Table of Contents
Introduction
Army short pomp haircut is just one of the buzz haircuts that has been employed by armies for many years. Being a short length on the sides and back with a classy pompadour at the front, this cut symbolizes discipline and professionalism, as well as manly roughness.
It is always businesslike, short pomp Renowned wherever it goes, it evokes confidence and respect. It’s time to have a closer look at this famous military haircut.
History and Background
The hairstyle which is known today as the pompadour hair or cut, has existed since the 18th century when the French King Louis XV used to wear his hair in a manner that swept it up and away from his forehead. This procedure quickly became stylish; all the men sought to make a part on the top large while the hair on the sides was undercut very short.
Later in the century, near the end of the Second World War, the hairstyle was Popularized by the American GIs for the functionality to allow for the combed-over hairstyles to be worn under beanies and helmets. It made it possible for the hair on the head to be short enough to include military head gear while at the same time creating a neat, masculine crop on top.
It was adopted throughout the USA numerous branches of armed forces and the standard army haircut with a short pomp on top became popular. It symbolizes important things such as discipline, honor, and duty of citizens. It remains a favorite among the active and retired military personnel to this very day.
The Short Pomp Style

The trademark of the short pomp cut of the army is to have a cropped back and sides while having long hair on top moussed to look like a pompadour. Here are some key features:
- Hair with short tapered sides and back: On the sides and back, hair is cut extremely short, most often with a fade. Abbreviated taper which gives a high line of distinction results in a great fade.
- Neat pomp front: The top part of the hair is held longer about 2-3 inches. It is swept to the side and cut smooth adding the rounded pompadour shape to this cut without compromising on style. A good pomade offers form and luster in the hair.
- Some basics: There are no curls, waves, and other untreated strands. The contour is all established linear and sleek for the military-style look. The grooming of the hair is in the best state as it eradicates frizziness along the edges as well as maintains the established neat look.
Suitable for both straight and curly hair. These haircuts imply short sides and backs with neatly styled tops both for those with straight hair and those with curly hair.
Finally, the given overall shape suggests masculine energy – a man who is a hero and ready to fight. No frills or frivolity here!
How to Get the Style?
The closest way of getting an army short pomp haircut is to ensure you use a sharp cutting and styling technique. Here are some tips:
- Get a professional barber: Few barbers know how to trim this iconic look appropriately. The military reduction calls for a strategy that has a strong basis on technicality. Go to barbers that are located close to the bases, and cadet schools or barbers that mainly trim hairs in military cuts.
- Mention the photo: It is more sophisticated to explain the length, the shape, and how both sides are faded. That is the traditional army cuts of the 40s/50s to prove pomp cut to your barber.
- Get a short back/sides: Length should not be short on the back and sides part. Several factors should be observed among them; the hair should be closely shaven, and the hairline should be neat and cleanly trimmed.
- Length on top: It should be roughly around 2 inches long on the top for the pompad-like texture. Clippers or scissors may be used by the barber to accomplish the final look.
- The grooming factor: Rub a pea-sized portion of good pomade on the top hair while the hair is still damp. Comb up and backward to form a rounded round shape at the top portion of the head.
- To Cutting Every 2 Weeks: This should be done at least twice a month to have the edges, and sides of the hair well tapered. This preserves the smooth appearance.
The only way to get this classic military haircut is to say you want an “Army high-and-tight with short pomp front”.
Check Out: The Essential Guide to Navy Haircuts: Regulations, Styles, and History.
Tips for Styling
Short pomp haircut is one of the most fashion-forward haircuts out there, styling and grooming is what makes it most classy. Follow these expert tips:
- A great pomade: The amount of control required to mold the pomp shape and give it that shiny appearance requires a solid water oil-based pomade. Apply to dried hair.
- Style while damp: The hair on the head prefers to receive style while damp. Comb hair to gain lift and shape.
- Blow dry: Provide the final touch in styling by blow drying pomade-styled hair. When brushing hair should be done brushing hair backward the heating tool should be set to high heat. Cold water keeps the food in a particular shape.
- Polish edges: The final step is to use a tooth comb this will help you further para your hair and neat up the side edges around your forehead, neck, and the sideburns.
- How to rewet: For guys with straight hair, wet the hair with water or a moist paper towel to bring back the pomade and restyle again without washing. For curly hair types, they recommend members use a curl refresher spray for added texture.
A little of the pomade and more comb styling in weaving achieve the typical “high and tight” hat emblem famously associated with military men.
Tips for Face Shapes
The army short pomp can complement most face shapes but may require adjusting the styling:
- Oval faces: This hair trim is best appropriate for most oval faces. This should be paired with a pomp that is centered or side-swept.
- Long face: which means one should try to balance a long face. Only add volume and bragging rights height with a pomp and high fade on the sides.
- Round face: paradoxically, they look best with a high-contrast taper and tall pomp. Sweeping hair from one side to the other, diagonally stretches one’s face.
- Square face: Avoid strengthening further the square jaws by creating pompadour hair texture and high fade in hair cutting. Playing that game, an asymmetrical pomp also flatters by adding angles.
Of course, the army short pomp silhouette can be trimmed more precisely – experimenting with the height and direction of the pomp – to suit the shape of your face.
Ideas for Stylings

While the classic high-and-tight army cut remains popular, you can also modify the short pomp shape for modern variations that retain military flair:
- Textured crop: Cut the back and sides very short but have a more layered, natural look on top. Combine matte products for a pomp crest styled casually.
- Sleek side bangs: Combine both hairs on one side; which will make it slick. Comb backwards gently gather hair and secure in side pomp as high as possible.
- Curly pomp: Boys with naturally curly or coiled hair can also pull off a textured faded side. Throughout, allow a bit of an angled fro-hawk to stand as a base for curls on top.
- Hipster pomp: Long beard, angular side-pomp put the style in the levels of a modern lumberjack.
- Messy pomp quiff: In this hairstyle, you should use wax or clay to create a crest on the top of the head making it wavy and more random. Perfect for wearing it during weekends or when you want to remain quite comfortable!
By adjusting the height, angles, and even the styling products this unleashes contemporary versions of this cut with a feel of military machismo.
Conclusion
The army short pomp cut needs to be reckoned as being among the more popular military haircuts. Its smooth and shaved look depicts discipline and thus attracts respect from both the common populace and other military personnel.
As long as the edges are fresh and clear, a little comb work, and a good pomade – men can bring that soldier pride into this clean high-and-tight hairstyle. Loyal customers range from young hopeful, cadets as well as older experienced, and grizzled professionals.
So the next time you are attending a barbershop, you might want to try going high & tight. Military or reserve, show off that love for the red, white, and blue while getting a heroic hairstyle.
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FAQs
Is thick hair necessary to achieve this cut?
Of course, this style suits any hair thickness; rather, it is pretty becoming with thick hair. With fine hair, this look would provide a bonus of actually making it look fuller and thicker when worn with the back/sides going very short. As you will see, any hair type can be shortest on the sides while keeping enough length on top to build a reasonable pomp silhouette.
The time or frequency at which the hair has to be trimmed?
To make sure your edges are sharp and the hair on your head styled well, go for a cut about every two weeks. This helps to keep the lines as sharp as possible. If your hair is long enough to get split ends on the longer top, you can cut it into a suitable style.
Is it high maintenance?
Maintaining the back/sides faded thus involves blunt cutting that requires a commitment to get it trimmed. But what most people do not know is that creating a pomp out of the top only takes a few minutes of one’s time in a day. Employing these high-quality styling products also saves on further work.