The Comb Over Haircut: 27 Timeless Style Variations
The comb over is a classic men's hairstyle that offers a classy, stylish look with simplicity and universal appeal, making it perfect for anyone, from business professionals to teenagers. This iconic style involves brushing or "combing over" the hair to one side of the head to create a smooth, handsome silhouette that exudes timeless sophistication and masculinity.
The traditional haircut features more understated, tapered sides and sleek styling for a sharp, formal aesthetic, but the modern comb over is often paired with a fade and boasts a textured finish for an attractive, trendy look. A skilled barber can add a hard part or line up, infusing an edgy element while maintaining charming elegance. These cool variations make it easy to tailor and make your own.
In this article, we'll show you some dashing examples of comb over haircuts that combine timeless swagger with modern, confident flair, ensuring the ideal style for any occasion.
Popular Men's Comb Over Hairstyles
Classic Comb Over
A classic comb over is a distinguished hairstyle for those wanting to exude confidence, professionalism and poise, making it a flattering, wearable choice for stylish men. Its clean, structured appearance offers a polished look with minimal effort. With its expertly blended sides and subtle layering, it grows out gracefully while maintaining its signature coiffed shape. The vintage combed-over haircut works well with a high-hold, medium-shine pomade and precise styling, delivering a sleek, professional finish every time.
Modern Comb Over
The modern comb over is a popular men's hairstyle that often features a taper or fade on the sides to contrast the longer, side-swept hair on top, breathing new life into the vintage look. This softer, contemporary version involves textured styling and a less defined part for enhanced volume and flow. Use a strong clay or paste to maintain a fuller style all day for a clean, timeless finish.
Textured Comb Over
The textured comb over is an attractive choice for any modern gentleman seeking a softer, more casual variation that doesn’t sacrifice structure and elegance. This textured, relaxed style pairs well with a mid taper or low fade, subtle part and a strong, matte hair product for lift and fullness. A well-groomed full beard can be a rugged addition.
Comb Over Fade
The comb over fade is a modern men's haircut featuring sharp contrast on the sides and back that emphasizes the longer hair on top. The masterful skin-faded cut creates dimension and visual appeal, while the personable combed-over style commands respect. A razored part adds definition and works well with a clean shave or beard for a slightly rugged, masculine aesthetic. Use a dime-sized amount of styling clay and a texturizing spray to keep frizz at bay and enhance lift.
Long Comb Over
A long comb over is an elevated style that offers styling flexibility with ample length, creating a refined look with noticeable volume and flow. Ask your barber to keep the sides short with a taper or fade to give this longer variation a modern edge, highlighting the fluid movement and sweeping layers.
Style it with a strong pomade or clay for a sharp, office-ready finish or blow dry your locks with a round brush for a more casual, airy vibe. For added texture and control, a pre-styling sea salt spray is the perfect choice for a flexible hold that keeps flyaways at bay.
Short Comb Over
A short comb over is a low-maintenance, refined hairstyle that balances clean-cut structure with effortless styling. The shorter top involves keeping the hair around two to three inches long and then neatly sweeping it all to the side for a defined, polished finish. A low or mid fade enhances the cut for attractive lines around the ears while styling the length stays efficient and straightforward. Finish with a clean shave for a crisp look or a sculpted beard for rugged contrast.
Comb Over Taper Fade
An elegant comb over creates a versatile, timeless look when paired with an understated taper fade, blending modern style with an iconic silhouette. The taper softly follows the natural hairline to avoid any harsh scalp exposure with high or skin fades. Ask your barber for a low to mid taper fade and a soft part to keep the style relaxed and disguise a shorter forehead.
Comb Over Undercut
The comb over undercut is a bold, trendy hairstyle that fuses classic structure with striking contrast for a fresh, contemporary look. The sharply cropped sides – often buzzed very short – create a dramatic disconnect that puts all the focus on the voluminous top. This cut works exceptionally well for guys with naturally full hair who want to stand out with a healthy, textured finish. Ask your barber for a high undercut with clear separation, then define the comb over with a high-hold styling product.
Tapered Comb Over
The tapered comb over is all about balancing a clean aesthetic that blends timeless charm with subtle edge. This cut features longer hair on top swept to one side for structure, while the tapered sides gradually shorten toward the neckline for a smooth, natural finish. It's a refined alternative to a skin fade, offering polish without the harsh contrast – ideal for men who want a professional, low-maintenance style that transitions seamlessly from office to evening. Ask your barber for a low or mid taper with a soft or natural part, and then use a medium-hold pomade for definition or a matte clay to add texture and a casual vibe.
