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30+ Timeless French Crop Haircut Variations to Try in 2023

Most informational guide with the best-looking photos to inspire you

written by Shane McCarthy

Some guys don’t want the fuss that comes with high-maintenance hairstyles like the quiff or pompadour. They want to have a stylish cut, but they also don’t want to spend an hour in front of their bathroom mirror. That’s where the French Crop comes in.

The French Crop is a classic style that is one of the shorter men’s styles. It features short hair all around the head and a noticeable fringe. Many people confuse this haircut with the Caesar cut. While they are similar, the main difference is that the French crop features a long fringe, while in a Caesar cut, the fringe is short.

The French crop haircut is great for guys who want a low-maintenance hairstyle. It’s a truly minimal cut that requires minimal styling. It also doesn’t require frequent trips to the barbershop to maintain. This cut is also especially nice for older gents with grey hair, as the cut complements the hair. The French crop is a great looking cut that’s easy to get, so read on for more information on this timeless style.

What do I need for the French crop haircut?

The French crop is a shorter style, so you won’t need much hair for this cut. You’ll probably want one or two inches of hair in the front, and it will be shorter throughout. One of the big advantages of the French crop is its flexibility. It works well with most face shapes (round perhaps being an exception) and hair types. If you have coiled hair, then a French crop will still work, but it will be tougher to manage.

How to get the French crop haircut?

Since the French crop is so similar to the classic Caesar cut, most barbers will be able to tackle the cut with just a little direction from you. Of course, you can just ask for “a Caesar cut with a long fringe,” but if you want to go more in-depth, here’s what to say.

Ask for the sides to be clipped or cut, depending on the kind of texture you want. Consult with your barber to figure out which option is best for you. Also, the length of the French crop can vary, so make sure to bring in a picture so your barber can estimate the length of the sides and back.

For the hair on top, you have a couple of options. If you want more volume and texture, ask for the hair on top to be point cut. This creates a rugged look, and it’s ideal for taking out weight if you have thick hair. If you want a neat appearance, ask for the hair on top to be blunt cut. This allows for your hair to appear flat and tidy, so if your hair sticks up, go with blunt cutting.

If you want to take a super contemporary approach to this classic, ask for the sides and back to be clipped or cut shorter so they contrast with the top more.

Since it’s such a short cut, the French crop doesn’t require too much styling. You’ll need a pomade, gel, wax, or similar product. You’ll mostly style the hair on top in the front. Work the product into towel-dried, damp hair, and style it to your liking.

Shane McCarthy is the Content Director for Capillus, the world’s first, clinically-proven, FDA-cleared laser cap to treat hair loss. Shane works to share informative and engaging content based off of the struggles and prevention of adult hair loss and thinning. In his free time, he enjoys spending time out on the water wakeboarding and fishing.