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50 Best Ducktail Haircut Ideas for Men in 2025

By Lilith Wetherall
Ducktail Haircut - a man wearing a barber cape.

Ducktail haircut men styles have become the defining vintage-inspired trend of 2025, offering a perfect blend of 1950s sophistication and modern edge. With 50 stunning variations to choose from, these classic cuts create that iconic V-shaped back silhouette that turns heads everywhere. Whether you're drawn to the pompadour-style volume or prefer a sleeker approach, ducktail haircuts deliver timeless appeal for today's style-conscious men.

Master the art of vintage cool with our complete ducktail haircut men guide for 2025!

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The biggest trends for 2025 include textured ducktails paired with skin fades, modern takes on the classic with undercut variations, and hybrid styles combining ducktail techniques with contemporary cuts. Men are embracing both traditional pomade styling and modern texture products for versatile looks that work from boardroom to weekend.

This iconic style was invented by Philadelphia barber Joe Cirello in the 1950s and has experienced a remarkable resurgence. The ducktail technique involves combing hair back to meet in a distinctive V-shape, similar to a duck's tail - hence the name. Modern versions incorporate face shape considerations and contemporary styling methods.

1. Spiky Ducktail Haircut

Spiky Ducktail Haircut - a man wearing a white long sleeves with necktie and a matching glasses.
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This first look combines two hairstyles, a spiky hairstyle and a ducktail haircut. To get this look keep your hair a few inches long all around and leave some extra hair on top to style to perfection.

2. Jelly Roll Ducktail Haircut

Jelly Roll Ducktail Haircut - a man wearing a barbers cape.
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A classic hairstyle choice is the jellyroll haircut. To get this, keep the sides long enough to meet in the middle behind your hair. Also, don’t forget to get yourself plenty of hair products so your style will last throughout the day.

3. Upwards Ducktail Haircut

Upwards Ducktail Haircut - a man wearing a red silk polo.
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Try out the upwards haircut if you want a little extra flair on your ducktail. This handsome style keeps the sides of your hair neatly trimmed, with a longer layer flipped out in the back.

4. Slick Side Ducktail Haircut

Slick Side Ducktail Haircut - a man wearing a stripe barber cape.
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In the photo above, he is wearing an undercut and ducktail combo with an added side part. This is a great hairstyle to add some volume to your hair.

5. Textured Pompadour Ducktail Haircut

Textured Pompadour Ducktail Haircut - a man with nose piercing wearing t-shirt.
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A very trendy hairstyle for men in 2025 is this haircut. Keep your hair short on the sides with plenty of hair on top to style to perfection.

6. Shaved Side Ducktail Haircut

Shaved Side Ducktail Haircut - A man wearing a black shirt.
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This is a perfect example of how the ducktail hairstyle has evolved since it first came out in the 1950s. This haircut is kind of like a mohawk version of a ducktail cut. Keep the sides buzzed short with a long layer on top.

7. Short Ducktail Haircut

Short Ducktail Haircut - a man wearing a striped barber cape with an under garment.
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For men with short hair, you should try out this haircut that would look great on men of any age, a flattering look that keeps the back short and the top long and combed back.

8. Long Slick Back Ducktail Haircut

Long Slick Back Ducktail Haircut - a man wearing a printed black shirt.
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A unique hairstyle for men in 2025 is the long slick back haircut. This is a fun mix of buzzed, short, and long layers that all mix well into a ducktail hairstyle.

9. Long Pompadour Ducktail

Long Pompadour Ducktail Haircut - a man wearing a black facemask.
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In the photo above, they edged his hair around the natural hairline and combed the top back into a pompadour hairstyle.

10. Long Elvis Presley Inspired Ducktail Haircut

Long Elvis Presley Inspired Ducktail Haircut - a man wearing a black polo.
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Elvis has some serious style back in his day, and luckily for you, this haircut has become popular again in 2025. This long Elvis Presley is a handsome look that will have you dancing all night long.

11. Slick Back Ducktail Haircut

Slick Back Ducktail Haircut - a man wearing a grey polo with a barbers cape.
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This hairstyle does not have as much volume as some of the other looks on this list, perfect for a more laid-back style.