Hard Part Comb Over Fade
A hard part separates a sophisticated comb over from an edgy fade, creating balanced contrast between the sides and longer hair on top for a stylish look. This trendy hairstyle is all about precision and definition, making it a chic choice for men who can pull it off. The faded sides accentuate the jawline and cheekbones, while the understated part line adds dynamic visual appeal, elevating the comb over.
High Volume Comb Over with Mid Skin Fade
A high-volume comb over is a striking, statement-making style that pairs with a mid skin fade to deliver clean sides and contrast. Also known as a bald fade, the cut starts transitioning into the skin around the temples, accentuating the thick, brush-up-and-over top, making it a refined pick. Blow-dry with a round brush and finish with a matte styling product for unbreakable all-day hold.
Handsome Low Taper Comb Over
A low taper brings a soft, understated style to the comb over, balancing sharp details with natural flow. This look exudes quiet confidence and sophistication, with longer hair swept neatly to one side and subtle tapering that follows the hairline around the ears and nape. The low taper offers just enough contrast to define the silhouette without drawing too much attention – making it well-suited for any setting. Style with a stronger product for a smooth, controlled look that holds its shape all day without stiffness.
Wet, Sleek Comb Over
The wet, sleek comb over is a true throwback that channels old-school sophistication with a fresh, high-gloss finish that's bold and undeniably elegant. Defined by its slicked-back, side-swept top and ultra-clean parting, this style delivers a refined, formal vibe that will complement classic suiting and sharp tailoring. Ask your barber for a scissor-cut top with neatly tapered or faded sides to maintain shape and balance.
To style, apply a generous amount of high-shine pomade or gel to damp hair, then use a fine-tooth comb to create a smooth, sculpted silhouette. The result is sleek, commanding, and effortlessly put-together – like a modern-day gentleman.
Comb Over with Medium Fade
The timeless comb over with a mid fade strikes the perfect balance between upscale and daring, creating a masculine, wearable look. The medium-cut fade provides a stark and eye-catching transition from the combed-over top, emphasizing the volume and movement of the longer hair. This professional yet edgy style looks at home in any environment.
Combed Over Fringe with Taper Fade
A combed over fringe is a stylish hybrid that pairs with a handsome taper fade to add personality. Reminiscent of the Ivy League style, the fringe adds softness and a casual feel by letting sections of layered hair flick to the side. The taper fade keeps the sides clean and subtle, gradually shortening toward the ears and neckline for a soft, blended finish. Use a sea salt spray as a pre-styler for volume, then finish with a matte texturizing clay or paste to define the fringe and hold its shape.
Professional Comb Over with Beard
A comb over takes on a professional, mature aesthetic with a fully-grown beard and gradually tapered sides, making it the quintessential professional men's haircut. Tapered sides are well-maintained, while the beard adds bold contrast and presence to the sleek top. Style with a light cream and keep the beard trimmed for a balanced, put-together vibe.
Long Comb Over with Tapered Sides
A long comb over offers effortless flow while getting light structure from tapered sides, creating a clean, balanced look that helps guys trying to maintain length on top. The subtle contrast from the tapering maintains a striking silhouette while skipping the harshness from more extreme fades.
Classy Comb Over
A classy comb over is an iconic look involving a soft, textured side-swept style ideally suited for the modern gent. A mid-to-low taper fade accentuates the lengthy brushed-over top, delivering a versatile finish. Apply sea salt spray on damp hair and use a medium-hold pomade to comb everything into place for a meticulous appearance.
Cool Comb Over with Mid Fade
This take on the comb over features a well-defined top and a mid fade, creating balanced contrast without looking extreme. The fade highlights your facial features and gives the hair a crisp finish, especially when paired with a lineup and a buzzed neckline. Style your locks with a matte paste for ultimate texture and control.
Hard Comb Over with Fade
A hard comb over is a modern cut defined by a bold, shaved part line that combines contrast and sharpness with a precision fade. The hard part creates separation across the scalp, and you can easily adjust the fade to suit your style. Go high for maximum contrast or low for a subtle transition suitable for high-pressure office environments. Your part will grow out quickly, which makes regular touch-ups with a razor or unguarded clippers a must.
