What is a Ducktail? | Localsearch

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The ducktail hairdo is associated with rockabilly music and the greaser subculture dating back to 1950s.

A ducktail is a hairstyle where the hair on top of the head is slicked to the back. Ducktail haircuts include long hair on both sides slicked back as well so they resemble duck wings. The ducktail was styled by Elvis Presley, also known as "the King of Rock 'n Roll". In modern times, this ducktail style is normally worn as a tribute to 1950s greasers or those who listen to rockabilly music. This style allows low drag while at high speeds, so your hair won't get messy.

When did the ducktail haircut become popular?

In the mid-1950s, teenagers chose this ducktail design to imitate their favourite celebrities, who were often seen wearing it. The design looks like the spoiler of vintage cars. In those days it was common for men to use pomade or creams containing waxes to help create this look. The ducktail trend slowly died out until rock 'n' roll music became popular in the 1970s. Today's hipster-cool hairdressers can style ducktail haircuts easily.

What kind of look does this hairstyle give?

This ducktail design normally looks like the rear ducktail spoiler or twin exhausts of the car. The ducktail is associated with a greaser look and was very common among teenage boys and men who wanted to imitate rock 'n' roll stars or American pop singers such as Elvis Presley, Buddy Holly and Johnny Cash. The word "greaser" refers to an American youth subculture that came into prominence after WWII by teenagers who were heavily influenced by American actors such as James Dean portraying characters in movies such as "Rebel Without a Cause". They wore ducktails, leather jackets, jeans and white T-shirts and listened to rockabilly music while spending time at drive-ins or greasy spoon cafes.

How to do the ducktail hairstyle

The ducktail is a haircut that can be done easily at home with a few simple steps.

Hair is swept back at the sides so that it's as flat as possible and slightly longer in the middle like the duck's tail.
Use gel or pomade to slick towards the rear end of your neck until you have achieved the desired shape for the tail of ducktail. This may require practice to get the right ducktail look.
For a very authentic fifties greaser look, don't forget to slick upright in front of your forehead so that it resembles a rear ducktail spoiler of a car.

What do good ducktails require?

A good ducktail requires pomade or gel with a high wax content so that your hairs stays in place throughout the day without flaking. Other accessories are normally seen alongside this ducktail spoiler hairstyle such as the leather jackets worn by classic greasers and gold chains which were popular with American pop singers during the 1950s until they were replaced by scarves or bandanas in the 1970s.

What products do I need to style a ducktail?

Depending on the desired length and style of your ducktail, you need a certain type of pomade to define ducktail.

Is pomade the same as hair gel?

Styling creams are normally less shiny than pomade and contain a high level of water so that your ducktail keeps its shape for several hours without the need to re-apply. Pomades, on the other hand, are much slicker in consistency since they usually have a higher wax content which helps the ducktail spoiler stay in place. Hair gel is another popular option for a ducktail if your hair isn't too thick. Interested in becoming a hairdresser? More information can be found on the JobOutlook website.

Can women wear ducktails?

Absolutely! Women who want to imitate this classic 1950s ducktail look can simply use styling cream or gel with a high wax content to get the same ducktail as men. However, it's also very common for rockabilly girls and pinup models to add some pink or purple streaks or foils into their hair in order to stand out from the crowd at rockabilly concerts and festivals.