With a pompadour, the volume is focused on the top of the head, with the hair brushed back for a sleek look. On the other hand, a quiff's volume is concentrated just above the forehead using only the front portion of your hair.

How long does your hair need to be for a pompadour?

Pompadour fade requirements

Hair on the top of the head should be long enough to lay flat when combed back, and have a lot of height when blown dry. For most guys, this means at least 4 inches of length.

How do you do a pompadour?

To create gravity-defying volume, blow-dry your hair on medium heat in the opposite way it falls naturally. Then, blow-dry the front of your hair while using a round brush to roll hair backward into the classic, pompadour shape.