17 Combover Hairstyles: The Complete Guide

The combover is a classic men’s hairstyle that never goes out of style. With modern updates like shaved patterns and artistic lines, the combover can be tailored to suit a variety of tastes – from sleek and formal to textured and effortless. It’s a versatile look that complements nearly every face shape and hair type. At Rush, our expert stylists will take the time to consult with you and create a combover that suits your features, hair type, and personal style perfectly.

What Is a Combover?

The combover is a men’s hairstyle where the hair is parted to one side and combed over the top. The style emphasises volume and healthy hair growth and is favoured by men who are looking to conceal any thinning or balding hair areas.

The style is incredibly versatile and can be styled neat and polished to textured and relaxed, depending on your personal preference and whether you are looking to create a more sophisticated, sleek, and professional look or effortless and casual.

The combover is also suitable for various hair lengths. For those with shorter length hair, they may wish to pair their combover with super short, buzz cut length sizes. Those with medium-longer hair lengths will be able to create a more voluminous and dramatic look with their combover.

History, Fall, and Comeback of the Combover

History

The combover initially gained popularity in the early 20th century where men with longer hair used the style to slick their hair back and provide them with a more polished and sophisticated appearance with the help of styling products such as pomades. Now, the comb-over remains popular but takes a more modern approach. The style is often worn with faded/tapered sides and crispy edges.

Fall

Traditionally, the combover was used to disguise thinning hair. This led to negative stereotypes, as men appeared to be hopelessly clinging to a time when they had a full head of hair. For those with more advanced hair loss, the style was often ineffective rather than disguising thinning or baldness, it accentuated it, leading to increased insecurity. This in turn led to the decline of the combover in mainstream fashion.

Comeback

Now, the combover has made a comeback due to the style no longer being related to disguising baldness and instead, being an easy to maintain style that’s versatile, adaptable and that looks stylish.

Celebrities have also encouraged the rise of the combover with celebrities like Cristiano Ronaldo and David Beckham who are admired for their hair looks sporting combover styles.

The combover has become a timeless style thanks to its versatility and the range of ways it can be worn – from sleek and polished to textured and effortless. Its adaptability to different face shapes and hair textures has also made it a favoured choice for men looking to change up their hairstyle alongside the ability to combine the style with modern techniques including fades and undercuts.

Key Considerations for a Combover

Hair Type

The combover can be tailored to suit straight, wavy, and curly hair textures. For those with fine hair, they may want to use a texturising product like a texturising spray or mousse to add further volume before working a pomade, paste or clay into their hair to maintain the shape.

For those with thick hair, they may want a hairdryer before applying product into their hair to help direct the hair in the correct position and keep it in place.

For those with wavy and curly hair types, to enhance their natural texture they should use a curl defining cream alongside their fingers or a wide tooth comb to accentuate their curls and guide their hair to the opposite side.

When visiting a Rush salon for your combover haircut, our Rush Stylists will take into consideration your hair length and texture to provide you with the perfect combover cut to suit you and to compliment your natural hair growth and density. We will also discuss the option to add in a fade or undercut to your combover style should you be looking to provide your combover with a contemporary finish.

Face Shape

Choosing the right parting or fade style for your face shape is important to compliment your overall appearance. Those with round face shapes should opt for high fades which add height and create the appearance of an elongated face shape. Low to mid fades work well for those with square face shapes and soften the jawline whereas side parts are a good option for those with diamond fades creating a more balanced appearance by adding width at the forehead. Oval faces are versatile and suit a variety of different styles, however, a middle part is a good option to enhance the symmetry of this face shape.

Lifestyle and Maintenance

When choosing the right combover style for you, alongside face shape and hair type, you should also consider your lifestyle and the maintenance your chosen combover style will require. If you have a busy schedule, you may want to opt for a lower maintenance style that requires less styling, whereas if you enjoy styling your hair and have more time on your hands to do this, you may be more inclined to opt for a combover style that looks its best when paired with more extensive styling.

Shorter combover styles that do not have much length on top will require less styling and be a lower maintenance option, whereas longer in length combovers will require styling with the help of a hairdryer and styling products to help the length keep its shape.

If you incorporate a skin fade or taper fade into your combover style, this looks its best when worn clean and sharp, therefore regular upkeep by visiting the salon every 2-4 weeks is important.

Personalisation

At Rush, it’s of prime importance to us that when we create the perfect hair cut to suit you – your face shape, hair type and lifestyle preferences.

Via an in-depth consultation before your haircut appointment, our stylists will have a thorough chat with you, analyse your hair and help you to find the perfect part, length and fade combination.

Top 17 Combover Styles

1. Comb Over With High Fade

This modern variation of the classic combover combines longer length on top with a high fade on the sides and back cut very short to create a sharp contrast. Celebrities who have experimented with this look include Cristiano Ronaldo and Justin Timberlake.

