The South of France Fade with Straight Hair is most often seen with curls, coils, and sponge twists — but what if your hair is straight? Can you still rock this iconic burst fade style?
Good news: yes, you can. While the South of France fade is rooted in curly hair culture, it’s adaptable to straight and wavy hair textures — with the right styling, products, and barber techniques.
In this guide, we’ll break down:
- How to make the South of France fade work for straight hair
- Style examples and variations
- Maintenance tips
- What to ask your barber
- Mistakes to avoid
Whether you’re naturally straight-haired or just exploring new styles, let’s get into it.
Contents
What Is the South of France Haircut, Exactly?
The South of France haircut features:
- A burst fade curving around the ears
- A longer top (usually curly or textured)
- A line-up or shape-up
- Often paired with a beard fade or design
It became popular thanks to Usher and his barber Curtis Smith, and it’s now a staple across barbershops worldwide — especially for those who want a stylish cut that blends edge and shape.
Is It Just for Curly Hair?
No — the South of France is not limited to curly hair. The signature burst fade works with a variety of top styles, including:
- Textured fringe
- Spiky hair
- Short pompadour
- Messy quiff
- Faux hawk
The key difference with straight hair is: you’ll need products and styling tools to add shape and volume to the top — which happens naturally with curls.
Best South of France Styles for Straight Hair
Here are the top variations of the South of France cut tailored for straight or slightly wavy hair:
1. Textured Top with Burst Fade
A slightly longer top (2–3 inches) styled forward or messy works well. Add a matte clay or sea salt spray for a natural, piecey look.
- Fade Type: Mid burst fade
- Top Style: Choppy textured fringe
- Beard: Optional — works well clean-shaven
2. Spiky South of France Fade
Spike the top with light-hold wax or gel. The contrast between structured spikes and a smooth burst fade gives a sharp modern finish.
- Fade Type: High burst fade
- Top Style: Spiked or faux hawk
- Add-on: Razor part or hairline design
3. Pompadour-Inspired South of France
Keep the top long enough to style back or upward with volume. Comb it out and blow-dry into a mini pomp. Works well for formal looks.
- Fade Type: Low burst fade
- Top Style: Short pompadour
- Add-on: Beard blend optional
4. Straight Faux Hawk + Burst Fade
Perfect for medium-length hair. Keep the sides tight and push the top forward and up. This edgy variation suits creative personalities.
- Fade Type: Burst fade with back taper
- Top Style: Straight faux hawk
- Add-on: Hard part line on the side
What to Ask Your Barber (If You Have Straight Hair)
To avoid confusion, be specific. Here’s how you might explain it:
“Can I get a South of France fade — a burst fade around the ears with a longer top styled into a textured fringe or spiky top? My hair is straight, so I’d like it styled with volume and shape, not flat.”
Tips for Clarity:
- Say you want a burst fade, not a taper or drop fade
- Mention your top style (fringe, spikes, pompadour, etc.)
- Ask for styling advice for straight hair
- Show a reference photo of a straight-haired version of the cut
Styling Products for Straight Hair (UK-Friendly)
To make the South of France fade work with straight hair, you’ll need the right tools:
| Purpose | Product Suggestions |
|---|---|
| Texture & Volume | Toni & Guy Sea Salt Spray, American Crew Texture Lotion |
| Strong Hold | Gatsby Moving Rubber, Hanz de Fuko Claymation |
| Heat Protection | Tresemme Heat Defence Spray |
| Finish | VO5 Matt Finish Styling Paste |
| Beard (if applicable) | Bulldog Beard Balm or Oil |
Maintenance Tips for Straight Hair Fades
| Task | Frequency |
|---|---|
| Fade touch-up | Every 2–3 weeks |
| Top styling | Daily |
| Wash & condition | 2–3 times/week |
| Heat styling (optional) | 2–3 times/week |
| Beard shape-up (if worn) | Weekly |
Use a lightweight moisturiser and avoid heavy greases that can weigh the hair down.
Mistakes to Avoid
- Letting your top grow out too long – it will fall flat and lose shape
- Using too much product – it makes straight hair greasy fast
- Skipping fade touch-ups – sides will lose definition
- Expecting curls without effort – straight hair needs styling to mimic volume
- Not communicating clearly with your barber – always describe the top and fade separately
Inspiration: South of France Fade with Straight Hair
Look up these styles for reference:
- Straight faux hawk with burst fade
- Textured fringe with low burst fade
- Short spiky top with mid fade
- South of France fade with quiff or pomp
These cuts work especially well for men with:
- Fine to medium hair
- Straight or slightly wavy texture
- Angular or oval face shapes
Related Articles
- South of France Haircut with Curls: Fresh Looks
- How to Maintain Your South of France Fade
- South of France vs Burst Fade: Know the Difference
- Best Fade Haircuts for Straight Hair Types
Final Thoughts
Yes, the South of France haircut absolutely works for straight hair — with the right styling strategy. It’s all about adapting the signature burst fade to suit your hair type, face shape, and personal style.
By using texture-enhancing products and staying on top of your fade maintenance, you’ll turn this traditionally curly cut into a bold, sleek, and polished look — all your own.