The quiff is one of the most iconic hairstyles in men’s fashion, celebrated for its volume, versatility, and timeless appeal. It combines elements of the pompadour, the flat top, and sometimes even the mohawk to create a style that works for almost any occasion. Whether you are heading to a formal event or just hanging out with friends, a well-styled quiff adds instant confidence and flair to your appearance. The primary characteristic of this haircut is having longer hair on top, particularly at the front, which is swept upwards and backwards. The sides and back are usually kept shorter to provide contrast and emphasize the height on top.
Getting the perfect quiff involves growing out the front section of your hair so you have enough length to work with. Styling it usually requires a blow dryer, a round brush, and a quality hair product like pomade, wax, or clay. Because there are so many variations, you can customize the quiff to suit your face shape and hair texture. From messy and textured looks to sleek and polished finishes, the options are endless. This guide will walk you through fourteen distinct quiff hairstyles, explaining what makes each one unique and how you can achieve the look yourself.
1. The Classic Quiff
The classic quiff is the foundation of all modern variations, balancing a retro feel with a clean, gentlemanly aesthetic. This style keeps the hair on the back and sides shorter but not shaved to the skin, maintaining a softer transition. The hair on top is left long enough to be brushed upward and back, creating moderate volume without being overly dramatic. It is a perfect choice for men who want a sophisticated look that isn’t too aggressive. Achieving this style requires blow-drying damp hair while lifting the roots to create that signature height at the forehead.
To maintain the classic quiff, you need a product that offers a medium hold and a natural shine. A water-based pomade works excellently here because it keeps the hair in place without making it look greasy or stiff. This hairstyle is incredibly versatile and fits well in professional office settings as well as casual weekend outings. It frames the face nicely and adds a bit of length to rounder face shapes. Because the sides aren’t buzz-cut, the grow-out phase is very manageable, meaning you won’t need to rush for a trim every two weeks.
2. The Textured Quiff
The textured quiff is a modern update that focuses on a messy, matte finish rather than a sleek, shiny one. This look is all about movement and separating the strands to create a relaxed, effortless vibe. It works particularly well for men with thick or wavy hair, as the natural texture helps hold the style in place. Instead of using a comb to smooth everything down, you use your fingers to rake the product through, encouraging a bit of chaos on top. If you visit a top-rated New York Barbershop, you will likely see this style being requested frequently due to its low-maintenance but high-fashion appeal.
Styling a textured quiff is straightforward and less precise than the classic version. You start by applying a sea salt spray to damp hair to add grit and volume before blow-drying. Once the hair is dry, a matte clay or styling paste is the best product choice. Rub a small amount between your palms and work it through the roots to the tips, twisting small sections of hair to enhance the texture. This style is great for hiding thinning hair because the added texture creates an illusion of fullness. It’s a rugged, stylish option that looks great with casual wear like denim jackets and t-shirts.
3. The Undercut Quiff
The undercut quiff relies on a sharp, high-contrast difference between the top and the sides. The sides are buzzed very short, often all one length, while the top is left significantly longer and disconnected from the sides. This creates a bold, striking silhouette that draws all attention to the volume on top. It is a favorite among younger men and those who want a haircut that makes a strong statement. Because there is no fading or blending between the top and sides, the look is edgy and distinct, often associated with modern urban fashion.
To get this look right, you need to commit to regular maintenance for the sides to keep that sharp disconnect visible. Styling the top requires a strong-hold product because the hair has no support from the sides. You will need to blow-dry the hair upwards to maximize volume and then use a firm pomade to lock it in place. The undercut quiff is excellent for elongating the face, making it a solid choice for men with square or round face shapes. It exudes confidence and pairs perfectly with sharp, modern clothing styles.
4. The Short Quiff
The short quiff is a practical and low-maintenance version of the hairstyle, perfect for men who don’t want to spend twenty minutes in front of the mirror every morning. The hair on top is kept relatively short, usually around two inches, just enough to sweep upward. The sides are faded or tapered neatly to keep the overall appearance clean and tight. This style is often seen as a crossover between a crew cut and a traditional quiff. It is sporty, professional, and very easy to manage, making it ideal for guys with active lifestyles.
Even with shorter hair, you can still experiment with different Mullet Variations or tapered necklines to add a unique touch to the back. To style a short quiff, you simply need a tiny amount of wax or gel. Run it through the front section of your hair, pushing it up and slightly back. Because the hair is short, it naturally holds its weight better and won’t flop down throughout the day. This style works on almost all hair types, including fine hair, as the shorter length helps the hair appear denser and thicker. It is a subtle, neat option that never goes out of style.
