11 Suave Ways to Style Ducktail Hair for Guys

From the classic ducktail to modern twists, we’ve got 11 great ducktail hairstyles that are sure to inspire

Co-authored by Arthur Sebastian and Savannah Vold

Last Updated: February 26, 2023 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. If you’re looking for a suave new hairstyle, you’re in luck! In this article, we’ll provide you with a comprehensive guide to all things ducktail, including how best to style them. With these 11 awesome options, you’ll be rocking a cool new ‘do in no time.

Things You Should Know

Ask your barber for a ducktail + undercut. This edgy, modern twist requires 2-4 inches (5.08 cm-10.16 cm) of hair up top and buzzed sides to achieve the look.
Comb the sides and crown of your hair up and out to form a reverse ducktail. This unique style amps up the drama and the volume.
Go for a classic ducktail if you’re looking for dramatic, greaser-esque slicked back sides that meet at the back of your neck.

1

Classic Ducktail

A classic ducktail gives you a clean, slicked-back look. Ducktail hairstyles work best if you have a full head of medium-long hair. You should typically have 2-4 inches (5.08 cm-10.16 cm) of hair all around to achieve this polished yet dramatic look. Rub a nickel-sized amount of strong-hold pomade through your hair with your fingers, and using a wide-tooth comb, rake back the sides of your hair, so they touch at the back of your head. Then, slick back the hair on the top of your head toward the nape of your neck, et voila—you’re rocking a classic ducktail!
- Ducktails, unsurprisingly, get their name from their resemblance to a duck’s side-swept backside. Hey, cool is cool!
- Ducktail hairstyles are high maintenance. Greasers working this style in the 50s would often carry a comb in their pocket to slick back their hair to the sides throughout the day. ^{[1]
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2

Ducktail + Skin Fade

A skin fade puts a modern twist on the once-retro ducktail. A high fade features a gradual fade in hair length, going from longer at the temple, down to skin at the neck.^{[2]
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Research source} To kickstart this edgy version of the ducktail, ask your barber for a skin fade with 2 inches (5.08 cm) of hair on your crown, and at the lowest part of your neck—this extra poof will serve as your ducktail. Your low fade will be an awesome accent beneath your ducktail at the upper part of your head. ^{[3]
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- For at-home styling, rub a dollop of moisturizing hair mousse through your hair with your fingers, focusing on poofing out the back tuft of your hair by your neck that your barber left.
- This accent piece can also be braided for a stylish edge.

3

Tousled Ducktail + V Neck Design

Embrace your natural texture while adding flare with a V-neck accent. This ducktail variation is perfect for those with wavy to curly hair types. Ask your barber to leave around 2-4 inches (5.08 cm-10.16 cm) of hair all around, except for the back of your head, which should be cropped in the shape of a V at the nape of your neck. This will add interest and draw attention to your ducktail style.
- To style, start by spraying 3-5 spritzes of sea salt spray throughout your hair and scrunching it through with your fingers—this will create a textured, teased look.
- Use your wide-tooth comb to sweep back the sides of your hair, so they touch at the back of your head. Then, rake the hair back at the top of your head with your fingers for a messy-cool finish.

4

Ducktail + Pompadour

Amp up the drama with a voluminous pompadour + ducktail combo. It’s time for your Elvis era! This hairstyle works best with at least 4 inches (10.6cm) of hair throughout your head, giving you the fullest, most dramatic effect.
- To style this look, spray 3-5 spritzes of heat protectant throughout your hair. Then, blow-dry your hair with a round brush using up and outward brush strokes at your crown.
- Run a nickel-sized amount of strong hold matte pomade throughout your hair for staying power. Finish the look by combing the sides of your hair backward so they touch at your neck.

5

Upwards Ducktail

An upwards ducktail is a bold take on the classic, great for thick hair. The upwards ducktail works best with 2-4 inches (5.08 cm-10.16 cm) of hair all around, as you’re going to be sweeping it back and upwards to emulate the flip of a duck’s backside. Start by working a nickel-sized amount of strong hold matte pomade throughout your hair with your fingers for texture and staying power.^{[4]
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- Use your wide-tooth comb to sweep the front, sides, and back of your hair up and away from your face, forming a raised quiff at the back of your head.

6

Fauxhawk Ducktail

Bring out your inner bad boy with a fauxhawk ducktail. With maximum drama and volume, a fauxhawk ducktail is where it's at if you’re looking for something show-stopping. You’ll need at least 2-4 inches (5.08 cm-10.16 cm) of hair to achieve this up-and-out style.^{[5]
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- To style a fauxhawk ducktail, apply a dime-sized amount of strong-hold hair gel throughout your hair. Then, using your wide-tooth comb, part your hair down the middle.
- Comb both sides of your hair upwards and inwards so that the hair you’ve parted meets in the middle in a raised, cone-like shape.

7

Aysymetric Ducktail

Add some interest with an asymmetric part in your ducktail. What separates this variation from the classic ducktail is that instead of just poofing the hair at the top of your head, you’ll part it at the side instead. This ducktail hairstyle option is a good fit for those with hair on the shorter side (2 inches or 5.08cm) because you’ll be slicking it back rather than attempting to create volume and lift.^{[6]
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- Start by working a dime-sized amount of hair gel throughout your hair with your fingers. Then, use your wide-tooth comb to slick your hair to the side.
- Finish up by combing the sides of your hair back so that they line up at your neck, and you’re ready to roll!

8

Reverse Ducktail

Flaunt your individuality with a reverse ducktail. If David Bowie can do it, so can you! A reverse ducktail is exactly what it sounds like—instead of the ducktail being in the back of your head, you’ll pull your hair forward to form a voluminous ducktail in the front. Blow dry your hair using a roundbrush to get some lift and texture in your hair before shaping the ducktail.^{[7]
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- Work a nickel-sized amount of hair pomade through your locks, then using your wide-tooth comb, bring your hair to the front of your face and part it down the middle. Comb the hair upwards, scrunching it with your hands to form 2 front-hanging quiffs on your forehead.

9

Ducktail Quif + Side Design

Adding a side design is a cool way to modernize the ducktail. Ask your barber to leave 2-4 inches (5.08 cm-10.16 cm) of hair up top and a 2 on the sides and back. Then, request a fun design like a line, a heart, you name it! This is a great opportunity to get creative and show off your unique personal style.^{[8]
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- For a messy, lived-in look, apply a nickel-sized amount matte pomade throughout your hair. Then, use your wide-tooth comb to slick the sides of your hair, so they meet at the back of your neck. Scrunch and poof up the front of your hair forward to form a quiff.

10

Ducktail + Undercut

Go for a bold and daring ducktail + undercut combo. An undercut is just the thing to draw attention to your slicked-back ducktail. Ask your barber for a close 1-inch (2.5cm) shave everywhere except the top of your head, which will leave 2-4 inches (5.08 cm-10.16 cm) of hair up top for styling.^{[9]
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- Moisturize and de-frizz by raking 2-3 drops of anti-frizz oil through your hair and scalp. Then, slick back the sides of your hair with a comb, so they touch at the back of your head.
- Secure your look with a few spritzes of hairspray so it lasts all day.

11

Long Ducktail

Showcase your long hair with an extended ducktail. Like a mullet, a long ducktail emphasizes the length of your hair down your neck. To style this look, start by parting your hair down the middle with a wide-tooth comb.^{[10]
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- Finish off by combing the sides of your hair back to form a long ducktail trailing down to your shoulders. To keep your style in place, spray 3-5 spritzes of hairspray, and you’re good to go.