High rise; lift off. The quiff haircut is a classic and fashion-forward style that has stood the test of time, adapting to become a contemporary favourite for men seeking a sophisticated look at once trendy and reminiscent of a traditional masculine variety. Also known as a pompadour, this iconic hairstyle is characterised by its voluminous front section, which is styled upwards and back, creating pronounced lift. And depending on how you style it, the quiff adds retro flair to your style, but can also be conservatively cut and shaped in proportion with your face. Its most famous proponent was Elvis Presley, whose rockabilly pompadour came to define the king. But let’s not forget James Dean either, who gave elegance to this ‘greaser’ style. Nowadays, variations of the quiff can be found wherever you may look.
Key Features of the Quiff Haircut
- Voluminous Front: The defining element of the quiff is its voluminous front section, which is styled to stand up and away from the forehead. Large pompadours make volume their emphasis, while shapely, less dramatic variations volumise, integrating with the rest of the haircut. It offers a tasteful touch of impact and variation, without necessary contrast.
- Tapered Sides and Back: Typically, the sides and back are tapered or faded, contrasting with the fuller top. This can vary depending on your desired look.
- Textured Finish: The quiff often features a textured finish, adding depth and movement to the style. Blow drying the hair with a round brush while following a single direction will create a neat yet dramatic retro look, while various styling products and brushing techniques will emphasise texture, lending a softer, more modern appearance.
- Versatility in Length: The quiff can be adapted to various lengths, from short and neat to long and dramatic. What’s essential to this hairstyle is its appearance at the front, in which the hair is brushed upwards.
Variations of the Quiff Haircut
- Classic Quiff / Pompadour : This is the quiff at its most traditional, with a prominent lift at the front and neatly styled back and sides. Maintaining this style requires the use of a blow dryer, strong hold pomade, and a touch of hairspray for definition and control. Grey Ghost Cream Pomade from Shear Revival offers strong hold but light weight, never weighing down the hair, and is perfect here.
- Modern Quiff: A more relaxed and textured take on the classic quiff, often incorporating a fade or undercut - this style updates the quiff for the modern era. A soft and creamy balm-style pomade works well here, offering moderate hold without rigidity.
- Disconnected Quiff: This variation is about drama and visual impact, and features a sharp contrast between the longer top and the shorter sides, creating a disconnected look.
- Textured Quiff: Emphasising natural texture, this version uses styling products to enhance the hair’s natural movement and volume. Great for wavy hair types and those with a light curl, lighter all-purpose pomade (such as the one from Firsthand Supply), texturising sprays including Shear Revivals’ Amity Texture Spray, and opting to style with fingers as opposed to a brush are essential here.
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Short Quiff: A shorter version of the quiff offers a more understated yet stylish appearance, suitable for those who prefer a low-maintenance look. It’s great for those seeking a manicured presentation, effectively framing the face (and forehead).
Styling Tips for the Quiff
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Blow-Drying for Volume: Use a blow dryer to lift the hair at the roots, directing the airflow upwards and back to create volume. A round brush can help achieve a smooth, elevated, and distinct look. Styling a longer quiff requires precision. Take your time to ensure the front section is lifted and shaped to your liking. This can be mitigated with low-maintenance looks; quiffs that fall forward and kept looking clean with lightweight pomade - a touch of Firsthand Supply’s All-Purpose Pomade is perfect.
- Brushing and Styling: The way you brush and style matters. Brushing and combing the front in different directions creates texture and interest, while working the hair with your fingers creates a softer, more relaxed look.
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Quality Styling Products: Opt for high-quality pomades, waxes, or clays that provide hold and texture without making the hair stiff or greasy. Choose products that suit your hair type. Hair with more lift requires a strong holding product without weighing it down - and a retro look always welcomes a touch of brilliant shine. A touch of water worked into Firsthand Supply’s All-Purpose Pomade or Gray Ghost from Shear Revival guarantees hold and sheen, while Shear Revival’s Northern Lights Matte Paste provides natural texture with a strong hold.
- Regular Trims: Maintain the quiff’s shape and volume with regular trims, ideally every 3-4 weeks. The closer the fade, the longer your quiff will look. Alternatively, some growth to the back and sides creates a more integrated look, offering substance without the drama.
- Precision and Patience: Finish with Hairspray: Use a light hairspray to set the style in place, ensuring it lasts throughout the day. This is especially important for taming flyaways and frizz.
Who Will This Haircut Suit?
- Hair Type: The quiff works best with straight to wavy hair. It’s ideal for those with medium to thick hair, as this provides the necessary volume and structure.
- Face Shape: The quiff is versatile enough to complement various face shapes.
- Oval Face: An oval face can pull off any quiff style, as the balanced proportions of the face are naturally enhanced by the voluminous top.
- Square Face: The quiff adds height, balancing the strong jawline.
- Round Face: A quiff can elongate the face, adding definition and breaking up the natural roundness.
- Heart Face: For heart-shaped faces, a quiff with volume at the top can balance a wider forehead and narrower chin.
The quiff haircut is for all, combining classic charm with modern flair. It’s a popular and stylish choice: from classically polished quiffs to relaxed and texturised variations - this haircut adapts to suit your personal aesthetic, becoming uniquely yours.