12. Thin Slick Back Haircut

Thin Slick Back Ducktail Haircut - a man wearing a blue plain shirt.
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Thinning hair can be such a bummer; for a new look, try out the thin slick back ducktail hairstyle. If you keep your hair long enough, you will be able to style it back over your thinning hair for a handsome style.

13. Upwards Pompadour Haircut

Upwards Pompadour Ducktail Haircut - a man wearing a plain white shirt.
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Wow, this next hairstyle is straight out of a 1950s greaser movie. Try this upwards pompadour ducktail hairstyle to stand out in the crowd. Make sure to use plenty of hair products to ensure your hair stays in place all day long.

14. Long Stylish Ducktail

Long Stylish Ducktail Haircut - a man wearing a printed barber cape.
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If you already have long hair, try out this long stylish ducktail hairstyle. In the photo above, his hair has a few longer layers throughout and is combed back to make a perfect little ducktail.

15. Rockabilly Ducktail Haircut

Rockabilly Ducktail Haircut - a man wearing a plain white shirt.
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The rockabilly ducktail hairstyle is a very popular look in the south. To get this look, you must comb your hair back until it stays in place all day.

16. Short Sharky Ducktail Haircut

Short Sharky Ducktail Haircut - a man wearing blue polo shirt.
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Try a short sharky ducktail for your new hairstyle in 2025. This look keeps the hair short and styled to the side. In the photo above, they trimmed the hair nice and neat in the back and left the top long to short as a shark tail.

17. Flat Top Boogie Haircut

Flat Top Boogie Ducktail Haircut - a man wearing a stripe barber cape.
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Bring it back to the 70s disco with this boogie haircut. To get this style keep your hair long enough to bring the volume out. Don’t forget to use your favorite pompadour or hair product to make it stay all day long.

18. Thick Hair Ducktail Haircut

Thick Hair Ducktail Haircut - a man wearing a brown shirt.
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For all the men with thick hair, try out this fresh new hairstyle. The haircut will keep your thick hair looking its best by adding different length layers, which are all combed back to perfection.

19. Modern Ducktail

Modern Ducktail Haircut - a man wearing a barber cape.
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Since the ducktail hairstyle is from the 70s, some men have found ways to put a modern twist on this hairstyle. A modern ducktail hairstyle is shown in the photo above; try having your hairdresser edge your hair and add a long layer on top.

20. Curly Faded Haircut

Curly Faded Ducktail Haircut - a man wearing a black barber cape.
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Curly hair is a blessing but sometimes can be a curse. No need to look any further; this curly hairstyle is the solution to all your curly hair problems. Keep the edges and back trim and let the curls up on top long.

21. High Pompadour Haircut

High Pompadour Ducktail Haircut - a man wearing barbers cape with under shirt.
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This style will keep you looking so fresh during any season.

22. Elvis Presley Inspired Ducktail Haircut

Elvis Presley Inspired Ducktail Haircut - a man wearing a black polo.
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Everyone knows Elvis had the best style, and thank goodness it has come back into style for 2025.

23. Layered Ducktail Haircut

Layered Ducktail Haircut - a man wearing a cargo jacket.
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Layers are an amazing way to bring some texture to your hair. In the photo above, he has pulled out a loose strand that formed a curl; he looks so cool.

24. Mullet Ducktail Haircut

Mullet Ducktail Haircut a man wearing a plain black barber cape.
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Two of the most popular hairstyles of 2025 are the mullet and the ducktail. Why not add them together for the perfect combo. This hairstyle for men keeps the back long like a mullet but still has the classic comb back of the ducktail style.

25. Layered Pompadour Ducktail Haircut

Layered Pompadour Ducktail Haircut - a man wearing a knitted sweater.
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A layered haircut is always in style. Style the front of your hair high with your favorite hair product, and comb the back to perfection.

26. Layered Mullet Ducktail Haircut

Layered Mullet Ducktail Haircut - a man wearing a black shirt.
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Another way to wear a mullet ducktail is this handsome look. In the photo, styled the hair to flip out on the bottoms but kept the rest perfectly combed to add more volume.

