Picture this: It’s Saturday morning, and my nephew, bless his rock-and-roll heart, is standing in front of the mirror, hair plastered straight back, a can of hairspray in one hand and a comb in the other. He’s trying, with all the earnestness of a thirteen-year-old, to get his dark brown hair to stand up just right, to curve back in that unmistakable way. “Uncle,” he finally groans, a dollop of pomade sliding down his forehead, “what is this hair called? The Elvis hair, I mean. It’s gotta have a name, right?”
He’s not alone in that quest. Millions have wondered about the exact terminology for Elvis Presley’s legendary coiffure. The truth is, Elvis’s hair wasn’t called one single, official thing. Instead, it was a masterful variation of the classic pompadour, often evolving and taking on different popular names depending on the specific styling and the era. You might hear it referred to as a “ducktail,” a “greaser cut,” or simply, and perhaps most accurately, “the Elvis ‘do” or “the Elvis pompadour.” It was more than just a haircut; it was a statement, a symbol, and a piece of cultural history woven into his very persona.
Let’s dive deep into the fascinating world of Elvis Presley’s hair, exploring its origins, its various monikers, and the timeless appeal that still makes young fellas like my nephew reach for the pomade.
The Pompadour: A Storied Past Before The King
To truly understand Elvis’s iconic hair, we first need to travel back in time, long before the swiveling hips and the roaring crowds. The foundation of Elvis’s look, the pompadour, actually has roots stretching back centuries, far removed from the greasy, rebellious image of the 1950s. The name itself comes from Madame de Pompadour, the chief mistress of King Louis XV of France in the mid-18th century. Now, you might be thinking, “Wait, a woman from the 1700s? What’s that got to do with Elvis?” Well, Madame de Pompadour popularized a style where hair was swept up high from the forehead, often curled, and piled on top of the head. It was a statement of elegance, wealth, and status.
This style, naturally, faded in and out of fashion over the decades. It saw a resurgence in the early 20th century, particularly among women, evolving into various upswept styles. By the 1930s and 40s, a more streamlined, masculine version began to emerge. Think of Hollywood matinee idols and fashionable gentlemen; they started sporting a look where the hair was slicked back and slightly elevated at the front, though not yet reaching the dramatic height and volume that would later become characteristic of the rock-and-roll era. It was sophisticated, clean-cut, and a far cry from the raw energy Elvis would inject into it. This earlier pompadour often involved a neat side part and less emphasis on volume, focusing more on a sleek, controlled appearance. It was about refinement, not rebellion.
The stage was set, then, for a revolutionary transformation. The classic pompadour was a known entity, but it was waiting for someone to take it, twist it, and make it speak to a new generation. And that someone, of course, was Elvis Presley.
Elvis’s Signature Touch: The Evolution of a Style Icon
When Elvis Presley burst onto the scene in the mid-1950s, he didn’t just sing rock and roll; he embodied it. And a huge part of that embodiment was his hair. He didn’t invent the pompadour, no sir, but he certainly put his own indelible stamp on it, transforming it from a relatively staid style into a symbol of youthful defiance, sensuality, and an electrifying new sound. He took what was there and turned it up to eleven.
Elvis’s hair wasn’t static; it evolved throughout his career. In his early Sun Records days, his hair was often a bit more modest in its height, still undeniably a pompadour, but perhaps a tad less exaggerated than what would follow. It was dark, often dyed to a rich, almost inky black (despite his natural hair color being light brown or sandy blonde), which created a stark contrast with his pale skin and piercing blue eyes. This contrast alone added to his mystique and set him apart.
As his fame soared, so did the volume and definition of his pompadour. The front, the “pomp” itself, became higher, more sculpted, and often had a slight wave or curl to it. The sides were kept relatively neat, often combed back flat or with a slight taper. But it was the back that often got its own distinct treatment, leading to some of the specific names we associate with his hair.
His stylists, including the famous Nell Langford at the Peabody Hotel barber shop in Memphis, played a crucial role in maintaining this look. It wasn’t just a simple comb-over; it was an architectural feat of hair. The careful application of pomades and brilliantines was key, giving his hair that characteristic sheen and holding power, allowing it to withstand his energetic stage performances. He understood, perhaps instinctively, that his hair was part of the show, an extension of his charisma. It caught the light, it moved with him, and it framed that iconic face perfectly.
