Quack! Let’s talk about a cool throw back. The ducktail hairstyle certainly made a lot of noise back in the 1950’s, however, since then it has sort of quieted down in today’s times.

While it’s true the style is legendary, you just don’t see a whole lot of men asking for it at the barbershop, even with popular associated cuts like the pompadour.

It’s becoming more a rarity and treasure to spot a ducktail among gentlemen. Though, that doesn’t exactly mean the look is outdated or out of fashion, if anything it’s just too high maintenance for the busy male lifestyle today.

If you’re thinking about getting one, just know the names it goes by first. Considering it’s a variation of the classic slicked back hair, it’s somewhat fitting there’s a few terms gentlemen call it. Though, all mean the same thing of course. Most commonly the ducktail reigns king or D.A. for short which stands for ducks arse and duck’s ass, though some will call it the duck’s tail too.

The original look: A high maintenance cut with a v-shape in the back of the head. Hair is combed from the sides to form parallel sections in the rear. When looking at the back of the head from the crown to nape it resembles the rear end of a duck.

For the front an Elephants trunk could be formed which left more of a messy, longer look with bangs hanging over the forehead. Of course, the ducktail could be paired with a variation like the flattop as well. Some gentlemen also elected to shape the front into a pompadour shape by growing out lengthier hair.

The history:

There’s no doubt about, the 1950s sparked the ducktail hairstyle trend revolution. Even the 1956 rockabilly song titled “Ducktail” by Joe Clay proved so touting lyrics like “Don’t mess with my ducktails”.

Though, there are two important things to note: The first, it has been said that the look dates back to the 1940s and was first invested by Joe Cirello, a Philadelphia barber.