The South of France has long been synonymous with effortless elegance and timeless style, and its influence extends far beyond fashion into the realm of hairstyles. This region, nestled along the sun-kissed Mediterranean coast, has birthed a distinctive set of hair trends that exude a carefree, yet refined, allure.
One of the most iconic South of France hairstyles is the “French Crop,” a short, textured cut that gained popularity in the 1960s. This timeless look is characterized by its cropped sides and back, leaving a slightly longer length on top that can be styled in various ways, from neat and polished to tousled and casual.
Another hallmark style is the “Provence Plaits,” inspired by the picturesque countryside of Provence. This intricate braided look often incorporates wildflowers or delicate adornments, evoking a sense of rustic charm and natural beauty.
What is a South of France Haircut?
The South of France haircut, often dubbed “The 4th-dimensional haircut,” earns its name due to its striking appeal from every perspective. Originating from R&B icon Usher Raymond, known simply as Usher, and his skilled barber Curtis Smith, this style seamlessly blends elements of a Mohawk or fohawk (specifically, an Afro Mohawk) with a fade, or even a burst fade.
How to Get a South of France Haircut?
While South of France haircuts have gained immense popularity among men of various backgrounds, they tend to showcase their full potential on black men. The natural hair texture beautifully accentuates the fusion of a fade and Mohawk, yielding visual cues that may not harmonize as seamlessly with other hair types. Nevertheless, there’s nothing stopping anyone from giving it a try.
To achieve a South of France hairstyle, initiate with a fade. Skillfully blend the hair from the skin to its fullest volume using clippers. Following this, depending on your hair’s length and texture, utilize a pick or comb to style it into an afro, Mohawk, or fro hawk. Alternatively, you can choose to leave the hair as is and apply your regular grooming products for a polished finish.
How to Fade South of France Haircut
A fade serves as the cornerstone of South of France hairstyles. Variations encompass a low fade encircling the ears, a medium fade at eye level, and a high fade at the temple. Meanwhile, a burst fade bestows a stylish curved effect around the sides and ears.
Commence by balding at the lowest part of your neck or around the ears, then employ clippers to meticulously trim the hair. The objective is to achieve a gradual blend, reducing bulk from the lowermost point to the highest on the sides. If you’re unfamiliar with self-trimming, seek assistance from an experienced friend to ensure an even transition. The examples below serve as inspiration, showcasing the diverse possibilities a South of France hairstyle can offer with distinct fade styles.
Kinky Styled South of France
Discover a hairstyle that exudes elegance reminiscent of a Louis Vuitton-inspired tattoo. The South of France fade gracefully extends into the beard, accentuating the jawline, while the textured crown hair adds a touch of softness to balance the sharp, defined edge-ups.
South of France with Tram Lines
A surefire method to command attention to your style is through tram lines. Initially appearing as a classic burst fade with coiled twists, a swift addition of shaved parallel lines with arches imparts a contemporary flair.
South of France with Temple Fade
The South of France haircut with a temple fade combines elements of sophistication and edginess. This style features a longer, textured top reminiscent of the classic South of France look, paired with a precise temple fade that creates a sharp, clean line around the temples. This fade tapers the hair down to the skin, creating a striking contrast between the longer top and the neatly trimmed sides.
Short Line Up Mohawk
The Short Line Up Mohawk is a bold and dynamic hairstyle that combines clean, sharp lines with a distinctive Mohawk shape. This style features closely shaved sides and back, creating a sleek and well-defined look. The “line up” refers to the precise outlining of the hairline, temples, and edges, adding a touch of refinement to the overall appearance.
High Fade Mohawk
A taller fade provides ample space to mimic a Mohawk with short hair. The dense hair texture contributes remarkable volume, while the fade ascends along the temple and curves around the ears. A curved line-up at the nape introduces an intriguing contour.
Kinky Top Fade
The Kinky Top Fade is a distinctive hairstyle that combines natural, tightly coiled, or “kinky” hair on top with a faded undercut. This style celebrates the unique texture and pattern of tightly curled hair, creating a bold and eye-catching look.
South of France Fade
The South of France Fade is a stylish and sophisticated haircut that combines elements of classic French charm with a modern, urban edge. This hairstyle features a longer, textured top, reminiscent of the traditional South of France look, paired with a precisely executed fade that tapers the hair from the sides and back.
South of France Waves
South of France Waves is a hairstyle that encapsulates the relaxed, sun-kissed essence of the Mediterranean coast. This look is characterized by loose, natural waves that evoke a sense of effortless glamour and casual elegance.
