The Quiff: What It Is and How to Style It

Product update: By Vilain Powermade has been improved and reformulated as By Vilain Flow Pomade. Original tutorial images may show the former Powermade product.

A quiff is a hairstyle with lift at the front and a longer top that can be swept back or styled with texture. Shorter sides make the shape stand out. You can keep it neat and glossy or give it a softer, more relaxed finish.

Quiff or pompadour: what’s the difference?

The two styles overlap. A quiff puts the emphasis on the raised front and can be loose or textured. A pompadour usually has a more continuous, sculpted shape swept back from the forehead. If you prefer an informal finish, start with a textured quiff. For a more polished shape, explore our pompadour guide.

What to ask your barber for

Bring a reference photo and explain how much time you want to spend styling your hair. For the longer classic version in the original Slikhaar guide, the starting point is around four to five inches (10–13 cm) on top, with extra length at the fringe and shorter sides and back. Your barber can adapt the length to your hair’s texture, density and natural direction.

You do not need an extreme disconnect. Ask whether a softer transition, taper or undercut will work best with the shape you want. A photo of the front and side helps communicate the result.

Choose the quiff you want to wear

Variation	Shape to show your barber	Styling priority
Textured quiff	A lifted front with visible separation	Build lift first; finish with fingers and a matte product
Classic quiff	A neater front swept up and back	Guide the front consistently and choose your preferred shine
Short quiff	A compact raised fringe with less length through the top	Ask for enough front length to lift without forcing the whole top upright
Wavy quiff	A raised front that keeps some natural wave	Shape the direction without trying to erase every bend

For fine hair, start with a small amount of product and a modest height. For dense or coarse hair, ask your barber where to reduce weight while keeping the support the front needs. With curls, decide whether you want visible curl texture or a straighter finish: they call for different routines.

Build front height without pushing everything flat

Work on a small front section while it is damp. Lift the hair near the roots with your fingers or brush, then guide the lengths backwards. If you pull the entire section straight back against the scalp from the start, you are shaping a flatter sweep rather than a raised front.

Keep the dryer moving on low heat and follow your pre-styler’s directions. Shape the top behind the front to support the silhouette, then inspect the result from the side. For a textured finish, use your fingers to separate the front after applying the finishing product; repeated combing can remove the separation you just created.

Troubleshoot one thing at a time

• The fringe drops immediately: check whether it was fully shaped and dried before adding finishing product. Try less product before adding more hold.
• The front separates into a part: ask your barber to assess the growth direction and cowlick. A slightly side-swept quiff may be easier to reproduce.
• The style looks heavy or greasy: reset with a wash when needed, then use less product. Judge the amount on clean hair rather than adding another layer.
• The front looks right but the sides stick out: discuss side length and the transition with your barber. Product cannot replace a change to the cut.

How to style a quiff

1. Start with towel-dried hair. Gently remove excess water. If you are washing first, use your usual shampoo, such as By Vilain Rush Shampoo, and rinse thoroughly.
2. Apply your pre-styler. Distribute a small amount of By Vilain Sidekick through the hair, following its directions. Start with less; you can adjust the amount as you learn what your hair needs.
3. Create lift while blow-drying. Lift the front upward and guide it back with your fingers or a suitable styling brush. Keep the dryer moving and shape the rest of the top in the direction you want it to sit. Browse hair tools if you need a brush or dryer.
4. Choose the finish. For a softer quiff with light, flexible hold and natural shine, work a small amount of By Vilain Flow Pomade between your palms and distribute it through the hair. For an all-matte finish with stronger hold, choose By Vilain Gold Digger instead.
5. Refine the front. Use your fingers for separation or a By Vilain XL Comb for a neater finish. Add a little more product only where needed. The aim is to support the shape you created while drying.

Why does my quiff fall flat?

Start by checking the amount of product and how you dry the front. Too much product can weigh the longer top down. Build the shape while drying, then add finishing product gradually. If the front still feels too heavy or difficult to control, ask your barber whether the length or shape needs adjusting.

Can I have a quiff without a glossy finish?

Yes. The quiff describes the shape, not the shine. Use a matte styling product and finish with your fingers for a more textured look. Choose Flow Pomade when you want softer control and natural shine; do not treat it as an extreme-hold product.