The Quiff Hairstyle: What It Is & How To Style It

Some of the iconic haircuts to have ever graced males’s heads, the quiff has been massive (and large information) for the reason that Fifties, incomes it a spot within the follicular corridor of fame alongside different icons of the barber’s chair together with the French crop, buzz minimize and short back and sides.

Splicing collectively components of the pompadour, flat prime and typically even the mohawk, unafraid to make its voluminous presence felt, the amped-up quiff fits a variety of ages, face shapes and private types.

Based on analysis, it’s additionally judged one of many sexiest by girls. When quizzed by styling product firm Fudge on which men’s haircuts they’re most certainly to swipe proper to on courting apps, 28 per cent of the two,000 females requested picked the quiff.

What’s the Quiff?

The quiff coiffure is one that you just’ve definitely come throughout earlier than. It’s simply distinguished by the quick minimize on the edges and again of the pinnacle, with longer locks on prime. Whereas this may increasingly apply to numerous hairstyles, what units the quiff aside is the way it’s styled.

The longer portion of hair on prime of the pinnacle constructed up with quantity, after which combed again for a smooth, but textured look, whereas nonetheless concentrating the vertical quantity in the direction of the entrance of the pinnacle. You’ll discover that the sharp distinction between totally different lengths of hair makes this a extra edgy and classy look that isn’t far off from the traditional pompadour.

Splicing collectively components of the pompadour, flat prime and typically even the mohawk, unafraid to make its voluminous presence felt, the amped-up quiff fits a variety of ages, face shapes and private types.

Based on analysis, it’s additionally judged one of many sexiest by girls. When quizzed by styling product firm Fudge on which haircut they’re most certainly to swipe proper to on courting apps, 28 per cent of the two,000 females requested picked the quiff.

The Historical past Of The Quiff

The coiffure itself had been round for some years by the point it grew to become in style as a post-war response to navy buzz cuts and flat wartime types. Nevertheless it solely grew to become actually iconic with the appearance of rock ‘n’ roll, when it grew to become an in a single day badge of teenage revolt.

“As a mode, it has at all times represented insurrection, and it screams confidence,” says ReeRee Rockette, proprietor of Rockalily Cuts . “It’s a coiffure that actually takes up more room, so it makes you stand out and will get you observed.”

The truth that the hair was piled upwards additionally meant that it had a pure tendency to flop forwards, demanding fixed consideration. That in itself grew to become a part of the quiff’s iconic attraction, with Elvis managing to show combing his hair in public into an act as sexually charged as a shake of the hips or a caress of the microphone.

This unabashed narcissism additionally liberated males from the tyranny of not having to outwardly care about their look, laying the bottom for the grooming revolution we take with no consideration as we speak. Backside line? It’s not an exaggeration to say that the quiff modified the course of hair-story.

The Quiff VS The Pompadour

Arguments rage over how the quiff itself differs from different traditional cuts, reminiscent of the pompadour. As a basic rule, the traditional quiff is much less showy than the type of top-heavy pomp sported by rock ‘n’ roll legend Little Richard and later Bruno Mars.

“In fact, there’s no black and white reply,” admits Devon-based barber Tom Chapman, founding father of psychological well being consciousness group The Lions Barber Collective. “A typical quiff options quick again and sides, and longer hair on prime that’s swept upwards and backwards on the entrance. However this may be messy, straightened or brushed, making it a typically extra versatile fashion. Pompadours are comparable in that they take the hair off, up and away from the face, however are often glossier and are very exact.”

Whereas pomps, fairly actually, massive up all of the hair, quiffs predominantly concentrate on the forelock (the hair simply above the brow) and in some circumstances, the remaining can stay comparatively flat.

“Ask your barber for a tapered minimize with loads of size on prime and you may’t actually go improper,” says Chapman.

Selecting A Quiff Model

Relating to selecting your individual fashion of quiff, one of the crucial vital components to consider (as with most cuts) is your face shape. Thankfully, there may be an up-do for each dude, however they’re particularly good for these seeking to elongate a spherical face.

