The quiff is a hairstyle that merges elements of the 1950s pompadour, the flattop, and occasionally the mohawk. It emerged as a post-war reaction against the rigid, conservative haircuts traditionally worn by men. Initially popularized by the British Teddy Boy subculture, the quiff saw a revival across Europe in the early 1980s and enjoyed renewed popularity through the 1990s.

Origin of Quiff hairstye

The origin of the term “quiff” remains unclear, though several theories exist. One possibility links it to the French word coiffe, which can refer to a hairstyle or, in older usage, the protective mail worn by knights beneath their helmets. Another theory traces it to the Dutch word kuif, meaning “crest.” Interestingly, the Dutch name for Tintin—who famously sports a quiff—is Kuifje, a diminutive form of the same word.

Different styles of quiff hairstyles

Today’s quiff typically features longer hair at the front that gradually shortens toward the back, with closely cropped sides and back. A similar style, the Japanese punch perm—often associated with yakuza and bōsōzoku biker gangs—bears a resemblance to the quiff in its bold and structured look.