Top 7 Quiff Hairstyle for Men & Essential Styling Guide in 2024

What’s a Quiff Hairstyle?

The quiff hairstyle for men is a timeless hairstyle that has remained popular among men for decades. With its sophisticated look, the quiff haircut involves combing the hair upwards to add volume and height at the top. This style features clean lines and a sophisticated finish, making it ideal for various occasions, whether casual or formal. The versatility of the quiff allows it to complement different face shapes, aesthetic preferences, and hair types. Do you know How to style wolf cut haircuts for men?.

Celebrities such as Ryan Reynolds, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Robert Downey Jr. have made this look iconic, enhancing its stylish and fashionable reputation. Whether you're aiming for a natural or more textured look, the quiff has evolved into a favorite across a wide range of ages and personal styles.

The quiff was big in the 1950s, securing its place in the follicular hall of fame alongside other classic cuts like the French crop, buzz cut, and the edgy pompadour. By blending elements of the flat top, mohawk, and shapely pompadour, the quiff gained a voluminous and amped-up presence. It was worn by icons like James Dean and Elvis Presley, and is often seen at the red carpet with a clean-cut, messy, or even punk variation. 

The striking contrast between the short back and sides with the longer locks on top gives the quiff its signature edgy appeal. Today, the quiff remains a trendy and stylish choice for men of all ages, with modern adaptations offering an edgier and trendy vibe.

Best Quiff Styles for Men

When it comes to quiff hairstyles for men, there are endless options to inspire your next trip to the barber. Styling men’s hair with a quiff is all about understanding the right hair length, texture, and hair type. The difference in how a quiff looks can come down to the input from a celebrity hairstylist or men’s groomer like Kat Thompson, who shares her expert advice on this ever-evolving style. Whether you’re looking for your favorite take on the classic or want to explore modern takes, the men’s quiff continues to be a popular choice, offering something for every man’s personal style.

1. The Timeless Classic Quiff

The classic quiff is all about the difference in length between the top and sides, though this difference can sometimes seem insignificant. The front of a classic quiff hairstyle is often less rigidly styled, allowing you to embrace your hair texture and work with your natural parting.

Using your fingers to style the classic quiff creates a softer, more natural look. Compared to the modern quiff, which often features a stark difference between the top and sides, the classic version has a gradual gradient of hair and an ageless cut that has been stylish for decades.
For maintenance, applying a small amount of traditional pomade after blow drying adds volume and shine, keeping the look sharp without weighing down the hair.

2. The Bold Undercut Quiff

The undercut quiff is a sharp, edgy style that works best for thicker hair types. With the sides disconnected from the top, this style features a fade or taper style to create a noticeable difference in length. The sharp cut gives a sleeker look, blending the old-school classic with a modern, authentic vibe.

The longer hair on top is often slicked back, giving it plenty of impact and a vintage feel. When visiting your barber, ask for the disconnection to begin at the recession point, just behind the back of the ear.
To maintain this look, use salt spray on damp hair and blow-dry it with a round brush for added texture. Finishing with matte clay will create separation and definition.

3. The Long Hair Quiff

The long hair quiff is a stylish choice for men with gorgeous locks, though it requires more effort to maintain. This style works best with a swept-back cut, but if you have a receding hairline, you might opt for a taper fade or a messy haircut that can sweep forward.

Inspired by short Viking hairstyles and the traditional look, this quiff suits long hair and can even be styled with an extra long, mullet-style length for a unique edge. Zayn Malik has popularized the quiff, which is reminiscent of James Dean, but with a softer, more modern approach. For those with thicker hair, using a round brush to blow dry in the desired direction helps keep the longest hair upfront and adds extra volume.
To finish the look, rub a bit of wax-based pomade between your hands and run through the hair, focusing on heavier strands that tend to fall forward, ensuring the style holds its shape and gives a clean, intentional look.

4. The Perfect Medium Hair Quiff

The medium-length quiff is a great choice for those wanting a quiff haircut with considerable volume on top and shorter sides and back.

Medium-length hair, around 3 inches or 7.5 centimetres, is the ideal length to achieve this look, offering the perfect balance between the classic quiff and a long hair quiff.
If you’re growing your hair out, you can take this medium-length hairstyle to the next level by pairing it with a rugged full Viking beard, giving a strong, Viking hairstyles vibe.
While you may need to wait a few months to grow out the hair and beard combo, the effort is well worth it for a bold, masculine style.