My own dad, who grew up in the 50s, often tells stories about kids trying to emulate Elvis, spending hours in front of the mirror, slathering on whatever grease they could find. He said, “It wasn’t just about the hair, son, it was about feeling like you could shake things up, just like Elvis did.” That’s the power of a haircut, especially when the King wore it.
Deconstructing the Terminology: More Than Just a “Haircut”
So, back to my nephew’s burning question: what was it called? Let’s break down the various terms that are used interchangeably or specifically to describe Elvis’s legendary hair, because each one captures a slightly different nuance of the style.
The Pompadour: The Core of the Look
At its heart, Elvis’s hairstyle was a pompadour. This term refers to the primary characteristic: hair swept upwards from the face and worn high over the forehead, then combed back over the top of the head. It’s all about volume and height at the front. The hair on the sides and back is usually kept shorter or slicked back to contrast with the voluminous front. For Elvis, his pompadour was exceptionally well-defined and maintained. It was the canvas on which all other elements were painted.
- Key Characteristics: Elevated front, swept back, volume at the crown.
- Elvis’s Interpretation: Tended to be quite high, perfectly sculpted, and often with a slight wave.
The Ducktail (or D.A.): The Iconic Back View
Perhaps one of the most distinctive features of Elvis’s early hair, and a major reason why it got its own separate name, was the ducktail, also famously known as the D.A. (for “duck’s ass” or “duck’s arse” depending on your preference for colorful language). This wasn’t about the front of the hair but specifically how the back was styled. To achieve the ducktail, the hair on the sides of the head would be combed back to meet in the middle, creating a ridge or seam right down the center of the back of the head. Imagine two opposing waves of hair crashing into each other at the back, forming a neat, pointed line that indeed resembled a duck’s tail. This was a quintessential part of the “greaser” look and a clear identifier of rebellion in the 1950s. It required careful combing and a good amount of product to keep that seam sharp and defined.
- Key Characteristics: Hair combed from the sides to meet in the back, forming a ridge or seam.
- Elvis’s Interpretation: Often very pronounced, especially in his earlier years, adding to the overall rebellious aesthetic.
The Greaser Hairstyle: A Cultural Identifier
The “greaser” style isn’t just one specific haircut; it’s a broader category that encompasses the overall aesthetic adopted by working-class youth in the 1950s, particularly those associated with rock and roll and a certain rebellious attitude. When people talk about greaser hair, they’re generally referring to a look that is slicked back, often with a pompadour and/or a ducktail, heavily product-laden (hence “greaser”), and typically dark. Elvis, with his black pompadour and D.A., became the poster boy for this look. It communicated a certain coolness, toughness, and an anti-establishment sentiment that resonated with a generation eager to break free from the buttoned-down norms of their parents. The term “greaser” implies not just the haircut, but the leather jackets, the rolled-up jeans, and the whole rebellious vibe.
- Key Characteristics: Slicked, heavily product-laden, often includes pompadour and/or ducktail, dark hair.
- Elvis’s Interpretation: Defined the look for millions, making it synonymous with rock and roll rebellion.
The Quiff: A Close Cousin
The quiff is another term that often gets thrown into the mix when discussing Elvis’s hair, and while it’s similar to a pompadour, there’s a subtle difference. A quiff also involves hair being swept upwards and backwards from the forehead, creating volume. However, a quiff often emphasizes a more natural, less rigid lift, sometimes with a slight wave or curl that isn’t quite as sculpted or “slicked” as a traditional pompadour. It can be a bit looser, more textured. While Elvis certainly had elements of a quiff in some of his styles, particularly as he got older and perhaps leaned into a slightly softer look, the foundational structure of his hair always leaned more towards the deliberate, sculpted height of a pompadour. Think of it as a spectrum, with the quiff being a touch less formal than the full-blown pompadour.
- Key Characteristics: Hair swept up and back from the forehead, often with a more natural lift than a pompadour.
- Elvis’s Interpretation: While his hair had quiff-like elements, especially later on, its core was usually a more defined pompadour.
So, to answer my nephew definitively, if you were to ask what Elvis’s hair was called, you’d most accurately say it was a pompadour with a ducktail, squarely placing him in the realm of the greaser hairstyle. Each term adds a layer of understanding to this truly iconic look.
