The quiff is the ultimate crossover haircut, blending the volume of a pompadour with the tidy structure of a side part—and it’s a popular choice in 2025, too. What makes it a classic is its adaptability. The same cut can swing from sharp and professional to effortlessly rugged with a blow-dryer and a smart mix of styling products.
This shape-shifting quality keeps the quiff timeless for different face shapes, always polished but never predictable. Keep reading to explore three fresh ways to style the quiff in 2025/26.
Table of Contents
A closer look at the quiff’s foundations: cut, length, and daily prep
3 quiff haircut styles to rock in 2025/26
1. The sleek quiff
2. The high-volume quiff
3. The textured quiff
Final words
A closer look at the quiff foundations: cut, length, and daily prep
A quiff requires graduated length from crown to fringe, usually 3‑5 cm at the crown, stretching to 7‑12 cm at the front. The style also has shorter back and sides (taper, fade, or scissor cut). So, before we jump into the three styling routes below, here are some universal prep steps to follow:
1. Shampoo sparingly and condition regularly. Remember that over‑cleansing removes natural sebum that gives a quiff pliability. Hence, it’s always better to use sulphate‑free wash two or three times a week and a lightweight conditioner every other day.
2. Towel‑dry to 70 % damp. Excess water will dilute pre‑styling tonics and extend blow‑dry time, increasing heat exposure—a big no for the quiff style.
3. Use a primer. Some stylists favour using a grooming tonic or volumising mousse from root to tip. This technique helps fill cuticle gaps, creates grip, and protects against heat.
4. Section the top. Clip or hand‑separate the fringe from crown hair, as controlling direction at the roots is important for that uniform lift later.
3 quiff haircut styles to rock in 2025/26
1. The sleek quiff
If you love a clean, polished look, a slicked-back style is a timeless option, and it’s easier to pull off than you might think. You just need to work some gel through your hair to smooth everything back for that sharp, refined finish. Whether you choose a dramatic side part or keep it simple without one, the key is getting every strand in place for a sleek, controlled look that holds all day without fuss.
So, here’s how you can pull it off:
- Start with freshly washed, damp hair and use a comb to create your part (it could be deep and defined or more subtle, that’s up to you).
- Then, rub a small amount of non-sticky gel (about the size of a dime) between your hands.
- Work it evenly through your hair, making sure to coat every strand.
- Once the gel is in, run your comb through again to smooth everything into place and sculpt your sleek, polished look.
2. The high‑volume quiff
Styling a quiff is about volume; that effortless lift makes the look stand out without seeming overdone. That’s where volumizing mousse comes in. A small amount can give your hair the extra boost it needs to hold shape and height, while still looking natural.
It’s especially great if you have curls or waves. It helps to enhance your hair’s natural body while giving your quiff a fuller, more defined look. It’s simple, effective, and never too much. But before you reach for your mousse, start with a good wash using a volumizing shampoo and conditioner.
Look for formulas that hydrate and plump the hair, especially those with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, which help revive dry strands and add noticeable body and shine. This sets the stage for your styling routine, giving your quiff a fuller, healthier base from which to work.
Pro tip: Clean, nourished hair makes all the difference when you want volume that looks and feels natural.
Once your hair is towel-dried and still slightly damp, apply a volumizing mousse, concentrating on the lengths and ends where you want that extra lift. Let it air dry if you’re going for a more natural, effortless look, allowing the mousse to do the work to help your quiff hold its shape with added fullness.
What if your hair doesn’t naturally have much wave or volume? Grab a high-speed hair dryer and a round brush to start the process. As you dry, lift the hair up and back at the roots to build height and movement. This simple trick adds instant structure and gives your quiff that bold, voluminous finish.
3. The textured quiff
With texture, you can give your quiff a laid-back, modern edge. Since you already have length, you will focus on bringing the cut to life with this style. Here’s how to do it: towel-dry your hair until it’s damp (not dripping, but not fully dry).
Then, take a small amount of texturizing putty (about the size of a quarter) and warm it between your fingers. Work it through your hair with your hands, concentrating on the top where you want the volume and shape.
Pro tip: Remember that the goal isn’t perfection, but that effortlessly cool, slightly messy finish that looks like you woke up with great style.
The matte-finish putty is perfect for creating texture and movement without weighing your hair down or leaving it looking greasy. Want more volume or lift? You can easily build it up gradually, because the more you apply, the bolder the style will be.
If you want a more undone, lived-in vibe, skip towel-drying and apply the putty directly to your damp hair. Use your fingers to gently scrunch and shape it as it dries for that tousled, edgy finish. Once your hair is nearly dry, lock everything in place with a light mist of non-sticky hairspray to secure your style without feeling stiff or crunchy.
Final words
Nailing the quiff isn’t about chasing a single ideal. It’s about knowing how your hair moves, how much moisture it needs, and how the right products work together. Once you understand those basics, your quiff becomes incredibly versatile. You can shift from a clean, professional finish to something more relaxed and creative (or even bold with serious volume) without needing a new cut.
Keep your styling tools clean, check in with your barber for regular shape-ups, and think of the quiff as an evolving structure: style it high, mess it up, or start fresh. It’s all about control, creativity, and making the look your own.
