The Quiff Coiffure: What It Is & How To Type It

Probably the most iconic haircuts to have ever graced males’s heads, the quiff has been massive (and massive 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 reduce and brief again and sides.
Splicing collectively components of the pompadour, flat high 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 kinds.
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 probably 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 simply’ve actually come throughout earlier than. It’s simply distinguished by the brief reduce on the perimeters and again of the pinnacle, with longer locks on high. Whereas this will apply to numerous 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 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 stylish look that isn’t far off from the basic pompadour.
Splicing collectively components of the pompadour, flat high 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 kinds.
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 probably 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 turned common as a post-war response to navy buzz cuts and flat wartime kinds. However 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 method, it has all the time represented insurrection, 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 seen.”
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 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 as a right right this moment. 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 basic rule, the basic 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 reality, 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 brief 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 model. Pompadours are related 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, massive up all of the hair, quiffs predominantly deal with the forelock (the hair simply above the brow) and in some instances, the remaining can stay comparatively flat.
“Ask your barber for a tapered reduce with loads of size on high and you’ll’t actually go unsuitable,” says Chapman.
Selecting A Quiff Type
In terms of selecting your personal model of quiff, one of the essential elements to take into accounts (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 seeking to elongate a spherical face.
“Rounder faces are inclined to have little construction or distinguished angles, so a square-shaped coiffure with peak similar to a quiff or basic informal aspect half with some peak will likely be flattering,” says celeb groomer Amy Komorowski, who has tended to the barnets of Eddie Redmayne and Ryan Reynolds.
Train warning you probably have a very skinny face, although – the upper the hair, the extra angular and elongated it’ll make you look. As a substitute, 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 fantastic thing about the quiff is that, relying on the form or how tight the perimeters are taken, it may well look fairly completely different on whoever is sporting it, so you can also make the model your personal,” says Steve Robinson from the Electrical Hair Group. “Probably the most trendy tackle the quiff is actually to have the perimeters completed with a fade.”
Quiffs additionally work with most hair sorts, besides these which might be 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 realize a extra classic-looking quiff,” says Chapman, who suggests investing in smaller irons, which are inclined to work higher on shorter kinds.
Greatest Quiff Hairstyles For Males
Listed below are among the greatest 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 basic quiff has held its place as one of the fashionable for many years.
As with all quiff (and any coiffure apart from a mullet, for that matter), the ageless reduce options shorter hair on the again and sides than on high. Nevertheless, in contrast to up to date takes on the model, 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 simply’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 brief, however not disconnected, and with out a fade.
Because of the pure weight of getting longer hair, don’t overdo it on the merchandise relating to styling, as this could 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 could be the reduce that’s been getting all of the press not too long ago, however in response to Chapman, it’s the quiff that’s more likely to keep the course.
“The pomp is excessive upkeep, will be laborious to model and sometimes requires a heavy product, and many it,” he says. “The quiff, in the meantime, has been persistently common 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 type of enduring kinds is the rockabilly quiff.The Nineteen Forties and Nineteen Fifties reduce, common 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 standard rockabilly quiff typically 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 high is light in.”
When discussing this model, it’s additionally widespread to listen to the time period ‘ducktail’, which refers to making a central parting with the aspect sections curled in.
Whichever you determine to go for, pomade is your greatest buddy relating to styling. “Heat the product up in your arms, clean it by means of, after which comb,” says Rockette. “You’ll profit from utilizing a hairdryer, and also you’ll positively want a comb. I’m typically 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 in addition seems to be trendy and edgy.
The model 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 should take to model.
The undercutting itself will be can both smooth, with mild commencement, or extreme, with the perimeters stored at one size. In both case, it’s the disconnection and distinction between lengthy and brief that provides this look its impression.
“Ask your barber to disconnect the perimeters from the highest, degree together with your recession level till the again of the ear,” says Chapman. “Select the fade or taper model beneath the disconnection and create a lot of texture by means of the highest with size left on your quiff on the entrance.”
