Classic Men’s Hairstyles with Pomade
Pomade is the traditional styling product for classic men’s hairstyles. It gives the hair hold, control, and shine without making it as rigid as many hair gels or hairsprays. Oil-based pomades and flexible UWB pomades in particular allow the hairstyle to be recombed and reshaped throughout the day.
The best-known pomade hairstyles include the elegant Slick Back, the voluminous Pompadour, and the precise Side Part. Which hairstyle is most suitable depends primarily on hair length, hair density, the desired hold, and personal style.
Classic Pomade Hairstyles Compared
| Hairstyle | Hair Length | Recommended Hold | Typical Finish |
|---|---|---|---|
| Slick Back | medium-length to long | soft to firm hold | smooth and usually shiny |
| Pompadour | longer front section | firm hold to very firm | voluminous and defined |
| Side Part | short to medium-length | soft to firm hold | precise and well-groomed |
This information is intended as a guide. Depending on the hair type, haircut, and desired shape, a different level of firmness may also be suitable.
Slick Back – Combed Back in Classic Style
For a Slick Back, all the hair on top is combed evenly towards the back. The hairstyle looks elegant, controlled, and timeless. Depending on the pomade used, the result can have a natural shine or a deliberately smooth, high-shine finish.
How to create a classic Slick Back:
- Distribute a small amount of pomade thoroughly between your hands.
- Work it evenly into the hair from the back of the head towards the front.
- Guide all the hair towards the back with a wide-toothed comb.
- Use the fine teeth to neatly refine the contours and individual strands.
Soft to medium-firm oil-based pomades are especially suitable for a classic, flexible Slick Back. A firmer pomade can provide greater control for thick or unruly hair.
Pompadour – Volume and a Distinctive Shape
The Pompadour is characterised by its elevated front section, which is shaped towards the back. The hairstyle became especially well known through rock ’n’ roll and rockabilly culture and remains one of the most striking classic men’s hairstyles to this day.
For a pronounced Pompadour, the hair on top—especially at the forehead—should be sufficiently long. The sides can be worn short or combed towards the back as well.
How to create the typical shape:
- Pre-shape the hair upwards and towards the back with a hairdryer and brush.
- Work in a firm pomade in several small portions.
- Guide the hair on top towards the back with a comb.
- Lift the front section and curve it towards the back.
- Carefully refine the shape, sides, and contours.
Side Part – The Classic Side Parting
The Side Part is an elegant men’s hairstyle with a clearly defined side parting. It is suitable for classic everyday looks as well as polished business hairstyles and can be worn sleek, voluminous, or slightly more relaxed.
How to style a classic Side Part:
- Distribute a small amount of pomade evenly through the hair.
- Locate the natural parting with a fine-toothed comb.
- Comb the hair on top to the side and slightly towards the back.
- Guide the opposite side neatly downwards or towards the back.
- Define the parting and contours precisely with the fine teeth.
A medium-firm pomade provides sufficient control for many Side Part hairstyles. A firm pomade is recommended for coarse or unruly hair. For an especially classic finish, the pomade can have medium to high shine.
Which Pomade Is Suitable for Classic Men’s Hairstyles?
Which pomade is most suitable depends on the hairstyle and the characteristics of the hair. The level of firmness should be selected primarily according to hair density, hair thickness, and the desired shape.
- Soft pomade: high shine, light control, and ideal for smooth hairstyles
- Medium-firm pomade: a balanced combination of hold, flexibility, and shine
- Firm pomade: greater control for dense, coarse, or unruly hair
- Very firm pomade: for pronounced shapes, high quiffs, and especially demanding hairstyles
Oil-based pomades provide an especially classic, flexible style and remain recombable. Water-based pomades often provide a firmer, gel-like hold and are easy to wash out. UWB pomades combine flexibility with usually easier washability.
Using a Comb, Brush, and Hairdryer Correctly
A high-quality comb is especially important for classic pomade hairstyles. Wide teeth are suitable for distributing the pomade and pre-shaping the hairstyle. Fine teeth can be used to create clean lines, partings, and contours.
A brush helps smooth larger sections of hair or build volume while blow-drying. For a Pompadour or a higher front section, the basic shape should be prepared with a hairdryer and brush before applying the pomade.
You can find more information about pomade, its application, and classic men’s hairstyles in the Pomade Academy.