The French Crop is a classic and versatile choice for men’s hairstyles that has evolved to fit modern trends. It is sleek and sharp, featuring clean lines that make it an effortlessly stylish choice, and one that can be easily adapted for almost any occasion!
The French crop is characterised by its versatility and adaptability, making it suitable for a wide range of hair types, including straight, wavy, and curly. A standout feature of the French crop is its ability to enhance facial features and create a more defined look. The short sides draw attention to the jawline and cheekbones, while the longer top can be styled to complement various face shapes. This versatility makes the French crop an excellent choice for individuals looking to accentuate their best features and make a stylish statement. This guide will provide aa overview of the French crop, exploring its variations, styling techniques, and tips for maintaining the look. Whether you’re considering a fresh hairstyle or seeking inspiration, this article will help you master the timeless elegance of the French crop.
What is a French Crop?
The French crop hairstyle debuted in France during the 1920s and quickly became popular for its simple yet stylish aesthetic. This haircut features short sides and back with slightly longer hair on top, making it an ideal choice for men who desire a low-maintenance grooming option and can be adapted to suit various face shapes and textures. The French crop emphasises clean lines and a neat appearance and allows for versatility in styling, appealing to various tastes and preferences. Its practicality, combined with a touch of modern flair, has helped the French crop remain a favoured hairstyle through the decades, evolving to suit changing fashion trends while still retaining its classic roots.
Top French Crop Hairstyles
Due to its versatility and timeless appeal, there are many variations of the French Crop and with numerous variations available, this style can be tailored to reflect your unique personality and preferences. Whether you prefer a clean, classic look or something more edgy and modern, there’s a French Crop style that will suit your taste and style perfectly! Here are 10 standout variations to inspire your next cut.
The classic French Crop cut features short hair on the sides, with a fringe that extends over the forehead. This low-maintenance haircut is suitable for both straight and wavy hair, making it an excellent way to add a touch of classic style to your everyday look.
A straight French crop is very similar to a crew cut but features longer hair on top. In this version of the style, the sides and back are either faded or cut low, while the hair at the crown of the head is left slightly longer. The fringe is cut blunt, creating a straight line that extends over the forehead. This hairstyle pairs well with various beard styles and is particularly suited for men with straight hair.
Men with curly hair can also achieve a stylish look with a French crop cut. The curly French crop with a mid-fade is similar to the classic French crop but takes natural curls into account. In this style, the sides and back of the head are faded, while the curly hair on top adds texture and dimension. This haircut works well with both long and short curls; longer curls can drape over the sides and be tucked behind the ears if needed.
A textured French crop is an excellent style choice for men with medium-length hair. This style is similar to a classic French Crop; however, instead of having an evenly cut top layer, a textured French Crop features a layered fringe and top hair. The layers add texture to the hairstyle and may sometimes include lighter hair colour on the tips, creating a subtle contrast between the upper and lower layers for added dimension.
The modern, messy version of the French crop adds a relaxed and edgy twist to the classic style. The messy French crop is ideal for those seeking a stylish yet low-maintenance haircut. The classic French crop features short sides and back with a slightly longer top that is combed forward. In contrast, the messy version incorporates texture and a more tousled appearance, giving it a contemporary edge.
Maintaining longer lengths on the top of your hair opens a wider range of styling possibilities. This versatility allows you to experiment with different looks and techniques to find what suits you best. For those with thick hair, one particularly stylish option is the quiff. This adds height and volume and can be tailored to fit various occasions, whether casual or formal.
The long French crop focuses on closely trimmed sides and back, creating a sharp contrast with the longer hair on the crown of the head. You can wear the long French crop with straight or wavy hair, or even style it into a man bun!
Choosing the Right Cut for You
The French crop is notable for its longer top and shorter back and sides, but one of the best aspects of this haircut is that it can be easily customised to match your style. If you’re looking to adjust the cut, a Rush stylist can offer suggestions to help you create a look that’s uniquely yours. Here are some additional factors worth considering when choosing the right cut.
Face Shape
One of the standout features of the French Crop is that it suits all face shapes, whether round, oval, square, or heart shaped. Unlike other hairstyles, such as the buzz cut, undercuts, and pompadours, which may not be as universally flattering, the French Crop harmonises well with a wide range of personal styles. One of its main benefits is its ability to enhance facial features and create a more defined appearance. The shorter sides draw attention to the jawline and cheekbones, while the longer top can be styled to complement different face shapes.