To create the feel, Chapman suggests making use of a salt spray when the hair remains 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 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 ought to be clear that the extra excessive examples of this coiffure usually are not going to fly in each workplace. Nevertheless, it’s doable to tone down the look by making a looser, much less structured entrance, and holding the perimeters barely longer.
Whether or not styling it historically or for the 9-5, getting peak on the quiff is vital. “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. This may assist obtain the rigidity and peak wanted, however you’ll additionally want slightly assist from a coating of hairspray, which is able to add an additional protect towards the forces of gravity.
5. The Textured Quiff
A much less formal, extra relaxed tackle the normal 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 straightforward to keep up and, relying on the size of the quiff, you’ll be able to change up your model at any time,” says Saboo.
A textured quiff is ideal for winter, when blustery winds and slightly drizzle will in all probability solely make it look higher. This in-built function additionally makes it a perfect selection for guys with wavy or typically unruly hair. “To attain the look, have a barber clipper your hair brief on the perimeters 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 purpose 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 consequence. “Rub a styling paste or smooth 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 means of the quiff till you might be proud of the consequence and the quiff stays in place.”
6. The Facet-Parted Quiff
One solution to render an present quiff immediately smarter is to tone down its rebelliousness by working in a aspect parting. Whereas it’s doable to take action with most varieties of quiff, if it’s your full-time intention, it’s price letting your barber know.
To create a aspect parting, celeb hairstylist Asgar Saboo suggests utilizing your palms and clean the product into the perimeters. “Comb the highest part away from the parting, so there’s a clear divide, then carry and form the perimeter into your required model.”
If a very polished look is what you’re after, good the end with the comb. Or, for a barely extra pure consequence, tough it up slightly together with your arms 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 up to date.
7. The Slicked Again Quiff
To move your look to the 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 model is an effective way to amp up a elegant look and is a high decide for every 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 type your required form.
You may even ramp issues up a notch by incorporating a aspect half, which provides drama to this already hanging model.
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 may give this look a go.
8. The Light Quiff
Deliver 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 mostly smooth and gradual relatively than a dramatic transition from brief hair on the perimeters to lengthy hair on high.
You’ll see this quiff model common among the many preppy crowd because it leans in direction of a clear {and professional} look, with an air of sophistication. It’s additionally a best choice for every 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 model is greatest fitted to all kinds of hair sorts. It may be worn slicked again or relaxed, and is a good decide in the event you’re searching for a extremely versatile reduce.
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 model with out an enormous chop.
Although you’ll need the perimeters and again of your hair shorter, you’ll be able to let the hair on high of your head develop free. It’s actually a little bit of a problem to type the quiff with lengthy locks, however with the correct quantity of heavy responsibility product and a sizzling blow dryer, you’ll be capable of 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 simply don’t really feel like slathering tons of product in your hair, you’ll be able to let it dangle free to resemble a curtain or eboy coiffure.
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 by a quiff haircut.
Both let your hair develop lengthy for a messy quiff, or taper the perimeters for an edgier and extra polished look. Both means, texture is the star right here, so let your pure curls shine by means of.
To model a quiff with curly hair, you do the identical as with all different. Although in the event you’d wish to retain the curls on high of your head, go straightforward 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 model 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 is able to trigger it to look dry and brittle.
“The 2 phases for blow-drying is moist to dry after which sizzling 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 reduce. 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 one of the best outcomes from a brush requires some follow, particularly in the event you’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 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 standard styling help for making a quiff is a high-shine pomade. The earliest sorts had been made out of animal fats and due to this fact needed to be scented with fruit (therefore the ‘pomme’ within the title). Fortunately, right this moment’s water-based alternate options are much less messy, simpler to scrub out of hair and far kinder to your pillowcase.
If shine is just not your factor, go for a styling paste. “These are translucent, so hair seems to be and appears like hair nevertheless it retains the model 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.”