Few hairstyles have stood the test of time like the quiff. Versatile, masculine, and stylish across generations, the quiff remains one of the most requested cuts in barbershops worldwide. Whether you admire the polished “old Hollywood” quiff, the modern textured quiff, or the voluminous messy quiff trending on TikTok, this hairstyle continues to evolve while staying deeply rooted in men’s fashion.

In this complete guide to quiff hairstyles men, we’ll break down everything you need to know types, face shapes, styling methods, maintenance, product recommendations, and what to ask your barber. If you want a hairstyle that delivers confidence and sharpness without trying too hard, the quiff will quickly become your signature look.

Table of Contents

What Is a Quiff hairstyles men?

A quiff is a hairstyle where the hair is lifted upward and styled back or upward-and-forward, usually combined with shorter sides. It gives height, structure, and presence to the face, making it especially popular among men who want a timeless yet modern look.

The quiff originated in the 1950s during the rock-and-roll era but has remained relevant through the decades reborn in versions worn by celebrities, CEOs, athletes, and fashion icons.

Why Quiff Hairstyles Are So Popular for Men

Quiffs remain one of the most fashionable men’s hairstyles for several strong reasons:

They Add Natural Height and Definition

If you want a hairstyle that adds height without looking artificial, the quiff does it perfectly. The lifted top elongates the face subtly and improves proportions.

They Work on Almost All Hair Types

Straight, wavy, thick, thin it doesn’t matter. A quiff can be adapted to your natural texture.

They Look Good in Casual and Formal Settings

From a boardroom meeting to a weekend hangout, quiffs offer the rare ability to look clean and polished while still being youthful and stylish.

They Are Highly Customizable

You can alter:

The volume
The texture
The direction
The fade or taper
The length
The shine level

This makes the quiff one of the most versatile hairstyles for men.

Types of Quiff Hairstyles for Men

Understanding the variations helps you find the best quiff for your face shape, lifestyle, and hair type.

The Classic Quiff

The classic quiff is inspired by the 1950s, featuring:

Medium sides (not faded)
A polished, smooth top
A slight curl or swoop forward

It’s perfect for men who love a vintage, gentlemanly look.

The Modern Textured Quiff

Currently the most popular version, this quiff has:

Choppy layers
Natural movement
Matte texture
Optional low or mid fade

It’s easy to maintain and looks effortlessly cool.

The Voluminous Quiff

This quiff is extra tall with dramatic volume. Great for:

Thick hair
Men with round or square faces
Fashion-forward looks

Requires blow-drying and hairspray for hold.

The Short Quiff

Designed for men who prefer low maintenance:

Short sides
Minimal height
Messy or subtle lift on top

This style suits professionals and men with busy schedules.

The Curly or Wavy Quiff

Ideal for men with natural texture:

Defined curls/waves in front
Tapered or faded sides
Light styling
Lots of dimension

This style highlights natural texture while still looking sharp.

The Undercut Quiff

The undercut variation features:

Very short or disconnected sides
Longer top dramatically styled upward

A bold, youthful, high-contrast look.

The Side-Swept Quiff

Great for men with square or heart-shaped faces:

Hair lifted then swept to one side
Clean, elegant, and softens angles

Often seen in business or formal settings.

Quiff Hairstyles for Men Based on Face Shape

Choosing a quiff that complements your face shape is the secret to looking your best.

Oval Face Shape

Best quiffs: Any style
Men with oval faces can pull off:

Classic quiff
Textured quiff
Voluminous quiff
Side-swept quiff

Avoid too much height, which may elongate the face too much.

Round Face Shape

Goal: Add height and structure
Best quiffs for round faces:

Tall voluminous quiff
Undercut quiff
Modern textured quiff with sharp sides

Avoid short quiffs that don’t lengthen the face.

Quiff Hairstyles for Men Based on Face Shape

Square Face Shape

Goal: Balance strong jawline
Best quiffs:

Side-swept quiff
Medium height quiff
Curly/wavy quiff

Avoid overly sharp or dramatic undercuts that exaggerate angles.

