The comb over has long been known as a favorite hairstyle amongst brokers and salesmen. But since the likes of Hamm, Timberlake, and Clooney began wearing it, the comb over has been revived and reinvented for a modern aesthetic. It’s a versatile and contemporary hairstyle that frames almost any face. From a neat slick back to a curly brush-over, we have compiled the best comb over hairstyles to inspire your new look.
RELATED: 20 Comb Over Fade Hairstyles for Modern Men
1. Comb Over + Low Fade
The comb over may be a classic look, but by adding a fade into the mix, you can take the cut into contemporary territory. A low fade grants you a more conservative, traditional option. By beginning the taper at or below the ears, you allow for a more subtle transition into the length on top. It’s a natural look for a bearded gentleman or someone looking for a style that is at once on-trend and timeless.
2. Comb Over + Mid Fade
Beginning the fade higher than the more conservative low fade, but still allowing room to taper into length. The medium fade comb over says “I’m a risk-taker, but I’ll still get my tax return done in time”. The buzzed hair begins its fade above the ears resulting in a style that, though bold, works with your length on top. The medium fade suits well-styled, straight hair.
3. Comb Over + High Fade
Typically for the more free-spirited comb over-wearer, a high fade draws attention to and celebrates the shift in length. With less room for tapering, the high fade transitions quickly from short sides to the longer top. The cut draws eyes to your brow line while sending a message that you don’t mind taking risks. The high fade is a sure bet for those with shorter hair, although some can rock it with longer locks.
4. Short Comb Over
Born to be worn with a suit, the short comb over is a take on this style. For those with hard to manage hair or those who simply want to portray a more polished aesthetic. The short comb over is a safe option that looks good on most heads. The cut works best without facial hair at an awards ceremony.
5. Long Comb Over
For those men who want to keep both the length on the sides and top, the long comb over is for you. Forget about buzzing the sides; this cut is all about maintaining length while styling your hair into a loose comb over. You can blow dry it to add some volume on top or control it with some strong hold pomade. The longer hair allows versatility and means that you’re not married to a comb over.
6. Comb Over Skin Fade
If a high fade is for the free spirits, a skin fade comb over is for the rebels out there. The skin fade tapers from the length on top down to your bald skin, yep, hence the name. It’s a super neat and bold style that cites military cuts for its inspiration. Incorporate some length and keep the top tidy for the best results.
7. Modern Comb Over
The modern comb overtakes the part line from just a piece of the style and places it front row center. This modern interpretation of the comb oversees a hard feature line accentuating where your hair parts. The feature adding a sense of asymmetry while drawing the eyes along your hairline to see what else is going on up there.
8. Comb Over Pompadour
Want to bring some volume into an otherwise fairly flat equation? The pompadour is an interesting way to add another level to your comb over. The possibilities for working with a modern pompadour are only bound by your natural hair type and your imagination. Use a little loose-hold pomade and blow-dry in plenty of volume for a bigger, sweeping look. Or opt for a stronger holding pomade for a neater pompadour.
9. Curly Comb Over
Curly-haired brethren needn’t feel that they have to miss out on all the combing over fun. Curly hair lends itself surprisingly well to the comb over style. Sweeping long curls over buzzed sides celebrate the gift that is curly hair. Use your naturally unruly locks to your advantage by making them the center of attention. After all, do they not say ‘curls get the girls’?
10. Slick Back Comb Over
Another style popularised in decades past and enjoying something of a renaissance. The slick back comb over can incorporate a subtle, shorter length with graduated sides. For a statement style, let there be length up top with a high fade on the sides. For amazing results, pair with a beard or tattoos.
11. Beard and Comb Over
If you like the idea of a comb over, but prefer a look with a little more edge, you should consider opting for the combination of a beard and comb over. This partnership creates a seriously stylish and modern look that can suit almost any gent. While the comb over provides a polished and gentlemanly appearance, the beard adds a rugged and masculine touch. To rock the look in the office, just opt for a short beard that is well-groomed.
12. Undercut Comb Over
Although a comb over is a classical style, it needn’t be boring. By adding an undercut to your comb over hairstyle, you can make your look much more exciting and fashionable. As such, an undercut comb over is ideal for those who enjoy a bold and on-trend appearance. The look, which features a striking contrast between its long top and short sides, also appears sophisticated thanks to its smart styling.
13. Comb Over with Line
A comb over with line provides an exciting and modern twist to this traditional hairstyle. The cut, which features a shaved line along the hair’s side part, appears smart from a distance and seriously sharp up close. Also known as a hard part comb over, this style adds definition to your look and tends to appear best when paired with short faded sides and plenty of volume up top. To achieve the look, just be sure to visit an experienced barber.
14. Spiky Comb Over
Not all comb over hairstyles must be smooth and sleek. For a more youthful interpretation of this classic hairstyle, you can try a spiky comb over. The added texture from this look will provide your style with a contemporary and fashionable appearance. To create the look, wash and towel dry your hair before using a comb to define your side part. Then, blow-dry your roots upwards to increase volume while maintaining your part. Next, use your hands and styling product to spike your strands straight up. Finally, gently tug or comb your spiked locks away from your part to achieve a windswept comb over style.
FAQs
What is a comb over haircut?
A comb over haircut is one that simply brushes the hair from one side of your head over to the other. It’s less about covering up a balding dome and more about rocking a suave side-part with lots of attitude.
How do you ask for a comb over haircut?
Ask your barber to part your hair on your preferred side with at least a couple of inches on top. Then you can choose how you want to cut the back and sides. Try a fade, taper, or short scissor cut. If you can, take along some reference pictures, so your barber knows exactly what you have in mind. Pinterest is the perfect way to create a board of styles you like, and you can quickly scroll through before the clippers touch your head.
How to Do a Comb Over?
1. Towel dry your hair after washing.
2. Blow-dry your hair if you wish to add volume.
3. Work a small amount of pomade into your hair from the roots, beginning at the back of the head.
4. Use a comb to create a side part running from the back of your head to your forehead.
5. Comb and style the rest of your hair away from the part
Can a comb over look good?
A comb over can look very sophisticated and masculine, as it’s a classy style that suits different lengths and textures of hair. You can also mix up the styling of the back and sides of your combover, going with anything from an undercut or fade to a hard part or complete shave.
Are comb overs in style?
Comb overs are very much in style and have recently been popularized by Hollywood stars like John Hamm, George Clooney, and Justin Timberlake.
Roger Grinstead is a senior apparel designer for X2U with over 25 years of expertise in the fashion industry. He has expertise in menswear and womenswear trends and product development. When Roger is not designing the latest fashion garments, he enjoys writing about men's fashion, hairstyles, and grooming.
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