If you thought that short hair couldn't be versatile, you'd be wrong. The "french-crop" haircut has been rising in popularity over the last few weeks, and it's perfect for anyone with hair that stops above the jawline. "It's a tight faded crop with a textured fringe," hairstylist Martin-Christopher Harper tells PS. "Think a version of an Edie Campbell shag meets Winona '90s crop."
Like the broccoli cut, the french crop concentrates a lot of the longer length at the top of the head. Depending on your hair texture and length, it may look different from person to person. Additionally, while it may be posited as a style primarily worn by men, it's considered a nonbinary haircut that anyone can rock with the right tweaks. Ahead, learn more about how you can achieve the short hairstyle with tips from professional hairstylists.
What Is a French-Crop Hairstyle?
"The french crop is a hairstyle that is shorter toward the sides and back of the head, with longer hair on top," celebrity hairstylist Rene Fris says. "The top is typically styled forward toward the face or to the side, and it often incorporates texture for a modern look."
This hairstyle is often lauded for its versatility and low-maintenance upkeep because it relies primarily on your natural hair texture. "It also suits various face shapes and hair types," Fris says. While it is a pretty low-maintenance cut in terms of styling, Fris does recommend keeping up with a routine haircut schedule if you're a stickler about the length of your hair. "It can grow out really fast on the sides," he says. "You'll need to clean it up every three to four weeks to keep the style fresh."
How to Get a French-Crop Hairstyle
This style provides a particularly clean and structured look. When styling your own french-crop haircut, you can either lean into that vibe or customize the look to fit your style more. However you decide to approach a french crop, as with any hair transformation, it's best to bring a reference photo to your appointment that both you and your stylist can clearly understand and discuss in real-time.
As for the technique itself, your stylist will likely be picking up some clippers. "Request for the sides and back to be cut short, usually with clippers," Fris says. "You can specify the desired length, such as a skin fade (this is where the hair is cut short enough to expose the scalp), a taper fade (when the shortest sections of the haircut are just at the nape and sideburns), or any other preferred style."
Fris says that the top of the hair should be longer than the sides and back of the neck. "Typically, the length on top ranges from one to two inches, but you can adjust it based on your preference," he says.
Gel or mousse are both great products for styling this look, as they help add hold, allowing you to create a quiff, make your cut look shaggy, or even just emphasize your natural hair pattern. "Women's french crops might include bangs to frame the face for a softer, more romantic look, while men typically have a shorter, more uniform length across the front," he says.
Now that you know all about the look we gather some french-crop haircut inspiration for you to consider, ahead.