Spiky Burst Fade Mohawk
Soft spirals effortlessly form around the crown of the head. Through proper grooming, particularly with the use of a curl sponge and moisturizer, these individual coils can be transformed, adopting a spiky texture that emulates a Mohawk.
Short Mohawk with Burst Fade
Embracing your natural hair texture complements a Mohawk style flawlessly. Employ a comb or pick to enhance the height, especially beneath a burst fade Mohawk. With a few months’ growth, a short South of France haircut can evolve into a lush and voluminous alternative.
Afro Mohawk
The Afro Mohawk is a striking and bold hairstyle that blends elements of traditional African hair texture with a distinctive Mohawk shape. This style features a prominent central strip of hair that runs from the forehead to the nape of the neck, reminiscent of a classic Mohawk.
South Of France with Short Dreads
The South of France with Short Dreads is a distinctive and stylish fusion of two distinct hair aesthetics. This hairstyle combines the classic South of France look, characterized by a longer, textured top, with the addition of short dreads for a unique and edgy twist.
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While South of France hairstyles are more commonly seen among black men, they can be a compelling style to explore regardless of your hair texture. This fade style amplifies volume around the crown and descends to the neck, accentuated by a subtle tram line for added flair.
Classic South of France Curls
Presenting a timeless interpretation of the renowned style popularized by Usher. The flawless curls sit close to the scalp, providing the volume reminiscent of an evolving Afro. Sharp, angular line-ups along the jawline and temple introduce a delicate array of swirls, guiding the gaze toward the true focal point.
Curly Mohawk
With its rounded curve at the low beard and nape of the neck, extending up to the mid-fade, this hairstyle beautifully showcases its multidimensional charm. Observers, whether from the side, back, or front, will appreciate distinct and captivating details.
Curly Mohawk Fade
The Curly Mohawk Fade is a dynamic and expressive hairstyle that combines the distinctive Mohawk shape with the natural beauty of curly hair. This style features a central strip of hair running from the forehead to the nape of the neck, creating a striking focal point.
Thick Afro with low fade
With ample volume at the crown, opting for a medium or high fade can reduce the visual prominence of your abundant hair. A low fade around the ears not only enhances your striking features but also seamlessly complements a beard, shaped with a compelling acute angle.
The High Burst Fade Mohawk is a bold and attention-grabbing hairstyle that combines elements of a traditional Mohawk with a high burst fade. This style features a prominent central strip of hair running from the forehead to the nape of the neck, giving it the iconic Mohawk shape.
Frequently Asked Question
What is the South of France hairstyle?
The South of France hairstyle typically refers to a range of haircuts and styles that draw inspiration from the effortless and elegant aesthetic associated with the Mediterranean region.
What is the French Crop?
The French Crop is a classic South of France hairstyle characterized by short, textured sides and back, with slightly longer hair on top that can be styled in various ways.
How do I achieve the Provence Plaits look?
To achieve the Provence Plaits look, hair is typically braided intricately, often incorporating natural elements like wildflowers or delicate accessories, evoking a rustic and natural charm.
What are Riviera Waves?
Riviera Waves are loose, beachy waves that capture the relaxed and glamorous essence of the South of France. It’s a popular style for both casual outings and more formal occasions.
Are South of France hairstyles suitable for all hair types?
Yes, South of France hairstyles are versatile and can be adapted to suit various hair types, including straight, wavy, or curly textures.
Can I achieve these hairstyles at home or do I need a professional stylist?
While some South of France styles may require professional expertise, many can be achieved at home with the right tools, products, and tutorials.
How do I maintain a South of France haircut?
Regular trims to maintain the desired length and shape are key. Additionally, using quality hair products and adopting a suitable haircare routine will help keep the style looking its best.
Can I personalize South of France hairstyles to suit my own taste?
South of France hairstyles are highly adaptable, allowing for personalization to match individual preferences, face shapes, and lifestyle.
Conclusion
The South of France hairstyles encapsulate a timeless blend of effortless elegance and natural allure. From the classic French Crop to the rustic charm of Provence Plaits and the relaxed glamour of Riviera Waves, these styles carry with them a distinct sense of Mediterranean sophistication. They are versatile, catering to a wide range of hair types and personal preferences.
Whether achieved with the expertise of a professional stylist or through a DIY approach, these hairstyles offer a canvas for self-expression and individuality. Regular maintenance and the use of quality haircare products are essential in keeping the style looking fresh and polished.
