What's a Pompadour Haircut?

If you look back at the good old days, you will see famous male hair icons. From film stars to footballing legends, a quick Google search for men's hairstyles will return hundreds of thousands of photographs to give inspiration, and one name that might turn up within these searches is Madame de Pompadour.

The pompadour, a hairstyle named after Madame de Pompadour, was originally intended for women, with the main structure of the hair swept upwards from the face and worn high over the forehead, and on occasions swept up around the sides and back.

Typically, a women's distinctive hairstyle until the Fifties, the pompadour's first notable advocate was a very influential person who preferred his hair smooth, dark, and greasy—none other than the king of rock 'n' roll, Elvis Presley.

The Evolution of the Pompadour

Going into the 1970s, the pompadour's rigid and structured shape had fallen out of favour within the youth culture. Men typically began wearing their hair long as a way of rebelling against society, tradition, and firm gender roles.

But it didn't take long for the pompadour to reappear. By the 80s, the Psychobilly subculture had taken the pompadour to a whole new level.

Modified to form the "Psycho Quiff," a cross between a pompadour and a Mohawk, the hairstyle regained popularity. Even in the 2000s and 2010s, barbershops were still being asked for the pompadour in one form or another.

Music icons like Alex Turner of the Arctic Monkeys, Morrissey, and Bruno Mars have also played a significant role in popularizing the pompadour with their own unique styles.

Types of Pompadour

Classic Pompadour

When discussing a hairstyle of a golden age, it's only logical that we go back to the beginning.

When it comes to traditional pompadour hairstyles, they deserve to be accurately served by the bygone era they represent.

If you or your clients wish to copy Elvis Presley's famous hairstyle, the pompadour represents the style for you. This unique style is a throwback in the purest sense, as wonderful as it appears now.

For clients with excellent hair who would love to emulate the iconic hairstyle of Elvis Presley, the pompadour is the style for them.

Although arranging one's hair into shape might have taken 15 to 30 minutes in the 1950s, the same can be said today. This style is best suited for clients who are prepared to put in the effort.

The traditional pompadour, known for its fullness and gloss, requires a lot of hair that has been clippered and scissored slightly shorter at the back and sides than at the top, with the fringe left longer than the hair at the crown.

Short Pompadour

This modern style is distinguished by a distinct contrast between the length of the hair on the top and the length of the hair on the sides and back, as the name indicates.

Unlike the traditional pompadour, which is mainly produced with a scissor technique, the modern version requires the hair to be clippered to a uniform length, generally a grade four or below.

The best version is the fade pompadour, with extremely short hairline at the sides and back, gradually lengthening towards the crown.

The short and faded pompadour requires less combing and shaping at the sides and back than its classic counterpart, making it great for clients who are short on time in the mornings.

Textured Pompadour

You may find that the traditional pompadour style is less popular with your customers, as it can be too neat and precise.

With a textured interpretation of the established style, barbers need to add layers that will create volume, separation, and definition.

A textured pompadour is simple to achieve if your client's hair is naturally wavy. However, if they have straight hair, you may find it more challenging to get this style right.

After giving your customer a great haircut, it's essential to invest in top-class products.

A good quality sea salt spray is a must for adding texture to the hair. Additionally, a hair spritz is another excellent product for wavy and textured hair, providing a softer and flexible hold.

Conclusion

The pompadour haircut has weathered the test of time, fashion, and gender, adapting to current societal trends and demands.

It has come in a range of shapes, styles, and combinations, allowing every barber to choose the most flattering pompadour for their clients.

Here at BARBER STUFF, we can confidently say that the pompadour will never lose its edge as a classic men's haircut.

If you're a barber, be prepared to cut this style throughout your career.

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What's a Pompadour Haircut?

FAQs

Q: How did the pompadour hairstyle get its name?

A: The pompadour hairstyle was named after Madame de Pompadour, a prominent figure in the 18th-century French court.

Q: Who popularized the pompadour in the modern era?

A: Elvis Presley was one of the first notable advocates of the pompadour in the modern era, and music icons like Alex Turner, Morrissey, and Bruno Mars have also contributed to its popularity.

Q: Is the pompadour suitable for all hair types?

A: While the pompadour can be achieved with different hair types, it may require more effort for those with straight hair. Natural wavy or textured hair is ideal for a textured pompadour.

Q: How long does it take to style a classic pompadour?

A: Styling a classic pompadour can take anywhere from 15 to 30 minutes, as it requires meticulous combing and shaping to achieve its signature look.

Q: Are there any recommended products for maintaining a pompadour?

A: For a textured pompadour, a good quality sea salt spray can add volume and hold. Hair spritz is another suitable product for wavy and textured hair, providing a softer and flexible hold.

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The Jack Dean Pompadour Comb is particularly effective for creating the perfect lines in the hair to achieve the pompadour style. A strong, classic look in male grooming.