Heart Face Shape

Goal: Add width near the forehead
Best quiffs:

Textured quiff pushed slightly forward
Medium quiff
Side-swept quiff

Avoid extreme volume at the top.

Diamond Face Shape

Goal: Balance narrow forehead and chin
Best quiffs:

Messy textured quiff
Classic quiff
Curly/wavy quiff

Avoid overly tight fades that narrow the head more.

Best Quiff Hairstyles for Different Hair Types

Straight Hair

Straight hair offers the cleanest quiff shapes.
Best styles:

Classic quiff
Slick quiff
Side-swept quiff

Recommendation: Use volumizing spray to avoid flatness.

Wavy Hair

Waves add natural movement to quiffs.
Best styles:

Textured quiff
Wavy quiff
Messy quiff

Use sea salt spray for natural, beach-like finish.

Curly Hair

Curls create dramatic, eye-catching quiffs.
Best styles:

Curly quiff
Short curly quiff
Tapered curly quiff

Avoid heavy gels use curl cream instead.

Thick Hair

Thick hair gives the fullest quiffs.
Best styles:

High-volume quiff
Textured layers
Undercut quiff

Use strong hold matte clay or paste.

Thin/Fine Hair

Goal: Add volume without weighing hair down
Best styles:

Short quiff
Soft textured quiff
Lightly layered quiff

Use light mousse or volumizing powder, not heavy products.

How to Style a Perfect Quiff Step-by-Step

Whether you want a messy quiff or a sleek one, the foundation is similar.

Start with Damp Hair

After showering, towel-dry until just damp.

Apply a Pre-Styler

Pre-stylers give volume and shape.
Best choices:

Sea salt spray
Volumizing mousse
Heat protectant

Blow Dry Up and Back

Use a brush or your fingers. Key technique:

Blow dry upwards near the roots
Then direct the hair backwards or sideways
For more volume, blow-dry against the direction of growth first

Apply Main Styling Product

Depending on your desired finish:

Matte clay: casual, textured quiff
Pomade: classic shiny quiff
Paste: flexible, soft texture
Cream: natural wavy/curly quiff

Rub product between hands and apply from back to front.

Shape the Quiff

Lift the front of your hair using:

Fingers (for messy look)
Comb (for sleek shape)

Lock the Style (Optional)

For all-day hold:

Use hairspray lightly
Avoid making hair stiff

Best Quiff Hairstyles for Men by Profession

For Working Professionals

Choose neat, structured quiffs:

Classic business quiff
Side-swept quiff
Short textured quiff

For Students

Modern and low-maintenance is best:

Messy textured quiff
Short quiff with taper
Wavy quiff

For Athletes

Keep it functional:

Short quiff
Minimal product
Low fade for easy upkeep

For Fashion-Focused Men

Go bold:

Voluminous quiff
Undercut quiff
Curly blown-out quiff

What to Ask Your Barber for a Quiff

Here is a simple script you can use:

If You Want a Modern Textured Quiff:

“Keep the top long with choppy layers.”
“Add texture and movement.”
“Give me a low or mid fade.”

If You Want a Classic Quiff:

“Medium-length top with smooth shaping.”
“Keep the sides short but not faded more traditional.”

If You Want an Undercut Quiff:

“Disconnected sides.”
“Leave maximum length on top.”

If You Want a Short, Easy Quiff:

“Short textured top with slight lift.”
“Short taper on the sides.”

Pro tip: Bring reference photos. Barbers love them.

Maintenance Tips for Quiff Hairstyles

To keep your quiff looking sharp:

Regular Trims

Every 3–4 weeks to maintain shape.

Avoid Heavy Shampoos

Use sulfate-free shampoos to prevent dryness and loss of volume.

Condition Wisely

Condition 2–4 times a week (not daily) to avoid greasy roots.

Reduce Heat Damage

Always use heat protectant before blow-drying.