“Rounder faces are inclined to have little construction or distinguished angles, so a square-shaped coiffure with peak reminiscent of a quiff or traditional informal aspect half with some peak will probably be flattering,” says superstar groomer Amy Komorowski, who has tended to the barnets of Eddie Redmayne and Ryan Reynolds.

Train warning if in case you have a very skinny face, although – the upper the hair, the extra angular and elongated it’ll make you look. As an alternative, go for one thing a bit extra single story than towering skyscraper. Since most fashionable quiffs require shaving or fading on the sides to stress what’s on prime, they don’t at all times look nice on guys with bigger ears, both.

“The fantastic thing about the quiff is that, relying on the form or how tight the edges are taken, it might look fairly totally different on whoever is carrying it, so you can also make the fashion your individual,” says Steve Robinson from the Electric Hair Group. “Essentially the most fashionable tackle the quiff is definitely to have the edges completed with a fade.”

Quiffs additionally work with most hair sorts, besides these which might be very curly, excessively frizzy or very advantageous. “Motion creates texture, so wavy hair generally is a godsend when making a barely extra textured, messier look, however you’ll be able to at all times use straighteners to realize a extra classic-looking quiff,” says Chapman, who suggests investing in smaller irons, which are inclined to work higher on shorter types.

Finest Quiff Hairstyles For Males

Listed below are among the finest quiff hairstyles for males to assist encourage your subsequent journey to the barber.

1. The Basic Quiff

Regardless of being the earliest model of the coiffure, the traditional quiff has held its place as one of the most stylish for decades.

As with all quiff (and any coiffure apart from a mullet, for that matter), the ageless minimize options shorter hair on the again and sides than on prime. Nevertheless, in contrast to up to date takes on the fashion, the distinction between the 2 is much less extreme, giving it a softer really feel.

When sitting within the chair, inform the barber that you just’re after round four-to-five inches development on prime, with barely extra left on the fringe. Ask for the hair on the sides to be taken comparatively quick, however not disconnected, and and not using a fade.

As a result of pure weight of getting longer hair, don’t overdo it on the merchandise on the subject of styling, as this will trigger the hair to fall flat. “After washing, begin by towel drying the hair and apply a small quantity of matte paste as a pre-styling agent,” says Chapman. “Subsequent, create [your quiff] utilizing both your fingers or a comb whereas blow drying the hair so as to add quantity.”

End the look by working in a conventional pomade for added definition and shine. Take a small quantity and rub it between your palms and fingertips, then slick it by your hair from entrance to again.

2. The Rockabilly Quiff

The pompadour will be the minimize that’s been getting all of the press lately, however in keeping with Chapman, it’s the quiff that’s prone to keep the course.

“The pomp is excessive upkeep, will be arduous to fashion and sometimes requires a heavy product, and many it,” he says. “The quiff, in the meantime, has been constantly in style for many years; partly as a result of it’s extra relaxed, and there are such a lot of totally different variations which will be worn by anybody.”

A kind of enduring types is the rockabilly quiff.The Nineteen Forties and Fifties minimize, in style among the many Greaser subculture of the time, has been worn by everybody from James Dean and Elvis Presley to Alex Turner and Zayn Malik.

“A conventional rockabilly quiff usually has a aspect half, which will be shaved in, or combed,” says Rockette. “There’s additionally much less peak than with a pompadour and the hair round prime is light in.”

When discussing this fashion, it’s additionally frequent to listen to the time period ‘ducktail’, which refers to making a central parting with the aspect sections curled in.

Whichever you resolve to go for, pomade is your finest buddy on the subject of styling. “Heat the product up in your arms, easy it by, after which comb,” says Rockette. “You’ll profit from utilizing a hairdryer, and also you’ll undoubtedly want a comb. I’m usually amazed at what number of males say they don’t personal one.”

3. The Undercut Quiff

A sharper, sleeker tackle the old-school traditional, the undercut quiff retains an genuine classic really feel, but additionally appears fashionable and edgy.

The fashion works finest when there may be loads of hair on prime which will be slicked again, however keep in mind that, typically, the longer the hair is, the extra time it’ll take to fashion.

The undercutting itself will be can both gentle, with light commencement, or extreme, with the edges saved at one size. In both case, it’s the disconnection and distinction between lengthy and quick that provides this look its affect.

