A pompadour is a style with plenty of length on top that is swept up and back off the forehead, creating volume at the front. The sides are usually kept shorter with a taper or fade, so the height on top stands out.

Who does a pompadour suit?

It suits most face shapes and is especially flattering on rounder or shorter faces, because the height on top adds length. It works best if you have medium to thick hair, since it needs enough body to hold the volume.

How do I style a pompadour?

Blow-dry the top up and back with a round brush to build volume, then use a pomade or a strong clay to hold the shape. A shiny pomade gives the classic look, while a matte product gives a more modern, relaxed finish.

How much length do I need for a pompadour?

You need a good amount of length on top, usually at least 8 to 10 cm, so there is enough hair to sweep up and hold the height. The sides can be short, so only the top needs to grow out.

Men's Style

The Pompadour: A Bold Classic and How to Pull It Off

The pompadour is not a subtle haircut. It is all about height and volume at the front, swept up and back, and it has been a statement cut from Elvis to the modern barbershop revival. It takes a bit more effort than most styles, but for a bold, polished look it is hard to beat. Here is how to get it and keep it.

What a pompadour is

You keep real length on top and sweep it up and back off the forehead, building a wave of volume at the front that tapers down towards the crown. The sides are usually kept much shorter with a taper or a fade, which makes the height on top stand out even more. The contrast between the big top and the tight sides is what gives it impact.

Who it suits

It works on most face shapes and is especially good for rounder or shorter faces, because the height adds length and structure. It needs medium to thick hair to look its best, since fine hair can struggle to hold the volume through the day. If your hair has some natural body, you are in good shape for it.

How to style it

This is the part to be honest about: a pompadour needs styling. Start on damp hair and blow-dry the top up and back with a round brush, which does most of the work by building the volume. Then lock it in with product. A classic shiny pomade gives the old-school look, while a strong matte clay gives a more modern, less polished finish. For help picking a product, see how to style men's hair.

How much length you need

You will want at least 8 to 10 cm on top so there is enough hair to sweep up and hold the height. Only the top needs the length, so you can keep the sides short while you grow it out. If you are partway there, tell your barber you are working towards a pompadour so they shape it accordingly.

Keeping it in Dubai's heat

Humidity is the enemy of volume, so a strong-hold product matters here more than in a cooler climate. A good pomade or firm clay will hold the shape through the day, and a quick blow-dry in the morning sets it properly. It is more upkeep than a crop or a buzz, but the payoff is a cut that really stands out.

How to ask your barber

Ask for a pompadour with length kept on top and tapered or faded sides, cut so the top can be swept up and back. Say whether you want a sharp, classic shape or something looser. A photo helps a lot with a style this specific. Our guide on how to ask your barber covers the details.

Get it done at home

A pompadour depends on the top being cut to the right length and the sides shaped to frame it, and a good barber will also show you how to style it. Maison Cut brings an expert barber to your door across Dubai and Abu Dhabi, from AED 150.

FAQ

What is a pompadour?

Length on top swept up and back for volume at the front, with shorter tapered or faded sides.

Who does it suit?

Most face shapes, especially rounder ones. Best with medium to thick hair that holds volume.

How do I style it?

Blow-dry the top up and back with a round brush, then hold it with pomade or a strong clay.

How much length do I need?

At least 8 to 10 cm on top. The sides can stay short while you grow it out.

Book a pompadour cut at home