The quiff is a timeless classic that never goes out of style. Combining vintage appeal with a modern edge, it’s a look that can be adapted to suit any hair type, length, or personal style. Whether you prefer a sleek, polished finish or a more textured, effortless vibe, the quiff offers endless versatility.
From sharp and structured to relaxed and tousled, there’s a quiff for everyone. In this guide, we’re sharing 10 trendy quiff hairstyles to inspire your next look because at Rush we believe great hair is all about confidence and individuality.
What is a Quiff Hairstyle?
The quiff is a statement hairstyle that features volume at the front, swept upwards and back for a bold yet sophisticated look. Known for its versatility, the quiff can be worn in various ways, whether paired with a sharp undercut, a subtle fade, or blended into longer hair for a more relaxed feel. While it has classic roots, the quiff has evolved over the years, adapting to modern trends and personal styles. Whether you’re after a sleek, polished finish or a textured, tousled look, the quiff remains a go-to style for those wanting a confident, effortlessly cool appearance.
Origins of the Quiff
The quiff first rose to fame in the 1950s, becoming an iconic style in the rockabilly era, championed by legends like Elvis Presley. Associated with youth rebellion and the greaser subculture, the quiff quickly became a symbol of individuality and effortless cool. Over the decades, it has evolved beyond its rock ‘n’ roll roots, embraced by everyone from Hollywood icons to high-fashion runways. Today, the quiff remains a timeless hairstyle, constantly reinvented to suit modern trends while retaining its signature volume and attitude.
Difference Between the Quiff and the Pompadour
The quiff and the pompadour are often mistaken for one another, but they have distinct differences in structure and styling. The quiff typically features shorter sides with a more relaxed, voluminous front that is styled upwards and slightly back, giving it a casual yet stylish appeal.
In contrast, the pompadour is more dramatic, with greater height and a smoother, slicked-back finish for a structured and polished look. While both styles exude confidence and timeless charm, the quiff offers more versatility, making it easier to wear in both casual and formal settings.
Key Considerations for Quiff Hairstyles
Hair Length
Your hair length influences how your quiff will look and hold its shape. Short hair creates a subtle, modern quiff with minimal styling, while longer hair allows for more dramatic volume and movement. Medium-length hair offers the most versatility, making it easy to experiment with different textures and styles.
Hair Texture
The quiff suits all hair types. Straight hair achieves a sleek, structured look, while wavy and curly textures create a more effortless, natural effect. Thicker hair may need stronger styling products for control, while finer hair benefits from volumising products to enhance body and lift.
Face Shape
Quiffs are particularly flattering on square and oval face shapes, enhancing balanced proportions and strong jawlines. A higher quiff can add length and definition to rounder faces, while a softer, less exaggerated quiff suits longer face shapes to maintain harmony.
Maintenance
A well-styled quiff requires upkeep. Using the right styling products such as pomade, mousse, or texturising spray helps maintain volume and shape. Regular trims prevent the quiff from losing structure, and a good blow-dry routine locks in volume for a long-lasting finish.
Top 10 Quiff Hairstyles
1. Classic Quiff
Description: The classic quiff is the original, timeless version of this hairstyle, featuring a voluminous top that is neatly styled back for a refined yet stylish look. This style maintains a balance between structure and movement, making it perfect for both casual and formal settings. James Dean famously popularised this look in the 1950s, and it remains a go-to style for those who want a sophisticated yet effortlessly cool appearance.
Best for: Best suited for short to medium-length hair with straight to wavy textures, it complements oval and square face shapes.
Styling Tip: To style, use a strong-hold pomade and a blow-dryer to shape the quiff while maintaining a smooth, polished finish.
2. Textured Quiff
Description: The textured quiff adds depth and movement to the classic quiff by incorporating natural volume and a slightly tousled finish. Layers are cut into the top to enhance texture, making this style look effortlessly cool and modern. David Beckham has frequently sported this look, proving how it can be both stylish and versatile.
Best for: This style works best on medium-length, straight to wavy hair and suits oval and square face shapes.
Styling Tip: To style, use a matte clay or texturising paste and blow-dry with a round brush for added lift and definition.
3. Messy Quiff
Description: The messy quiff takes the classic quiff and gives it a more undone, effortless feel. This style embraces a deliberately dishevelled look, making it perfect for casual, everyday wear. The key is to create volume without making it too structured, resulting in a cool, laid-back aesthetic.
Best for: Works best on medium to long hair with a natural wave or slight curl.
Styling Tip: To achieve this look, use a salt spray or light-hold mousse before blow-drying, then finish with a texturising spray for added movement.
4. Long Hair Quiff with Undercut Fade
Description: This style combines the bold contrast of an undercut fade with the length and volume of a quiff. The longer top allows for dramatic styling, while the faded sides keep the look sharp and modern. Brad Pitt has worn this style, highlighting its masculine and refined appeal.
Best for: It’s a high-impact style that suits straight to wavy hair and works best on those with strong jawlines or oval face shapes.
Styling Tip: To maintain the look, use a strong-hold pomade and a blow-dryer to lift the front while keeping the sides clean and sleek.
5. Side Quiff
Description: The side quiff offers a polished and sophisticated twist on the classic quiff by incorporating a deep side part. This style gives a structured yet voluminous appearance, making it ideal for formal occasions or professional settings.
Best for: It works well on medium-length, straight to wavy hair and is particularly flattering for those with square or round face shapes.
Styling Tip: To style, apply a lightweight pomade and use a comb to define the side part while maintaining volume at the front.
6. Medium Hair Quiff
Description: A versatile take on the quiff, the medium hair quiff strikes the perfect balance between short and long, allowing for a variety of styling options. This look keeps the hair at a manageable length while still achieving the signature quiff volume.
