Adam Brody rocking a shaggy textured crop
Of the summer hairstyles we’ve covered so far, the textured crop is probably the most versatile. A blend of high fashion and Beach Boys, it’s a style you can confidently wear throughout the summer to just about any event because of its simple sleekness. And because the goal is to not look like you’re trying too hard, you can pretty much set it and forget it – a little natural messiness will only make this style look better.
With ample amounts of easy, beachy volume, the textured crop gives your hair a sun-drenched look without going full shaggy surfer dude.
Read on for the how-to from Joe Mills, creative director at Joe & Co. (abridged via GQ).
P.S. In case you’re interested in the other hairstyles we’ve got in the Summer Hair series, check them out here:
How to Style a Casual Side Sweep
How to Use Hair Powder to Add Hair Volume and Texture
Style: Textured Crop
What sort of hair and face shape does this work best on?
This outgrown, textured crop works really well on almost all hair types and face shapes with the right haircut as your foundation. If your hair is fine, wavy, or straight you are good to go. It is not the best on very curly hair as the curls will create a rounder overall shape, but if that’s what you want, the haircut will need to be left a little longer all over to allow for the ‘jump up’ that happens when cut shorter. All hair types will need texture (added with scissors) but if your hair is fine you only need a little texturing.
What should you ask your barber for?
Ideally this style should be finger length on the back and sides, cut with scissors throughout with only a natural hairline – nothing too sharp. The top of the hair should be up to 2 inches in length with texture added throughout the whole hair cut. When asking for texture, ask your barber/hairdresser to take some of the weight out and not to use the thinning scissors as this is not going to give you the best result – it is a shortcut option.
How do you style it? What products do you need to maintain it?
For fine and thick/wavy hair: After washing, towel dry your hair until it is slightly damp. Spray two to three pumps of Kevin Murphy Hair Resort Beach Texturiser throughout the hair to add some texture and bulk. Using a hair dryer, rough dry all around the head using your fingers to style your hair slightly forward, with a little lift at top. When almost dry, apply a small dollop of Baxter of California Soft Water Pomade (fine hair) or Hard Cream Pomade (thick to wavy hair) into your palm, rub both palms together, and distribute throughout the hair evenly but roughly to create texture and shine. Refine the style further with fingers if needed.
For curly hair: Do the same as above but do not use a hair dryer. Apply Baxter’s Hard Cream Pomade throughout the hair as above and style with your fingers as above. This is not the kind of look/style you need a brush for; you are aiming for something loose and unstructured with texture.
Here are our recommendations for the textured crop:
Shop: 1. Baxter of California Soft Water Pomade, 2. Anchors Hair Company Teddy Boy Original, 3. Schmiere Water Based Pomade, Strong Hold, 4. Baxter of California Hard Cream Pomade.
