Ducktail Haircut
The ducktail haircut is one of the most iconic hairstyles ever associated with the 1950s “GREASER” look.
From James Dean and John Travolta to today’s modern styles, this classic look can be seen all over pop culture – but it takes some skill to recreate it at home.
With 29 different ways to rock a classic ducktail haircut, you’ll never grow bored of this trend-defining style.
Whether subtle or daringly bold – there’s something for everyone regarding swaggering looks.
As an experienced barber, I can assure you there’s nothing like a classic ducktail haircut.
Whether it’s the low-maintenance nature or the sharp and precise edges the style creates – this look has become TIMELESS.
Depending on your hair length, it can take some time to style and cut the hair – but with a little patience, you can achieve this look for yourself.
1. Ducktail Quiff:
Nothing rocks a vintage look like the traditional ducktail quiff. The sides are cut short in this style, while the back and front are left with medium-length hair.
Besides, the style appears ideal with an undercut at the sides and a few streaks of wax added to the front for a shining, slick look.
After-cut, you can maintain easily with appropriate gel/wax.
2. Jelly Roll Ducktail:
This unique style combines vintage elements with modern details.
It features a traditional ducktail quiff on the front, while the sides are cut shorter and left more natural.
The back is then cut into a curved and spiked-up design.
For this look, you’ll need to add light wax orto keep it in place.
3. Long Duck Tail Haircut:
If you have longer hair, try the long ducktail haircut. This style is perfect for boys ready to show off their long locks while still having a polished and modern look.
The sides are cut short and left natural with a few medium-length layers. The back is then styled into a ducktail shape and slightly elevated for an edgy look.
4. Ducktail Haircut Front:
For a sharp and polished finish, opt for the ducktail haircut front. This style features a side undercut with medium-length hair left on top.
It’s then styled into an upscale quiff in the front, while the back is kept short and natural .
5. Ducktail Black Man Hairstyle:
The ducktail black man hairstyle is perfect for a unique and trendy look.
In this style, the top of your hair is cut with medium-length layers and styled into an elevated quiff at the front.
The sides are then undercut to keep them tidy. For best results, finish with a light-hold product to keep the quiff together and maintain the look .
6. Ducktail Haircut Mullet:
Bringing together two trendy styles, the ducktail haircut mullet is perfect for those who want to show off their cool and edgy side.
This style is all about contrast, with the sides kept short and natural while the back and front are given a full makeover.
Use light-hold-products for that sleek finish and turn your traditional look into an eye-catching style.
7. High Pompadour Ducktail:
You can’t go wrong with the timeless high pompadour ducktail. In this style, the sides are undercut short, while the back and front are given a voluminous lift.
Add some wax or gel to your hair for Shine and texture to amplify this look even more.
With a few tweaks here and there, you’ll be ready to rock this look with perfection .
8. Asymmetrical Boogie Ducktail:
Try the asymmetrical boogie ducktail for an interesting twist on the classic ducktail.
This style features a QUIFF in the front, and at the back is cut into an angled and curved shape.
To add a modern touch, you can undercut the sides and add wax or gel for a shining finish.
9. Upwards Ducktail Haircut:
Try the upwards ducktail haircut with modern elements if you’re looking for a timeless ducktail haircut.
In this style, the top is cut into medium-length layers and styled upwards at the front.
As for the sides, they are undercut and left natural . To finish off, use a light-hold product to keep it in place all day.
10. Simple Ducktail:
For an effortless yet stylish look, opt for the simple ducktail.
This style is perfect for those who want to add a modern touch to their classic look.
It features an undercut at the sides and medium-length hair at the top, styled into a quiff in the front .
11. Reverse Ducktail:
For a fresh and modern look, try the reverse ducktail.
This style features an undercut at the sides with medium-length layers on top that are swept upwards at the front and reversed into a ducktail shape in the back.
To maintain the look, you regularly set the style with light-hold products to keep it in place.
12. Elephant Trunk Ducktail:
The elephant trunk ducktail is a unique and modern way to wear the classic ducktail hairstyle.
What makes the style unique, it features an undercut at the sides with medium-length layers on top, styled into a forward quiff.
The back is cut into an elephant trunk shape to finish the look. Meanwhile, you can maintain it easily using a light-hold product.
13. Deconstructed Ducktail:
The deconstructed ducktail is perfect if you’re looking for a unique and edgy hairstyle.
Like another ducktail, the barber does an undercut at the sides with medium-length layers on top.
The back is then cut into a deconstructed ducktail shape to give it an interesting and modern look .
14. Stranded Ducktail:
For a look that stands out, try the stranded ducktail hairstyle.
This style is all about contrast, with the sides kept short and natural while the back and front are given a full makeover.
The barber creates an undercut at the sides with medium-length layers on top to achieve this look.
The back is then cut into a stranded ducktail shape to finish the look.
15. Pronounced Full Ducktail:
I recommend the pronounced full ducktail for those looking for a more bold and edgy look.
This style features an undercut at the sides with medium-length layers on top styled into a quiff in the front and a full ducktail shape in the back.
To keep your hair neat and tidy, using light-hold wax or gel .
16. Horizontal Ducktail:
On most occasions, I suggest that my clients go for the horizontal ducktail if they want a classic yet stylish look.
It features an undercut at the sides with medium-length layers swept upwards in the front and horizontally at the back, creating a unique silhouette.