The Alchemy of Elvis Hair: Products and Techniques
You can’t talk about Elvis’s hair without talking about what made it stand up, shine, and stay put through all those hip gyrations. This wasn’t a wash-and-go kind of hairdo. Oh no, this was a carefully crafted masterpiece, maintained with dedication and, let’s be honest, a fair amount of product.
The Secret Sauce: Pomade and Brylcreem
The key to that signature Elvis sheen and hold was pomade. Not hair gel, not mousse, but good old-fashioned pomade. These waxy, oil-based products were the lifeblood of the greaser era. They provided incredible hold, a high-gloss finish, and allowed for restyling throughout the day. Unlike modern gels that dry stiff and crunchy, pomades kept the hair pliable, yet sculpted. Brands like Brylcreem, Royal Crown Hair Dressing, and Murray’s Pomade were staples in barbershops and medicine cabinets across America. Brylcreem, with its famous slogan, “A little dab’ll do ya!”, was particularly popular and known for giving hair a healthy sheen without making it look overly greasy, though Elvis definitely wasn’t shy with the product.
- Pomade: Provided strong, flexible hold and a high-gloss finish. Essential for the sculpted look.
- Brylcreem/Royal Crown: Popular brands used to achieve the desired slickness and shine.
- Hair Dye: Elvis famously dyed his naturally lighter hair to a rich, dark black, enhancing the dramatic effect of his style.
The Styling Ritual: Precision and Patience
Achieving the Elvis ‘do wasn’t a quick affair. It was a ritual that required precision and patience. Here’s a general idea of the steps involved, whether it was Elvis himself or his barber:
- Clean Hair, Not Squeaky Clean: While hair needed to be clean, it wasn’t typically freshly washed and completely stripped of natural oils. Sometimes, day-old hair held product better.
- Damp, Not Wet: Hair was often towel-dried to be just damp, not soaking wet. This helped the pomade distribute evenly and allowed for better shaping.
- Generous Application of Pomade: A significant amount of pomade would be worked through the hair, starting from the roots and going all the way to the ends. The goal was full saturation to ensure hold and shine. This wasn’t for the faint of heart, or for those who preferred a matte finish!
- Combing Back the Sides: The hair on the sides would be meticulously combed flat and tight against the head, working towards the back.
- Creating the Ducktail (D.A.): The hair on the back of the head would be combed towards the center from both sides, using a fine-toothed comb to create that distinct, sharp seam down the middle. This required a steady hand and a keen eye.
- Building the Pompadour: This was the grand finale. Using a comb, the hair at the front would be lifted upwards and backwards, carefully shaping it into that signature high, voluminous wave. This often involved backcombing (teasing) the underside of the front section to create the necessary base and height, then smoothing the top layer over.
- Finesse and Finish: Once the basic shape was established, a final comb-through (often with a pocket comb that all greasers carried) would refine the lines, ensure maximum shine, and check for any stray hairs. A little more pomade might be added for extra hold or gloss.
My uncle, who was a barber for decades, once told me, “Kids would come in asking for ‘the Elvis.’ They didn’t just want a cut; they wanted a transformation. It was a whole art form, making that hair stand just so, without looking like a helmet.” He said it took practice, but the results were undeniable.
Cultural Resonance and Enduring Appeal
Elvis Presley’s hair was more than just a hairstyle; it was a cultural phenomenon. It was a visible declaration of a new era, a break from the conservative, slicked-down looks of the past. When Elvis appeared on television, shaking his hips and tossing that magnificent mane, he wasn’t just performing; he was starting a revolution. His hair became synonymous with:
- Rebellion: It flew in the face of parental expectations and the buttoned-down aesthetic of the 1940s and early 50s. It was daring, a little wild, and unapologetically masculine.
- Sex Appeal: The height, the shine, the way it framed his face – it all contributed to an image of raw, untamed charisma and sensuality that captivated audiences, especially young women.
- Rock and Roll: You couldn’t think of rock and roll in its nascent stages without picturing that hair. It was an integral part of the genre’s visual identity, as potent as the electric guitar and the catchy beat.
- Youth Culture: Teenagers adopted the look en masse. It was a badge of belonging, a uniform for those who felt a connection to the emerging youth movement and its music. My dad wasn’t the only one; kids all over America were trying to mimic the King.