27. Swept-Back Quiff Ducktail

Swept-Back Quiff Ducktail Haircut - a man wearing a colorful polo.
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A very popular hairstyle for men is the swept-back quiff haircut. This style keeps the hair buzzed in the back and around the natural hairline but leaves the hair on top long and styled up in a swept-back style.

28. Side Parted Ducktail Haircut

Side Parted Ducktail Haircut - a man wearing a formal suit.
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A fresh take on the classic ducktail style is to part your hair on the side. In the photo above, the hair is neat and styled to perfection. Try adding some hair product and spray to your hair to make sure your style stays in place all day.

29. Classic Pompadour Ducktail

Classic Pompadour Ducktail Haircut - a man wearing black collared polo.
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Take it back to the 50s with this classic pompadour hairstyle. In the photo above, they styled the hair with a part on the side to add extra volume.

30. Asymmetrical Boogie Ducktail Haircut

Asymmetrical Boogie Ducktail Haircut - a man wearing a black barber cape.
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Boogie night is a classic American movie, and this style fits the vibe perfectly. An asymmetrical boogie ducktail hairstyle will have you feeling confident where you go.

31. Fine Hair Haircut

Fine Hair Ducktail Haircut - a man wearing a black shirt.
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Fine hair can be tricky to style. Try out the fine hair ducktail hairstyle to solve all your problems. In the photo above, they added an undercut to keep the hair looking clean and fresh.

32. Fine Layered Haircut

Fine Layered Ducktail Haircut - a man wearing glasses and black shirt.
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Try to keep your hair long and all at one length, add in your favorite hair product and comb it back to get the most out of this handsome hairstyle.

33. Swept Side Boogie Ducktail

Swept Side Boogie Ducktail Haircut - a man wearing barbers cape.
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Get ready to dance all night with this swept side boogie ducktail hairstyle. In the photo above, they kept the sideburns long with the rest of the hair swept to the side.

34. Messy Layered Haircut

Messy Layered Ducktail Haircut - a man wearing glasses in a leather jacket.
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Shaggy styles are right on trend in 2025; try out the messy layered ducktail for your next look. Keep the back trimmed up nicely and style the rest of your hair to messy perfection.

35. High Textured Pompadour Haircut

High Textured Pompadour Ducktail Haircut - a man wearing black sweater.
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Wow, this next hairstyle would look handsome on men of any age. The high textured pompadour ducktail hairstyle is a classy way to wear your hair. Comb your hair back until it stays in place and you are ready to go.

36. Swept Side Haircut

Swept Side Ducktail Haircut - a man wearing a linen polo.
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This one is a vintage hairstyle that has come back to life. Keep your hair short and part it on the side to look like in the photo above.

37. Fine Side Part Haircut

Fine Side Part Ducktail Haircut - a man wearing a plain t-shirt.
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Side parts will always be in style; they are so versatile and frame the face perfectly. Keep one side longer than the other, so the side part stands out.

38. Reverse ducktail

Reverse Ducktail Haircut - a man wearing a checkered polo.
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Reverse ducktails are a fun twist on the normal ducktail that forms in the back. In the photo above, they kept the back short and trimmed, but the front has a life of its own.

39. Classic Fade Ducktail

Classic Fade Ducktail Haircut - a man wearing a plaid polo.
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A classic fade looks so fresh any time of the year; why not try adding a ducktail haircut to be on trend in 2025. Add your favorite hair product to your hair, then comb it to perfect to look great all day long.

40. Fresh Ducktail Haircut

Fresh Ducktail Haircut - a man wearing an army green shirt.
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Fresh ducktails are perfect for hair of any type. Try keeping your hair short and trimmed on the sides in the back, but leave the top long and styled back.

41. Textured Side Part Ducktail Haircut

Textured Side Part Ducktail Haircut - a man wearing a grayish polo.
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Textured hairstyles are always in style. In the photo above, he is rocking the textured side part ducktail haircut. Comb the hair back with your favorite hair product and add some hairspray to make it stay all day long.

42. Short Pompadour Ducktail Haircut

Short Pompadour Ducktail Haircut - a man wearing a checkered polo.
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This style has left the 1950s and is here to stay in the 21st century. A short pompadour ducktail haircut is classy and would look great on men of any age.