5. The Textured Hair Quiff

The textured hair quiff is perfect for those who want to enhance their natural texture while keeping a cleaner shape.
Start by dampening the hair with a few sprays of water, and then blow-dry the front and face-framing sections to create a smooth and noticeable direction for the style. Using a defining styling cream is great for thicker hair, while a light pomade works well for thinner hair to direct the hair back and blend textures together.
The result is a handsome, dandy style where the hair flows beautifully to the side, creating soft bundles that look effortlessly styled.
This look is ideal whether you’re heading to the club or the boardroom, making you the man in demand with a sharp, stylish hairstyle.

6. The Scruffy Quiff

The scruffy quiff is a perfect quiff-styled cut for thinning hair types. To achieve this look, start by prepping damp hair with a grooming spray to give it some hold and help build shape as you use a dryer.

Apply heat from the blowdryer to manipulate any stubborn cowlicks, and use your fingers to lift the hair at the roots up top, away from the scalp.
Once dry, rub a small pinch of medium hold pomade between your fingers and use a comb to shape the hair up top into the desired structure.
The separation and added facial scruff will help fill out the overall look, giving you that rugged, effortless style.

7. The Curly Quiff: A Relaxed Style

The curly quiff is a new hairstyle that may seem intimidating at first, but with the right styling and products, it becomes easy to manage.

According to Thompson, the key is using the right techniques for your hair type.
For curly hair, a blow dryer helps create the shape while keeping it lower maintenance. This style works well for gents with both tousled curls and straight locks, giving a curly quiff a relaxed air that pairs nicely with some facial hair.
It’s also perfect for wavy hair, allowing the natural curls to shine through. Whether you’re going for a messy quiff or a more polished look with a slight taper on the sides, this style offers a lot of texture and works best with minimal product to avoid making the curls go flat.

How to Ask for the Perfect Quiff at the Barber

When ordering the perfect haircut at the barber, the keys are preparation and clear communication.

Make sure you know the specific hairstyle you want, such as a quiff, and show your barber a picture if possible.
It’s important to understand the jargon and terms like high skin fade or tapered sides, especially if you’re looking for a more textured quiff.
You’ll need long enough hair on top, so tell your barber if you prefer it short on the sides but longer on top. For a sharper look, ask for a number 2 or use clippers to get the fade just right. With these necessary raw materials, you’ll leave the salon with a quiff that’s in vogue and fits your style perfectly.

DIY Quiff Styling Process

To get the perfect quiff at home, start by applying a small amount of your favorite styling product with your fingers through your hair.
For a messy yet classy look, focus on creating a textured style by working the product through the bangs and the top, moving it sideways. Grasp and pinch the hair to give it a rough, but unified volume.
Use a bit of hair spray to hold the shape. Begin by blow-drying the base shape of your front hair, making sure it stands up and flows either to the back or the side. A roller brush can help achieve quicker results and make the whole process of creating the quiff easier.

Hair Products for Your Quiff Hairstyle

To achieve the perfect quiff, using tailor-made products for your styling needs makes a huge difference in how your hair will feel and look.
The best men’s hair products for a quiff include styling pomade, an essential product that helps in subduing curly hair or permed hair while adding volume and providing a firm hold.
It’s easy to apply, and you only need a little bit to spread on your palm and work through your hair for a flatted finish.
For a relaxed state, styling clay is great as it keeps the hair in place over an extended period, ensuring the hair strands are evenly distributed and giving your quiff a thicker appearance. Both products help enhance texture and give a natural look when used in small amounts for those final touch-ups.

Gallary of mullet haircut:

The Rise of the Quiff Hairstyle

The quiff hairstyle gained traction around the post-war era as a bold reaction to the rigid military buzz cuts and flat wartime styles of that time. With the advent of rock ‘n’ roll, the quiff became an iconic symbol of teenage rebellion and style. It wasn’t just a look; it was a statement, a badge of confidence that screamed individuality. Elvis Presley famously brought the quiff into the spotlight with his piled-up hair, often flopping forward, which needed constant attention.

