Volume, height and sharp sides — a bold statement cut
A pompadour is a hairstyle where the hair on top is swept upward and back from the forehead, creating volume and height. The sides are kept short — either tapered, faded or undercut — so the focus stays on the dramatic top section. It's been a signature men's style since the 1950s and has gone through several revivals, from the original slicked-back look to today's more textured, relaxed versions.
At BB's Barbers Penrith, we cut both classic and modern pompadours. The classic version is sleek and polished, styled with pomade for a high-shine finish. The modern version uses lighter products and a blow-dryer for more natural volume and movement. Both look striking.
The difference comes down to product and technique:
We'll chat about which version suits your face shape, hair type and daily routine when you're in the chair.
A pompadour suits men with oval, square and heart-shaped faces best. The height on top elongates the face, so it can balance out a wider jaw or rounder features. You'll need at least three to four inches of length on top to get proper volume and sweep. The sides can be any length, though a skin fade creates the strongest contrast.
Hair type matters too. Straight and wavy hair are the easiest to work with for a pompadour. Curly hair can work but requires more blow-drying to get the shape. Thicker hair holds the volume naturally, while finer hair may need a volumising product for support.
A pompadour is more involved than a crop or crew cut, but once you know the technique it's straightforward:
The whole process takes about five minutes once you've practised. We'll walk you through the technique and recommend the right products when you visit. For product guidance, see our men's hair products guide.
A pompadour is a style where the hair on top is swept up and back from the forehead, creating volume and height. The sides are kept short, either tapered or faded. It ranges from a slick, classic look to a more textured, modern version.
You'll need at least three to four inches on top to get decent volume and sweep. The sides can be any length. If you're growing into a pompadour, we can shape each visit to build towards it.
It requires more styling effort than a crop or crew cut. You'll need a blow-dryer and a strong-hold product. Once you've got the technique down, it takes about five minutes each morning.
Pair with a fade for sharper sides. For something lower maintenance, try a French crop or textured crop. Read our best men's haircuts for 2026 for more ideas.