“Ask your barber to disconnect the edges from the highest, degree along with your recession level till the again of the ear,” says Chapman. “Select the fade or taper fashion beneath the disconnection and create numerous texture by the highest with size left in your quiff on the entrance.”

To create the feel, Chapman suggests making use of a salt spray when the hair continues to be damp and blow-drying it into form with the assistance of a spherical brush earlier than ending off with some matte clay product for separation.

4. The Psychobilly Quiff

An exaggerated, nearly cartoonish model of the normal quiff with components of a mohawk, the psychobilly quiff (also called the wedge quiff) has its origins within the fusion of rockabilly and punk.

“A psychobilly quiff is achieved by utterly shaving the again and sides right down to a zero, permitting a sculpted, reverse shark fin-style quiff left to take the entire glory,” says Rockette.

By that description alone, it needs to be clear that the extra excessive examples of this coiffure will not be going to fly in each workplace. Nevertheless, it’s attainable to tone down the look by making a looser, much less structured entrance, and retaining the edges barely longer.

Whether or not styling it historically or for the 9-5, getting peak on the quiff is essential. “You’ll want a hair dryer on the very least,” says Rockette. “And each single hair strand will want product on it to allow it to face up straight, so that you’ll want a comb [to work it through].”

A psychobilly quiff, like its rockabilly cousin, is finest styled utilizing a strong-hold pomade. This may assist obtain the rigidity and peak wanted, however you’ll additionally want somewhat assist from a coating of hairspray, which can add an additional protect towards the forces of gravity.

5. The Textured Quiff

A much less formal, extra relaxed tackle the traditional quiff favoured by the likes of David Gandy, this model is much less about sleekness and shine and extra about matte texture.

“As a result of it’s much less polished and fewer structured it’s simple to take care of and, relying on the size of the quiff, you’ll be able to change up your fashion at any time,” says Saboo.

A textured quiff is ideal for winter, when blustery winds and somewhat drizzle will in all probability solely make it look higher. This in-built function additionally makes it an excellent selection for guys with wavy or generally unruly hair. “To attain the look, have a barber clipper your hair quick on the edges and again, fading into the longer hair on the highest that’s point-cut with scissors for an uneven, textured look,” he says.

Although it could seem unfussy, the textured quiff takes a little bit of effort to get there. The primary goal of the styling routine is so as to add depth and bulk, so do that with a texture powder or volumising spray added to the roots.

From there, Saboo suggests a really particular method for reaching the specified finish consequence. “Rub a styling paste or gentle clay between your fingers and arms, so the heat of your palms makes the product extra manageable. Then, twist the hair barely on the sides of the crown, pushing it upwards, earlier than passing your arms by the quiff till you’re proud of the consequence and the quiff stays in place.”

6. The Facet-Parted Quiff

One strategy to render an current quiff immediately smarter is to tone down its rebelliousness by working in a aspect parting. Whereas it’s attainable to take action with most kinds of quiff, if it’s your full-time intention, it’s price letting your barber know.

To create a aspect parting, superstar hairstylist Asgar Saboo suggests utilizing your palms and easy the product into the edges. “Comb the highest part away from the parting, so there’s a clear divide, then carry and form the perimeter into your required fashion.”

If a very polished look is what you’re after, excellent the end with the comb. Or, for a barely extra pure consequence, tough it up somewhat along with your arms for a extra rugged impact.

Equally, quite a lot of totally different finishes will be achieved by merely altering your styling product. Excessive-shine merchandise will channel Ivy League vibes whereas one thing matte will skew informal and up to date.

7. The Slicked Again Quiff

To move your look to the Sixties, rock your quiff in a smooth, slicked again method that’s shiny sufficient to take a look at your reflection.

This retro twist on a contemporary fashion is an effective way to amp up a refined look and is a prime decide for each day or formal put on. That being mentioned, getting the optimum shine takes loads of product and the time to use it evenly. As soon as your hair is all greased up, take to it with a comb to type your required form.

You’ll be able to even ramp issues up a notch by incorporating a aspect half, which provides drama to this already putting fashion.

You’ll have one of the best luck with a slicked again quiff in case your hair is thick and wavy, however even gents with finer hair can provide this look a go.

