by Regardless of its longevity, the classic men’s quiff still remains one of the most stylish hairstyles a man rock. Whether you’re going for a more iconic style or freshening things up with the modern quiff; both are perfect ways to bring some class and innovation to your look. Here’s all you need to know on how to style a quiff.
Men’s Quiff Hairstyles
The quiff is one of the most iconic hairstyles a man can sport. The versatile nature of the look means it works just as well with short, mid-length or long hair. Check out some of our favourite iterations of the style below, and continue reading for more men’s hair inspiration.
How to Get a Quiff
- Using a fine-toothed comb, create a straight side part combing the bulk of your hair against the natural grain.
- Applying salt spray at this stage will add texture when it comes to styling.
- Blow dry hair upwards to add lift and volume at the roots, separating the main bulk of hair from the parting and drying in the opposite direction of hair growth for extra volume.
- Once hair is dried, use your comb to reinforce the side part. Working the hair when it is dry gives you a little more control, especially if the product has already been dried into the hair.
- Work a pea-sized amount of clay through the hair, coating thoroughly with your hands for a textured, relaxed finish, or for a smarter look – opt for a comb to style the quiff into place. Finish with hairspray for extra hold.
How Do I Add Extra Volume to My Hair?
Use a blow dryer to blow the hair up away from your head and sculpt it how you want, this way, volume is naturally created without any need for appliances or product, before you have even started styling hair.
Using texturising products before styling the hair such as salt spray and volumizing or thickening lotions will give a hair a thicker appearance. Applying to towel dried hair will achieve a natural finish will not look greasy or sticky when styled. Start applying from the back and work your way forwards – as this will add height to your hairstyle when blowdryed.
How to Style a Quiff: Short Hair
If you’ve got short hair and you’re going for a quiff, you’ll be aiming for texture over volume – volume can only really be achieved when there is more hair to play with. A short quiff still looks just as good and is a messier, low maintenance version of the hairstyle.
A short back and sides quiff is one of the easier haircuts to style. Strike a balance between a short length on the sides and voluminous, textured the top. An undercut with hair kept close shaven on the sides will create some definition, whereas a tapered fade cut will blend it for a more seamless finish.
A textured or messy quiff is a distinctly modern take on the traditional style. Working best on shorter lengths, the textured quiff is the ideal hairstyle if you want low maintenance with maximum effect as it takes hardly any time to style. This look works with body and volume to add height to the longer top section of your hair.
How to Style a Quiff: Long Hair
For longer hair, it’s best to take a pompadour-inspired approach to the quiff and opt for less texture and more volume. Too long, and the hair will be too heavy for styling into a voluminous quiff – pulling at the root and weighing itself down. Out of all the quiffs, this longer version is a great starting point. just make sure the sides are kept long so they can be scooped into the quiff to create height.
A classic quiff is a decidedly more traditional take on the hairstyle that models itself on the original 1950s Teddy Boy and Rockabilly styles. Due to its precise and particular style, the quiff requires a lot of styling and a lot of upkeep. A sleek quiff like this will require regular upkeep throughout the day, but then again if you want to look your best – you’ve got to be prepared for a little TLC.
How to Style a Quiff: Curly Hair
Although you probably don’t associate curly hair with a quiff, a curly quiff can often look the best of the bunch thanks to its natural volume and texture.
Keep the hair on the sides and back of your head extremely short, highlighting the curls on the top of your head even more. Got for an undercut style to really highlight the contrast, perhaps tapered with your curls increasing in length nearer the front of your head?
How to Style The Side Part Quiff
The side part is a classic, yet still incredibly contemporary style and works well with long and short length hairstyles. This look is a little less dramatic than the classic quiff and can be easily modernised with the addition of an undercut or tapered fade on the back and sides.The side part can either be achieved manually by combing the hair into 2 sections or shaved into the head with one side of the hair kept fairly long and the other shaved into a tapered fade cut. The side part quiff isn’t as low maintenance or casual as the textured quiff but neither is it as extreme as the classic, more formal rockabilly quiff.
Male Celebrities with Quiffs
Hair length, the products you use, and your styling technique can all have an impact on the final hairstyle you create. To make things easier, we’ve put together some well-known celebrities all sporting the quiff the right way to provide you with some further hairstyle inspiration.
James Dean Hairstyle
As one of the most iconic actors of the 20th Century, James Dean is just as famous for his style as he is for his classic performances. His traditional quiff hairstyle was a perfect combination of texture and volume – fitting perfectly with his rebel persona.
Keep your hair healthy with some high-quality shampoo and conditioner and use some lightweight pomade to create the desired lift, without weighing hair down. If you’re still wondering what quiff will work best for your hair, stick with this iconic look and you really can’t go wrong.
David Beckham Hairstyle
There’s no better example of a modern quiff than that styled by David Beckham. By combining the classic pompadour style with the added side parting he manages to create a sleek, smart finish.
Keep the hair on the side and back of your head short, use a decent conditioner when washing and a good wax and comb to style it. Wax is better suited for its hold, and although it’ll add a little more weight – we’re not going for height here so that’s not a problem.
What Products to Use on a Quiff
Wax
A great all rounder, wax works best when applied to towel dried damp hair for a natural finish. It can be used to style messy textured looks or sleeker styles. When worked into hair, a wax is more pliable than other products and can be easily washed out for reapplication. A dense product, wax works best applied to thick, wavy hair types that are usually hard to manage.
Pomade
Pomades come in water and petroleum based varieties. Originally made from mineral oil, its primary function is to give hair a sleek sheen. Creamier than wax, pomade leaves hair in great condition without making it greasy. Ideal for the wet look hairstyle, pomade works best on thin hair and is good for taming unruly curls.
Clay
Providing a textured, matte finish clay works best for creating a tousled, messy look with invisible hold. Clay works well with all hair types and should be applied to damp hair for best results. Work a pea-sized amount of product in between your palms and evenly distribute making sure to cover each hair. When styled, hair will look natural and not overworked by the product.
How to Style a Quiff
- If you’ve got short hair, aim for texture over volume with a short back and sides quiff.
- If you’ve got marginally longer hair, a pompadour quiff for longer hair.
- Use a strong clay for thick hair, and a light wax for thinner locks.
- Don’t wash your hair too much as this will remove volume and texture from the style.
On that Note
The quiff suits all hair types and lengths and can be worn messy and loose or sleek and clean. If its retro nostalgia you’re looking for then the quiff is for you. Alternatively, you can modernise the style with a contemporary textured cut. Whatever you do with your quiff, this timeless haircut means you can’t go wrong and hopefully this guide on how to style you hair for men has answered those burning questions for you.
Feature image from Pinterest