Drop Fade Comb Over
The drop fade comb over is a stylish, trendy style that combines timeless class with a new dimension, achieving fresh visual appeal for any guy. The drop fade curves behind the ear and tapers down the neckline, sculpting a natural arc accentuating the hard combed-over hair on top for a tailored touch. The defined part is a cool and flattering element.
Military Comb Over Fade
The military comb over fade is a close-cut, rugged twist on a classic look. This style features a tight skin fade that starts at the parting, projecting toughness and requiring minimal maintenance. Use a firm water-based pomade and a fine-tooth comb to structure the short, uniform top hair into a precise, defined shape for a striking, stylish, and functional look.
Low Taper Comb Over
A low taper matches well with a comb over, creating a clean style that's versatile and flattering. The fade starts just above the ears and helps elongate the face while retaining some weight on the sides. Blend the taper into stubble for a masculine yet refined look that nails the balance between professional and fashionable.
Short Comb Over with Low Drop Fade
The short comb over mixes practicality with flair when styled with a low drop fade, creating a rugged, masculine aesthetic that looks striking with a full beard. The tight, contoured fade breaks up the hair, adding further emphasis and definition to an already sharp look. Work some product through your hair with a wide-toothed comb to add natural-looking volume and texture.
Long Comb Over Fade
A long comb over gets a modern upgrade with a clean-cut fade, letting you work effortless volume through the top for a head-turning finish. The extra length offers freedom and enables you to sculpt your hair, while the uniform fade ensures this look leans professional and put-together. Use a combination of sea salt spray and styling cream to enhance your hair's natural texture and show off some personality.
Edgy High Comb Over Fade with Hard Part
An edgy high comb over fade with a hard part is a trending haircut that blends sharp and striking elements to achieve a rebellious style. The parting is shifted towards the center of the hairline and features a shaved line to separate the top from the rebellious high fade, resulting in a defiant, angular style. Sweep over and secure the longer hair with a strong, matte styling product to add volume and complete this contemporary look.
Short Comb Over Taper Fade
A short comb over blends effortlessly into a taper fade to create a sleek, respectable look. The change in length is gradual from the neckline to the top of the head, subtly lengthening your face and offering a cultured look that's low-maintenance and suitable for any environment. Texturize with sea salt spray to generate tousled volume for that laid-back, no-fuss vibe.
What Is A Comb Over?
The comb over is a timeless hairstyle where all the hair on top is brushed or combed to one side of the head, generally creating an elegant, structured look. The style became mainstream in the 1950s and was widely adopted by businessmen and public figures who favored a clean-cut, polished appearance. In the '60s and '70s, it involved covering up bald spots, a receding hairline or thinning areas, offering the illusion of fuller hair.
The contemporary, reimagined comb over is voluminous, textured and trendy, featuring a fade, taper or undercut on the sides and back to complement the longer hair on top. It's versatile, easy to style and suitable for various hair types, lengths and face shapes. Talk to your barber about incorporating a shaved hard part, line up or design.
The business professional brushed-over style is a popular choice for ambitious, career-oriented men, but the clean cut can be made to look casual and fun in more relaxed environments or on date nights.
How To Style A Comb Over
Styling the perfect comb over is effortless with the proper haircut, techniques and hair products, from shampoo and conditioner to clay or pomade.
Use a medium-to-high-hold pomade with some shine to achieve a classic comb over with a slick finish for more formal occasions. A small amount of high-hold matte styling clay is ideal for a stylish textured style.
If you have fine hair, a sea salt spray and texturizing clay combo offers a fuller look. A styling cream can be useful for long, loose comb overs with flow and movement.
Whether you're embracing the classic or modern version, here's how to do it:
- Wash and Condition: Use a volumizing shampoo and conditioner to start with clean, damp hair.
- Slightly Damp But Mostly Dry Hair: Towel-dry your hair gently, leaving it pliable and easy to work with.
- Apply Your Product: Warm up the product in your palms and spread it all over evenly, pushing your hair to the side with your hands.
- Combing It Over: A fine-tooth comb offers precision and a sharp finish for sleek styles, but a brush or wide-tooth comb provides a natural, relaxed vibe. Brush to the side and back for enhanced volume and lift.
- The Optional Hard Part: A hard part comb over is a bold touch that requires you to brush down the side across your line.