Edgar Haircut: The Ultimate Hair Game-Changer!

In my journey through the dynamic world of hairstyles, where the pulse of Gen Z and Millennial trends beats the strongest, I’ve witnessed the rise of the Edgar cut. This style, which conjures up images of Jim Carrey’s comical charm in ‘Dumb and Dumber’ and the iconic Leonard Nimoy as Spock, has surprisingly morphed into a symbol of cool among the youth. As a barber, I’ve seen its popularity soar, a clear sign of its versatility and modern charm.

What is Edgar Haircut?

Photography by FABIAN GUERRERO/LATIMES

Digging into the roots of the Edgar cut, one finds a fascinating link to the indigenous Native Americans, particularly the Jumano tribe in Texas. As per a Yahoo News feature that caught my eye, this style draws from the traditional hairdos of these communities. The ‘Edgar’ nomenclature, possibly a nod to the American baseball icon Edgar Martínez, weaves together a tapestry of cultural history and contemporary chic. In my years of snipping and styling, I’ve found that this haircut offers more than just a trim; it’s a narrative in the annals of hairdressing.

Technically speaking, the Edgar cut is an advanced play on the French crop and Caesar cut. Experts like Jim Shaw from TONI&GUY Billericay and Ben Brazzo of Jack & The Wolfe have often highlighted its hallmark features to me—a high taper fade, a blunt cropped fringe, and a clipper-heavy finish. It’s a style that benefits from precise line-ups and darker fades, lending it a suave, everyday appeal. As someone who enjoys adding a personal twist, I often suggest a dab of matt pomade for that extra flair, or perhaps a freehand design at the neck, and even some splashes of color for those who dare to be different. In its essence, the Edgar can mimic a bowl cut, especially if left longer on top, offering a canvas for creativity.

Step-by-Step: Achieving the Perfect Edgar Style

Photo Credit @ Pinterest

Reflecting on my experience, crafting the perfect Edgar demands an eye for detail in fade work and precision in line-ups, a mantra that my colleague Luke constantly upholds. It’s about striking that fine balance between traditional hairdressing grace and the bold strokes of barbering—a combination that shapes not just the haircut but its character, imparting a subtle French crop and taper fade that’s very much in vogue in the UK.

The essence of a classic Edgar lies in its faded sides and elongated top, often moulded into a rounded, forward-worn shape. Ben, a maestro in our team, advises focusing on crisp, detailed lines around the fringe. This begins with a horseshoe section to differentiate the top from the sides, followed by meticulous fading to reach the ideal length. When it comes to finishing touches, I prefer using detailers to neaten the neck hair and sharpen the overall line work. A hint of matt paste or texture spray can elevate the whole look, making it a favorite for those seeking a chic and sharp appearance.

Darren Fowler from Fowler35, representing L’Oreal Professionnel, often points out that the true distinction of the Edgar cut lies in its texture and density. Variations like a drop fade or a bowl cut line introduce a striking contrast between the sides and top, catering to those who yearn for a personalized statement. In my hands, the Edgar cut is more than a hairstyle; it’s a testament to individuality, with each cut mirroring the client’s unique style.

Photography by FABIAN GUERRERO/LATIMES

FAQs on the Edgar Haircut

Why the haircut is called Edgar?

The name ‘Edgar’ for this popular haircut is somewhat shrouded in mystery. It is believed to be linked to American baseball player Edgar Martínez, although the exact origin of the name remains unclear. This modern hairstyle, which draws inspiration from various cultural and historical influences, including traditional Native American hairstyles, has been embraced under this name, becoming a significant trend in contemporary hair fashion.

Is Edgar a good haircut?

Absolutely! The Edgar haircut is renowned for its versatility and stylish appeal, making it a fantastic choice for a wide range of people. Its distinctive features, like the high taper fade and blunt cropped fringe, offer a fresh and modern look. Suitable for various hair types and textures, the Edgar cut can be customized to suit individual preferences, making it a popular choice among those who value both trendiness and personalization in their hairstyle.

What do I tell my barber if I want an Edgar cut?

When requesting an Edgar cut from your barber, specify that you’re looking for a haircut with faded sides, a longer top, often styled forward with a rounded shape. Mention the key characteristics like a high taper fade and a blunt cropped fringe. It’s helpful to ask for a clean pattern work and precise line-ups. If you have specific preferences, such as a particular length on the top or additional styling like texture spray or matt paste, make sure to communicate these as well. Sharing pictures of the Edgar cut can also aid your barber in understanding the exact style you desire.