The comb over has come a long way since the early 20th century, when it was the go-to look for middle-aged men looking to brush over their thinning hair.
In fact, it’s fair to say this is one of the most popular short haircuts for guys in 2025 like V-haircut for men, thanks to its versatility, adaptability, and ease of styling.
Join us as we explore some of the best men’s comb over haircuts to try this year, offering you a contemporary look at one of the most iconic haircuts of the modern age.
What is a comb over?
Sometimes referred to as a side parting, the comb over is a cut that features a short back and sides with longer hair on top, parted to one side. It’s entirely up to you which way you part your hair on top, but it makes sense to go with your hair’s natural parting for the best results.
Though very much a classic style, the comb over has featured numerous contemporary twists in recent times and has maintained its prevalence as one of the most popular short haircuts for men. Below, we introduce some of the best ways to wear a comb over in 2025 to capture the attention.
How do you ask for a combover?
A combover is easy to request as long as you describe the basics clearly. Telling your barber, “I’d like a combover” or “I want a side-part comb-over style.” Then explain whether you prefer a natural part or a hard part, and tell them how long you want the top to be. Mention if you want it voluminous or textured, and note whether you prefer a subtle lift in the front or a flatter, classic look.
Next, describe how you want the sides and back to blend with the top. Combovers work well with low fades, tapers, or tighter sides that aren’t too short. You can say, “Low fade on the sides” or “Tapered sides and back, nothing too aggressive.”
Finish by confirming the plan with a simple check: “Does this suit my hair type?” This gives your barber space to adjust the cut so the final look sits naturally and matches your styling routine.
9 comb over haircut ideas to try in 2025
Looking to reinvent your style with this classic haircut in 2025? Here are nine variants of the comb over you can ask your barber about this year:
1. Comb over fade
The fade is a trending hairstyle in its own right in 2025 but it can also be effortlessly paired with numerous other styles. This is true of the comb over, which we think works expertly with a quality high fade. The look resembles a military cut on the back and sides, while the additional length is left on top to achieve the look. You might also know this cut as the military high fade comb over.
2. Classic comb over
This classy comb over is a conservative cut that looks clean and professional. You can achieve this look with a clippers cut on the back and sides, perhaps with a number two or three, and a scissors cut on top. Make sure your barber leaves enough length on the fringe so you can style it with wax or gel to one side for the perfect comb over look.
3. Medium fade comb over
A mid fade comb over is a great alternative to a high fade and is perhaps the most common comb over variant. You can also elevate this look with medium-length facial hair, which you can ask your barber to taper into the haircut for an effortless look.
4. Taper comb over fade
Next up is the taper fade, which works brilliantly with a classic comb over. The distinction here is that the temporal areas and the neck nape are the only faded areas, which is in stark contrast to most other fades, which focus on broader areas. Guys with shorter foreheads tend to look good with taper fades, so it’s worth considering if it matches your face type and dimensions.
5. Hard part comb over
A hard parting is all about finding your hair’s natural parting and asking your barber to accentuate it, combing over your hair from this natural position. You can then pin the hair down with wet-syle gel or wax for a sleek and stylish look that is great for professional men.
6. Undercut comb over
The undercut is a hugely popular hairstyle for guys with short hair. Characterized by a buzz cut on the back and sides and extra length on top, you can part your hair on top to the left or right to achieve the desired style. Undercuts are super easy to achieve and maintain, making them a great choice.
7. Long hair comb over
A brilliant way to add contemporary charm to a comb over is to leave extra length on top. How long is up to you, but you can leave your fringe to flow down a few inches before combing it back and holding it in place. Leaving your cut with extra length gives you more flexibility with styling options and is handy if you like to change your style frequently.
8. Curly hair comb over
Though the comb over has long been known as a cut for guys with short, straight hair, we’ve seen numerous stylish variations on guys with curly or wavy hair. Waves are easy to part than curls, and the result is a slightly messy, unruly result that is in stark contrast to the uniformity of the classic comb over.
9. Pompadour comb over with side parting
The pompadour has enjoyed a renaissance in recent times, and we think it’s a superb styling option if you want to add an intriguing element to your comb over. The key to this look is a deep side parting, and you can then sweep your hair naturally to one side to add volume and texture to this typically short cut.
