The comb over is easily one of the coolest men’s haircuts around. The comb over hairstyle offers a classic style that has evolved over time into a trendy modern cut that looks great with any hair type, texture or length. Stylish and popular, men’s comb over haircuts have become ubiquitous, especially in the top barbershops around the world. While there are many different types of comb overs, including the side part, comb over undercut, and comb over fade, the concept of sweeping your hair to the side is universal among all of them.
Fortunately, no matter what your hair type, face shape or age, comb over styles are sexy and easy to ask for or do. Below, we will discuss the best comb over haircuts, how to cut and style them, and examples of the look with short and long hair.
What Is The Comb Over Haircut?
The comb over is infinitely versatile. The hairstyle can be paired with a fade or undercut on the sides, and the longer hair on top parted to the side. The undercut and high fade comb over are high-contrast versions that many hipsters love to wear. However, for a look that may be more professional for business, you may try a low fade comb over.
As for the hair on top, if you’d rather keep the length, you can simply accentuate the part line with a hard part and comb your hair all to one side.
Guys can even add volume or spikes, and you’re not restricted in terms of the length of your hair because men can choose between a long or short comb over. In fact, anywhere from 2 to 5 inches of hair will work for this iconic look.
Ultimately, our favorite is the comb over fade – high, low, skin or tapered. Whichever comb over haircut you choose is bound to look great, as the hairstyle is universally flattering for its asymmetry and ability to complement your natural hair texture.
Best Men’s Comb Over Haircuts
With so many kinds of comb over haircuts to ask for, it’s important that guys understand the subtle differences between them. Similarly, the versatility of the modern comb over for men means that guys can style any of these looks. Whether you get a hard part, line up, shaved sides, or grow a beard, this awesome cut and style can accommodate any look you want.
Comb Over Fade
The comb over fade combines the classic side-swept look with very short hair on the sides. The fade involves tapering the hair towards the neck, so that your hair gets gradually shorter lower down your sides and back. The technique creates a fresh, high-contrast look, especially when combined with a smooth and timeless haircut such as the comb over.
In a faded comb over, the sides are cut short and faded away from the longer hair on the top of the head. This creates a contrast between the two textures, for an edgy look that is sure to impress.
Undercut Comb Over
The undercut comb over is another contemporary take on the this men’s hair trend. By combining a comb over haircut with an undercut, the sides are cropped very short and all one length using clippers, while the hair on the top of the head is left long. Alternatively, guys can get their barber to shave their back and sides for a closer cut.
The contrast between the short sides and longer hair on top makes the style trendy and exciting, while the hairstyle is combed to one side in a classic iteration of the comb over. With this type of comb over, the part usually takes place at the edge of the undercut.
Short Comb Over
For an adaptable, easy variation on the comb over, opting for a shorter haircut is a good option. Men love the short comb over because it’s quick to style in the morning yet still shows off the hipster look. Similar to the classic comb over, the transition between the top and sides is not as pronounced or extreme as in other variations.
Most of the hair on your head will be cut to around 2 inches in length, with some slight tapering at the back and sides of the head. The advantage of the short length means that you can change your hairstyle to a messy, textured crop or crew cut any day.
Long Comb Over
The long hair comb over continues the tradition of short sides and back with a fade or undercut, but keeps the hair on top medium-length or longer. The long comb over hairstyle works beautifully for men with thick, wavy, or curly hair. Plus, the extra length on top allows guys to style a number of other stylish looks, including the quiff, pompadour, of faux hawk.
Ultimately, this hairstyle for longer hair is perfect for showcasing your hair’s natural texture. Anywhere upwards of 4 inches on top can be styled into the long comb over, and shaping or layers will require a quality pomade or wax.
Classic Comb Over
The classic comb over side part features hair on the top and sides with similar length. As a cool short men’s haircut, the classic version requires a tapered cut on the sides and back, often achieved with scissors. This keeps the transition between the sides and top more gradual, with scissor cut sides of around 1.5 inches in length gradually tapering towards the neck.
The style on top looks like a gentleman’s haircut from the 50s, exuding sophistication and class. To ask for this haircut, simply tell your barber that you want a classic comb over style.
How To Style A Comb Over
Styling a comb over is easy. Unlike other haircuts, like the quiff and pompadour, that require time and effort, comb over styles can be achieved in 5 minutes. This is because the side part comb over simply needs a little practice to learn how to style a part properly.
All you’ll need to start is your favorite hair product – whether that’s pomade, hair wax, or putty is up to you – and a comb. Use a fine tooth comb for maximum control if you have thin hair, but those with thicker hair are better off using a brush or medium comb. These instructions break the process down for you and get your comb overlooking tidy and sleek.
