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Home · News

Reader Q&A: How Do I Create a Pompadour?

The pompadour is this season's hottest hairstyle, whether your hair is Janet Jackson-short or Beyonce-long. The only issue is figuring out how to create this super-chic, poufed-in-the-front style. Here, we answer a pompadour-challenged reader's most burning hair question, and offer a gallery of sky-high strands for celeb inspiration! QUESTION: "I love the look of a pompadour, but I have no idea how to do the look. I have shoulder length, natural hair. Help!" ANSWER: from a sky-high updo to a more subtle, half-up/half-down style, this look is versatile and flattering on everyone. Check out our gallery of the latest celebs to adapt this bodacious 'do.
By · Updated October 29, 2020
01
Short n Sweet

Recently, Janet Jackson chopped off her signature long locks to rock this cropped, pompadoured look. Her chicness is proof that the poufed-in-the-front style flatters all hair lengths under the sun!

02
Mane Moment

Janelle Monae’s edgy, pompadoured natural is on its way to becoming iconic. To do, simply leave the bang section of your afro out, and then slick the back portion into a tight French twist.

03
Night ‘n’ Day

Zoe Saldana teased the front of her half-up/half-down hairstyle for a sleek, softly feminine look that works for both daytime and evening.

04
In the Heights

Beyonce soars to new heights with this seriously teased, half-up/half-down ‘do. We love that she’s boldly flaunting an inch and a half of dark roots—so cool.

05
Hello Kitty

Pussycat Dolls’ Melody Thornton’s rolled-back bangs recall the wartime looks of 1940’s movie stars like Betty Grable and Joan Crawford. So sleek and unexpected!

06
Big Top

Chrisette Michelle adds some ooh-la-la to her ’do by creating a large roll on top.

07
Au Naturale

To create Jill Scott’s bodacious natural pompadour at home, simply slick hair back into a tight ponytail, leaving out the front portion. Tease at the roots with a rat-tail comb and spritz with light hold spray.

08
Video Vixen

Music video actress Melyssa Ford pairs a dramatic, rolled pompadour with a sleek ponytail. The result? A little bit retro, a lot sexy.

09
Hoop Dreams

Alicia Keys pairs killer hoops with an eye-catching pompadour for a funky-sexy, downtown-chic moment.

10
High Life

Ciara adds serious height to the top of her hair, and sweeps the back into an impossibly long, sexy ponytai. Perfection.

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