How to do comb over hairstyle?
A comb-over hairstyle is a versatile, neat look that works for most hair types and face shapes. And this style is easy to master at home. With the right tools and simple steps, you can create an everyday comb-over.
Step 1. Where is natural part
Use a wide-tooth or standard comb to push your hair straight back. Let it fall naturally, and the line where it separates is your natural part. Following this part makes styling easier and ensures the comb-over doesn’t look forced.
Step 2. Prep while damp
Towel-dry your hair until slightly damp. Apply a small amount of lightweight styling product — like mousse, cream, or volumizing spray — from roots to ends. Damp hair helps products distribute evenly, giving you better control and longer-lasting shape.
Step 3. Comb to one side
Starting at the part, comb your hair sideways in one clean direction. Keep the comb close to the scalp to guide the roots. For a classic look, keep the top neat and smooth. For a modern style, lift slightly at the front to add movement and height.
Step 4. Add volume
Using a blow-dryer, aim the airflow upward at the fringe while lifting with your comb or fingers. This creates natural lift without stiffness. Move the dryer side-to-side for even volume. Volume is crucial because it prevents the comb-over from looking flat or old-fashioned.
Step 5. Set style
After drying, apply pomade, matte paste, or wax depending on the finish you want. Do it with a pea-sized amount, rub between palms, then apply from back to front to avoid over-loading the fringe. Comb through again to sharpen the shape.
Step 6. Control flyaways
Check the back and sides in a mirror. Use the comb’s fine teeth to smooth flyaways and tighten edges. For long-term hair protection, you must try Laifen SE Ionic hair dryer generates over 200 millions+ negative ions to fight againt frizz and dryness.
Lastly
Whether the comb over is your go-to haircut or you’re trying it for the first time in 2025, you now have all the inspiration you need to elevate this look with any of the above contemporary styles.
We believe that this looks particularly great with various fades, so consider this as your go-to option or speak to your barber about cranking things up a notch with a longer length on top and super short sides.
Meanwhile, we suggest you to try our bestseller Laifen SE hair dryer, which is ionic, lightweight, and fast.
FAQs to comb over hair
1. How often should I comb my hair?
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Straight hair: 1–2 times daily to distribute oils and prevent tangles.
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Wavy hair: Once daily; avoid over-brushing to reduce frizz.
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Curly/coily hair: Use a wide-tooth comb only when wet with conditioner to avoid breakage.
2. Should I comb hair when it’s wet or dry?
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Straight/wavy: Best when slightly damp or dry.
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Curly/coily: Only wet + conditioned, otherwise curls will frizz or break.
3. Does combing stimulate hair growth?
Combing does not increase hair growth, but it improves blood circulation, oil distribution, and scalp health, all of which help hair appear healthier.
4. Why does straight hair get oily quickly?
Because natural oils travel down the hair shaft more easily. And you can try comb gently and avoid over-brushing; it spreads oils faster.
5. How do I keep straight hair from looking flat?
Blow-dry with a round brush at the roots. Use lightweight volumizing spray. Or comb upward at the roots to add lift.
6. How do I reduce frizz when combing wavy hair?
Comb in the shower with conditioner. Use a wide-tooth comb only. Or apply curl cream and scrunch after combing.
7. Should I brush waves?
Brushing can turn waves puffy, so stick to combing.
8. Why does my curly hair tangle so easily?
Curved strands interlock more naturally. Keep it hydrated and detangle while conditioned.
9. What’s the right comb for curly hair?
Wide-tooth comb. Detangling brush (gentle). Or fingers (best for curl definition)
10. How do I avoid breakage?
Detangle from tips to roots. Use leave-in conditioner. And avoid fine-tooth combs completely.
11. How do I comb a fade (men)?
Use a comb to direct top hair forward, up, or back depending on style. Don’t comb the faded sides; keep them neat with light brushing or hand smoothing.
12. How do I maintain a layered haircut?
Comb from the bottom layer up to avoid snagging. For volume, lift layers while blow-drying.
13. How should I comb a bob haircut?
Use a flat brush or wide comb. Follow the bob shape: inward for classic bobs, outward for textured bobs.
14. How do I comb a fringe/bangs?
Comb straight downward while damp. Blow-dry using a round brush to prevent separation.