5. The Rockabilly Quiff
The rockabilly quiff pays homage to the 1950s greaser era, characterized by extreme height and a sleek, rolled shape. This style is often referred to as a “jelly roll” or a pomp, featuring sides that are slicked back tight against the head. The front hair is styled to curve inward, creating a prominent wave or cylinder shape at the forehead. It is a dramatic, high-maintenance look that requires dedication and plenty of styling product. This is the hairstyle for men who love vintage fashion and want to stand out in a crowd with a bold retro statement.
Achieving the rockabilly quiff involves using a high-shine, strong-hold pomade, traditionally an oil-based one. You will need a comb to create the perfect shape, smoothing the sides back and carefully rolling the front section. It takes practice to get the roll perfectly symmetrical and stable. This hairstyle pairs exceptionally well with leather jackets, white t-shirts, and denim. While it might be too theatrical for a conservative office job, it is perfect for musicians, artists, or anyone with a rebellious spirit. It is a look that demands attention and respect.
6. The Side-Parted Quiff
The side-parted quiff adds a formal, structured element to the voluminous hairstyle by incorporating a defined parting line. The hair is parted on one side, with the majority of the volume swept over and up, while the other side is brushed down neatly. This introduces a level of asymmetry that looks very refined and dapper. It is a fantastic choice for business professionals who want a stylish cut that still adheres to corporate grooming standards. The part can be a natural separation or a hard part shaved in by the barber for extra definition.
This style integrates beautifully with Modern Fade Haircuts, allowing for a sharp transition on the sides while keeping the top elegant. To style it, find your natural part and use a comb to separate the hair clearly. Blow-dry the larger section upwards and to the side, creating volume at the roots. Use a medium-hold pomade with a bit of shine to finish the look, ensuring every strand is in place. The side-parted quiff works best for men with straight or slightly wavy hair. It balances the face well and provides a polished, mature appearance that works for weddings, meetings, and dates.
7. The Curly Quiff
Men with naturally curly hair often think they cannot pull off a quiff, but the curly quiff is actually one of the most stylish variations available. Instead of fighting the natural texture, this style embraces it, using the curls to add massive volume and interest on top. The sides are usually cut shorter to keep the focus on the curls, preventing the hair from looking too round or bushy. This style proves that you don’t need straight hair to achieve height; the natural spring of the curls does half the work for you.
To get the look, you should avoid heavy, greasy products that weigh curls down. Instead, use a curl-enhancing cream or a light mousse on damp hair. Use a diffuser attachment on your blow dryer to dry the hair without causing frizz, gently lifting the roots at the front. The result is a soft, touchable style that looks effortless and romantic. The curly quiff is less about perfect structure and more about controlled volume. It is a fantastic way to show off your natural hair texture while keeping your overall look groomed and intentional.
8. The Long Quiff
The long quiff pushes the boundaries of volume, requiring significant length on top, often four to six inches or more. This allows for a dramatic sweep back that creates a flowing, wave-like effect. It is a glamorous style that requires patience to grow out and skill to style correctly. The weight of the long hair means you need excellent blow-drying technique and strong products to prevent it from falling flat. When done right, it looks incredibly suave and artistic, reminiscent of modern movie stars and influencers.
If you are visiting a skilled New York Barber, ask them to texturize the ends of your long hair so it doesn’t look like a heavy block. Styling involves blow-drying with a round brush, rolling the hair backward to build a strong foundation of volume. You might need to use a pre-styler for grip and finish with hairspray to lock everything in place. The long quiff can be worn sleek for a night out or slightly messy for a casual day look. It requires commitment, but the payoff is a head-turning hairstyle that exudes luxury and style.
9. The Messy Quiff
The messy quiff is the ultimate “I just woke up like this” hairstyle, though it actually requires a bit of intentional styling. It is characterized by a lack of strict direction; while the general flow is upward and back, strands are allowed to fall naturally and overlap. This creates a jagged, spiky silhouette that looks youthful and energetic. It is perfect for casual settings and works great for men who dislike the feeling of having too much product in their hair or looking too “done up.”
To achieve this look, texture is your best friend. Ask your barber for a choppy cut on top to remove weight and add movement. When styling, use a matte paste or clay. Rub it into your hands and vigorously work it through dry hair, pushing it up and moving it around until you achieve the desired shape. You don’t need a comb for this; your fingers are the best tools. The messy quiff is very forgiving, so if the wind messes it up, you can easily fix it with a quick hand-comb. It’s a relaxed, cool style for everyday wear.
10. The Blowout Quiff
The blowout quiff is all about maximizing volume through the use of heat styling. It is often referred to as a “windblown” look because the hair appears to be swept back by a strong gust of wind. The sides are typically faded or tapered to emphasize the explosion of hair on top. This style works best for men with medium-density straight or wavy hair who want to create the illusion of very thick, full hair. It is a high-impact style that looks very modern and sharp.
