Caesar Haircut (French Crop) is the ’90s Men’s Hair Trend Making a Comeback
This O.G. of a throwback STILL stands the test of time.
Hail, Ceasar (haircut!): The retro ’90s style is back, baby! And you’re going to want to try it.
Made popular back in the ’90s, this edgy, slightly cyber-punky hairstyle is attributed to ancient Rome’s famous leader, Julius Caesar. So, it’s no wonder this cropped, wavy cut oozes star power. Plus, it’s neat, handsome, and genuinely low-maintenance.
Ready to learn what this haircut is, how to ask your stylist for it, and how to style the cut easily? Keep scrolling to learn everything you need to know about the Caesar haircut.
All About the Caesar Haircut aka The French Crop
Getting bored of your man bun? Or perhaps you want to change up your slicked-back ‘do for something a little shorter and dapper? You may have tried all sorts of fades, flat-top and lo-hawk styles, but the French crop / Ceasar haircut is something else.
What is the Caesar Haircut?
Also known as the French crop, the Caesar haircut is a short, all-around cut with a brief fringe. This style comes with a lot of history. As the name suggests, this style is named after its most famous ambassador Julius Caesar, who adopted this tight cut with blunt bangs as his signature look. And no, it wasn’t purely for fashion reasons; he was balding, and this was a great hairstyle for concealing it.
Aside from the foolproof styling, another great advantage of the Caesar cut is that—thanks to the fringe—it’s great for gents suffering from thinning locks and/or receding hairlines. Plus, it’s low maintenance and one of the most versatile options that can work well with straight or wavy textures and on thick or thin hair.
How to ask for the Caesar haircut / French crop
If you’re after a classic Caesar, ask your barber to keep the length—which should be no longer than 1-2 inches—even all the way around. There are, however, modern variations on the cut that are worth considering if you want to make it more 21st-century-appropriate.
A more contemporary and increasingly popular take on the Caesar is to taper or fade the back and sides while keeping the top flat and traditional. For a more directional look, try it with an undercut, but if you want to elevate the cut and inject it with a cool, youthful spirit, we suggest adding in a bit of that messy texture on top while keeping the sides just a tad longer with some choppiness built-in. Now that’s what we call the Caesar haircut 2.0.
How to Style the French Crop / Ceasar Haircut
Unlike several currently trending men’s hairstyles, which require additional volume, dramatic slicking back, or building height, the Caesar cut calls for a much simpler approach to styling. All you need is a good hair product and a fine comb. Try Dove Men+Care Sculpting Paste for a reworkable matte finish with prominent texture, or Bed Head for Men by TIGI Slick Trick Pomade for a sleeker look. The trick is to create the style while your hair’s still damp and to apply the product before combing.
Use your fingers to evenly distribute the product over your hair for a neat, slick look. Start combing from the crown of your head to the front to create a fringe. Do the same to the sides, leaving the back or combing it down for maximum tidiness. If a softer, more casual, less uniform outcome is what you’re after, use AXE Urban Messy Look: Flexible Paste to rough up the texture at the top while keeping the back and sides neat for a cool contrast.
French Crop / Caesar Haircut Inspo
Need more inspo? Check out these variations of the hairstyle below.
1. Classic French Crop Haircut
Like to keep it classic? You can’t go wrong with a traditional short French crop haircut with bang. This style will also look great as it begins to grow out.
2. Messy Caesar Haircut
Take a modern approach to the Caesar haircut by opting for a textured crop. If needed, use a paste to add a slightly messy texture to your bangs. This hairstyle will give you a perfect “I woke up like this” chill look but a little more elevated.
3. Dark Ceasar Haircut
The French crop looks amazing on natural afro hair. Next time you see your barber, ask for the dark Ceasar haircut.
4. Sleek Fringe Caesar
A sleek Ceasar haircut like this is perfect for anyone who wants a short hairstyle that still frames their face. These baby bangs are a gorgeous way to highlight the features of your face.
5. Full Fringe French Crop Haircut
Have thicker hair? If you have thick strands and your bangs are starting to grow out, but you’re not ready to part with the length yet, try this variation of the French crop haircut with full bangs.
6. Partial French Crop
If you love the Caesar haircut look but are not ready to go all the way, this partial French crop is for you. Achieve this look by slicking your hair to the side using hair gel such as AXE Spiked-Up Look: Extreme Hold Gel.
7. Crop with Highlights
Brighten up your look with these handsome golden highlights or bright highlight colors of your choice! It’s the ultimate way to modernize your look while setting new and fun hair trends for the upcoming season.
8. Caesar Haircut with Partial Buzz Cut
Are you thinking of getting a buzz cut but not ready to get rid of all your hair yet? Then try this look! It’s a great way to ease into the buzzcut without fully committing.
Whether you opt for a classic Caesar haircut or try out a textured crop, this style is perfect for anyone wanting a short style. Are you looking for more hairstyle inspiration? Check out our style guide below!