8. The Pale Quiff

Carry your quiff into the twenty first century with a traditional taper and fade. This look is much less excessive than the undercut quiff, because the fade is usually gentle and gradual somewhat than a dramatic transition from quick hair on the edges to lengthy hair on prime.

You’ll see this quiff fashion in style among the many preppy crowd because it leans in the direction of a clear {and professional} look, with an air of sophistication. It’s additionally a best choice for each day put on because it doesn’t take a lot by methods of styling. In actual fact, with this sort of quiff, you may get away with a fast swipe of product by your hair, and also you’re out the door.

For those who’re somebody with advantageous or skinny hair who likes the thought of a quiff, you’re in luck as this on-trend fashion is finest suited to all kinds of hair sorts. It may be worn slicked again or relaxed, and is a good decide should you’re in search of a extremely versatile minimize.

9. The Lengthy Hair Quiff

Aren’t able to half along with your luscious locks in return for a quiff? The excellent news is that even males with longer hair are capable of take pleasure in this fashion with out an enormous chop.

Although you’ll need the edges and again of your hair shorter, you’ll be able to let the hair on prime of your head develop free. It’s definitely a little bit of a problem to type the quiff with lengthy locks, however with the correct quantity of heavy responsibility product and a scorching blow dryer, you’ll be capable to get ample quantity. When it’s slicked again correctly, an extended hair quiff can look extraordinarily polished.

To border your face and showcase the shorter sides, attempt tucking your hair behind your ears. This can even create a distinction to make the quiff stand out.

On days that you just don’t really feel like slathering tons of product in your hair, you’ll be able to let it cling free to resemble a curtain or eboy hairstyle.

10. The Curly Quiff

Even guys with curly hair can sport a quiff, although it could look extra tousled than gents with straight locks. The curly quiff has a relaxed air to it and pairs effectively with facial hair. This stands true for guys with wavy hair who’re fascinated about a quiff haircut.

Both let your hair develop lengthy for a messy quiff, or taper the edges for an edgier and extra polished look. Both manner, texture is the star right here, so let your pure curls shine by.

To fashion a quiff with curly hair, you do the identical as with all different. Although should you’d wish to retain the curls on prime of your head, go simple with the blow dryer and use minimal product to maintain from making them go flat.

Mastering The Quiff: What Instruments You’ll Want

When it comes time to fashion the proper quiff, these are the instruments you’ll need to have in your arsenal:

Hairdryer

To make sure your quiff is on level, begin by investing in a hair dryer. Search for a light-weight mannequin with a cool setting to keep away from flame grilling your hair, which can trigger it to look dry and brittle.

“The 2 levels for blow-drying is moist to dry after which scorching to chilly,” says Robinson, who additionally suggests blasting the hair with the cool shot button on the hairdryer for 10 seconds to assist maintain the completed look in place.

Spherical Brush

Quiffs require considerably extra upkeep than, say, a buzz minimize. So be ready to shell out on some primary styling gear like a spherical brush to tease the hair into form as you blow dry it.

Getting one of the best outcomes from a brush requires some observe, particularly should you’re wielding a hair dryer with the opposite hand. “It’s all about gently working the comb by your locks whereas guiding the hair [into place],” says Chapman.

If going for a aspect parting, you’ll additionally want a medium-sized comb to magnify your pure side-parting and obtain a sharper-looking end.

Paste And Pomade

The normal styling support for making a quiff is a high-shine pomade. The earliest sorts have been created from animal fats and due to this fact needed to be scented with fruit (therefore the ‘pomme’ within the identify). Fortunately, as we speak’s water-based alternate options are much less messy, simpler to scrub out of hair and far kinder to your pillowcase.

If shine will not be your factor, go for a styling paste. “These are translucent, so hair appears and appears like hair however it retains the fashion in place with out being too oily or too dry,” says Robinson.

Hairspray

“Attempt spraying a small quantity of hairspray onto your brush when blow-drying,” says Chris Beastall, founding father of males’s grooming weblog Ape To Gentleman. “This provides further maintain with out the necessity to overload your hair with product, producing a extra pure matte end and a quiff that lasts all day lengthy.”