Most people have a single, natural “part” (or parting line) that runs from back to front on top of their head, usually to the right or left of center. Your hair naturally wants to fall away from the parting line on both sides. Some people have two parts, on both the left and right sides. Typically, though, one is more pronounced than the other and will be easier to locate and work with.
If your hair tends to stick up in this spot in the back, you probably know it as a cowlick. If your hair has two parting lines, you’ll have two cowlicks in the back as well. Choose the more pronounced one.
Your part will still look a bit jagged at this point. If you’re going for a loose comb over, you’ll want it to keep this less-defined appearance. For a neat comb over, you’ll need to use a comb (after you apply a pomade) to better define the part.
Oil-based pomades usually provide a stronger and longer hold, but water-based pomades are gentler on your hair and much easier to wash out. Pomades of both types also come in a range of holding strengths and sheens (that is, how shiny they’ll make your hair look). For a neat comb over, you’ll typically want to use a pomade with a strong, lasting hold and a glossy sheen that gives your hair a wet look.
If your part still isn’t as sharp and well-defined as you’d like, talk to your barber about styling options. Some people choose to use clippers to cut a wider, sharper parting line into their hair.
Using a comb instead of a brush will reduce the volume of your hair on top and enable the pomade to maintain a firmer hold. This sleeker style tends to look better if you have an oval or square face shape. Consult with your barber or stylist for advice on the best comb over style for you. You can use the clipper over comb technique. Lift the hair to 90 degrees with a flat top comb. Use a clipper with a half guard to cut across the top of the comb.
Adding volume to your neat comb over can be a good choice if you have a diamond shaped face, since it can help balance out your facial features. It’s always a good idea to consult with your barber or stylist, though!
Angle the blow dryer upward towards your hair and work it from front to back through your hair to add volume. You can lift your hair up with a brush or your free hand as you dry it as well. Even though it takes at least as much effort to achieve, you want a loose comb over to look a bit less styled and managed than a neat comb over. Adding some volume with the blow dryer helps to achieve this.
Work the wax into your hands, then massage it through your hair with your fingertips. Use trial-and-error to figure out the ideal amount of hair wax for you. If it doesn’t hold the way you’d like or as long as you want, use a bit more. If it creates too much sheen or hold, use a little less next time.
On the long side of your part—the side that crosses over the top of your head—sweep the hair back at an angle to provide some extra lift. On the short side, brush it downward with only a slight back angle. Skip the brush and use only your fingers if you want a very loose comb over!
A “modern” comb over, which more subtly guides slightly-longer hair on top over spots where your hair is thinning. This works best if your hairline is receding at the temples but you still have good coverage on top. [5] X Research source Shaving your head completely. [6] X Research source Trimming your hair very short all around. Growing facial hair that draws attention—this often pairs well with a shaved head or very short haircut. Trying the “Ceasar” look—growing your hair a little longer on top and loosely combing it forward. Having your barber cut your remaining hair on top in layers of varying lengths, then tousling them loosely—like the Ceasar, this works best if your hair is thinning but you aren’t fully bald on top. Embracing the “power donut”—basically, keeping your typical hairstyle on the sides and back while letting your bald spot shine.
If you have a large bald spot on top that reaches to your natural part, you may need to force the part further down the side of your head. That way, you can grow out hair to the side of your bald spot and use it for the comb over. Work closely with a barber who has experience with bald comb overs—look for someone who deals with a clientele of middle-aged and older men, for instance. They can help create a lower part and trim your hair properly as your comb over grows in.
Unlike other comb overs, where you can sweep the hair both across and slightly back, you pretty much have to go straight across with a bald comb over. Otherwise, you’ll simply be exposing the front of the bald spot that you’re trying to hide!
Even with a super-hold hairspray, wind is the enemy of a bald comb over. You may want to invest in a stylish hat for windy days!
