4 Fantastic Pompadour Low Fade Styles [2023]

When it comes to men’s hair, it’s the little nuances that make all the difference. The pompadour and low fade hairstyle is becoming increasingly popular for this reason. 

It’s a phenomenal blend of the old with the new. The classic, vintage elegance of the pompadour combined with the modern edge of a fade. 

You’d think a blend such as this would come across as forced or awkward, but it works astonishingly well. 

Before we look through some incredible examples of this glorious style with its many variations, let’s briefly discuss what it really is. 

What Is A Pompadour Low Fade Hairstyle? 

It’s any hairstyle that consists of a pompadour with a fade trimmed approximately an inch above the top of the ear. 

Pompadours are characterized by vertical volume. 

The hair is swept upward and backward away from the forehead. Its fullness and volume are usually achieved using pre-styling mousses, blow dryers, and a round brush or comb. 

Unlike a quiff where it’s just the forelock (hair above the forehead) that’s swept upward, pompadours are usually swept all the way back. 

They’re typically pristine and glossy, although there are definitely more messy, modern variations that work just as well. 

Adding a low fade into the mix gives this classic hairstyle a very modern vibe. 

A fade is the gradual tapering (increase in length) of the hair as you go up the back and sides. 

They mainly differ in where the main point of the transition is. With a high fade, it’s usually around the temple, and with a low fade, it’s about an inch above the top of the ear. 

A mid-fade is in between the two. 

As you’d expect, a high fade is a more in-your-face and attention-grabbing feature, simply because the sides appear so short compared with the top. 

A low fade is appealing for its simplicity and subtlety. This is one of the reasons it works so well with pompadours that are famously “big” and bold. 

Now, let’s get to the fun part. 

4 Great Pompadour Low Fade Styles

Here are some fantastic examples of this style done correctly. 

Use it as a source of inspiration and don’t be afraid to team up with a trusted barber and experiment regularly. 

1. Pompadour With Side Part And Low Fade

This style has the tidiness and curvature of a classic pompadour. It could easily pass for that of a silver screen heartthrob in the 50s. 

But the low fade brings it right back to the present day. 

Although fades aren’t exactly new, they’ve definitely taken off in the last decade. 

As I mentioned, it’s a great way to mix classic and modern styles. 

The side part is well-defined here, as the pompadour has been neatly swept backward and to the right using a brush and medium heat, most likely. 

The shine can be achieved by using a gel or pomade. If you’re looking for more of a matte finish, there are plenty of clays that’ll do just that. 

It’s a great example of how good an exceptionally tidy pompadour can look with a low fade. Overall, it looks slick, neat, and highly effective. 

2. Pompadour With Low Fade And Line Design

This is a much more modern example, with several features that really catch the eye. 

One feature is the angular nature of the pompadour. Compare that with the more curved example before this one. 

Angular pompadours are generally considered more “modern” and may well be better suited to your preferences. 

A pomade with a strong level of hold will serve you well here. 

Of course, you can’t ignore the line design here. 

It may not be for everyone, and definitely shouldn’t be something you experiment with on your own. 

If you’ve got a barber you trust, it may well be something you consider if you’re looking to stand out and stand out hard. It’s a lot more modern and striking than your average, classic pompadour but if it appeals to you, why not try it out?

The sideburns are very finely trimmed here. Again, an immediately eye-catching feature. 

The low fade is trimmed down to the level of the skin, which is why it can safely be labeled a “skin fade”. 

Overall, this is definitely a high-maintenance style, but it may be exactly what you’re looking for. 

3. Tousled Pompadour And Low Fade

If you’re looking for a more textured pompadour, this one might be for you. 

The wavy, tousled appearance of the pomp can be achieved using a wide-tooth comb or your fingers. 

Finger-combing your pompadour is something you should definitely experiment with. You can achieve textures that would be impossible if you were to use a round brush or a comb. 

It isn’t as perfect-looking as your typical, classic pompadour, but that’s part of what gives this its wide appeal. 

The low fade is just as subtle; it isn’t a skin fade and the transition isn’t as stark. 

The light stubble beard goes so well with the hairstyle. This is often the case with pompadours. 

It’s probably because stubble adds a rugged and “imperfect” edge to a hairstyle which is typically neater and more pristine.

4. Pompadour With Subtle Low Fade

Not all fades have to be so obvious. 

As you can see here, there’s a very subtle tapering upward. This starts around an inch above the ear. 

Yes, this is a pompadour with a low fade. 

It’s a great option for men looking for a less obvious tapering to their sides and back. The difference in length between the shortest and longest lengths is minimal. 

But it’s enough to be noticeable and effective. For many men, that’s all that’s really necessary in any case.

The pompadour here has a nice sheen. As you can see, some hairspray may be necessary to keep it in place; nice and tidy. 

Ultimately, simplicity is very appealing. Subtle and just-about-noticeable low fades might be what you prefer. 

Conclusion

As you can see, there are many, many different variations of this increasingly popular style you can try out.

The pompadour and low fade hairstyle appears to be here to stay. 

Whether you prefer it messy, neat, tall, or short, it’s one where it really is hard to fail. 

Experiment regularly.