9 best modern comb over hairstyles for men in 2026

The comb over hairstyle has evolved tremendously from being the most popular choice for middle-aged men with thinning hair in the early 20th century.

Indeed, it can be said that it is one of the most popular men's short haircuts along with the V-haircut in 2026 due to its versatility, adaptability, and easy styling.

Come and join us as we take you through some of the best men's comb over haircuts to rock in the coming year giving you a glimpse of one of the most iconic hairstyles of the modern era.

What is a comb over?

Also known as a side parting, the comb over hairstyle is characterized by shorter back and sides and longer hair on top styled in a parting to one side.

It is entirely your choice on which side you want to style your hair in a comb over but it is advisable to stick to the natural parting of your hair to get the best results.

Although an iconic style that has been around for decades, the comb over has experienced many modern variations in recent years and remains prevalent among the most popular short haircuts for men. We will highlight some of the coolest comb overs in 2026 below.

How do you order a combover?

Combover is very simple to order provided you give enough details about it.

1. It is possible to inform your barber that you would like to have a combover or a side-part comb-over haircut.

2. You will then need to specify if you want a natural part or a hard part along with how long you want the top part to be. Specify whether you want voluminous hair or textured hair. Specify whether you want the hair in front to be lifted up or just a flat style.

3. You will need to tell your barber how you want the sides and the back hair to be styled with regard to the top hair. This works great with low fades, tapered sides, or tight sides which are not very short. You can mention, "low fade on the sides" or "tapered sides and back, nothing too aggressive."

4. Step four entails obtaining your barber's confirmation by posing the question, "Does this suit my hairstyle?"

Wishing to change up your look with the old-school hairstyle in 2026? Check out these nine different styles of the comb over that you could request from your barber this year:

Top 1. Comb over fade

However, the fade is one style that is gaining popularity in itself in the year 2026 but it may be effortlessly combined with many other styles as well.

For instance, our favorite would be the combination of a good quality high fade with the comb over style.

The result will be a look that seems like a military haircut on the sides and back but the extra hair is left on top for styling.

Top 2. Classic comb over

This slick comb over hairstyle is a conservative style that is neat and looks professional.

To get this hairstyle, you can use a clippers style at the back and the sides, probably using the number two or three.

Your barber should keep enough length at the front so that you can use wax or gel to style it to one side to get a great comb over.

Top 3. Medium fade comb over

A mid-fade comb over is a wonderful option to go for if you wish to avoid a high fade, and this is perhaps one of the most common types of comb overs that people go for. You could also add to this hairstyle with medium facial hair.

Top 4. Taper comb over fade

The next hairstyle is the taper fade, which is best complemented by the comb over hairstyle.

The difference in this case is that the temporal regions and the nape of the neck are the regions that have been faded, unlike other fades where larger sections are the subject of fading.

Men with small foreheads usually appear better with the taper fade style.

Top 5. Hard part comb over

The tough parting simply means identifying your hair’s parting point and having your barber highlight it, using this as the base and combing your hair from this point.

This can then be pinned using wet-syle gel or wax to get a clean and elegant appearance, ideal for professional men.

Top 6. Undercut comb over

Undercut is an extremely common haircut for men with short hair.

This hairstyle has buzz cut hair on the back and sides and long hair at the top that can be parted to the left or right side.

It is extremely easy to get and maintain, thus it makes a good option for men.

Top 7. Long hair comb over

One of the best things that you can do to bring a modern touch into your comb over is to give yourself a little bit of length on top.

You decide how much length you want, but you can let your fringe fall for a couple of inches before combing it back and fixing it.

Top 8. Curly hair comb over

While the comb over haircut has traditionally been associated with men who have straight hair, there have been many different styles of the comb over haircut with curly and wavy hair as well.

Wavy hair can be parted easily, resulting in a messier look than the neat appearance of the traditional comb over.

Top 9. Pompadour comb over with side parting

The pompadour haircut has been having its rebirth lately, and we believe that it would be a great choice for those who would like to make their comb over more interesting.

The crucial feature of this style is the deep side part, which can be used as a base for sweeping hair to one side.

Steps to make comb over hairstyle

A comb over hairstyle is a very easy and versatile way of styling which fits almost all types of hair and faces.

