One of the vital iconic haircuts to have ever graced males’s heads, the quiff has been large (and large information) for the reason that Nineteen 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 lower and quick again and sides.
Splicing collectively components of the pompadour, flat high and generally even the mohawk, unafraid to make its voluminous presence felt, the amped-up quiff fits a variety of ages, face shapes and private types.
In line with analysis, it’s additionally judged one of many sexiest by ladies. When quizzed by styling product firm Fudge on which males’s haircuts they’re most certainly to swipe proper to on relationship 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 lower on the edges and again of the pinnacle, with longer locks on high. Whereas this may increasingly apply to varied hairstyles, what units the quiff aside is the way it’s styled.
The longer portion of hair on high of the pinnacle constructed up with quantity, after which combed again for a glossy, 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 completely different lengths of hair makes this a extra edgy and classy look that isn’t far off from the basic pompadour.
Splicing collectively components of the pompadour, flat high and generally even the mohawk, unafraid to make its voluminous presence felt, the amped-up quiff fits a variety of ages, face shapes and private types.
In line with analysis, it’s additionally judged one of many sexiest by ladies. When quizzed by styling product firm Fudge on which haircut they’re most certainly to swipe proper to on relationship 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 turned well-liked as a post-war response to army buzz cuts and flat wartime types. Nevertheless it solely turned actually iconic with the appearance of rock ‘n’ roll, when it turned an in a single day badge of teenage revolt.
“As a mode, it has all the time represented rise up, and it screams confidence,” says ReeRee Rockette, proprietor of Rockalily Cuts . “It’s a coiffure that actually takes up extra space, 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 turned a part of the quiff’s iconic enchantment, 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 at present. 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 basic cuts, such because the pompadour. As a normal rule, the basic quiff is much less showy than the form 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 high that’s swept upwards and backwards on the entrance. However this may be messy, straightened or brushed, making it a typically extra versatile type. Pompadours are comparable in that they take the hair off, up and away from the face, however are normally glossier and are very exact.”
Whereas pomps, fairly actually, large up all of the hair, quiffs predominantly deal with the forelock (the hair simply above the brow) and in some circumstances, the remainder can stay comparatively flat.
“Ask your barber for a tapered lower with loads of size on high and you may’t actually go fallacious,” says Chapman.
Selecting A Quiff Model
In terms of selecting your individual type of quiff, one of the crucial essential elements to think about (as with most cuts) is your face form. Thankfully, there may be an up-do for each dude, however they’re particularly good for these trying to elongate a spherical face.
“Rounder faces are inclined to have little construction or outstanding angles, so a square-shaped coiffure with top comparable to a quiff or basic informal facet half with some top will likely be flattering,” says superstar groomer Amy Komorowski, who has tended to the barnets of Eddie Redmayne and Ryan Reynolds.
Train warning 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 trendy quiffs require shaving or fading on the sides to emphasize what’s on high, they don’t all the time look nice on guys with bigger ears, both.
“The great thing about the quiff is that, relying on the form or how tight the edges are taken, it will possibly look fairly completely different on whoever is sporting it, so you can also make the type your individual,” says Steve Robinson from the Electrical Hair Group. “Essentially the most trendy tackle the quiff is definitely to have the edges completed with a fade.”
Quiffs additionally work with most hair varieties, besides these which are very curly, excessively frizzy or very effective. “Motion creates texture, so wavy hair could be a godsend when making a barely extra textured, messier look, however you’ll be able to all the time use straighteners to attain a extra classic-looking quiff,” says Chapman, who suggests investing in smaller irons, which are inclined to work higher on shorter types.
Greatest Quiff Hairstyles For Males
Listed here are a number of the greatest quiff hairstyles for males to assist encourage your subsequent journey to the barber.
1. The Traditional Quiff
Regardless of being the earliest model of the coiffure, the basic quiff has held its place as one of the crucial trendy for many years.
As with every quiff (and any coiffure aside from a mullet, for that matter), the ageless lower options shorter hair on the again and sides than on high. Nonetheless, not like modern takes on the type, 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 high, with barely extra left on the fringe. Ask for the hair on the sides to be taken comparatively quick, however not disconnected, and with out a fade.
Because of the pure weight of getting longer hair, don’t overdo it on the merchandise in terms 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 means of your hair from entrance to again.
2. The Rockabilly Quiff
The pompadour stands out as the lower that’s been getting all of the press lately, however in response to Chapman, it’s the quiff that’s more likely to keep the course.
“The pomp is excessive upkeep, will be arduous to type and sometimes requires a heavy product, and plenty of it,” he says. “The quiff, in the meantime, has been constantly well-liked for many years; partly as a result of it’s extra relaxed, and there are such a lot of completely different variations which will be worn by anybody.”
A kind of enduring types is the rockabilly quiff.The Forties and Nineteen Fifties lower, well-liked 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 facet half, which will be shaved in, or combed,” says Rockette. “There’s additionally much less top than with a pompadour and the hair round high is light in.”
When discussing this type, it’s additionally widespread to listen to the time period ‘ducktail’, which refers to making a central parting with the facet sections curled in.
