The comb over, a charming classic men's haircut, is a stylish and versatile choice that symbolizes elegance, sophistication and traditional style, making it a popular look for contemporary gentlemen. The modern variation often features a short taper or fade on the sides and back for a seamless transition in the longer hair on top, creating a low-maintenance, flattering style suitable for any occasion.

These timeless comb over haircuts are easy to wear and effortlessly classy, whether you're a business professional seeking an attractive look for work or a college student needing a cool, casual vibe for school. By design, combing your hair smoothly over to one side offers a clean, sleek finish while showing off your volume and texture.

Popular Comb Over Haircut Ideas

Low Fade Comb Over

A low fade comb over is a refined and versatile cut suitable for casual and formal events. The hair flows up and over from a deep part thanks to expert layering, resulting in ample volume. Add matte wax or pomade for a touch of texture, or opt for a styling gel to create a slicked-over shine. The style is excellent for elongating and framing a round or square face when paired with a full beard.

Mid Fade Comb Over

A mid fade comb over is a modern men's haircut that combines short, fresh sides with classic swept styling, offering a sophisticated look. The hair flows upward and off to the side in the front, resulting in ample height. Applying styling gel or a shiny wax to damp hair before styling results in classic comb lines that give this cut its gentlemanly appeal. A clean-shaven face amplifies the militant approach, but a touch of stubble or a short beard adds ruggedness.

Short Comb Over

A short comb over is a effortlessly stylish, popular haircut for those wanting a low-maintenance, classy look that's wearable anywhere. The texture along the top looks sharp next to the short sides and back, and the crisp edges at the forehead and temples add polish. Wear the cut with a stubbly beard for some added masculinity, and consider a few face-framing highlights to enhance the texture and shine.

Drop Fade Comb Over

A drop fade comb over offers an edgy approach combining striking dimension with bold contrast to create a charming men's hairstyle. The longer hair on top is brushed over to show off volume while the deep side part adds an element of neatness for a more sophisticated, professional look. The drop fade along the sides and back subdues the transition between lengths, leading to a dashing and fashionable appearance overall.

High Fade Comb Over

A high fade comb over is a trendy haircut that features powerful contrast with short, blended sides and thick texture on top, creating a sharp, ruggedly attractive appearance. This variation comes with a deep side part for a daring, expressive finish. Longer hair at the front gradually becomes shorter toward the back, where a razor fade abruptly transitions to skin. A matte pomade and comb are essential for creating chic, head-turning waves.

Comb Over Taper

A comb over taper is a cultured, elegant haircut style that works for any setting, from the corporate office to clubs and wedding parties. The deep, carefully hidden side part adds a hint of boyish charm. Pairing the voluminous hair on top with a taper at the sides leads to a gradual shift between lengths. The style can elongate a round or square face, especially with a beard.

Long Hair Comb Over

A long comb over is a versatile, classy men's hairstyle that will draw attention to your natural volume and flow for a full, but casual appearance. The fringe is left loose and texturized with a sea salt spray or light wax to give the strands definition and hold. Prevent the locks from falling flat by applying heat around the front and gently lifting the hair upward and to the side with a round brush. Scissor-cut and lightly taper the sides to give your style effortless structure.

Spiky Comb Over

A spiky comb over is a dynamic, rebellious look that pairs a dramatic, textured top with a classic gentleman's side sweep. Spiking the hair with styling wax provides a dynamic, youthful feel with flow and modern allure. Style the mussed spikes with short, tapered sides for a high-contrast, smooth finish.

Hard Part Comb Over Fade

Styling a hard part with a comb over fade creates a sharp, defined look with its clean lines and striking structure. The hard part splits the hair into distinctive sections, pulling the eye toward the voluminous, lifted top. A mid or low fade brings subtle dimension to the cut without distracting from the sleek comb over, but feel free to ask your barber for a high fade if you favor a more dramatic appearance.

Modern Comb Over Fade

A modern comb over fade strikes the perfect balance between refined and fashion-forward with short, sharp blended sides. A cutthroat hard part brings a defined edge to the style that naturally complements the textured comb lines that characterize the top. Ask your barber to use a zero-guard around the ears and nape for an edgy, skin-faded finish. Throw in a gradient beard to elongate the face and create the illusion of sharpness around the jaw and chin that radiates masculine charm.

Textured Comb Over

The textured comb over adds a contemporary twist to a timeless cut, incorporating layers to create a look packed with depth and dimension. Keep the sides lightly tapered and scissor-cut for a seamless transition, and ask your barber for subtle, point-cutting to retain natural movement through the top. A rugged stubble beard pulls the look together, offering a manly touch to this low-maintenance style.

