Man with medium length hair, showing both side swept and quiff styles

Medium

side swept vs. quiff: which medium hairstyle should you choose

By Vivienne Holloway

Published: 19 Feb 2025

So, there I was, scrolling through Instagram, you know, the usual Sunday evening doomscroll, when I stumbled upon a photo. A guy, mid-thirties, maybe? Seriously gorgeous hair. It was styled in this effortlessly cool side swept look, tousled and textured, and I just thought, 'Wow.' Then, the next post? Same guy, different day, rocking a perfect quiff. And I'm thinking, 'Hold up! How does he choose?' Because honestly, both styles looked amazing. That's when it hit me: the struggle is real, friends. Choosing between a side swept and a quiff is a serious dilemma for the medium-haired man. But don't worry. I'm here to help you make the perfect choice. Let's dive in!
man with side swept hair and quiff hairstyles

man with side swept hair and quiff hairstyles | Image: Supplied

Understanding Your Face Shape

Before we even THINK about side-swept vs. quiff, let's talk face shapes. This is HUGE. A style that looks killer on one guy might look completely off on another. It's all about balance and proportion. Think about it – a quiff adds height, while a side-swept style can soften or elongate.

  • Round Faces: A side-swept style can help create the illusion of length. Think about it, a quiff might only add to that roundness. I've seen it go wrong many times.
  • Oval Faces: You lucky ducks! You can pretty much rock either style. Envy!
  • Square Faces: A side-swept style can soften harsh angles. A quiff might make it too strong.
  • Heart Faces: A quiff might broaden the narrow chin, while a side-swept might accentuate the width at the top.

Not sure what your face shape is? There are tons of online guides, just google it! (Or, you know, ask a friend...it's ok!)

different face shapes with matching hairstyles

different face shapes with matching hairstyles | Image: Supplied

Hair Texture Matters!

Next up: your hair texture. This is almost as important as face shape. A quiff needs some serious body and hold to stand up to gravity. Fine hair? You might struggle to get that volume. If your hair is thicker and a bit more coarse, you'll have more success with a quiff. A side-swept style, on the other hand, can work with more hair types, though it does look especially good on wavy or slightly curly hair. My hair is fine and a little bit limp so a quiff would never work for me. Ever.

different hair textures

different hair textures | Image: Supplied

Lifestyle and Personality

Here's where things get really fun (and personal!). Think about your day-to-day. Are you a suit-and-tie kind of guy? The quiff might be a bit too much for a corporate environment. More of a casual vibe? Either style could work, it really depends on you. The quiff can look sharp and stylish, while the side-swept can be effortlessly cool. Personally, I feel more relaxed with a side swept. I'm trying to be more relaxed, I mean.

men in different professional settings

men in different professional settings | Image: Supplied

Product Considerations

The right products are key to getting the look you want. A quiff needs a strong-hold pomade or wax. Otherwise, you’ll have a floppy mess on your hands. A side-swept style can often be achieved with just a bit of texturizing paste or sea salt spray, though a lighter hold pomade can be beneficial if you need more styling control. It’s all about balance. Find what works for you!

hair styling products

hair styling products | Image: Supplied

The Verdict: So, Side Swept or Quiff?

Ultimately, the best hairstyle is the one that makes YOU feel confident and good. But hopefully, this guide helps you navigate this oh-so-important choice. Consider your face shape, hair texture, lifestyle and personality and experiment! Don’t be afraid to try both styles out. You might be surprised at which one you prefer. Who knows, you might even end up rocking both, alternating between them depending on your mood. That's what I do, it's great fun and very adaptable.

men with side swept and quiff hairstyles

men with side swept and quiff hairstyles | Image: Supplied

Remember, there are no hard and fast rules! So, have fun with it and rock that hairstyle with confidence! What are your thoughts? Share your experiences in the comments below! Maybe you have a different hairstyle you swear by. Let's discuss!

Style is a way to say who you are without having to speak.

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