What is a Comb Over? Everything About the Cut plus 15 Styles to Try (2024)

Comb-overs are perhaps the most classic of allmen’s hairstyles. But if you’re not clued up on your grooming lingo, you might be wondering, “What is a comb over?” Contemporary comb-overs are fresh, stylish, and all the rage on the male grooming scene, and we’ll prove it to you. Having become increasingly popular for men both on and off the runway, comb-overs have a resurgence. And being the investigative type, we’ve decided to delve into the style and discover what the craze is all about, plus how you should be rocking the classic ‘do this season.

What is a Comb-Over? Everything You Need to Know About this Quintessential Men’s Hairstyle

If you’re not sure what a comb-over is or how to create one, don’t worry! We’re breaking everything down for you so you’ll be able to easily create this hairstyle yourself.

What is a comb over?

Essentially, a comb-over is a term used to describe a men’s hairstyle where the hair is parted to the side and combed across the head. Shortat the sides and longer on top, this style is traditionally associated with balding menas the sweeping hair is able to cleverlyconceal any areas of hair loss.

While comb-overs are popular with sufferers of male pattern baldness, thanks to a rise in high-fashion runway models sporting the style, it’s having somewhat of a revival—so time to try it out!

How to Create a Classic Comb Over in 5 Steps

If you like the comb-over effect but don’t know how to go about recreating it yourself, we’ve got your back. Follow our 5-step guide below to achieve the retro style.

1. Wash and towel dry.

2. Use a comb to draw a line through your hair to create a side parting. For a natural finish, you should keep this close to your natural part, or for a more authentic comb-over effect, opt for a more dramatic deep side parting, as seen on the model above.

3. Work a small amount of hair pomade or smoothing cream in the palms of your hands (TRESemmé One-Step 5-in-1 Smoothing Cream is great for creating sleek hairstyles like this). Work the product through your hair from root to tip to provide heat protection before blow drying.

4. Once you’ve defined your parting, blow dry your hair using your comb to smooth the hair downinto place as you dry.

5.Finally, take your comb again and use it to style your hair into your desired shape, focusing oncreating a sweeping effect at the front.

And that’s all there is to it! A few practices run in front of the bathroom mirror, and you’ll be rocking this retro style as you own it.

15 New Ways to Style Your Comb Over Hairstyle

Though there was just one way to rock a comb-over hairstyle? Think again because the modern-day reincarnation of the classic comb-over comes in a variety of different forms.

So, no matter your natural hair type and texture or whatever vibe you’re hoping to create, there’s bound to be a comb-over combo for you. Check out some of our favorite takes on the trend:

1. Curly Comb Over Hairstyle

Curly locks? Curls can add a contemporarytwist to this strict style and give it a softer,off-duty feel.

Slick down your parting as you would a classic comb-over, but allow your ends to remain relaxed and curly. The contrasting textures will make for a unique, trendy finish.

2. Comb-Over Fade

After something a bit more alternative? If the classic comb-over is too pristine for your liking, toughen things up with a shaved fade detail. This will accentuate the longer layers you have on top and give the look a more casual, urban vibe.

3. High-Shine Comb Over

Need a formal style for a work event or wedding? Use a high-shinegel, like TRESemmé Tres Two UltraFirm Control Gel, to give your hair an immaculately glossy finish.

Run your comb through your strands after applying the gel to create individual lines in your hair to add a suave feel to the style.

4. Quiff Comb-Over

If you don’t like the thought of having your hair slicked down onto your head, try elevating the style with acoiffed-up quiff.

Retaining the classic elements of this well-loved style (a deep side partingand side-swept bangs), this ‘do also gives off a fuller, more youthful aura, meaning it’s not so high-maintenance.

5. Combed Down

Nothing beats the combed-down look when you can still see the comb lines. This classic look has stuck around for so long because it never fails to look handsome and put together. Get this combed-down look by using a gel and a fine-tooth comb. Apply a bit of the Dove Men+Care Control Gel to your hair and work it through with your fingers. Then, while the gel is still wet, comb your hair into place. Don’t touch your hair until it’s totally dry to keep the lines intact.

6. Tousled & Wavy Comb Over

Having a short comb-over doesn’t mean you have to fight your natural hair texture. We say if you have naturally wavy hair, show it off. The best part is you don’t even need to do anything special! Just wash your hair and let it air dry. When it’s dry, use your fingers to make sure your hair stays styled to one side, and you’re golden.

7. Defined Waves

So let’s say that you don’t love your wavy texture. If you don’t want to leave it as is (we get that) try subtly defining your waves instead. Use AXE Clean Cut Look: Classic Pomade to define your waves. The classic pomade texture works best for wavy hair because it isn’t too shiny. Too shiny will make your laid-back waves look almost fake.

8. Subtle Shine

Not into the super shiny look? It can be a bit much to wear every single day. To get a subtle shine without using any product, you’ll need to style your hair while it is wet and let it air dry. This technique works best for fine and straight hair textures. Just comb your hair the way you like it styled and let your natural, subtly shiny hair do its own magic.

9. Comb-Over Undercut

Make your short comb over a little different this holiday season by adding in an undercut. This cut only takes an extra minute in the barbers, or you can even do it at home. All you need is a good set of clippers and someone to help you get a nice clean line.

10. Comb-Over Quiff

Add even more vintage appeal to your short comb over by styling your hair into a quiff. The only difference you’ll make while styling your hair is instead of combing straight over to the side; you’ll comb the front part back at an angle. This gives the quiff effect without losing your comb-over.

11. Slicked Down & Shiny

For the ultimate slick short comb-over look, you’ll need to use a flyaway control hair spray, that helps to achieve a non-sticky, humidity-resistant finish, and maximum hold. Using TRESemmé Ultra Fine Hair Spray, shake it well before spraying, and spritz 10-12 inches away from your finished hairstyle.

12. Mid Fade Comb Over with Long Bangs

A middle-length fade comb over hairstyle is classic and always in trend. If you wear it with long bangs, keep in mind that it visibly elongates your face, and overall, suits men with thick hair.

13. Crop Short Comb Over Haircut

Low haircuts with a short back and sides suit most face shapes. You can easily combine a crop effect, that continues around your face, with an elegant comb over hairstyle.

14. Mid Fade Comb Over with a Deep Side Part

To create a deep side part, you’ll need to distance yourself a few inches further from your natural side parting. It’s easy to achieve the look with a middle length comb over a haircut, and it will perfectly suit round and square face shapes.

15. Low Fade Comb OverHaircut with a Shaved Parting

To accentuate your short comb over haircut, you may ask your hairstylist to add such a detail as a shaved parting. It looks super-stylish but requires frequent touch-ups, as well as low cut length.

So, now that you’re no longer wondering what a comb-over looks like, will you be trying it out? If you do, remember to share your comb-over creations with us on Twitter @AllThingsHairUS, as we love seeing how you make these styles you own.