Hair Types
One of the reasons the French crop haircut is so appealing is that it works well for both straight and curly hair. For straight hair, it adds much-needed texture, while for wavy or curly hair, it accentuates the curls while maintaining control.
This haircut is ideal for individuals with thick hair who find it challenging to choose the right style. It reduces some of the bulk by removing hair from the sides while allowing you to maintain your full locks on top. If you have thinning hair, getting a French crop with a fringe can be a smart solution to disguise a receding hairline, as it effectively covers the areas of thinning near the forehead.
Lifestyle
Furthermore, the French crop hairstyle is known for its incredibly low-maintenance nature. The hair on the sides is cut short, which means it requires very little upkeep or regular trimming. This makes it an ideal choice for those with a busy lifestyle. The longer hair on top offers versatility; it can be effortlessly styled in various ways, whether you prefer a classic look or a sharp, clean and modern look.
Maintenance Tips
Regular maintenance is key to keeping your French crop looking sharp and well-groomed. Schedule appointments every 4-6 weeks to ensure that both the sides and top are trimmed to your desired length and lines are sharp.
Additionally, using the correct lightweight shampoo and conditioner will make all the difference. Opting for a lightweight formula ensures that the style stays clean, healthy and fresh without any extra weight compromising the texture and style of the French crop. A Rush stylist will be more than happy to assist in recommending the correct shampoo and conditioner to suit your hair type and routine.
Daily Styling
Daily styling of your French crop can be as effortless or defined as you like – again it comes down to personal choice and preference, although the right product can make all the difference.
For a more polished look, a pomade or a gel is your go-to for achieving this look. these types of products offer a stronghold, along with a smooth and glossy finish, resulting in a clean and refined style that stays put all day. If you are after more of a relaxed and textured look, then opt for wax or clay-based styling products. Wax and clay products offer a more flexible hold, allowing for definition and depth without looking overly styled with an effortless natural finish. Experiment with both approaches and see what works for you!
Styling Techniques for French Crop Haircuts
Getting the best results possible for your French crop comes down to the right tools and techniques – here are some of our top tips.
Create volume with a hair dryer and round brush
- Start with slightly damp hair
- Use a round brush at the root of the hair to lift, and direct the heat from the hair dryer upwards to create some natural volume
- Finish with a cool setting once the hair is dry, this will help to lock in the lift and shap
Add definition with a Texturising Spray
- Lightly spray a texturising spray throughout the hair right through the lengths
- Use your fingers to tousle and shape the hair to create a relaxed and modern texture
Maintain Sharp Fades with a Professional Stylist
- A fade can be an edgy addition to a French crop; however, perfecting it does require the skills of a professional. This style works with low, mid or high fades as well as a taper. The fade level is a personal choice.
Conclusion
The French Crop stands out as a timeless and versatile hairstyle that suits a wide ride of individuals, offering different variations and styles, taking into account hairstyles, lifestyles and age. It’s a fresh and manageable style, making it a great choice for anyone seeking a low-maintenance yet stylish look.
Book Your French Crop Appointment at Rush
Ready to refresh your look? Book your appointment at RUSH today and let our expert stylists create the perfect French Crop.
FAQ’s
This French Crop features short sides and back with slightly longer hair on top, making it an ideal choice for men who desire a low-maintenance grooming option. The French crop emphasises clean lines and a neat appearance and allows for versatility in styling, appealing to various tastes and preferences.
One of the standout features of the French Crop is that it suits all face shapes, whether round, oval, square, or heart-shaped. Unlike other hairstyles, such as the buzz cut, undercuts, and pompadours, which may not be as universally flattering, the French Crop harmonises well with a wide range of personal styles.
What is the difference between a Caesar cut and a French crop?
While both styles feature short sides and a fringe, the French Crop is more textured and versatile. The Caesar cut typically has a blunt fringe and uniform length, whereas the French Crop incorporates fades and layers.
When visiting your stylist, be clear about the style you like and your lifestyle, are you able to maintain and style at home? It is always good to bring a photo for reference so they can understand your vision clearer and the look you want to achieve.
Yes! Straight hair works well with the French Crop, as this allows for clean, sharp lines and easy styling options. Texture can also be added with layering to avoid a flat look.
Not necessarily, it can be added to a French crop but is not a requirement. This style works with low, mid or high fades as well as a taper. The fade level is a personal choice.
Is a French crop high maintenance?
No, the French Crop is considered a low-maintenance style which is part of the appeal for many. Its short length means minimal styling and just a little product – if desired. Regular trims every 4-6 weeks are necessary to maintain the sharp lines.
