How to Do an Edgar Cut: Executing the Flat Top Fringe and Clean Fade

The Edgar cut (also called the Edgar fade or takuache haircut) is defined by two elements: a straight, blunt, horizontal fringe across the forehead that sits at or just below the hairline, and a high fade on the sides and back that creates strong contrast with the top section. The blunt fringe line is the most visible technical element; it requires a level horizontal cut across the front section that is sharply defined rather than graduated or angled. The combination of the hard fringe line and the tight fade is what gives the Edgar its distinctive appearance.

Who It Suits

The Edgar works best on clients with straight or lightly wavy hair that will hold the blunt fringe line after styling. Curly or coily hair textures require more product to hold the fringe in position and may not maintain the sharp straight line without daily styling. The cut is particularly popular among clients with straight or slightly wavy Hispanic, Asian, or Southern European hair textures, though it is not limited to any specific hair type. Confirm that the client's hair can hold the fringe line before committing to the style.

The Process

Step 1: Establish the fade

Complete the high fade on the sides and back before working the top. The Edgar typically uses a high fade that starts at or above the temple line. Skin or 0.5 at the bottom, blending up through guard sizes toward the fade line. The fade line should be clean and defined; the fringe on top will sit in strong contrast to the short sides.

Step 2: Set the fringe length

The Edgar's fringe is cut across the front section of the hair at a length that sits approximately at or just below the natural hairline. The goal is a blunt horizontal line: all the front hair at the same length, cut straight across. Work with the hair in its natural fall position (not pulled up or forward) when setting the fringe length to ensure the cut is accurate to where the hair will actually sit when worn.

Step 3: Cut the straight fringe line

Using scissors, cut the fringe in a straight horizontal line. Some barbers use a comb as a guide, combing the front section forward and down, then cutting along the comb's edge to ensure the line is level. Check the fringe line from directly in front of the client after the initial cut; any angle or unevenness in the line is visible from this view. Re-cut to level if needed.

Step 4: Define the fringe corners

The corners of the Edgar fringe (where the straight horizontal fringe meets the faded sides) are sharp and defined, not rounded or blended. The outliner or T-blade is used to clean and sharpen the corners. The precision of these corners is part of what gives the Edgar its clean, defined appearance; blunt or rounded corners reduce the sharpness that defines the style.

Step 5: Blend the back of the top section

The top section on an Edgar is not all the same length; the front section (the fringe) is typically shorter than the crown. Working from the fringe line backward, the hair can graduate to a longer length at the crown. This graduation is done with scissor over comb, reducing the length gradually from the front toward the back. Some Edgar variations keep the top relatively uniform in length; confirm the client's preference for the top section length before cutting.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an Edgar cut?

An Edgar cut is a haircut with a straight, blunt, horizontal fringe that cuts across the forehead at or near the hairline, combined with a high fade on the sides and back. The blunt fringe line is the defining element; it creates a straight horizontal edge across the front of the head that contrasts with the clean high fade below. The style is also called an Edgar fade or takuache cut.

What hair type is best for an Edgar cut?

Straight or lightly wavy hair holds the blunt fringe line most cleanly. The fringe needs to fall forward and maintain the straight horizontal edge after styling. Curly or tightly coiled hair can be worn in an Edgar cut but requires more product to keep the fringe flat and straight, and the line may not appear as sharp after the product wears off. On very fine straight hair, the fringe may need a light hold product to maintain the line through the day.

How often does an Edgar cut need a trim?

Every 2 to 3 weeks to maintain the sharp fringe line and the fade. The fringe grows forward and the straight line becomes irregular as the hair grows out. The fade grows in at the sides. For clients who want the Edgar at its sharpest, 2-week maintenance is the norm. Clients who are comfortable with some softening of the fringe line can go to 3 to 4 weeks.

Is the Edgar cut the same as a French crop?

They are similar but not identical. Both feature a horizontal fringe across the forehead. The Edgar typically has a higher, tighter fade and a straighter, more sharply defined fringe line. The French crop often has a lower fade and a slightly less severe fringe angle, sometimes with a small sweep or texture to the fringe rather than a hard straight line. The terms are sometimes used interchangeably, which is why the consultation should confirm the fringe sharpness and fade height specifically rather than relying on the name alone to communicate the intended result.