Edgy Comb Over with Razor Fade

Making a comb over look edgy is easy with a razor fade, creating striking contrast and dimension for a standout look. The shaved fade involves using a zero-guard or straight razor to seamlessly blend the sides to the skin, exposing the scalp to make a bold statement. Styling the extreme fade with a high-volume comb over offers a softer look across the top that balances the severe sides and clean-shaven jawline.

Hard Side Part Comb Over

A hard side part comb over is a sharp, classic style that will take you back, exuding your inner gentleman. The part will grow out quickly, but you can visit the barber regularly to have it redefined with unguarded clippers. A pomade and fine-toothed comb should keep the style looking tidy, but a strong gel is an excellent alternative for high-profile events that require a tighter finish.

Comb Over Undercut

A comb over undercut is an excellent style to sport on longer, straight hair as it offers dramatic contrast that frames the face and accentuates the jawline without falling flat. The significantly shorter sides pull focus to the loose, side-swept top that's artfully pulled across the head and secured with a medium-hold styling product. Work a hard part into the scalp to dial up the definition and grow a thick, pointed beard to balance texture through the bulk.

Short Textured Comb Over Fade

A short, textured comb over is a versatile look that pairs well with a stylish fade, allowing you to switch up your locks to suit formal and casual events. Slick the hair to the side with a hard gel or strong-hold pomade, or loosen up your aesthetic with a casual, tousled style that relies on a wide-toothed comb. For a relaxed approach, gently work product around the fringe and push your hair to the side with the fingers to avoid looking over-styled.

Burst Fade Comb Over

A burst fade comb over is characterized by a sharp, blended cut that transitions around the head and down the back, creating a cool, dramatic finish. In this example, the thick, longer hair on top features a hard part for definition, while the dynamic burst fade adds striking contrast and visual appeal. Ask your barber to add a line up to your style and set it with holding spray for a smooth, meticulous finish that tightens up the contours of the forehead.

Loose Comb Over Fade with Hard Part

A loose comb over fade gets contemporary flair from a sharp hard part, offering a relaxed but balanced style for the modern gent. Lightly move the hair to one side using a wide-toothed comb, or use your fingers for a less structured feel. Create a slight curve toward the forehead to give wavy hair more texture, shave a hard part into the scalp with clippers and define the sides with a dramatic drop fade and classic scissor-cutting.

Professional Comb Over with Full Beard

A comb over with a full beard can be an excellent choice for professional men seeking a neat style appropriate for the office. The shorter length makes the cut easy to maintain, and you can keep the locks in place with a hard gel for a sleek, sophisticated finish. A full beard brings masculinity and maturity to the look, offering a rugged balance for when you hit the bar after hours.

Classic Comb Over with Low Taper Fade and Beard

A classic comb over is an attractive cut that gets an injection of modern flair from a sophisticated low taper fade and beard. The blended sides depart from more typical scissor-cut sides, allowing you to experiment with a slightly textured and voluminous top for a charming aesthetic. Wear the hair slicked over with a matte pomade, or go rogue by tousling the locks at the weekend for a relaxed, refreshing style.

High and Tight Comb Over

The high and tight comb over is a military take on this classic cut. It uses a shaved back and sides to give you a cool, edgy and comfortable look. Cut the hair shorter to let the dramatic shave take center stage, and neatly slick the hair to one side using a pomade or wax for a clean-cut appearance. Make the cut slightly less severe by subtly blending the top into the sides.

Side Part Comb Over with Skin Fade

A side part comb over with a skin fade is an excellent choice for modern men who want to express their unique personality with a sleek, blended style. Volumize with heat and cool air to achieve natural lift and ask your barber for a stylish edge up to introduce structure around the forehead. Regular maintenance is necessary, as the average skin fade lasts only two weeks before turning into stubble that desperately needs a trim.

Low Fade Comb Over with Beard

A low fade comb over with a beard lets guys showcase naturally thick locks with a subtle, tapered look that offers light dimension around the back and sides. Add texture through the top with high-shine styling products and opt for a shaved appearance around the ears for a hint of drama. Pair the sides with a disconnected beard and throw in distinct lines around the edges of the jaw to neaten the overall look.