43. Short and Simple Ducktail Haircut

Short and Simple Ducktail Haircut - a man wearing a blue plain shirt.
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A short and simple hairstyle for men in 2025 is the ducktail hairstyle. Try this look for the summertime; you will look good on any occasion.

44. Flat Pompadour Ducktail Haircut

Flat Pompadour Ducktail Haircut - a man wearing eye glasses in a knitted sweater.
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This next haircut is the flat pompadour ducktail haircut. In the photo above, they went the extra mile and left the sideburns long and grew a goatee beard, and he looks so good.

45. Brushed Up Sharky Ducktail Haircut

Brushed Up Sharky Ducktail Haircut - a man wearing a dark blue polo.
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Don’t call it a mohawk; it is a sharky ducktail brushed up haircut. Shave the sides and back but leave the middle part long enough to spike up like a shark. On the days you are feeling lazy, this style would look good.

46. Textured Short Ducktail Haircut

Textured Short Ducktail Haircut - a man wearing a white polo.
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A textured short ducktail haircut is a fresh, modern take on the old classic ducktail hairstyle. In the photo above, they added in a fresh undercut that fades into a ducktail style on top.

47. Trunk Ducktail Haircut

Trunk Ducktail Haircut - a man wearing a black shirt.
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A classic trunk ducktail haircut is right on trend for 2025. Leave your hair long enough to bring all that volume you will need to pull this handsome style off.

48. Reverse Trunk Ducktail Haircut

Reverse Trunk Ducktail Haircut - a man wearing plaid formal suit.
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Another reverse ducktail haircut to try in 2025 is the trunk style. Keep your hair long enough to comb it on top into the perfect ducktail style.

49. Wavy Trunk Ducktail Haircut

Wavy Trunk Ducktail Haircut - a man wearing black polo and leather jacket.
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If you have wavy hair, you know you will have some good hair days and some bad hair days. Try the wavy trunk ducktail haircut to make all your day's good hair days. Keep your hair long and styled back like in the photo above to love how you look.

50. Long Brushed up Ducktail Haircut

Long Brushed up Ducktail Haircut - a man in a black polo.
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This hairstyle, the long brushed-up ducktail haircut, is a fun and fresh way to wear your hair. In the photo above, they styled the hair to perfection but left some of the hair loose to add a messy vibe.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I style a ducktail haircut men look properly?

Start with damp hair and apply a high-hold pomade or styling paste. Comb your hair straight back, then use a fine-tooth comb to create the signature V-shape at the nape. The key is patience and practice - it takes time to master the technique. For best results, work with a barber experienced in vintage 1950s techniques.

What face shapes work best with ducktail haircuts?

Ducktail haircuts work exceptionally well with oval, square, and diamond face shapes. The added volume on top helps elongate round faces, while the sleek sides complement angular features. Men with longer faces should opt for shorter variations to maintain proportion.

How often should I trim my ducktail haircut?

Maintain your ducktail with professional trims every 3-4 weeks. The sides and back need regular attention to keep the shape sharp, while the top can be trimmed less frequently. Regular maintenance ensures the distinctive V-shape remains clean and defined.

Can ducktail haircuts work for professional environments?

Absolutely! Modern ducktail variations are perfectly suitable for professional settings. Opt for subtler versions with less dramatic volume and classic styling. The key is working with your barber to create a refined version that maintains the ducktail essence while meeting workplace standards.

If you're drawn to the timeless appeal of ducktail haircut men styles, explore these complementary vintage-inspired cuts:

Final Thoughts on Ducktail Haircut Men in 2025

Ducktail haircut men styles have evolved from 1950s rebellion to 2025 sophistication, proving that true style is timeless. These 50 variations demonstrate how vintage techniques can be adapted for modern lifestyles, offering everything from subtle professional looks to bold statement cuts that command attention.

Whether you choose a classic pomade-styled version or a contemporary textured approach, the ducktail remains the ultimate expression of vintage cool. The key to success lies in finding an experienced barber who understands both the traditional technique and how to adapt it for your unique face shape and hair type.

Love these ducktail haircut men styles? Save this vintage guide to Pinterest!

Which ducktail style captured your imagination? Share your favorite vintage look in the comments and tell us which variation you're planning to try!

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