How to Style a Textured Quiff (From Men's Hair Experts)
The quiff has survived since the 1950s (in various forms), and is still one of the most-requested men’s hairstyles in barbershops across the UK and beyond. That’s no luck. That’s because the style solves so many needs all at once: it makes you look sharper, taller, and more put-together.
The 2026 version isn't your dad's slicked-back Elvis tribute. It's matte, it moves, and it looks like it happened naturally. Here's everything you need to know to get it right.
What actually is a textured quiff?
Whilst the quiff has had a plethora of variations over the decades since its first adoption, the core principle has stayed the same: shorter sides, with longer hair on top, styled upward. It's the volume on the front that's the signature feature, preventing a quiff from turning into a fringe.
The textured version takes that and strips away all the stiffness. Instead of a perfectly sculpted wave locked in place with pomade and hairspray, the textured quiff has separation, movement, and a matte finish that looks lived-in rather than laboured over.
How does it differ from a pompadour?
A pompadour sweeps everything up and back in one smooth, unified shape. The textured quiff is more relaxed; it has height at the front but doesn't need to be perfectly combed through. The finish is matte and touchable rather than polished and set.
Why the Textured Quiff Still Dominates in 2026
Men’s hair in 2026 is moving away from anything too polished and sharp, and instead trending towards more natural, lived-in looks. This is where textured quiffs fit perfectly, structured enough to look intentional, relaxed enough not to look like a performance.
How to style a Textured Quiff
Step 1: Start with damp hair.
Towel dry after washing so your hair is damp, not soaking. Don't skip the towel dry; your pre-styling product works on damp hair, not hair that’s dripping wet.
Step 2: Apply your pre-styler.
Spray a couple of sprays of the Dapper Dan Sea Salt Spray onto your hair, and work through the top of your hair evenly. This will maximise the volume and hold, which, with a gravity-defying style, goes a long way to locking in your style for the rest of the day.
Step 3: Blow-dry.
This is the step most guys rush, and shouldn't. Tip your head slightly forward, direct the airflow upward, and use your fingers (not a brush) to push the hair up and slightly back as you dry. Work from the roots to the ends. This is what creates the height; you're training the hair to sit upward before you touch the finishing product.
Step 4: Apply your finishing product.
This is where you choose based on your hair type:
For thicker hair, choose the Dapper Dan Matt Paste. Spread a small amount between your palms and work it through the top from mid-length to ends. Flexible but firm, the Paste provides the hold needed to keep thick hair lifted all day without any shine, whilst creating next-level definition.
For finer hair, choose the Dapper Dan Texture Dust. Sprinkle a small amount on top of your hair, focusing more product on the front, and work it into your hair with your fingertips. This will immediately deliver grip, which you can use to create texture and shape. The Texture Dust is the choice for finer hair due to its ultralightweight form, which means it won’t weigh down finer hair. Not to mention, its ultra-matte thickening effect is ideal for delivering on the volume you need.
FAQs
How long does my hair need to be to get a textured quiff?
You need at least 2 inches on top to get the basic shape. For a proper medium quiff with real volume, 3 to 4 inches works best. If you're growing out from a short crop, you're probably 6 to 8 weeks away from having enough length to work with.
Can I get a textured quiff if I have a receding hairline?
Yes, a textured quiff is actually one of the more forgiving styles for a receding hairline because the natural styling direction works with the hairline rather than fighting it. Keep the fade lower and avoid directing too much product right at the hairline. Many guys find the forward, slightly tousled finish of a textured quiff is more forgiving than the pushed-back slick styles that expose more of the hairline.
How much product should I use?
Less than you think. The amount of clay or paste for a quiff should be roughly the size of a small coin, maybe slightly more for very thick hair. Too much product weighs the hair down and kills the volume you've built. Start small, add more if you need it.