Even today, decades after his passing, the “Elvis hair” continues to resonate. You see it in rockabilly culture, in tribute artists, and even in modern fashion trends that draw inspiration from vintage styles. The pompadour has had countless iterations, from the punk rock variations to the more refined looks seen on Hollywood’s leading men today. But the original, the one that screams “King of Rock and Roll,” will always be Elvis’s.
It’s funny, my nephew, after his initial struggle, actually managed to get a pretty decent pompadour going. It wasn’t perfect, but it had that undeniable spirit. He looked at himself in the mirror, gave a little smirk, and mumbled, “Thank you, thank you very much.” And in that moment, I saw a little piece of the King, still inspiring new generations, one meticulously coiffed hair at a time.
Achieving the “Elvis ‘Do” Today: A Step-by-Step Guide
So, you’ve decided to channel your inner King? Excellent choice! While perfection takes practice, achieving a respectable Elvis-inspired pompadour with a ducktail is absolutely doable. Forget the modern gels and mousses for a moment; we’re going old school for this one. Here’s a detailed checklist and steps to get you on your way:
What You’ll Need:
- Hair: Ideally, medium to long on top (at least 4-6 inches), with shorter (but not shaved) sides and back. The longer the top, the higher your pomp can be.
- High-Quality Pomade: This is non-negotiable. Look for oil-based or heavy water-based pomades for maximum shine and hold. Brands like Layrite, Suavecito, Reuzel, or even the classic Royal Crown are great choices.
- Fine-Tooth Comb: Essential for shaping, creating the ducktail, and getting those clean lines.
- Hair Dryer: For pre-styling and adding initial volume.
- Pre-Styling Product (Optional but Recommended): A sea salt spray or a light mousse can help with initial volume and texture if your hair is fine.
- Hair Spray (Optional, for extra hold): A strong-hold hairspray can lock everything in place, especially if you’re prone to flyaways or need extra longevity.
The Styling Process:
Step 1: Wash and Prepare Your Hair
Start with clean hair. While some old-school barbers preferred working with slightly dirty hair for better grip, for most modern products, clean hair provides the best foundation. After washing, towel-dry your hair until it’s damp, but not dripping wet. You want some moisture to help distribute the product evenly and to allow for easier shaping. If your hair is naturally very flat, a quick spritz of sea salt spray or a dab of volumizing mousse at the roots while damp can give you a head start on lift.
Step 2: Apply Your Pre-Styler (If Using) and Blow Dry
If you’re using a pre-styler, apply it now. Then, grab your hair dryer. This step is crucial for establishing volume. With a round brush or your fingers, direct the front section of your hair upwards and backwards as you blow-dry. Focus the heat on the roots to “train” them to stand up. For the sides and back, blow-dry them flat and back against your head. This initial shaping with heat makes the pomade’s job much easier.
Step 3: Warm and Apply the Pomade
Scoop a generous amount of pomade (start with a nickel-sized amount and add more if needed) into your palms. Rub your hands together vigorously to warm the pomade. This makes it more pliable and easier to spread. Now, work the pomade evenly through your damp, partially dried hair. Ensure every strand, especially on top, is coated. Don’t be shy; the “greaser” look demands ample product.
Step 4: Sculpting the Pompadour (The Pomp)
- Rough Shape: Using your fingers or a wide-tooth comb, push the hair at the front of your head upwards and backwards. Get a general sense of the height and direction you want.
- Refine with Comb: Switch to your fine-tooth comb. Starting from the forehead, comb your hair straight up, then gently arch it back. The key is to create a rounded, voluminous shape. Some barbers use a technique of slightly backcombing the underside of the front section for extra lift, then smoothing the top layer over. This gives it that solid, standing-up quality.
- Side Sweeps: With the pompadour taking shape, comb the hair on the sides of your head straight back, tight against your scalp. This creates a clean, contrasting look with the voluminous top.
Step 5: Crafting the Ducktail (The D.A.)
This is where the classic Elvis look truly shines from the back. It takes a steady hand and a good mirror (or a friend to help!):
- Divide and Conquer: Mentally (or lightly with your comb) draw a vertical line down the back of your head, from the crown to the nape of your neck.
- Comb from the Left: Take the hair on the left side of the back of your head and comb it towards that center line.
