Everything You Need to Know About The French Crop Haircut And 8 Ways You Can Wear It
It might be very ‘in’ right now but the French crop has actually been around forever. An alternative take on the military-inspired Caesar cut (another failsafe short crop), the typical characteristics of a French crop are short faded back and sides, with longer hair on top styled in a fringe.
Coming under the spotlight thanks to stars like Peaky Blinders actor Cillian Murphy, this low-maintenance look with its easy styling credentials and modern textured fringe works for all occasions.
Short but dapper, this look is surprisingly versatile, so whether your natural strands are curly or poker-straight everyone should give this textured short crop a go. To help persuade you, we’ve put together a guide to help you learn more about this easy short style, so if you’re looking for a new style to try, read on.
What is the French Crop Haircut?
As mentioned above, a French crop haircut is achieved when you have your hair cut short on the back and sides, while keeping the hair on top longer. This is usually combed forwards to give you a fringe.
Who Does it Work For?
Part of the appeal of a French crop haircut is it offers benefits for both straight and curly hair. On straight hair, it helps to add some much-needed texture, while on wavy or curly hair it allows you to really accentuate your curls while keeping them controlled.
Great for those with thick hair who struggle to find a haircut, it takes some of the weight away by removing the hair from the sides, without you having to sacrifice your luscious hair up top. Thinning hair? Getting a fringe is a clever trick for concealing a receding hairline, as it essentially covers up the main area of thinning around the forehead.
Editor’s tip: If your hair is flat try using a product like TRESemmé Volume and Lift Mousse before styling to give your hair some extra oomph.
How Short Do You Need to Go?
Unlike the Caesar cut, which is generally short all over, with the French crop you’ve got the option to play around with different length fringes to figure out what you like and what suits your face shape best.
Shorter micro fringes are great for making a statement, while longer layers will let you experiment with different partings and/or straightening or adding curls.
How to Maintain a French Crop
Feel like your hair grows faster than you can control? One big pro of these short-crop haircuts is that you won’t need to go to the barbershop as often as you would with more demanding styles.
While you’re growing out the hair on top, you may need to pay your barber a visit to keep the sides short but how often you’ll need to go will depend on how short you want your side fade to be and how fast your hair grows.
Now you know all about the coveted French crop haircut, learn how to style it at home…
8 Popular French Crop Hairstyles
There are many examples of ways you can wear this popular cropped haircut. See the best looks, below.
French Crop for Straight Hair
If you’ve got straight hair, a French crop is a perfect way to add cool texture to your hair.
Short French Crop
If you’re into short styles, you’ll be happy to know you can know can experiment with different lengths of style with this popular cut.
Modern Short Crop
This modern take on the cut is great for those who are looking for a more professional spin on the trend.
Wet-Look Crop
If you want to quickly give your crop a grungy feel, just run some hair gel through your mane.
French Crop for Thick Hair
If you want to make your thick hair easier to manage, this cropped haircut is your lifesaver.
Caesar Cut
Caesar cuts and French crops are similar in the way they look, but you can make either of them stand out with a bright dye job and an undercut.
Long French Crop
With a long cropped cut, you can style your fringe in many ways. From the side to swept-back, you’ll have lots of options to try.
French Crop for Wavy Hair
Wavy hair? Take inspiration from this cool example.
How to Get a Textured Crop
Texture is everything when it comes to your French crop. Here’s how to get the textured barbershop look at home:
Step 1. Comb Your Hair Forwards
Start by washing your hair using your favourite shampoo. We recommend something hydrating like SheaMoisture Manuka Honey & Yoghurt Hydrate & Repair Shampoo and SheaMoisture Manuka Honey & Yoghurt Hydrate & Repair Conditioner.
Then use a plastic comb to bring all of your hair forwards over your forehead or alternatively, and depending on how long your hair is, you can try a more side-swept style if you prefer.
Step 2: Dry Your Hair
Next, use your hairdryer to dry your hair, using your fingers to add texture to the roots as you dry. Alternatively, if you’re short on time you can also allow your hair to air dry naturally and achieve the same result.
Step 3: Apply Hair Product
Once your hair is totally dry, put a small amount of the putty or gel between your palms and scrunch it into your hair with your fingers to give you a choppy, textured finish.
