Elegant, stylish, classy, and low maintenance – these are just a few words that best describe the French Crop Haircut.

Not only that:

It’s a hairstyle that screams of good – but effortless – taste.

In my opinion, these are the main qualities that men look for – or should look for – in a haircut.

However:

Finding such a haircut can be tedious and frustrating, turning from a pleasant research expedition into a rabbit hole of websites and web pages.

But don’t fret, I’ve got you covered with this French Crop haircut review.

Get this:

This haircut offers all the great qualities, is extremely easy to style and maintain, and works with just about any face shape.

So:

Let’s start with the most obvious question.

What is a French Crop Haircut?

Now:

The French Crop is a vastly popular haircut, which means it has a lot of variations. As such, it’s hard to give it a standard definition, but here is the basic concept behind it:

You have short hair on the sides and back with relatively long hair on top that gets longer at the fringe.

I know – it’s not the clearest definition.

So:

Here’s something more tangible…

A French Crop Hairstyle has very short hair on the sides and back – usually tapered.

Next, the top should have relatively long hair that is cropped at the fringe.

And yes…!

I know it might sound like a Caesar Cut, but it is not.

And here’s why:

Whereas a Caesar Cut features short hair around the head – including the fringe – the French Crop features short hair but with a longer fringe.

Now:

Let’s look at some examples of this stylish and timeless haircut.

Top Ten French Crop Haircuts To Try

1) Classic French Crop

The Classic French Crop haircut features short hair on the sides and back with longer hair on top and a cropped fringe.

This haircut is sophisticated and edgy, making it ideal for most men.

So, how do you get it?

• First, start by clipping the sides and back short. Here, most men choose to go with a taper
• Next, trim the top to the desired length

Note:

The contrast between the top and sides/back should be subtle; this design is what sets the Classic French Crop apart.

The hair on top can be styled in a variety of ways.

So:

After a rugged look, opt for some point cuts on top or go with blunt cutting for a clean-cut appearance.

2) Long French Crop

Now:

This variation features long hair on top – and at the fringe – while the sides and back are kept neatly short.

As you can imagine, keeping longer hair on top gives you much more versatility in styling. But remember, longer hair means more work – both in styling and maintenance.

So, how do you get it?

• First, start by putting in a fade on the sides and back.
• Next, trim the top to your desired length – but the hair should be long – and then crop the bangs.

Anyway:

When it comes to styling, you can do it in a variety of ways.

Now:

This variation features long hair on top – and at the fringe – while the sides and back are kept neatly short.

As you can imagine, keeping longer hair on top gives you much more versatility in styling. But remember, longer hair means more work – both in styling and maintenance.

So, how do you get it?

• First, start by putting in a fade on the sides and back.
• Next, trim the top to your desired length – but the hair should be long – and then crop the bangs.

Anyway:

When it comes to styling, you can do it in a variety of ways.

For instance:

• If you have thick locks, you can style the fringe into a Pompadour or Quiff
• However, if you have thin hair, opt for a side part or comb-over

What’s more, you can style the fringe forward like the usual French Crop haircut.

3) Undercut French Crop

Get this:

To give yourself a completely contemporary look, try paring your French Crop with an undercut.

This is how you do it:

• Start by clipping the back and sides short
• As for the hair on top, leave it relatively long – with a cropped fringe. Why? To ensure you have lots of contrast between the sides/back and the top

Note:

If you want a disconnected undercut, make sure the sides and back are extremely short.

Then, put in a hard part to give you that striking contrast associated with the traditional disconnected undercut.

As for styling, apply a matte product throughout the hair to give it a natural feel.

4) Short French Crop

If you are into short but cool hairstyles with minimal styling, the Short French Crop haircut is an ideal choice.

To get this haircut:

• Start by clipping the sides and back
• Next, shorten the top and crop the fringe. Remember, this is a short haircut, so the top and fringe should be short
• To style, apply your favorite clay or wax evenly throughout the hair

Now:

Depending on how short the hair is, you might not need to style it at all.

This haircut is not only dapper and clean-cut but also easy to style and maintain, making it perfect for most men.

5) Curly French Crop

If you have curls, you should definitely consider getting a French Crop haircut.

Why?

Well, this haircut will emphasize your curls by making them appear voluminous.

This is how it’s done:

• Start by clipping the sides/back short. Here, you can go with whichever fade you fancy
• Next, trim the top to your preferred size, and then let the curls fall over your forehead

Also:

You can use a texturizing cream on your curls to keep them in place and give them a natural appearance.

6) Textured French Crop

Now:

I know some of you are after a neat hairstyle but with a slightly rugged appearance; well, the Textured French Crop haircut is here for you.

With this variation, you get a messier, unruly look that’s great for someone who loves going out and partying hard.

To get this haircut:

• Start by fading the sides and back
• As for the hair on top, the length should be medium to long
• With the styling, apply a small amount of matte pomade throughout your hair
• And remember to mess up your locks as you go

However:

Be careful not to use a lot of product.

It might not be good for your hair in the long run.

7) Messy French Crop

Looking for a more modern haircut? Try the Messy French Crop.

