In this article
- What is a quiff hairstyle?
- Top 1. Textured quiff hairstyle
- Top 2. Long quiff hairstyle
- Top 3. Classic quiff hairstyle
- Top 4. Messy quiff hairstyle
- Top 5. Short quiff hairstyle
- Top 6. Disconnected undercut quiff
- Top 7. Low fade quiff
- Top 8. Side-parted quiff
- Quiff haircut steps:
- Conclusion of the quiff hairstyle
- FAQs
The quiff hairstyle oozes class and sophistication, which is why it has been so popular among professional men since the 1950s.
But don’t let the simplicity of the quiff put you off from sticking with this timeless look, as it commands respect and helps you look your best.
In this article, we explain precisely what the quiff is, how to style it, and introduce you to 5 quiff hairstyles you can ask your barber to go for this year.
What is a quiff hairstyle?
The quiff hairstyle for men has been popular since the end of the Second World War, and it was first worn in response to the short cuts that were required for all men during the long years of conflict.
The modern quiff hairstyle is actually a remodeling of the pompadour, which exploded in popularity in the 1950s and featured big, voluminous hair at the front, with shorter back and sides.
Though there are lots of quiff hairstyles to choose from, most quiffs are characterized by longer hair on top, particularly in the front section, with short back and sides, often a barber’s number 1 or 2.
If you’re keen to rock a quiff this year, here are 8 styles that you can ask your barber to replicate for a look that will never go out of fashion.
Top 1. Textured quiff hairstyle
The waved-back quiff is a textured look that adds a new dimension to your style. A great way to achieve this look is by drying your hair with a diffuser – such as the one included as part of the Laifen Swift Special pack – as it helps to target specific areas of your hair as you blow dry efficiently and thoroughly.
Then, apply a simple curl serum or cream to help accentuate your waves. Also, when you blow dry using the Laifen Swift Special, you will avoid frizz, thanks to the ionic properties of the dryer. In other words, it’s a win win for the textured quiff!
Our stylists recommend using a sea salt spray to really bring the texture in your quiff alive, so apply it liberally to really showcase your style.
Top 2. Long quiff hairstyle
The long quiff is one of 2026’s most sought-after looks among guys with medium-length hair. Key to achieving bounce with the extra length is blow drying your hair properly. Using an ionic hair dryer like the Laifen Swift, use a round brush and blow dry your hair in the desired direction. This will help the longest hair upfront to stay in place.
After blow drying your hair, use a wax-based pomade to keep the quiff in place, running your hands through the quiff. This will result in a stunning, long quiff that will stay in place throughout the day, no matter what you get up to.
Top 3. Classic quiff hairstyle
The classic quiff is still a viable option in 2026, in spite of the fact that it’s more than 60 years old. This look is all about volume at the front and center, only slightly less than the pompadour.
We recommend asking your barber to use clippers for the back and sides of your hair if you want to rock this style, opting for a number 2 for reasonable length and to ensure it doesn’t look too much like a fade.
Top 4. Messy quiff hairstyle
In many respects, a messy quiff is a contradiction of terms. This is because the quiff is often regarded as a smart and sleek hairstyle that looks great on professional men. Still, anything is possible in 2026, and you can certainly mess it up with a slightly different approach.
We think this style looks great on slightly older guys with thinning hair, and you can use a pomade to work the quiff into position, without slicking it back too much. You need to leave some unruly strands at either side for the messy look.
Top 5. Short quiff hairstyle
Though the quiff was initially inspired by the length and volume of the pompadour, we still love the look that the short quiff hairstyle provides. Guys who master the short quiff look smart, sophisticated, and stylish, with minimal time in the barber’s chair.
You need to aim for a minimum of 3-4 inches to bring enough hair into the quiff, but you can go super short on the back and sides, ranging from 0-1, depending on how you want your hair to look. A simple wax or pomade will do the job and keep your short quiff in place throughout the day.
Top 6. Disconnected undercut quiff
The disconnected undercut quiff hairstyle is characterized by a striking contrast silhouette that combines short, even sides and thick top hair.
The cut does not include any blending effect because the transition from short sides to long hair on top is very distinct.
To create this style, you need to use a powerful ionic hairdryer with a concentrator nozzle to concentrate air flow on the front hair section to lift it upwards and blow it backwards.
Top 7. Low fade quiff
The low fade quiff fades away the hair around the lower hairline but maintains a full density around the temples and crown.
This smooth fade creating a contrast around the ears and neck will bring the quiff at the top in an elegant way that doesn’t look intimidating at all.
You just need to apply styling cream to damp hair, raise the roots up while blow-drying, and use a medium-hold pomade to have natural movements and a controlled style.
Top 8. Side-parted quiff
The combination of the timeless mid-century cut with the volume of today’s fashion, the side-parted quiff will cut your top hair along its natural parting line and pull the majority over. It looks amazing on oval and square face shapes because of symmetry break.
The process is simple – make a clean side part with a wide-tooth comb to damp hair and blow-dry with a warm setting. Also, you can apply some light-shine pomade to prevent flyaways.
Quiff haircut steps:
To rock the perfect quiff does not need several hours of styling, nor does it necessarily mean that you need a stylist. See how easy it is to do it yourself using these steps:
1. Make sure that your hair is damp
Shampoo and dry your hair leaving it slightly damp but not soaking wet. It will be easier for you to style damp hair.
2. Prep your hair for volume
Apply some heat protection or sea salt spray in your hair. This will protect your hair and give it necessary texture.
3. Blow-dry it upwards and backwards
Blow-dry your hair in minutes using the Laifen SE Lite Hair Dryer. Its rapid flow of air makes it dry your hair faster, even without heating your hair and making it easy for styling. You can either use your hands or a round brush to lift the front strands and make them go backward for an easy lift.
4. Apply the product
Take a small quantity of dime-sized hair wax, hair clay, or hair pomade and warm it between your hands. Apply it from back to front, ensuring that it reaches the roots.
5. Style
With your hands or comb, style the front strands of your hair as per its natural direction. In case you want it to last throughout the day in any weather conditions, you can add some hairspray on it.
Conclusion of the quiff hairstyle
The quiff is our favorite as it is convenient, trendy, and sophisticated. This is why the majority of men use the quiff hairstyle because they need nothing else but a good-quality blow-dryer and wax to style it properly.
Whatever the quiff hairstyle you will pick this year, you will definitely look very elegant and sophisticated.
FAQs
What length of hair should I have for a quiff?
At least three to four inches of hair should be present on the top portion of your head. It will provide you with sufficient volume and length to brush upwards and backwards.
How do I maintain the volume of my quiff throughout the entire day?
Blow dry wet hair upwards using an ionic dryer that blows fast air and a round brush. Hold your volume with a light matte clay, paste, or hairspray that has a high hold factor.
What type of face shapes look good with a quiff hairstyle?
A quiff looks good on people with round, oval, or square face shapes. Extra volume on top will extend shorter face shapes while defining square faces.
What sets apart a quiff from a pompadour?
In a pompadour, hair is brushed smoothly backwards over the head. In a quiff, volume is created both upwards and forwards.
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