The pompadour is a classic men’s haircut that refuses to go out of fashion. It has been reinvented time and time again and continues to remain amongst the most popular choices in barber shops all over the world. Originally named after Madame de Pompadour, who was King Louis XV’s mistress, the classic pomp was made most famous in the 1960s by the King of Rock himself, Elvis Presley. Today, the pomp has many modern variations and has been worn by key celebrity influencers such as Brad Pitt, Jon Hamm, Zac Efron and David Beckham to name but a few.
To celebrate this classic slicked-back look, The Bluebeards Revenge has teamed up with industry-leading barber Tom Chapman. The Devon-based barber owns Tom Chapman Hair Design in Torquay, and is the proud founder of the Lions Barber Collective charity.
Below, Tom has given expert tips on how you can create the perfect pomp in the comfort of your own home. So expect some serious hair envy from those around you!
It all starts at the barbers
To create the perfect side-parted pomp, you’ll need your hair styled a certain way. A typical pompadour features short sides, a short back, and longer hair on top that’s swept upwards. Ask your barber for a tapered cut with plenty of length on top and you can’t go wrong. For a more comprehensive example of what to ask your barber for, watch this barber to barber video.
At home
Start by washing your hair in warm water to make sure any previous hair products are removed. Then, rough dry your hair with a towel and apply The Bluebeards Revenge Matt Paste as a pre-styling agent.
A side-parted pompadour does require some maintenance, so you will need to invest in a hair dryer if you don’t already have one. Trust me, it’s worth the investment.
Blow-dry your hair and use The Bluebeards Revenge Quiff Roller to add volume to the pomp. Getting the best results from a quiff roller requires some practice, especially if you’re wielding a hair dryer with your other hand. It’s all about gently twizzling the brush through your locks and guiding the hair backwards to give the pompadour its iconic slicked-back look. Don’t forget to use a comb to exaggerate your natural side-parting for a bolder finish too.
Finally, finish the look by applying The Bluebeards Revenge Pomade. Take a small amount of this water-based, high-shine product and rub it between your palms and finger tips, then slick it through your hair from front to back. Use a comb to create a tight and tidy style, or just rough it up a little with your hands for a more rugged look.
And there you have it – a modern take on a classic men’s hairstyle that’s suitable for both the office and a night on the town. Enjoy!