Refresh the Quiff in the Morning

Simply:

Wet your hands
Lift the roots
Reapply a light product

Best Products for Quiff Hairstyles

For Volume

Sea salt spray
Mousse
Volumizing powder

For Texture

Matte clay
Paste
Sea salt spray

For Shine

Medium-hold pomade
Cream pomade

For Strong Hold

Wax
Hairspray
High-hold clay

Common Problems with Quiffs & How to Fix Them

Quiff Falls Flat

Fix: Use stronger pre-styler + blow dry upward.

Too Much Frizz

Fix: Use smoothing cream or a light pomade.

Looks Too Puffy

Fix: Ask barber for thinning scissors or internal layers.

Too Greasy

Fix: Use matte products and wash more frequently.

Quiff Won’t Stay Up

Fix: Use hairspray at the end.

Quiff Hairstyles That Will Trend in 2025

Soft Messy Quiff

Natural movement, matte texture.

Low Fade Textured Quiff

Balanced, modern, clean.

Wavy Quiff with Middle Volume

Perfect hybrid of masculine + effortless.

Hybrid Classic-Modern Quiff

Smooth sides with textured top.

Curly High Quiff

A showcase of natural curls.

FAQs

What is a quiff hairstyle for men?

A quiff is a hairstyle where the hair at the front is lifted up and styled backward or upward-forward, usually paired with shorter sides. It adds volume, height, and structure to the face, making it one of the most popular men’s hairstyles.

Is a quiff good for all face shapes?

Yes, the quiff works for most face shapes oval, round, square, heart, and diamond. The style can be adjusted by changing the height, texture, and side lengths, making it one of the most versatile hairstyles for men.

What hair type is best for a quiff?

Straight, wavy, and curly hair can all work with a quiff. Thick hair gives the best volume, but fine hair can also achieve a quiff with the right products like volumizing powder or mousse.

How do I ask my barber for a quiff?

Tell your barber:

How long you want the top
Whether you want a fade, taper, or classic sides
How much volume or texture you prefer
Bringing a reference photo always helps.

How long should my hair be to get a quiff?

You need at least 3–4 inches (7–10 cm) on top for a full quiff. For short textured quiffs, even 2 inches (5 cm) is enough. Sides can be faded, tapered, or left longer depending on the style.

Is a quiff hard to maintain?

A quiff is medium maintenance. You’ll need a blow dryer, a good pre-styler (like sea salt spray), and a styling product. Once you learn the technique, styling only takes 3–5 minutes a day.

What products do I need for a quiff?

Essentials include:

Pre-styler (sea salt spray or mousse)
Styling product (matte clay, paste, pomade, or cream)
Hairspray for extra hold
Heat protectant when blow-drying

Can men with thin hair pull off a quiff?

Absolutely. A short textured quiff works very well for thin or fine hair. Use volumizing powder, mousse, or lightweight clay to boost height and make hair appear thicker.

How do I make my quiff stay up all day?

Use a strong hold pre-styler, blow dry the front upward, and finish with a high-hold clay or hairspray. Avoid heavy products that weigh hair down.

Is a quiff professional enough for work?

Yes. A neat classic or side-swept quiff is excellent for professional settings. It looks polished, clean, and modern without being too flashy.

What’s the difference between a quiff and a pompadour?

A quiff has volume mainly in the front and is styled upward or backward, while a pompadour has more overall top volume that flows backward in a bigger, fuller shape. The quiff is usually more relaxed and easier to maintain.

Can I combine a quiff with a beard?

Yes quiffs pair beautifully with beards. Short textured quiffs look great with medium or long beards, while classic quiffs match neatly trimmed beards for a sharper look.

How often should I get a trim to maintain a quiff?

Every 3–4 weeks is ideal to maintain the shape, especially if you have a fade or taper.

Conclusion:

Quiff hairstyles for men are stylish, timeless, and adaptable to any hair type or face shape. Whether you prefer a neat executive look, something casual and messy, or a bold fashion quiff, this hairstyle evolves with your personality and lifestyle. With the right cut, proper products, and simple styling techniques, the quiff becomes one of the most flattering men’s hairstyles you can wear.

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