The Executive Contour is a timeless, sharp, and sophisticated hairstyle that projects professionalism and confidence. Styling it effectively involves a combination of the right haircut, quality products, and precise technique to achieve its characteristic neat sides and voluminous, swept-back top.
How to Style an Executive Contour?
Styling an Executive Contour requires a precise haircut as its foundation, followed by a methodical approach with the right products to achieve its signature clean lines and refined volume.
Understanding the Executive Contour
The Executive Contour is a classic men's haircut known for its short, tapered sides and back, and a longer top section that is typically styled with a prominent side part and swept back or to the side. It's a versatile style that can suit various face shapes and professional settings.
Essential Tools & Products
To achieve a perfectly styled Executive Contour, you'll need the following:
- Fine-tooth comb: For creating a sharp part and neat styling.
- Hair dryer: To add volume and set the initial shape.
- Vented or round brush: Assists with blow-drying and shaping.
- Pre-styling product: Such as a sea salt spray or tonic for added texture and hold.
- Pomade, wax, or cream: The primary styling product for hold, shine, and definition.
- Hairspray (optional): For extra hold, especially in humid conditions.
Step-by-Step Styling Guide for the Executive Contour
Achieving that crisp, polished look requires attention to detail. Follow these steps for a perfect Executive Contour:
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Start with Clean, Damp Hair:
- Wash your hair thoroughly with shampoo and conditioner.
- Towel-dry your hair until it's about 70-80% dry. It should be damp, not soaking wet, to allow products to distribute evenly and for the blow dryer to be effective.
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Apply Pre-Styling Product:
- Spritz a generous amount of a pre-styling spray (e.g., sea salt spray or a volume tonic) evenly throughout your damp hair. This adds initial volume, texture, and a base for your main styling product.
- Recommended: Men's Hair Pre-Styling Guide
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Create the Part:
- Using a fine-tooth comb, identify your natural side part. This is usually where your hair naturally separates.
- Draw a clean, straight line from your hairline all the way back towards the crown. A sharp part is crucial for the Executive Contour's neat appearance.
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Blow Dry & Shape for Volume:
- Using your hair dryer on a medium heat setting and a brush (a vented brush for general drying or a round brush for more lift), begin blow-drying your hair.
- Sides and Back: Blow dry the sides and back down and back, ensuring they lay flat against your head. Use the comb to guide the hair into place as it dries.
- Top Section: For the top, blow dry it in the direction you want it to sweep (back and over from the part).
- Crucially, lift the hair at the roots with your brush as you dry to build volume, especially on the side that will sweep over. When shaping the top section and considering the natural fall of the hair from your crown, you may find that one side naturally wants to sit slightly higher or requires more lift to achieve the desired contour and balance the hair's natural growth pattern. Apply this deliberate lift and shaping technique to both sides, ensuring the hair lays flat and neat against the head on the short side while the longer side achieves its intended voluminous swoop. This careful attention to your hair's natural direction from the crown ensures a balanced and polished look.
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Apply Styling Product:
- Take a dime-sized amount of your chosen styling product (pomade, wax, or cream) and rub it between your palms until it's warm and evenly distributed.
- Work the product thoroughly into your hair, starting from the back and moving forward, ensuring even coverage from roots to tips. Adjust the amount based on your hair's thickness and desired hold.
- Tip: Choosing the Right Hair Product for Men
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Refine the Style with a Comb:
- Sides and Back: Use your fine-tooth comb to neatly comb the sides and back down and against your head, creating a sleek, sculpted finish.
- Top Section: Comb the top section back and over from your part, guiding it into the desired Executive Contour shape. Ensure the volume achieved from blow-drying is maintained, and the hair sweeps smoothly. Use the comb to refine any stray hairs.
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Final Touches (Optional):
- For extra hold, especially in humid conditions or for a long day, lightly mist your styled hair with a strong-hold hairspray.
- Use your fingers to make any final adjustments or to give a slightly more natural, less rigid look if preferred.
Product Recommendations
The choice of product significantly impacts the finish of your Executive Contour:
| Product Type | Hold Level | Finish | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pomade | Medium-Strong | High Shine | Classic, slick look; dark hair |
| Hair Wax | Medium-Strong | Matte-Natural | Textured, modern look; all hair types |
| Styling Cream | Light-Medium | Natural | Softer hold, healthier look; fine to medium hair |
Maintenance Tips
- Regular Trims: To maintain the sharp lines of the Executive Contour, regular trims (every 3-4 weeks) are essential.
- Good Hair Care: Use quality shampoos and conditioners to keep your hair healthy and manageable.
- Experiment: Don't be afraid to experiment with different product amounts or drying techniques to find what works best for your hair type and desired look.
By following these steps and considering your hair's natural growth, you can consistently achieve a perfectly styled Executive Contour that exudes sophistication.