His public combing became as sexually charged as his famous shake of the hips and caress of the microphone. This moment was more than just grooming, it was an act of unabashed narcissism that liberated men from traditional grooming norms.

The Quiff’s Impact on Grooming Culture

As ReeRee Rockette, owner of Rockalily Cuts, puts it, the quiff has always represented taking up space and being bold enough to be noticed. Its iconic appeal still holds strong, with the style becoming synonymous with standing out in any crowd. The quiff wasn’t just a trend—it changed the course of men’s grooming by introducing a grooming revolution. The look allowed men to express themselves and break free from the tyranny of conformity, forever marking its place in hair-story.

Quiff vs Pompadour: What’s the Difference?

The quiff and pompadour are both classic cuts, but they differ in several key ways. A general rule is that the quiff is less showy and doesn’t have the top-heavy pomp seen in the pompadour. Pompadours, popularized by icons like Little Richard and Bruno Mars, tend to be more glossier and precise, with the hair being combed back for a sleek look. The quiff, on the other hand, has more of a messy, versatile style, with the hair being swept upwards and backwards at the front. This gives the quiff a light, airy feel, making it more relaxed and suitable for various occasions.

According to Devon-based barber Tom Chapman, the quiff typically features a short back and sides, with longer hair on top. In contrast, the pompadour “takes the hair off the face” and big ups the entire head of hair, including the forelock near the forehead. While both styles can be brushed and straightened, the pompadour has a more heavier, tight, and slick look, making it more formal compared to the quiff. Whether you’re going for the more carefree quiff or the more polished pompadour, both styles offer a unique way to express your personal style.

Best Face Shapes for the Quiff

The quiff is a trendy hairstyle that makes a bold statement and can be styled in various ways to fit different face shapes. For men with a round face shape, the quiff is a fantastic choice, as it helps to add height and structure, allowing you to pull off a great look. This style has many variations, but the perfect match for a timeless quiff is often found in men with a square face shape, as the strong jawline complements the voluminous hair on top.

For those with a thin face, the best option might be to go for a short quiff, which adds some dimension without overwhelming the face. The versatility of the quiff means there’s a version for everyone, making it a go-to style for many men looking to add a touch of class or edge to their look. Whether you have a round face, square face, or a thin face, the quiff can be adjusted to suit your unique shape.

Finding the Perfect Quiff Style

When choosing a quiff style, it’s important to consider various factors like your face shape and the type of cuts that suit you.

For dudes with a round face, a quiff can help elongate and add definition to the little structure and lack of prominent angles. A square-shaped hairstyle with added height like a classic quiff or even a casual side part can be very flattering. According to celebrity groomer Amy Komorowski, who has worked with stars like Eddie Redmayne and Ryan Reynolds, men with a thin face should opt for higher hair to give a more angular, elongated look. If you have larger ears, consider shaving or fading the sides to emphasise the hair on top. The beauty of the quiff is that it can be tailored to your shape, making it a versatile style that anyone can make their own.

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Frequently asked questions

How to Ask Your Barber for a Quiff Haircut

When visiting your barber for a quiff haircut, it’s important to communicate clearly. Ask the stylist to leave the top of your hair longer than the sides and back for the signature look. If you’re aiming for a classic style, request a low fade on the sides. According to Thompson, it’s always helpful to bring photos to your appointment so you can present the exact style you want as clearly as possible. This way, your barber will know exactly how to shape your quiff for the best results.

What Haircut is Best for a Quiff?

For the perfect quiff haircut, you want considerable volume on the top with shorter sides and back. A medium-length quiff is ideal if you have medium-length hair, around 3 inches or 7.5 centimetres. This is the ideal length for getting the right balance of style and manageability. If you prefer a more dramatic look, you can go for a longer style, such as a long hair quiff, which gives more flow and flexibility to your hairstyle. The key is to maintain a clear contrast between the top and the shorter sides for that signature quiff look.

What Face Shape Suits a Quiff Best?

The quiff is a versatile hairstyle that works well for most men, but certain face shapes really pull off a great quiff. For those with a round face shape, the quiff can add height and structure, making it an excellent variation to try. A square face shape is a perfect match for the timeless quiff, as the strong jawline complements the style’s volume. If you have a thin face, the best option would be a short quiff, which adds just enough body without overwhelming your features.