Elvis Presley is an iconic figure in the music world and his hairstyle was just as iconic. In fact, it is still imitated by many people around the world today. His signature hairstyle was a wet, slicked-back look that was styled with pomade and combed back to create a dramatic look. But what is Elvis’s hairstyle called, and why did it become so popular?
The hairstyle that Elvis Presley wore is called a pompadour. The pompadour hairstyle has been around for centuries, but it gained popularity in the 1950s when it was adopted by rockabilly musicians like Elvis. The hairstyle was named after Madame de Pompadour, the mistress of King Louis XV, who wore her hair in a similar style.
The pompadour hairstyle has a smooth, raised front and short, tapered sides. It is typically styled with pomade or wax to create a shiny, slicked-back look. The hair at the front of the head is combed up and back with a comb, while the sides and back are combed down and tapered. The pompadour can be styled with either a side or center part, depending on the individual’s preference.
Elvis’s signature pompadour was a longer style that required regular maintenance. He would often style his hair with pomade and then comb it back with his fingers to create a messy, yet sleek look. He also had longer sideburns that extended down to his jawline and a curl in the front of his hair that swept to one side.
Elvis’s hairstyle was not only a reflection of his music but also a reflection of the times. The 1950s was a time of social change and rebellion, and Elvis’s pompadour hairstyle was a way for young people to express their individuality and break away from the traditional styles of the past. It quickly became popular among young men and was even banned in some schools for being too “radical.”
Today, the pompadour hairstyle is still popular among men, and there are many variations of it. Some men prefer a shorter, more classic look while others opt for a longer and more dramatic style like Elvis’s. It can be styled with different types of products depending on the desired look, including pomade, gel, and hairspray.
FAQs:
Q: Can anyone wear an Elvis-style pompadour?
A: Yes, anyone can wear a pompadour hairstyle. However, the length and style of the pompadour may need to be adjusted depending on the individual’s hair texture and face shape.
Q: How do I style a pompadour?
A: To style a pompadour, start by applying a pomade or wax to damp hair. Comb the hair at the front of the head up and back, while combing the sides down and tapering them. Use your fingers to create a messy, yet sleek look, and finish with hairspray, if desired.
Q: How often should I maintain a pompadour hairstyle?
A: The length and style of the pompadour will determine how often it needs to be maintained. Longer styles may require more frequent trimming and styling, while shorter styles may only need to be maintained once every few weeks.
Q: Are there any other celebrities who have worn a pompadour hairstyle?
A: Yes, many celebrities have worn a pompadour hairstyle over the years, including James Dean, Johnny Cash, and David Beckham.
Q: Is it necessary to have long hair to wear a pompadour?
A: No, a pompadour can be styled on both short and long hair. However, longer hair may be easier to style and create the dramatic look that is associated with Elvis’s pompadour hairstyle.
In conclusion, Elvis’s iconic hairstyle is known as a pompadour and has been popular for centuries. It gained popularity in the 1950s, thanks to Elvis and other rockabilly musicians, and has remained a popular hairstyle for men ever since. The pompadour can be styled in many different ways and is a versatile hairstyle that can be adapted to suit any face shape and hair type. So, whether you want to rock a classic or a more modern look, a pompadour hairstyle can help you achieve a stylish and timeless look.
