How to Do a Pompadour Hairdo

Pompadours are not exclusively for men.

Nothing says "rockabilly" like the classic pompadour hairstyle. The pompadour came into fashion between the 1930s and 1950s, with many famous musicians and celebrities sporting the hairstyle. Classic examples include Elvis Presley, Frank Sinatra, James Dean and Johnny Cash. To get a true pompadour, you will need to take a trip to the barber. Proper pomps are shorter on the sides and back, with the top coming up and to the side in a wedge shape. Even without a haircut, you can style your hair after this iconic cut.

Things You'll Need

• Pomade
• Comb

Instructions

1. Wash your hair as you normally would. Dry it completely before styling.

2. Dip two or three fingers in your pomade and run it through your hair, distributing it evenly and thoroughly. Run it through from front to back. Use small amounts of pomade and go back for more as needed to avoid using too much.

3. Comb your hair back. Ensure the sides are slicked back against your head. Remember, you will be raising the top, so you do not want the sides sticking out farther than you plan your top to stick out.

4. Place your free hand on the top of your head and softly push toward the front of your head. Place your comb at the front of your hair line and comb upward as you push with your free hand, creating the signature wedge.

5. 

   The finished product may resemble this person's rockin' pompadour.

   Run your comb gently over the top to smooth it out if needed. Look at the pompadour from the side using a mirror to ensure it takes on a wedge shape. The height of the wedge is entirely up to you.

Tips & Warnings

• Some people part their pompadours to one side. After you get the basics down, try pushing your hair up slightly to one side while parting the opposite side of your hair.

References

• Cool Men's Hair; Rockabilly, Psychobilly and Pompadour Hairstyles; May 2007
• Forces of Geek; How to Style a Pompadour; Ryan Ferrier; February 2009