This variation is the ultimate choice for those looking for a contemporary and youthful take on the classic haircut.

To rock this cut:

• Start by buzzing the sides and leaving the top a bit long
• Styling this haircut is completely dependent on how messy you want to look

But here are the basics:

• First, apply a matte wax throughout your hair
• Next, create contrasting shapes in your hair by pulling your locks in different directions

8) French Crop Fade

Here’s a WiseBarber secret for you:

Fades can work with almost any type of haircut or style.

So:

If you try combining a French Crop with a fade, you’ll get a modern and sophisticated appearance.

To get this haircut:

• Start by cutting a fade on the sides and back. It can either be a high, low, or mid fade or even a burst fade
• Once you are done with the fading, trim the top

To style, you can use a matte product to give your haircut a natural textured look.

9) Straight French Crop

If you have naturally straight hair, then consider getting a Straight French Crop.

Why?

Well, this combo is easy to maintain, fresh, and will leave you looking dapper as ever.

Moreover:

It’s easy to get.

• Just get a Classic French Crop and then comb your hair forward

Also:

You can add a small amount of hair product and finish off with a blast of hairspray.

10) French Crop for Receding Hairline

Lastly:

A French Crop haircut might not be the cure for a receding hairline, but it can help you hide it.

And the best part is that this is quite easy to achieve.

How?

• By blending the top and layering the fringe onto the forehead
• With the styling, use a lightweight product to add more dimension and texture to the layers

And that’s just about everything you need to know about the French Crop Haircut and its various, stylish variations.

But:

Before I wrap this up, here are a few useful tips for you…

How to Do a French Crop Haircut At Home

Doing a DIY French Crop at home is quite easy.

First of all, you need to make sure you have all the right tools.

For example, you’ll need:

1. A clear reference photo
2. An effective hair clipper
3. Clips, bands, or pins
4. A pair of scissors
5. A brush or comb
6. And two mirrors –one should be big and stationary and the other small and handheld

Now:

If you already have these tools, here’s what you need to do…

• Start by separating the hair on top with clips, bands, or pins – whichever you like. To do this effectively, you’ll need to create a side part on one side of the head that goes around your crown to the other side.
• Once that’s done, it’s time for the clipping. Here, you’ll want to clip the sides and back short. Pro tip – putting in a taper fade or an undercut is a popular choice. Preferably, go with a taper for a more conservative appearance and an undercut for an edgy look.
• With the sides/back done, it’s time to tackle the top. Here, start by trimming the hair down to your desired length. And remember, the hair should be shorter at the crown and longer at the fringe.
• When you have achieved the desired length, comb the fringe forward onto your face. Next, crop it using your scissors – to any length you fancy. Note, the power behind short men’s hairstyles is contrast. As such, make sure you have some contrast between the top and sides/back.

Side Note:

To get a rugged and textured look, do some point cuts on the hair on top. However, if you’d like a neat and tidy appearance, opt for a blunt cutting.

Easy, right?

If not, you can always visit your local barbershop to get a cool French Crop Haircut.

Learn more about that next…

How to Ask For a French Crop Haircut

Get this:

The good thing is that the French Crop is a popular haircut, and most barbers will recognize it by name.

However:

If you are after a unique variation, here are some tips to help you get the haircut you want…

1. Bring a photo: Nothing beats a reference photo. It shows what you want and how you want it. Plus, it makes it easier for your barber to visualize your request.
2. Use the Right Terminologies: Always try and use the right haircutting terminologies as much as possible. Note that barbers speak their language (the same way with any industry), and to get them to understand what you want, you have to use the right names and terms.
3. Ensure You Communicate: This is arguably the most important part. You should make sure you communicate effectively with your barber and divulge all the relevant information. And if you don’t like something, just ask them to change it.

Well:

Now that the cutting is all done, let’s see how you can style your new hairdo.

How to Self-Style a French Crop Cut

Due to the shortness of the hair, styling a French Crop haircut is also relatively easy.

Moreover:

You can style this haircut in a variety of ways to fit your personality and taste.

But, here are the basics:

1. Start with clean, towel-dried hair.
2. Next, use a blow drier to set the hair. You can also apply some salt spray before drying.
3. Now, you’ll want to apply some styling product throughout the hair. As usual, opt for a matte product to get that natural, textured finish. However, if you’d like a glossy appearance, use some pomade.
4. Next, style the hair forward. Remember to run your fingers through the hair or twist it a bit to give it more volume.
5. To finish off, apply a blast of hairspray.

And there you have it, in just 5 steps, you’ve styled your French Crop haircut.

Conclusion

Well:

There you have it – all you need to know about the French Crop haircut.

So, who’s this haircut for?

Well, just about anyone who wants a stylish haircut but doesn’t want to spend an hour in front of a mirror styling it.

What’s more?

This haircut works great for most formal and casual settings.

Awesome right?

Now, it’s your turn:

What is your favorite French Crop variation, and why?

Please let me know in the comments below or ask any questions you may have concerning this haircut.

I’ll be more than happy to help.

Until next time… #StaySafe