What is a Comb-Over? Everything You Need to Know About this Quintessential Men’s Hairstyle
If you’re not sure what a comb-over is or how to create one, don’t worry! We’re breaking everything down for you so you’ll be able to easily create this hairstyle yourself.
What is a comb over?
Essentially, a comb-over is a term used to describe a men’s hairstyle where the hair is parted to the side and combed across the head. Short at the sides and longer on top, this style is traditionally associated with balding men as the sweeping hair is able to cleverly conceal any areas of hair loss. While comb-overs are popular with sufferers of male pattern baldness, thanks to a rise in high-fashion runway models sporting the style, it’s having somewhat of a revival—so time to try it out!
How to Create a Classic Comb Over in 5 Steps
If you like the comb-over effect but don’t know how to go about recreating it yourself, we’ve got your back. Follow our 5-step guide below to achieve the retro style.
- Wash and towel dry.
- Use a comb to draw a line through your hair to create a side parting. For a natural finish, you should keep this close to your natural part, or for a more authentic comb-over effect, opt for a more dramatic deep side parting, as seen on the model above.
- Once you’ve defined your parting, blow dry your hair using your comb to smooth the hair down into place as you dry.
- Work a small amount of hair pomade in the palms of your hands (Bed Head for Men by TIGI Slick Trim Firm Hold Pomade is great for creating vintage hairstyles like this). Work the product through your hair from root to tip. 5. Finally, take your comb again and use it to style your hair into your desired shape, focusing on creating a sweeping effect at the front. And that’s all there is to it! A few practices run in front of the bathroom mirror, and you’ll be rocking this retro style as you own it.
11 New Ways to Style Your Comb Over Hairstyle
Though there was just one way to rock a comb-over hairstyle? Think again because the modern-day reincarnation of the classic comb-over comes in a variety of different forms. So, no matter your natural hair type and texture or whatever vibe you’re hoping to create, there’s bound to be a comb-over combo for you. Check out some of our favorites takes on the trend:
1. Curly Comb Over Hairstyle
Curly locks? Curls can add a contemporary twist to this strict style and give it a softer, off-duty feel. Slick down your parting as you would a classic comb-over, but allow your ends to remain relaxed and curly. The contrasting textures will make for a unique, trendy finish.
2. Comb-Over Fade
After something a bit more alternative? If the classic comb-over is too pristine for your liking, toughen things up with a shaved fade detail. This will accentuate the longer layers you have on top and give the look a more casual, urban vibe.
3. High-Shine Comb Over
Need a formal style for a work event or wedding? Use a high-shine gel, like TRESemmé Tres Two UltraFirm Control Gel, to give your hair an immaculately glossy finish. Run your comb through your strands after applying the gel to create individual lines in your hair to add a suave feel to the style.
4. Quiff Comb-Over
If you don’t like the thought of having your hair slicked down onto your head, try elevating the style with a coiffed-up quiff. Retaining the classic elements of this well-loved style (a deep side parting and side-swept bangs), this ‘do also gives off a fuller, more youthful aura, meaning it’s not so high-maintenance.
5. Combed Down
Nothing beats the combed-down look when you can still see the comb lines. This classic look has stuck around for so long because it never fails to look handsome and put together. Get this combed-down look by using a gel and a fine-tooth comb. Apply a bit of the Dove Men+Care Control Gel to your hair and work it through with your fingers. Then, while the gel is still wet, comb your hair into place. Don’t touch your hair until it’s totally dry to keep the lines intact.
6. Tousled & Wavy Comb Over
Having a short comb-over doesn’t mean you have to fight your natural hair texture. We say if you have naturally wavy hair, show it off. The best part is you don’t even need to do anything special! Just wash your hair and let it air dry. When it’s dry, use your fingers to make sure your hair stays styled to one side, and you’re golden.
7. Defined Waves
So let’s say that you don’t love your wavy texture. If you don’t want to leave it as is (we get that) try subtly defining your waves instead. Use AXE Clean Cut Look: Classic Pomade to define your waves. The classic pomade texture works best for wavy hair because it isn’t too shiny. Too shiny will make your laid-back waves look almost fake.
8. Subtle Shine
Not into the super shiny look? It can be a bit much to wear every single day. To get a subtle shine without using any product, you’ll need to style your hair while it is wet and let it air-dry. This technique works best for fine and straight hair textures. Just comb your hair the way you like it styled and let your natural, subtly shiny hair do its own magic.
9. Comb-Over Undercut
Make your short comb over a little different this holiday season by adding in an undercut. This cut only takes an extra minute in the barbers, or you can even do it at home. All you need is a good set of clippers and someone to help you get a nice clean line.
10. Comb-Over Quiff
Add even more vintage appeal to your short comb over by styling your hair into a quiff. The only difference you’ll make while styling your hair is instead of combing straight over to the side; you’ll comb the front part back at an angle. This gives the quiff effect without losing your comb-over.
11. Slicked Down & Shiny
For the ultimate slick short comb-over look, you’ll need to use a shiny pomade. Pomade, as opposed to gel, helps give your hair shine but is a bit more pliable. Using Bed Head for Men by TIGI Slick Trick Firm Hold Pomade, work a dime-sized amount of the product throughout your hair until you achieve the right amount of sleekness. So, now that you’re no longer wondering what a comb-over looks like, will you be trying it out? If you do, remember to share your comb-over creations with us on Twitter @AllThingsHairUS, as we love seeing how you make these styles you own.