It is also easy to do at home and requires minimum effort to achieve stylish and neat hair.

Here are the steps:

Step 1. Natural part location

Use wide-tooth or regular comb and pull your hair straight backwards. Let it go to its place and there will be a clear line of separation.

Following your natural part line helps to make comb over easy and not look forced.

Step 2. Prepping while damp

Dry your hair until it is only a little damp.

Apply a small amount of any kind of light styling product – such as mousse, cream or volumizing spray from root to tips.

When your hair is still damp it becomes easier to distribute products evenly.

Step 3. Combing to one side

From the part start combs your hair sideways in one direction. Keep your comb close to the scalp in order to shape the roots.

Classic comb over requires having neat and smooth top part. Modern hairstyle includes lifting of the front a little bit to make hairstyle more voluminous.

Step 4. Adding volume

Using a hair dryer, direct the airflow up while lifting your hair with comb or fingertips. This will provide your comb over with a lift without making it stiff.

To make hair voluminous, move the hair dryer side to side. Volume is really important because it will save hairstyle from looking flat and outdated.

Step 5. Setting style

Once hair dried, use pomade, matte paste or wax according to the desired finish.

Use a pea-sized amount of product and apply it from back to front to avoid putting too much product on the fringe.

Check your back and sides using a mirror. Use the teeth of your comb to tame flyaways and secure the edges. In order to keep your hair safe, you have to use the Laifen SE 2 Ionic hair dryer because it produces over 200 million negative ions.

Last but not least

If you use the comb over as your hairstyle or are thinking about styling your hair like that in 2026, here’s everything you will need to take your hairstyle up a notch using one of the mentioned trends.

We think that this hairstyle looks really good with different types of fades and, therefore, can be considered as a default choice or you can ask your barber to take it up a notch with long hair on top and very short hair on the sides.

FAQs to comb over hair

1. How often should I comb my hair?

• Straight hair: 1–2 times daily to distribute oils and prevent tangles.

• Wavy hair: Once daily; avoid over-brushing to reduce frizz.

• 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?

• Straight/wavy: Best when slightly damp or dry.

• Curly/coily: Only wet + conditioned, otherwise curls will frizz or break.

3. Does combing aid in hair growth?

Combing does not promote hair growth, but helps in increasing blood flow, distributes oils evenly and improves scalp conditions, thus making hair look healthier.

4. Why do straight hairs become oily soon?

Since oils naturally slide down the hair strands. You can also try combing gently and avoiding over-combing, for it helps oils to move faster.

5. How can I ensure my straight hair does not look flat?

Dry hair using a round brush starting from the roots. Use a light volumizing spray. Or comb upwards from the roots.

6. How can I avoid frizz while combing my wavy hair?

Comb hair while in the shower using a conditioner. Use only a wide toothed comb. Or apply curl cream and scrunch.

7. Should I brush waves?

Brushing may make waves look puffy, so only use combing on them.

8. Why does my curly hair always get tangled?

Since the strands are curved, tangling is easier. Stay well-hydrated and detangle in condition.

9. What kind of comb should I use for curly hair?

Wide-tooth comb. Detangling brush (soft). Or your fingers (ideal way to define curls)

10. How do I prevent breakage?

Detangle from ends to roots. Apply leave-in conditioner. Don’t use fine-toothed combs at all.

11. How do I comb a fade (men)?

To comb your top hair forwards, upwards or backwards according to the style. But never comb the faded sides; just ensure they look tidy by gently brushing them.

12. How do I maintain a layered haircut?

Begin by combing the bottom layer and work upwards to prevent tangles.For volume, lift layers while blow drying them.

13. How do I comb a bob haircut?

Apply a flat brush or wide comb.The brush should go inwards if it is the traditional bob or outwards if it is the textured bob.

14. How do I comb my fringe/bangs?

Comb downwards when the hair is still damp. While blow drying use a round brush.

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Cedar Brooke

Cedar is a writer on hair and beauty who has a number of years of editorial experience combined with a flair for telling a story. With his writing experience at publications and the best beauty startups, he can bring an insightful perspective into everything he writes. From topics that relate to textured hair identity to oil comparison of trending treatments, Cedar writes with the reader in mind.