Suitable Hair Types: A very versatile hair style that particularly works well for those with thick, coarse, and wavy hair. For those with thinning hair this is also a good option, as the high fade helps to create the illusion of thicker hair at the top.

Styling Tips: Start with damp hair and blow-dry following in the direction you want to comb your hair before using a styling product such as a clay for a matte look or a pomade with shine for a sleek look, working this in your palms before distributing through your hair.

2. Classic Comb Over

The classic comb over combines longer hair on top that’s swept to one side creating the illusion of fuller hair. This has been seen on celebrities including George Clooney and Brad Pitt.

Suitable Hair Types: This is particularly great for those with medium-longer length hair, as it requires more hair on top to create a more dramatic appearance.

Styling Tips: Start by creating a deep side parting with a comb before applying your chosen hair product.

3. Comb Over With Low Fade

A comb over with low fade features longer hair on top which has a neat transition to lower length sides. Zayn Malik is a celebrity who has previously sported this contemporary style.

Suitable Hair Types: This is a great option for all hair lengths, particularly those with short-medium lengths. It’s also particularly great for those with straight and wavy hairstyles.

Styling Tips: This hairstyle partners well with a sleek finish. A gel, mousse or styling cream are hair products that work well to achieve this look.

4. Comb Over With Medium Fade

A combover with medium fade is where the hair is combed over to one side with longer hair on top and sides that are medium in length and neither too long nor too short. Michael B Jordan is a celebrity who has paired this look with his afro.

Suitable Hair Types: Great for all hair types, including afro and textured hair.

Styling Tips: This look works well with a textured top – use a volumising mousse, powder, or matte styling paste to help achieve a messy texture, using your fingers to apply.

5. Comb Over Taper Fade

A comb over taper fade combines a classic combover side, a gradual fade at the sides and back transitioning from longer length hair to shorter, even skin, towards the neckline. This style has been seen on several celebrities including Zac Efron and the Jonas Brothers.

Suitable Hair Types: Suitable for various hair types but particularly great for those with straight or fine hair.

Styling Tips: Mist some texturising spray at the roots before blow-drying to give the hair added volume and texture before combing into place and applying a clay, paste or pomade to provide the look with hold.

6. Comb Over With Natural Hair

The comb over with natural hair combines the combover style with your natural hair type – whether it be wavy or curly. Harry styles has previously sported a combover enhancing his natural wavy hair type.

Suitable Hair Types: Great for those with wavy or curly hair that want to embrace their natural hair texture.

Styling Tips: Use a curl cream or texturising spray to enhance your natural style.

7. Comb Over With Long Hair

A combover with long hair is a combover for those who have longer length hair and that has not been shortened at the back or sides. Chris Hemsworth and Jason Mamoa, are two celebrities who have previously worn this look.

Suitable Hair Types: A great option for those with long, thick hair.

Styling Tips: Blow-drying before using a styling product is key for longer length hair to help direct the hair and help it retain its shape.

8. Comb Over With Hard Part

A comb over with a hard part combines the classic comb over with a shaved or carved in part line. Seen on celebrities including Cristiano Ronaldo and Zac Efron.

Suitable Hair Types: This style suits most hair types but works particularly well on those with thicker, textured hair, for added hold.

Styling Tips: A pomade or gel is an essential product to help hold the comb over in place whilst also defining the separation of the hard part.

9. Comb Over With Textured Hair

A comb over with textured hair is a more relaxed combover style, with a subtle side part that utilises hair’s natural hair texture whilst still holding the combover’s signature shape. Michael B Jordan is a celebrity with textured hair who has embraced this style.

Suitable Hair Types: Textured hair.

Styling Tips: Enhance your natural hair texture with finger-styling and choosing a product such as a cream clay or pomade.

10. Comb Over With Line Up

A comb over with line-up features the classic comb over where it is longer on the top and swept to one side with a line up – a sharp, clean edge that’s created by the hair being shaved along the hairline. David Beckham and Cristiano Ronaldo have sported variations of this hairstyle.

Suitable Hair Types: Great for various hair types but a particularly good choice for those with straight hair to provide the look with a more defined finish.

Styling Tips: Style smooth and sleek to enhance the lines and precision within this look.

11. Comb Over Mullet

The comb over mullet combines a mullet with a combover and skin fade techniques for a trendy, contemporary hair look. Brad Pitt and Patrick Swayze have previously worn variations of this style.

Suitable Hair Types: Great for those with medium-long hair. The mullet is also a great style for those with thinner hair that want to add more volume and body.

Styling Tips: This style looks great when worn more laidback and effortless. A texturising spray such as a salt spray is a beneficial product to use to enhance hair texture.

12. Slick Comb Over

The slick comb over combines a comb over with a super slick, polished appearance and has been seen on celebrities including Callum Best and Leonardo Di Caprio.

