10 Pompadour Fade Hairstyles to Consider this Season
This retro style is back and better than ever.
The pompadour fade is a classic, retro style that was once mega-popular in the ’50s and ’60s. Now, this style is making a serious comeback. The pompadour fade is characterized by voluminous hair on top with short hair on the sides. This look is polished and composed, with the main focus of the hair being swept upward toward the top.
Going further back in history, hair volume at the top of the head has been popular since ancient times, even before the pompadour hairstyle was first named after Madame de Pompadour in the 18th century. But it wasn’t similar to modern pompadour hair, just kept the basic concept of voluminous hair. Pompadour hairstyle had trendy comebacks at the end of the 19th century, a few times during the 20th century, and it’s still popular now.
We’ve seen this look on everyone from business professionals to hipsters to celebrities. With the right tools and products, it’s easy to achieve a pompadour hairstyle look, making the perfect everyday style. Keep scrolling to learn how to create a pompadour fade and get style inspo for your look.
What to Consider When Getting a Pompadour Haircut
1. Hair Type
First and foremost, to get a pompadour haircut, it’s essential you have plenty of hair – at least 4-6cm at the fringe and decent coverage elsewhere. If you have a receding hairline, try a different style, like a man bun.
The pompadour cut favors straight hair, while men with thick and curly or wavy hair will find this natural kink lends itself to more textured variations.
2. Face Shape
The pompadour hairstyle usually suits a face with a wide jawline and high cheekbones. However, a good stylist will do some magic and give the illusion of length and proportion on any face shape.
If you have a longer face, leave more hair at the sides, clipped up just below the crown of the head, to soften the contrast of the hair on the top of the head. If you have a round face, keep the hair at the sides and back of your quite short and clipped further up the crown.
3. Facial Hair
Although the retro pompadour hairstyle has been classically paired with a clean slate, many beard lovers have proven that the pompadour also suits a face full of fuzz. Make sure you balance out the length of your pompadour hair quiff with the length of your beard. You can also achieve a more modern contrast by keeping your hair short at the back and the sides.
How To Style a Pompadour Haircut
Not sure what products you need to achieve a pompadour? Don’t worry; we’ve got you covered!
1. Blow Dryer
With the pompadour, you will find yourself developing a deep bond with your blowdryer. A blow dryer will help create a perfect coif at the top of your head. It will help add volume to your locks, and using the condenser attachment will direct the flow of the heat from the dryer to give you more precise results.
2. Round Brush
Purchasing a quality round brush will save you time and frustration when styling your pompadour. Pick the size of the barrel based on the length of your hair. For longer hair, get a bigger barrel, and a smaller barrel for shorter locks.
Like any other major hairstyle, products are important when it comes to styling your new look. Consider these products when styling your new ‘do.
3. Pomade
A pomade like Dove Men+Care Defining Pomade can help you define your style with a shiny finish. This will help you achieve that movie star slick finish on your style in seconds.
4. Gel
A hair gel, like Dove Men + Care Well Defined Taming Gel, is also another useful product to have if you want to create a slicked hairstyle. This hair gel will give your hair hold, provide manageability, and add a glossy finish.
5. Finishing Product
To add a finishing touch up to your pompadour hair, try TRESemmé Extra Hold Hair Spray, which helps to achieve flexible hold while leaving your hair touchably soft, without stickiness.
Pompadour Fade Hairstyle Ideas
Read on to discover a few of our favorite options of the pompadour fade that are sure to fit in with both your lifestyle and sense of style:
1. Classic Pompadour
Rockstars and celebs have worn the classic pompadour since the dawn of time. The style has an edge that’s flexible for work, play, or your weekend adventure. Be sure to wash your hair regularly with a 2-in-1 system, like AXE Hair Mens Shampoo Oil Blaster with Charcoal.
2. Pompadour Fade
The fade pompadour looks like the classic style, but the sides are shaved, and the crown of the hair can be worn longer. It’s a bit edgier, so it will fit someone who leans a little less conservative.
3. Slicked-Back
Use a touch of finishing gel to comb back your pompadour into this sleek style. This look perfectly blends a tousled yet polished style. As a result, you’ll achieve the slicked-back style of your dreams.
4. Brushed-Out Curls
Give your curls a taste of the pompadour fade life by maintaining a close-cut fade on the sides and brushing out your curls on top. Skip the hair product to achieve this laidback and undone texture.
5. Combed Over
Revamp the classic combover and give this tired look a modern upgrade. Brush all your hair over to one side for a finished style that keeps your hair out of your eyes in an on-trend way. Ideal for guys with thicker strands, this look will have you showing off your strands every time.
6. Low Fade Pompadour
If the center section of your hair is grown out or a bit longer, style it back to achieve a longer version of a pompadour fade. This slightly longer look is a little more voluminous. Grab your round brush and get ready for an arm workout; styling a look with this much height isn’t easy!
7. Short Pompadour
Have short hair? No problem! You can sport a pompadour too. Keep your strands shorter and still style your hair in a classic pompadour by combing them back when they’re still wet from the shower.
8. Wavy Pompadour Fade Style
Finally, use a pomade or wax to create this wavy pompadour style. This is ideal for a more youthful and playful finished look. Comb the front of your hair down over your forehead to create this tousled look.
9. Undercut Pompadour
The undercut pompadour is a great compromise between modern and classic hairstyles. To recreate this style, ask your stylist to keep your hair long at the top and shaved at the sides and back of your head.
10. Long Pompadour Haircut
A pompadour haircut length can be up to 8 inches, so why not keep your strands as long as possible? Combine the style with shorter hair sides, and comb the top hair over, back, or to the side to create this voluminous look.
If you do decide to try a pompadour fade, be sure to snap a picture and tag us over at @AllThingsHairUS!
