadour
Celebrities like David Beckham and Justin Timberlake have given the pompadour a fresh twist. This version features an undercut - shaved or closely trimmed sides and back - juxtaposing the longer top, which can reach as far as the nose or lips. The top is brushed back but often slightly to one side, creating a balanced, striking peak.
To pull off a modern pompadour, balance is key: if the top is long, the sides don’t need to be shaved too close, and if the sides are very short, keeping the top a bit shorter helps maintain symmetry.
Styling Tips
For a classic, polished pompadour, pomades work best, delivering that slick, shiny finish. The modern pompadour is more flexible; you can style it with pomades, waxes, clays, or creams for a range of textures. A hairdryer and pre-styling products will help add volume before you shape the hair with your primary product.
Want a more relaxed look? Skip the comb and use your fingers for a textured, tousled effect. For a classic look, comb it neatly for that vintage flair.
Recommended Products for a Sharp Pompadour:
Reuzel Grooming Tonic: A pre-styling tonic that boosts volume - perfect with a hairdryer.
Reuzel Pink Pomade: A high-shine pomade with firm hold, ideal for classic styles.
O’Douds Water-Based Pomade: Soft and flexible for those who prefer a touch of tradition.
Hanz de Fuko Claymation: Adds volume with a natural, matte finish.
Hanz de Fuko Quicksand: Especially suited for thin hair, offering impressive volume and a thickening effect.
The pompadour isn’t just a hairstyle - it’s a statement, whether you go for the polished classic or a bold modern take.
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