quiffs

Quiff is a hairstyle in which the front and crown hair are styled to create pronounced volume, swept upward and backward while the sides remain shorter. The look blends a raised forelock with elements of a pompadour and a fringe brushed back, producing a versatile shape from polished to deliberately textured.

Originating in the mid-20th century, the quiff became emblematic of British youth culture in the 1950s, including Teddy Boys and early rock and roll sensibilities. Its exact etymology is uncertain, but the term has been used in English slang since the period. The style gained global popularity through performers such as Elvis Presley and through various regional reinterpretations.

Styling relies on products that provide hold and shine, such as pomade, wax, or gel, and on heat to set the shape. Hair is typically towel-dried, product is applied, and the front/top is lifted with a brush or comb while blow-drying the roots upward; the result is finished with additional product for hold. Variants range from neat, high-volume looks to more textured, casual versions, and the quiff remains common in retro and contemporary men’s fashion, with occasional female adaptations.