Ah, the perfect side part. There’s hardly anything more sophisticated than a combover haircut. It’s timeless, it’s elegant – and it complements quite a few different face shapes.
Many have fallen head over heels for the charming combover – from talented legs like David Beckham to high-pitched voice owners like Justin Timberlake.
And today – we’ll share with you our 10 favorite combover styles, along with tips on how to style them. The best news is that styling a combover isn’t as complicated as nailing other beloved haircuts (pompadour, quiff, etc.) – and the style can be achieved in about 5 minutes (ish).
#1: Low Fade Combover
You’ll need to ask for a low fade cut at your barber’s, which will most likely involve clipper sizes 0 or 1, slowly working it up to longer hair as you get to the top.
This particular style is all about volume! Start with clean and damp hair – and blow dry it while brushing your hair to the side with a round brush. Once the hair is nearly dry, apply a little bit of your styling product – pomade or wax (tip – don’t overdo it!).
#2: Medium Fade Combover
This type of combover requires more styling in the barber chair than the first – but the result is awesome! Ask your barber for a quirky shaved design – best to bring along a photo for this type of intricate hair work. The fade starts with clipper size 0 and hair will increase in length as it moves up.
For styling, begin with damp, towel-dried hair. As this is more of a classic “wet” combover look, grab some wax or pomade instead of drying it with a blow dryer – and apply it, thoroughly working it through your hair. Use a wide toothed comb for the parting – and then, for smoothing the hair down .
#3: Combover High Fade
A high fade combover is ideal for someone looking for a brave fade haircut with an elegant motif. Ask for a high fade cut, which will leave your sides almost shaved with a little bit more hair closer to the top.
This is another look that closely resembles the classic combover – so we won’t be using a hair dryer. Simply grab some wax or pomade and work it through damp hair, applying it thoroughly (but not overdoing it!). Use a wide toothed comb to find your natural parting, then smooth the hair down once you’ve achieved the perfect side part.
#4: Short Combover
Short hair or long hair – combover doesn’t discriminate and will work perfectly on both lengths! For short hair, you’ll ask for at least a couple of inches left on the top. This particular cut is combined with a medium fade.
Styling is simple – simply apply pomade to damp hair and follow the same steps as above. Find your natural parting and fix it in place with a wide toothed comb.
#5: Combover for Medium Length Hair
A great example of the perfect side part on medium length hair! You’ll want at least 3 or 4 inches of hair left on top, and the sides to be faded. High, medium or low – you decide. This particular haircut has a sharp, low fade.
To style, apply a styling product – remembering to rub it between your hands before using. Distribute the product evenly, without tousling much – this is a particularly neat combover. Comb hair forward and find your natural parting – part it away from the line and push it to the side of your head. Finally, comb the product through that larger section of hair.
#6: Long Combover
Most hairstyles look good on long hair – particularly a long combover. You’ll need to have resisted a trip to the barber for at least a few months to have achieved this length. Ask your barber for tapered sides – as you can see, they’re quite a bit shorter than the top, yet no fades or undercuts.
This hairstyle won’t require as much product as the shorter ones. Start with damp hair – and apply a bit of smoothing cream or serum (if you’ve got some to hand!). Find your parting, then blow dry your hair to the side. Once the hair is nearly dry, apply a tad of pomade – and you’re done!
#7: Undercut Combover
A little more eye-catching than the other styles, an undercut combover will create a more noticeable contrast between the short and the long. Ask your barber for an undercut, which will leave your sides neatly shaved.
Styling this won’t be difficult – and even easier than with other styles, as the parting is created for you during the cut. Apply some pomade to damp hair, work it through the length – and voila!
#8: Short Combover + Facial hair
Benefits of a short combover? Easy to look after (obvs!) – but it also gives you a chance to sport your best facial hair without the look being overwhelming. Ask for a mid-fade and at least an inch or two left on top at the barber’s.
Style damp hair with pomade or wax – and remember to find your natural parting. Your barber will help you find it if it’s been missing – and you should stick to that.
#9: Smooth and Sleek Combover
What a sophisticated combover this is! The look is quite eye-catching because of the sharp disconnect – the short-undercut contrasts quite strongly with the long top.
You will need a lot less product for this guy – and you can simply apply it to hair that’s been blow-dried. Remember to apply a smoothing serum – you’ll need that to maintain the smoothness.
#10: Classic Combover
Last but not least – this is probably our favorite. Meet the classic combover – the charmer that’s been around for decades. Jazzed up by a medium fade, this hairstyle combined edge with elegance.
High shine pomade is key for this look. You’ll also need a smoothing serum or mousse, which can be applied before you use your blow dryer. Finish up with some high shine pomade – and let those compliments pour in!