Suitable Hair Types: Suitable for all hair types but particularly beneficial for those with medium-longer length hair.

Styling Tips: Product is key for achieving high shine with this look. Ensure you choose a product like a pomade, wax or clay with shine and work this into your hair with a comb for maximum sleekness.

13. Quiff Comb Over

The quiff comb over combines elements of both the comb over and a quiff. The sides and back are kept short, whereas the top of the hair is left longer and styled upwards and back to create a quiff. This is a signature style for celebrity Zayn Malik.

Suitable Hair Types: Best for those with longer and thicker hair types to help achieve maximum impact with the quiff.

Styling Tips: A quiff requires volume and height, so ensure you use a hairdryer and round brush to help create your quiff style alongside a volumising product such as a volume mousse or volume powder.

14. Comb Down

A comb down involves hair being combed and styled to lie flat against the head. Seen on celebrities such as Henry Cavill this is a hairstyle that has been known for disguising receding hairlines.

Suitable Hair Types: Those with finer hair types.

Styling Tips: Avoid applying too much styling product to avoid weighing down hair!

15. Comb Over Undercut

The comb over undercut combines a comb over with an under cut whereby the sides and back are cut significantly shorter than the top of the hair and are often cut into a buzz cut length or faded. This creates a disconnection between the top and sides. Adam Levine and Justin Timberlake are just a couple of celebrities who have experimented with this look.

Suitable Hair Types: A good option for those with fine hair, where the super short sides and length on top creates the illusion of fullness.

Styling Tips: Run products such as a pomade through your hair with a comb to provide even distribution.

16. Mid Fade Comb Over with Long Bangs

The mid fade comb over with long bangs features a comb over on top, mid-fade on the sides and back and bangs at the front of the forehead. This style has been seen on celebrities including Ryan Gosling and Chris Hemsworth.

Suitable Hair Types: A good option for those who have longer hair to help achieve the long bangs and longer length hair on top.

Styling Tips: This style allows for versatile styling; however, a texture spray is a great product to achieve a messier, relaxed finish.

17. Crop Short Comb Over

A crop short comb over combines elements of the French Crop hairstyle with short hair on the top and sides with the classic combover that is combed to one side. A couple of celebrities who have sported elements of this look include Timothee Chalamet and Zayn Malik.

Suitable Hair Types: A versatile style that works on all hair types.

Styling Tips: This looks great with a textured finish. Use a sea salt spray in damp hair and scrunch whilst blow-drying to give hair an effortless finish.

What Should I Ask My Barber For?

When visiting the salon for a combover, it’s a good idea to bring photos to show the exact combover style you want. Come with an idea of your preferred part location, fade height and how much length you would like to keep on top, however, our stylists will discuss this with you more thoroughly to create a bespoke look for you, considering your hair texture and face shape. Be sure to also ask your stylist for styling tips and product recommendations to maintain the look between visits!

Styling Your Combover

There are many ways you can style your combover as it’s a very versatile look that works for different hair textures and lengths. If you would like a polished finish, lightweight pomades or creams are a great option to use alongside using a comb to give the hair a neat and tidy appearance. For texture and volume, matte clays or sea salt sprays are a good choice and will add definition, texture, and grit to the style. For curly and wavy hair types, they should use curl creams or mousses to help define their natural hair texture whilst maintaining the styles shape. Incorporating volume or a parting into your combover can personalise the style and make it more flattering or your face shape. At Rush, our stylists are happy to provide tailored styling advice and product recommendations during your appointment.

Tips for Maintaining a Combover

Regular Trims

To maintain a clean fade and part definition, trim every 2-4 weeks as essential. Always ensure your next few trims in advance to keep your style looking its best without losing its shape and sharpness, whilst being easy to style.

Hair Care Routine

A sulphate-free shampoo and lightweight conditioner should be added into your hair care routine to preserve your hair’s natural moisture and reduce frizz whilst soothing your scalp.

Leave-in conditioners are also a great option for frizz and will provide hair with enhanced moisture, shine, and make the hair more manageable before using styling products for added control. Pomades, waxes, and clays are great for delivering control whilst also giving hair a smooth and shiny appearance.

Keeping Your Style Fresh

You should avoid cutting your combover yourself at home and should make sure to book in for regular appointments at the salon to keep your combover style looking fresh. However, at home maintenance can help to keep your style looking its best between appointments. Sleeping on a satin pillowcase or using a hair wrap is a great way to reduce frizz and preserve shape. Using regular conditioning treatments, especially for textured hair, is also incredibly important to ensure hair is free from damage and split ends.

Book Your Combover Appointment at Rush

Book your combover appointment at your nearest Rush salon today by visiting www.rush.co.uk. Using the code SUMMER you can also receive 50% off Colour when booked with a Cut & Finish.