Regular styling and application of condition products keeps the style long lasting.
17. Top to Bottom Ducktail:
The top-to-bottom ducktail is for you if you fancy a bold, statement look. This style features an undercut at the sides with medium-length layers on top that are swept upwards in the front and tapered at the back.
18. Chevron Shape Ducktail:
The chevron shape ducktail is the way for a classic, timeless look.
This style features an undercut at the sides with medium-length layers on top that are swept upwards in the front and tapered into a chevron shape in the back.
To ensure your hair stays neat all day, use the light-hold product, pull back the sides, and you’re all set.
19. Extreme Style Ducktail:
Never afraid to stand out? Then the extreme style ducktail is for you. Meanwhile, this style features an undercut at the sides with super long layers on top that are swept upwards in the front and tapered into a ducktail shape in the back.
To maintain it, you’ll need a medium-hold product to keep it in place all day long.
20. Slick It Back:
The slick it-back is a classic style that has been around for decades. You’ll need medium-length layers on top and an undercut at the sides to achieve this look.
The front is swept upwards and back, creating a smooth, sleek finish. What makes the style unique is that it makes you feel like a classic greaser.
21. Harmony Ducktail:
This classic style is perfect for guys seeking a polished and timeless look.
To rock this look, the barber will create an angular or oval-shaped back so that the sides’ angles harmoniously blend with the top.
Finally, keep it neat with some light-hold products.
22. Tony Curtis Ducktail:
Today, the Tony Curtis ducktail is still a popular style. The style is achieved with an undercut and medium-length layers in the front.
They are then swept back and styled into a ducktail shape at the back, creating a masculine and defined look. Thanks to its versatility, you can style it any way you want.
23. Flat Top Boogie:
The flat-top boogie is the way to go for a more modern look.
Guys appreciate this style because it has a classic yet edgy feel. A barber creatively creates this look with an undercut at the sides and a flat top at the front.
The back is then cut into a ducktail shape to finish the look. With a good gel, you’ll have a neat style.
24. Side Part Boogie:
Sometimes guys want a style with more of an edge to it. Well, the side-part boogie is the right choice for them.
Designing this style requires an undercut at the sides with medium-length layers on top that are swept over to one side.
The back is then cut into a ducktail shape and styled with a light-hold gel.
25. Fine Hair Ducktail:
Having fine hair doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the classic ducktail look.
First, your barber will create an undercut with layers on top that are swept back and styled in a ducktail shape at the back to achieve this hairstyle.
Since it is designed for those with thin hair, it won’t look bulky or too voluminous.
26. Light Classic Ducktail:
The light classic ducktail works fine and looks clean. It is simple and comprises of an undercut with medium-length layers swept back into a ducktail shape.
To ensure your style looks neat and fresh all day, use the light-hold product to keep it in place.
27. Undercut Ducktail Hairstyle:
The undercut ducktail is a great way to compliment your face and add texture.
This style is created with an undercut and medium-length layers in the front that are swept back.
The back is then trimmed into a ducktail while maintaining length at the sides. To ensure you look your best, apply a recommended waxing product.
28. Styling Voluminous Ducktail:
Getting the voluminous ducktail is easy and simple.
No undercut, the sides are trimmed, and the top is left medium-length. The front is swept back and styled into a ducktail shape at the back.
You can be styled anytime by pulling some hair forward and spiking it with a good wax/gel product.
29. Soft Styling Ducktail:
A soft-styling ducktail is a great option for guys who love to have their hair down. The barber cuts the sides and back while leaving the top medium-length.
The front is swept back into a ducktail shape without creating too much volume. You-can style at least twice a week or more, depending on how sharp you intend to look.
Conclusion:
From choppy layered looks to soft and longer combed hair, you can adjust the style to reflect your preferences and tailor it to suit any look.
Ultimately, it is all about embracing the swaggering greaser style and confidently representing yourself.
You will surely look on-trend with a modernized version of this vintage classic.
So why not embrace the fashion of yesteryear with a timeless cut full of nostalgia – bringing back those edgy vibes of men’s fashion that was once only seen in biker gangs?
Wear the look loud and proud; it’s trendy for a reason!
FAQs:
Q. How Do You Do A Ducktail Hairstyle?
A. To achieve the ducktail hairstyle, start by having your barber create an undercut at the sides and leave medium-length layers on top.
The front is then swept back into a ducktail while maintaining length at the sides. A good wax product should ensure this style looks neat and sharp all day.
Q. Who Invented The Ducktail Haircut?
A. Philadelphia barber Joe Cirello invented the ducktail hairstyle in the 1940s.
He pioneered men’s grooming and the greaser look, popularizing the ducktail hairstyle among his clients and other local barbershops.
Cirello influence is still seen today and loved by all types of people. It is a classic look that has stood the test of time and remains as popular now as it was in its heyday.
References
Once popular in the 50s, the ducktail hairstyle is back and better than ever with a plethora of fun, modern variations to spice up your look. source
The ducktail is a men’s haircut style popular during the 1950s. It is also called the duck’s tail, duck’s ass, duck’s arse, or simply D.A. source
Khamis Maiouf is a professional barber who graduated from Hinckley College in England with a degree in hairdressing. He has also won several barbering contests and successfully operated a barbershop for the last two decades. As a skilled hair stylist for 20 years, his goal is to teach others how to achieve a beautiful appearance through their hairstyles.
