The short pompadour hairstyle is retro-inspired and Rockabilly fly, yet they’re fresh enough to work with any aesthetic. You can serve a James Dean look that’s all about denim, leather, and the hair—of course—or you can juxtapose your polished pompadour with today’s hottest hipster ensembles, a tailored suit, or your Sunday grubs.

The point is, there’s no bad time for a pompadour. Even if you’re only experimenting for a little while, dare to ask the barber for some pomp. Whether it’s a subtle bump or high enough to reach heaven, you’ll find it flattering and everyone else will find it irresistible.

The Best Short Pompadour Hairstyles for Men

It’s sinfully easy to create a short pompadour. Your hair doesn’t have to be very long at all—if it’s over three inches or so, you’re good to go.

There’s a reason pompadours keep coming back into style, not that they ever really fall out of fashion in the first place. They’re classic because they’re versatile. They’re timeless because almost every guy looks sexy with a pompadour haircut.

You can form a pompadour if you have an undercut or if you have a full thatch of hair. It all comes down to styling—and products. You’re going to need some hairspray, seriously.

1. Short Spiked and Side-Parted Pompadour

Anytime you’re looking for a more modern take on the short pompadour, here you go. This cut has the slightest spike, parted at the faintest angle. Bravo!

Best Pompadour Haircuts and Hairstyles for Men

2. The Sharp Pomp

A sharply defined, smoothly faded undercut pompadour is versatile and easily personalized. You can go with any design or shape you like, and the upkeep is effortless—minus the razor maintenance.

3. Messy Short Pompadour

The messy pompadour is the height of the geek chic aesthetic. It’s easy to style and maintain, plus it’s always tousled like bedhead, and we all know how irresistible that is.