Tutorial: The Modern Pompadour Hairstyle

Start by washing with a product that cleans hair thoroughly of oil and build-up — you need a clean slate, so hair is volumized and doesn’t go limp. Dove Men+Care Fresh & Clean Fortifying 2-in-1 Shampoo + Conditioner rids the scalp and hair of dirt and grease, while refreshing with caffeine and menthol. Proceed to rough-dry hair with a blowdryer.

Apply a dime-sized amount of classic-shine pomade (we like Bed Head for Men by TIGI Slick Trick) all throughout the tops of your hair, making sure to coat evenly from root to tip. Next, use a fine-toothed comb to smooth hair upside down from your crown. Blowdry in a downward direction, concentrating more air at the root. This pumps up air at the base, giving it more lift when flipped over. Ed’s tip: Be careful, this can feel hot if held too close to the scalp!

Gently flip your hair over at an angle, and, using a comb or brush, refine the shape of your pomp. Some guys, especially those with straight hair, like to carefully nudge the back towards the front to create more structure. This shouldn’t be an exaggerated shape, and you can always add more pomade for stronger hold. Although unusual for pompadour hairstyles (because they don’t give a touchable feel), firm-hold gel, like Axe Adrenaline Spiked-Up Look: Extreme Hold Gel, can be substituted at this step if you want your look to be totally budge-free.

You’re all set! Don’t sweat it if the sides splay out a bit — the 2016 pomp is supposed to look and feel relaxed, not stiff.