Whether you’re a classic gentleman or a modern hipster, a combed-back hairstyle can elevate your look to effortless sophistication. With countless variations to choose from, you’re sure to find the perfect style to match your personality and complement your features.
The Slicked-Back Undercut
Description: A crisp, clean-cut undercut with a long top that’s combed smoothly back.
Suitability: Ideal for men with oval or square faces.
Styling Tip: Use a strong-hold pomade or gel to slick the hair back neatly.
The Side-Parted Comb-Over
Description: A classic style with a deep side part and hair combed over to the opposite side.
Suitability: Suits all face shapes, especially those with a receding hairline.
Styling Tip: Use a volumizing mousse or hairspray to create lift and hold.
The Ivy League Comb-Over
Description: A sophisticated variation of the side-parted comb-over, with a shorter top and more subtle part.
Suitability: Looks flattering on most face shapes.
Styling Tip: Use a light-hold styling cream or paste to keep the hair in place without weighing it down.
The Pompadour Comb-Back
Description: A voluminous and eye-catching style with hair swept back and up from the forehead.
Suitability: Ideal for men with strong facial features and thick hair.
Styling Tip: Use a blow dryer and a styling brush to create volume. Finish with a matte pomade or hairspray.
The Slicked-Back Side-Part
Description: A hybrid style that combines the slicked-back and side-parted looks.
Suitability: Works well on all face shapes, particularly those with angular features.
Styling Tip: Use a heavy-hold styling gel or wax to create a smooth, defined look.
The Executive Comb-Over
Description: A sleek and polished style with a high side part and hair combed over to create a clean-cut silhouette.
Suitability: Perfect for professional settings or formal occasions.
Styling Tip: Use a hair dryer and a round brush to achieve a smooth, frizz-free finish.
The Messy Comb-Back
Description: A more relaxed and casual version of the combed-back style, with hair combed back loosely and with a bit of texture.
Suitability: Suits most face shapes and hair types.
Styling Tip: Use a pre-styling spray or cream to add texture. Finish with a light-hold hairspray.
The Long and Flowing Comb-Back
Description: A dramatic and impactful style with long hair combed back from the forehead to the nape of the neck.
Suitability: Best suited for men with thick, healthy hair.
Styling Tip: Use a wide-toothed comb or a brush to prevent tangles. Apply a leave-in conditioner to keep hair nourished and shiny.
The Buzzed Comb-Back
Description: A short and practical style with hair buzzed short and combed back neatly.
Suitability: Works well on all face shapes and is ideal for low-maintenance haircuts.
Styling Tip: Use a pomade or wax to tame any flyaways and create a polished look.
The Tapered Comb-Back
Description: A gradual transition from shorter hair on the sides and back to longer hair on top, creating a tapered effect that’s combed back.
Suitability: Suitable for most face shapes and hair types.
Styling Tip: Use a clipper with different guard lengths to achieve the desired taper. Finish with a hairspray to hold the shape.
Benefits of a Combed-Back Hairstyle
- Versatile and timeless: Combed-back hairstyles have been popular for decades and continue to be a stylish choice for men of all ages.
- Easy to style: Many combed-back hairstyles can be achieved with minimal effort and a few simple styling products.
- Flattering: When styled correctly, a combed-back hairstyle can enhance facial features and draw attention to the eyes.
- Professional: Combed-back hairstyles are often associated with professionalism and authority.
- Versatile: Combed-back hairstyles can be tailored to suit different face shapes, hair types, and occasions.
Styling Tips for Combed-Back Hairstyles
- Choose the right products: Use products that provide hold and shine, such as pomades, waxes, or hairsprays.
- Start with clean hair: Always comb your hair before styling it back to remove any tangles or knots.
- Use a blow dryer: Blow drying your hair before styling will help to create volume and hold.
- Section your hair: Divide your hair into sections to make styling easier and more precise.
- Use a comb or brush: Use a wide-toothed comb or a brush to distribute the styling product evenly.
- Be patient: Combing back your hair may take some practice to achieve the desired result.
FAQs
Q: What face shapes are best suited for combed-back hairstyles?
A: Combed-back hairstyles can complement most face shapes, but they are particularly flattering for oval and square faces.
Q: What hair types are best for combed-back hairstyles?
A: Combed-back hairstyles work well on all hair types, but they are most effective on thick, straight hair.
Q: Can I comb back my hair if it’s short?
A: Yes, there are several combed-back hairstyles that are designed for short hair, such as the buzzed comb-back and the tapered comb-back.
Q: How often should I wash my hair if I wear it combed back?
A: It depends on your hair type and how much styling product you use. Generally, washing your hair every 2-3 days is sufficient.
Q: Can I comb back my hair if it’s curly or wavy?
A: Yes, but it may require more effort and styling products to achieve a smooth, combed-back look.
Q: What are some of the biggest mistakes to avoid when combing back my hair?
A: Avoid using too much styling product, which can weigh your hair down and make it look greasy. Also, avoid combing your hair back too tightly, as this can cause hair breakage and damage.