Temp Fade Comb Over

The temp fade brings a fresh edge to any comb over, offering fashionable, tapered sides that you can use to draw attention to stylish, shaved sideburns. Using a matte pomade keeps the hair locked in place, and you can throw in a slim hard part or a sharp line up to create visual interest around the scalp. Adding a trimmed beard with clean cheeks increases the angular feel of the style for the ultimate, manly look that hides a multitude of sins as you age.

Slick Comb Over with Undercut Fade

A slick comb over sits tight against the scalp and gets a clean-cut but edgy vibe from an undercut fade. This variation tends to be on the shorter side, and the differences in length between the top and sides can be highlighted with a daring hard part. The dramatic, disconnected appearance emphasizes the side-swept style for a surprisingly cohesive finish that'll turn heads at any club.

Very Short Comb Over

A very short comb over is a simple haircut style for men seeking functionality and rugged handsomeness. This version will keep barber appointments to a minimum. The shorter cut effortlessly hides thinning hair while covering bald patches, making it an excellent pick for men entering their golden years.

Messy Comb Over Fade

A messy comb over fade highlights natural curls and waves while taming them into submission with a distinctive side part. The disheveled top brings extra volume across the top without straying into bedhead territory, and you can easily define curlier locks with a styling cream for extra oomph. Expertly faded sides are all you need to create striking visual interest and balance across the head.

Hard Comb Over with Low Skin Fade

A hard comb over with a low skin fade is classy and youthful with some contemporary edge, making it a popular option for younger guys. This example infuses lift into the front, creating a style similar to a pompadour for a vintage feel. The perfectly straight shaved hard part adds refinement and polish. An edge up at the temple and some light stubble along the lower jaw round out the look. To achieve the texture and finish, use a classic hair wax and a standard comb to move the hair up and over from the part.

Wet-Look Comb Over Fade

A wet-look comb over fade features vintage elements from the 1950s alongside more contemporary style aspects. The deep, glossy shine and comb lines along the side mesh well with the thick waves at the front and short sides. A short, patchy beard lends rugged masculinity, especially for men with prominent facial features such as thick brows or a defined jawline.

Handsome Low Fade Comb Over with Side Swept Fringe

A handsome low fade comb over with an elegant side swept fringe takes a multidirectional approach to a classic textured style. The hair in front moves up and back, but the hair at the side flows perpendicular to the part, creating a handsome but unique finish. A standard comb and a generous amount of mousse can create a dapper texture on top, and a short beard complements the razor fade at the sides and back.

Wavy Comb Over

A wavy comb over is a retro look with a glossy shine and fun texture. A shiny mass of waves complements the hard side part, dividing the top section of hair from the razor fade at the sides. Use a generous amount of styling gel on wet hair and allow it to air dry to achieve a lustrous finish. Facial hair is optional, but a short mustache adds to the classic vibe.

Blonde Comb Over

A blonde comb over proves that even iconic styles can suit a beachy lifestyle. Long blonde hair flows effortlessly back and to the side from a hidden side part, and a taper at the sides and back creates the illusion of lift and body. Thin platinum highlights and chocolate lowlights scatter through the golden tresses, amplifying the texture and adding a sun-kissed glow.

Sophisticated Medium Comb Over

A sophisticated medium comb over is a youthful and attractive Ivy League look for professionals and formal events. The hair moves to either side of a hard part, and a brushed-up fringe elongates the face. A scissor-cut taper eases the transition to shorter lengths at the sides and back, and the sideburns are gallant and classy against a clean-shaven face.

Tousled Comb Over with Low Taper Fade

A tousled comb over with a low taper fade balances masculine facial features with its unique structure and style. The hair at the front and center of the head stands tall, complementing a sharp chin covered with a full beard. The tapered sides and back add texture and enhance the volume on top. The cut is ideal for mature men and looks phenomenal with salt-and-pepper hair.

Modern Comb Over Taper with Hard Part

A modern comb over taper with a hard part features stick-straight tresses that move perpendicularly to a razor-thin part line. Brushing or combing the layered front section of hair slightly backward adds lift and volume, accentuated by the shorter sides. The cut works exceptionally well for men with high foreheads or receding hairlines but suits any face shape.

Modern Long Comb Over with Buzzed Undercut

A long comb over with a buzzed undercut is a modern, edgy and expressive style for fashion-forward individuals seeking to balance preppy and punk. The extra length and tousled texture created using sea salt spray amplifies this beachy, breezy look. Enhance the style by adding thin, golden highlights throughout brunette hair or platinum highlights in blonde hair.