Best for: Suitable for most hair textures, it works especially well for those with naturally thick hair.
Styling Tip: To style, use a volumising mousse and a blow-dryer to lift the roots, finishing with a light-hold wax for a natural yet controlled finish.
7. Bleached Quiff
Description: The bleached quiff makes a bold statement by pairing the voluminous quiff shape with striking blonde or platinum tones. The colour enhances the definition of the style, making it stand out even more. Zac Efron has been seen rocking this look, proving how striking and stylish it can be.
Best for: This look works best on short to medium-length hair and is ideal for those who want a high-fashion, edgy appearance.
Styling Tip: To maintain the colour, use a purple shampoo to prevent brassiness and a heat protectant when styling to keep the hair healthy.
8. Undercut Quiff
Description: The undercut quiff features a sharp contrast between the closely shaved sides and the voluminous top, creating a bold and modern look. Cristiano Ronaldo has sported this look, demonstrating its athletic and stylish appeal.
Best for: This style suits those who prefer a clean, high-impact aesthetic and works particularly well with straight or slightly wavy hair. Best for square or oval face shapes, as the sharp lines enhance strong features.
Styling Tip: To achieve the perfect undercut quiff, use a strong-hold styling product and a blow-dryer to create lift at the front while keeping the sides sleek.
9. Long Hair Quiff
Description: This style keeps the traditional quiff shape but with longer hair, allowing for more volume and movement. It creates a softer, more relaxed look compared to shorter quiff styles, making it ideal for those who want a modern yet effortless appearance. Jared Leto has worn this style, proving that longer hair can work beautifully with a quiff.
Best for: Suitable for straight to wavy hair, it complements oval and heart-shaped faces best.
Styling Tip: To style, apply a lightweight mousse for volume and use a round brush while blow-drying to achieve the perfect shape.
10. Wavy Quiff
Description: The wavy quiff embraces natural waves for a more textured and dynamic look. This style enhances the quiff’s volume while adding a relaxed, slightly undone finish. Harry Styles is known for his signature wavy quiff, showcasing how effortlessly stylish this look can be.
Best for: Perfect for medium to long wavy hair, it suits oval and round face shapes, as the height helps elongate the face.
Styling Tip: To style, use a curl-enhancing cream or sea salt spray to define the waves, then blow-dry with a diffuser for natural movement and volume.
Tips for Maintaining a Quiff
Use the Right Styling Products
Choosing the right styling products is essential for achieving and maintaining the perfect quiff. Pomades, gels, and styling creams help provide the necessary hold, volume, and texture. For a sleek, polished quiff, opt for a high-shine pomade, while a matte styling clay or wax works best for a more natural, textured finish. Lightweight mousses or volumising sprays can also add lift without weighing the hair down.
Regular Trims
Keeping your quiff in shape requires regular trims to maintain its structure and avoid an overgrown, unkempt appearance. Visiting a salon every 3–4 weeks will ensure the sides stay neat and the top remains at a manageable length for easy styling. Regular trims also help prevent split ends, keeping the quiff looking fresh and well-groomed.
Blow-Dry for Volume
A blow dryer is a key tool for styling a quiff, as it helps add lift and volume at the roots. Using a round brush while blow-drying allows for better control and shaping, particularly for shorter quiffs that need extra height. For best results, blow-dry in the direction you want the hair to sit, using a medium heat setting, and finish with a cool shot to lock in the style.
Avoid Over-Washing
Washing your hair too frequently can strip it of natural oils, making it harder to style and reducing its natural texture. Instead, wash your hair 2–3 times a week with a sulphate-free shampoo to maintain its health and manageability. On non-wash days, a dry shampoo can help absorb excess oil and keep the quiff looking fresh without losing volume.
Book Your Quiff Hairstyle Appointment at Rush
Ready to elevate your look with a stylish quiff? Book your appointment at RUSH today and let our expert stylists craft a quiff hairstyle that perfectly suits your hair type, face shape, and personal style.
FAQ’s
A quiff is a stylish and versatile hairstyle characterised by volume at the front, styled upwards and back. It blends classic and modern elements, making it suitable for both casual and formal looks. The quiff can be worn in various ways, from sleek and polished to textured and tousled, depending on personal preference and hair type.
To style a quiff, start with clean, towel-dried hair. Apply a volumising mousse or pre-styler to add lift, then use a blow dryer and a round brush to direct the hair upwards and back. Once the desired shape is achieved, apply a pomade, wax, or styling cream for hold and definition. Finish with a light mist of hairspray to keep everything in place.
Yes. While a quiff generally works best with medium to long hair on top, shorter hair can still be styled into a quiff with the right products and techniques. Use a strong-hold styling product and a blow dryer to create as much lift as possible, focusing on adding texture and volume for a defined look.
Yes, a quiff can be styled with curly or wavy hair for a unique and textured finish. The key is to work with your natural curls rather than against them. Use a curl-enhancing cream or a lightweight mousse before blow-drying, and opt for a matte clay or styling cream to define the shape without making the hair look too stiff.
To ensure your quiff lasts all day, use a strong-hold styling product suited to your hair type. Start with a volumising mousse for lift, followed by a pomade or wax for structure. A final spritz of hairspray will help lock the style in place. Avoid touching your hair too much throughout the day to maintain the shape and volume.
What’s the difference between a quiff and a pompadour?
The main difference between a quiff and a pompadour is in the height and styling. A quiff has a more relaxed, natural lift at the front and often features shorter sides for a modern contrast. In contrast, a pompadour is typically higher, sleeker, and combed back more precisely for a structured, retro-inspired finish.