Whichever you resolve to go for, pomade is your greatest good friend in terms of styling. “Heat the product up in your palms, easy it by means of, 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 basic, the undercut quiff retains an genuine classic really feel, but additionally seems to be trendy and edgy.
The type works greatest when there may be loads of hair on high which will be slicked again, however keep in mind that, typically, the longer the hair is, the extra time it can take to type.
The undercutting itself will be can both tender, 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 influence.
“Ask your barber to disconnect the edges from the highest, degree together with your recession level till the again of the ear,” says Chapman. “Select the fade or taper type beneath the disconnection and create numerous texture by means of the highest with size left to 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, virtually cartoonish model of the standard quiff with components of a mohawk, the psychobilly quiff (often known as the wedge quiff) has its origins within the fusion of rockabilly and punk.
“A psychobilly quiff is achieved by fully shaving the again and sides right down to a zero, permitting a sculpted, reverse shark fin-style quiff left to take all the glory,” says Rockette.
By that description alone, it needs to be clear that the extra excessive examples of this coiffure usually are not going to fly in each workplace. Nonetheless, it’s doable to tone down the look by making a looser, much less structured entrance, and holding the edges barely longer.
Whether or not styling it historically or for the 9-5, getting top 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 greatest styled utilizing a strong-hold pomade. It will assist obtain the rigidity and top wanted, however you’ll additionally want a bit of assist from a coating of hairspray, which is able to add an additional defend towards the forces of gravity.
5. The Textured Quiff
A much less formal, extra relaxed tackle the conventional 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 type at any time,” says Saboo.
A textured quiff is ideal for winter, when blustery winds and a bit of drizzle will in all probability solely make it look higher. This in-built function additionally makes it an excellent alternative for guys with wavy or typically 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 might 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 approach for attaining the specified finish outcome. “Rub a styling paste or tender clay between your fingers and palms, 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 palms by means of the quiff till you might be proud of the outcome and the quiff stays in place.”
6. The Facet-Parted Quiff
One option to render an current quiff immediately smarter is to tone down its rebelliousness by working in a facet parting. Whereas it’s doable to take action with most sorts of quiff, if it’s your full-time intention, it’s price letting your barber know.
To create a facet 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 type.”
If a totally polished look is what you’re after, excellent the end with the comb. Or, for a barely extra pure outcome, tough it up a bit of together with your palms for a extra rugged impact.
Equally, quite a lot of completely 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 modern.
7. The Slicked Again Quiff
To move your look to the Nineteen Sixties, rock your quiff in a glossy, slicked again method that’s shiny sufficient to take a look at your reflection.
This retro twist on a contemporary type is a good way to amp up a refined look and is a high decide for each day or formal put on. That being stated, 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 kind your required form.
You may even ramp issues up a notch by incorporating a facet half, which provides drama to this already putting type.
You’ll have the very best luck with a slicked again quiff in case your hair is thick and wavy, however even gents with finer hair may give this look a go.
8. The Light Quiff
Carry your quiff into the twenty first century with a basic taper and fade. This look is much less excessive than the undercut quiff, because the fade is usually tender and gradual quite than a dramatic transition from quick hair on the edges to lengthy hair on high.
You’ll see this quiff type well-liked 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. Actually, with this sort of quiff, you will get away with a fast swipe of product by means of your hair, and also you’re out the door.
In case you’re somebody with effective or skinny hair who likes the thought of a quiff, you’re in luck as this on-trend type is greatest fitted to all kinds of hair varieties. It may be worn slicked again or relaxed, and is a superb decide for those who’re searching for a extremely versatile lower.
9. The Lengthy Hair Quiff
Aren’t able to half together with your luscious locks in return for a quiff? The excellent news is that even males with longer hair are in a position to take pleasure in this type 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 high of your head develop free. It’s definitely a little bit of a problem to kind 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, a protracted hair quiff can look extraordinarily polished.
To border your face and exhibit the shorter sides, attempt tucking your hair behind your ears. This may also 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 hold free to resemble a curtain or eboy coiffure.
10. The Curly Quiff
Even guys with curly hair can sport a quiff, although it might 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 means of.
To type a quiff with curly hair, you do the identical as with all different. Although for those who’d wish to retain the curls on high 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 type the right 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 is able to trigger it to look dry and brittle.
“The 2 phases 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 lower. So be ready to shell out on some fundamental styling gear like a spherical brush to tease the hair into form as you blow dry it.
Getting the very best outcomes from a brush requires some observe, particularly for those who’re wielding a hair dryer with the opposite hand. “It’s all about gently working the comb by means of your locks whereas guiding the hair [into place],” says Chapman.
If going for a facet 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 varieties had been made out of animal fats and subsequently needed to be scented with fruit (therefore the ‘pomme’ within the title). Fortunately, at present’s water-based alternate options are much less messy, simpler to clean out of hair and far kinder to your pillowcase.
If shine isn’t your factor, go for a styling paste. “These are translucent, so hair seems to be and seems like hair but it surely retains the type 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 additional 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.”
