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Have you ever wondered how to achieve singer Janelle Monae’s signature pompadour hair do? I know I have.  For those of you who are unfamiliar with this style, a pompadour is a hairstyle that is big on top and close to the head on the sides. This style originated in the mid-eighteenth century and has since made a come back in the 50’s when James Dean and Elvis Presley rocked it. Lately, the pompadour style has enjoyed a resurgence among artists, trendsetters and fashionista’s everywhere.

Here is how you can get the look in 6 easy steps:

Things You Will Need

Styling Pomade

Mouse

Comb

Hair Pins

Curling Iron

Step 1

Start with clean, conditioned hair. In order to get the look, your hair needs to be short on the sides and in the back and longer on top. The longest point of the hair should be the front, top part. If your hair is the same length, part the section of your hair that will be the longest part on top, leaving the sides ready to be ‘slicked’ down. (if you hair is long, you will need to slick down the sides)

Step 2

Dampen your hair and apply a pea size amount of mouse throughout your hair. It should not be extremely wet or dry, but damp enough for you to style with your hands and a comb. Rub a nickel-size amount of pomade between your hands. Your hands will heat it up and allow your hair to move more easily. Keep in mind the pomade will hold your hair in place and add shine to your do.

Step 3

Next, run your ‘pomade’ hands through your hair from front to back on the tops and sides, distributing the pomade evenly. Push your hair on the sides back. Use a comb to make it slick and to keep it close to the scalp.

Step 4

Comb the top front of hair straight up, using your other hand as a wall for it to lean on. Once your hair is combed straight up and held in place with the pomade, push gently back with your fingers, retaining the height and volume in the front. Tuck in the hair that remains under the longest part and pin it under. If  you are adding ‘fake’ hair inside of your pompadour for volume and height, be sure to secure it with pins so that your real hair covers the closure in the back.

Tip: Adds a punk edge to your pompadour mohawk with sleek sides and a tight cluster of curls on top and in the front.

Step 5

Comb the top front of hair straight up, using your other hand as a wall for it to lean on. Once your hair is combed straight up and held in place with the pomade, push gently back with your fingers, retaining the height and volume in the front. Tuck in the hair that remains under the longest part and pin it under. If  you are adding ‘fake’ hair inside of your pompadour for volume and height, be sure to secure it with pins so that your real hair covers the closure in the back.

Tip: Adds a punk edge to your pompadour mohawk with sleek sides and a tight cluster of curls on top and in the front.

Step 6

Pull one strand in the front of the hair down, and twist with your fingers to curl against your forehead for a variation of this sexy, classic style.

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