The secret to this look is the blow dryer. You must dry the hair completely while brushing it upward and backward, using high heat to set the shape and a cool shot to lock it in. Once the volume is established, use a lightweight wax or powder to hold the structure without collapsing the height. Avoid heavy gels or oils. The blowout quiff is soft to the touch and has a natural matte finish. It is an excellent choice for men who want height and drama without the rigid, shiny look of a retro pompadour.
11. The Psycho Quiff (Psychobilly Wedge)
The psycho quiff, or psychobilly wedge, is an extreme and edgy variation that combines elements of a mohawk and a pompadour. The sides are shaved almost to the skin, often high up the head, while the top is styled into a wedge shape that protrudes forward and up. It is an aggressive, punk-inspired look that is not for the faint of heart. This style originated in the music scenes of the 80s and remains a symbol of counter-culture and rebellion. It is sharp, angular, and visually striking.
This hairstyle requires a very specific cut where the hair length increases from the back of the crown towards the front hairline. Styling it demands a very strong hold product, like a stiff gel or glue-like wax, to defy gravity. You need to pull the hair forward and up, creating a sharp point or ledge at the front. It is a high-maintenance style that requires frequent barber visits to keep the shaved sides crisp. If you work in a creative industry or want a look that guarantees you will be noticed, the psycho quiff is a powerful choice.
12. The Spiky Quiff
The spiky quiff takes the volume of a traditional quiff and adds sharp, defined texture to the ends. Instead of a smooth wave, the hair is styled into several points or spikes that face upward and slightly back. This gives the hairstyle a lot of texture and a sporty, energetic feel. It was hugely popular in the early 2000s and has made a comeback as a modern, textured style. It works best on straight, thick hair that tends to stick up naturally.
To get the spiky quiff, you need a product that offers separation, like a fiber paste or texturizing clay. Apply the product to dry hair and twist small sections of hair at the ends to create the spikes. The key is to keep the spikes soft and not rock-hard like gel spikes from the 90s. The sides should be kept short to contrast with the texture on top. This is a great weekend hairstyle that looks active and fun. It’s easy to fix on the go and holds up well in different weather conditions.
13. The Fade Quiff
The fade quiff is perhaps the most popular version today, seamlessly blending the old-school top with modern barbering techniques on the sides. You can choose from a low, mid, or high fade depending on how much contrast you want. The fade ensures that the hairline looks incredibly sharp and clean, while the quiff on top provides the style and length. This combination creates a balanced, tapered silhouette that is universally flattering for all face shapes.
Because the sides are faded, this cut grows out cleanly and keeps you looking groomed for longer. Styling the top can be done in a messy, textured way or a sleek, combed-back manner, making it highly versatile. It is the go-to haircut for modern men because it fits every lifestyle, from the gym to the office. Regular maintenance of the fade is required, usually every two to three weeks. The fade quiff is the perfect example of how combining classic and contemporary elements creates a superior look.
14. The Asian Quiff
The Asian quiff is tailored specifically for thick, straight, and often coarse hair types commonly found in Asian men. This hair type can be difficult to style because it tends to stick straight out, but the quiff utilizes this stiffness to create great volume. The sides are usually kept very short or undercut to prevent them from puffing out. The top is textured heavily to remove bulk and make the hair more pliable for styling. It is a sleek, fashion-forward look popularized by K-Pop stars and Asian fashion icons.
Styling this quiff requires a strong wax and usually some hairspray. Because the hair is heavy, blow-drying is essential to direct the hair follicles upward. You might need to use a round brush to bend the ends slightly to create that swooping shape. This style focuses on height and texture, often with a slight side-sweep. It is a fantastic way to manage thick hair while looking incredibly trendy. It proves that the quiff is a global style that can be adapted to any hair texture.
Conclusion
The quiff is more than just a haircut; it is a statement of style that has stood the test of time for decades. With so many variations available—from the rugged textured quiff to the pristine classic look—there is a version that fits every man’s personality and hair type. The key to rocking a quiff lies in a good haircut foundation and mastering the art of blow-drying and product application. It might take a few tries to get the technique right, but the result is a confident, elevated appearance that transforms your overall look.
Whether you decide to go for a bold undercut variation or a subtle short quiff, communication with your barber is essential to achieving the best results. Bring a photo of the specific style you want so they understand exactly how to cut the sides and texture the top. Investing time in your hair routine pays off by making you look sharper and more put-together every day. Try one of these fourteen styles for your next haircut, and enjoy the boost of confidence that comes with a fresh, stylish quiff.