Comb Over Fade with Beard

A comb over fade with a beard is a conservative, balanced cut that makes the most of blending and razor techniques. A hard side part stands out against the dark hair, sweeping slightly forward and off to the side. The razor fade extends down into the facial hair, gradually transforming into a thicker blended beard along the lower jaw and chin. A clean line up adds a polished finish that pulls the look together.

Choppy Comb Over with Taper Fade

A choppy comb over with a taper fade uses a smattering of blunt layers to create a tall, spiky style. Longer hair in the front stands upward before falling off to the sides, stacked for height and volume. A short but full beard helps to avoid an excessive elongating effect and adds an air of approachability. Styling gel or mousse can amplify the volume at the root and lock the look in place.

Curly Comb Over Fade

A curly comb over fade embraces the natural texture of tight ringlets by fashioning them into a short, snazzy style. The cut is trendy among athletes with curls but suits various hair types. The hair on top moves perpendicular to a hard diagonal part, where it gradually transforms into handsome coils. An angular edge at the forehead adds sharp contrast and a patchy beard completes the look.

Classic Hard Part Comb Over

A classic hard part comb over is a versatile, polished cut suitable for most casual or formal events. A deep side part divides the length along the top of the head from the buzzed sides for visual contrast. The shine of pomade or styling gel illuminates the texture of the waves and body in the front, and a clean-shaven face adds an element of youthful, boyish charm.

Comb Over Fade with Line Up

A comb over fade with a line up is all about contemporary swagger, with its pomp-like structure in front. A long fringe flows straight up, back, and off to the side, away from the thin, hard part that distinguishes the two separate hair lengths. The short, full beard and expert line up create an attractive and tasteful style for any occasion.

Diagonal Comb Over

A diagonal comb over relies on an extra-deep hard part and subtle drop fade for its unique shape. The hair sits close to the head with minimal volume, making it ideal for guys with fine, thin hair or a receding hairline. Sweeping the hair back and over adds visual interest and a patchy beard that extends down the neck offers the illusion of fullness.

Thick and Textured Comb Over Fade

A thick and textured comb over fade borrows elements from the iconic crew cut and brush up to craft a handsome and fashionable style. The hair flows from an invisible part to the side, and the front section moves up and over for a balanced, even profile. A hint of matte pomade applied with the fingertips accentuates the texture, but styling gel produces a shiny, wet appearance.

Side Part Comb Over Fade with Beard

A side part comb over fade with a beard relies on numerous layers to give fine, limp hair additional lift. The layers underneath are shorter than those on top, allowing them to stack for a sophisticated, chic finish. The rugged beard is well-groomed and conditioned, and its dark color contrasts sharply with mousy-brown hair. An angular line up along the hairline pairs well with the curved edges at the cheek.

Center Parted Comb Over Fade with Groomed Beard

A center parted comb over fade with a groomed beard utilizes clean lines and curves to accentuate sharp masculine features. The front of the hair forms a long swoop, then gradually gets shorter as it moves toward the crown. The position of the fade creates a squared-off shape at the back of the head, which stands out next to the neat, round edges of the beard.

Sleek Comb Over with Low Bald Fade

A sleek comb over with a low bald fade takes a unique and bold approach to a timeless classic. Only the fringe moves perpendicular to the shaved part, while the rest of the hair flows forward and slightly over. The result is a glamorous yet edgy and attractive side profile. An almost imperceptible drop in the fade subdues the transition from long to short, and a line up along the hairline and temple pulls the look together.

What Is A Comb Over?

The comb over is a timeless men's hairstyle that involves brushing all the hair to one side, creating a smooth, swept style on top. It is a stylish and popular haircut that has been around for centuries and can be textured or sleek to suit the occasion, making it a versatile choice for guys wanting a fashionable, refined look.

Many celebrities, from David Beckham and Brad Pitt to Cristiano Ronaldo, style a comb over to complement their outfit with sophistication and glamour. Any modern man with thicker hair can pull off the style with a proper haircut and some pomade.

How To Style A Comb Over

Styling your comb over starts with a good barbershop haircut, your preferred hair product, a wide-tooth comb and some practice.

1. Start with fresh, clean hair after a shower. Let your hair dry completely for a textured finish or apply some styling product to slightly damp hair for a sleek, shiny finish.
2. Use a small amount of pomade, wax or gel and work it through your hair, from back to front. Run your fingers through your roots and the surface to ensure complete coverage.
3. Comb your hair forward and then brush all the volume to the side. If you have a hard part, comb over your hair on top along this shaved line.
4. If necessary, blow dry your hair on light heat while combing the top to maximize hold and texture.