- Comb from the Right: Do the same for the hair on the right side, combing it towards the center line, meeting the hair from the left.
- Form the Ridge: As the two sides meet, use your fine-tooth comb to gently push them together, creating a distinct, raised ridge or seam down the back. This is your ducktail! Ensure it’s clean and defined. Add a little extra pomade if it’s not holding its shape.
Step 6: The Finishing Touches
Once your pompadour is sculpted and your ducktail is sharp, step back and examine your work. Use the fine-tooth comb to perfect any lines, smooth down flyaways, and ensure an even sheen. If you want extra security, a light mist of strong-hold hairspray can help lock everything in, though traditionalists often rely solely on the pomade.
Be prepared for some trial and error. My nephew’s first attempt was more of a “quiff-gone-wrong,” but with practice, he got the hang of it. The “Elvis ‘do” is a statement, and like any good statement, it demands a little effort. But when you get it right, oh boy, does it look sharp!
Frequently Asked Questions About Elvis’s Hair
There’s a lot of curiosity surrounding Elvis’s legendary locks, and for good reason! Here are some of the most common questions people ask:
Was Elvis’s hair naturally black?
No, Elvis Presley’s hair was not naturally black. This is a common misconception! His natural hair color was actually a light brown, sometimes described as sandy blonde, particularly visible in his earlier photographs or in childhood pictures. He began dyeing his hair a deep, rich black early in his career.
The decision to dye his hair black was a deliberate stylistic choice. It created a more dramatic, edgy look that perfectly complemented his rebellious rock-and-roll persona. The stark contrast of his dark hair against his pale skin and bright blue eyes amplified his striking features, making him even more memorable and iconic. This dyed black hair became an integral part of his image and is what most people associate with him.
What kind of product did Elvis use in his hair?
Elvis Presley was well-known for using traditional hair pomades and brilliantines to achieve his signature look. These were the go-to styling products of the 1950s for anyone wanting a slick, shiny, and sculpted hairstyle. Brands like Royal Crown Hair Dressing and Brylcreem were popular choices that provided the heavy hold and high-gloss finish characteristic of his pompadour and ducktail.
These oil-based or petroleum-based products were essential for keeping his hair meticulously styled through his energetic performances. They allowed his hair to be shaped into that iconic height and kept it from falling flat. Unlike modern gels, pomades don’t dry stiff; they keep the hair pliable, allowing for restyling throughout the day while maintaining that distinctive sheen. He wasn’t shy about using a generous amount of product to ensure his hair stayed perfect.
Did Elvis always wear his hair in a pompadour?
While the pompadour was undeniably Elvis’s signature hairstyle throughout the vast majority of his career, its specific style and exaggeration did evolve over time. In his early days with Sun Records, the pompadour was present but perhaps a bit less dramatic in its height and volume compared to his peak rock-and-roll era in the mid-to-late 1950s.
As his career progressed and during his movie years, the pompadour remained, but sometimes with slight variations. The height might change, the specific sculpt of the front might soften or become more pronounced, and the ducktail in the back might become less sharp or even be absent in some later looks, favoring a more uniformly slicked-back style on the sides and back. However, the fundamental principle of hair swept up and back from the forehead, creating volume at the front, was a constant. It was truly his defining hairstyle, an integral part of his identity as “The King.”
Who was Elvis’s barber or stylist?
Elvis Presley had several barbers and stylists who helped maintain his iconic look over the years, though he also frequently styled his own hair. One of the most often cited figures from his early career was Nell Langford. She was a barber at the Peabody Hotel barber shop in Memphis and became well-known for cutting and styling Elvis’s hair during his formative years.
As his fame grew, he worked with various individuals who helped perfect his image, both on and off screen. However, it’s widely acknowledged that Elvis himself had a very clear vision for his hair and was meticulous about its appearance, often spending considerable time ensuring it was just right. His personal attention to detail and his preference for ample pomade were as much a part of the “styling secret” as any professional’s touch.
So there you have it, folks. From Madame de Pompadour to the greasy, rebellious streets of the 1950s, Elvis Presley’s hair cemented its place in history, a testament to the power of a single, well-coiffed head. It wasn’t just hair; it was an attitude, a rebellion, and a piece of the American dream, all slicked back and shining for the world to see.
