Styloom

Edgar cut

An Edgar cut is a short haircut with a thick fringe cut in one straight line across the forehead, a fuller, even top and short sides, usually faded or tapered. The heavy, rounded front is the whole look, which is why it's often compared to a bowl cut. It's most associated with young Latinos in the US.

Edgar cut, men's haircut, AI-generated example
AI-generated example

What is an Edgar cut?

From the front an Edgar is all fringe: the top is combed forward and cut off bluntly in one straight line, anywhere from high on the forehead to just above the brows. Behind it, the top keeps enough length to look full, and the sides and back are taken short with a fade or taper, sometimes with a hard disconnection for more contrast.

It became popular in the 2010s and 2020s, first in the US border states of the Southwest, such as Texas, New Mexico, Arizona and California, and spread with Gen Z on social media. The shape has been compared to a bowl cut and to older Indigenous hairstyles of the region; where the name comes from isn't settled.

It looks simple, but barbers say it isn't: keeping the fringe level and the whole shape symmetrical takes patience and precision, and the clean line needs regular touch-ups.

It can be cut on straight, wavy, curly or coily hair. With waves or curls, the top is usually left longer and textured, a version known as a fluffy Edgar.

Who it suits

The fringe sits right on the forehead, so it frames the eyes and brows and covers a high forehead. On a round face, the fluffier version with more height on top makes the face look longer. A strong cowlick at the front can fight a straight fringe, so mention it before the cut.

Not sure of your face shape? Measure it on your photo

Edgar cut vs caesar cut

Edgar cutCaesar cut
The fringeThick and blunt, in one straight lineShort and straight, brushed forward
Where the fringe endsAnywhere down to just above the browsHigh on the forehead
The topFuller, about 1.5 to 2 inchesShort and even
The sidesFaded or tapered, often with strong contrastShort, often faded

If you want the fringe to be the feature, ask for an Edgar. A Caesar keeps the same forward direction with a shorter fringe and a shorter top, and needs less upkeep.

Edgar cut variations

  • French crop, men's haircut, AI-generated exampleFrench crop

    Also a forward fringe, but heavier and a little softer than the Edgar's single straight line.

  • Textured fringe, men's haircut, AI-generated exampleTextured fringe

    A wispy, broken-up fringe instead of one solid line.

  • Low taper fade, men's haircut, AI-generated exampleLow taper fade

    A soft, low option for the sides if you want the fringe without tight, high sides.

  • Skin fade, men's haircut, AI-generated exampleSkin fade

    For the strongest contrast, the sides go down to bare skin under the fringe.

  • Mod cut, men's haircut, AI-generated exampleMod cut

    The longer relative: the same rounded, fringed shape, kept down to the ears.

Upkeep

High upkeep

This is a high-upkeep cut. The blunt fringe and the faded sides are the first things to lose their shape, and barbers describe a clean Edgar as one that needs regular, habitual trims to stay level and even. Between visits, a clean-up around the ears and the neckline keeps it neat. If you trim the fringe yourself, comb it straight down while it's damp and cut evenly across, taking care around the brows.

How to ask your barber

  1. Say "Edgar" and show where the fringe should end: high on the forehead, mid-forehead or just above the brows, cut in one straight line.
  2. Say how the sides should be done: a low fade, a taper, a skin fade, or a hard disconnection between the sides and the top.
  3. Keep enough length on top, about an inch and a half to two inches, so the fringe has weight. Ask for a little texture on top if you don't want a helmet look.
  4. If your hair is wavy, ask for a fluffy Edgar: the same shape with a longer, textured top.
  5. Mention any cowlick at the front: hair that grows in a swirl can push a straight fringe out of line.

How to style it

For the classic look, comb the fringe straight down while the hair is damp and let it dry flat; a little pomade or gel keeps it in place. For a fluffy Edgar, skip the comb and work a light texturizing product through the longer top with your fingers for a messier finish.

Questions

How can I see what I'd look like with an Edgar cut?

Upload one clear, front-facing photo to Styloom and pick Edgar cut. You get an AI preview of your own photo in about 20–30 seconds. Use a photo with your forehead visible, since the fringe will cover it.

Is an Edgar cut the same as a bowl cut?

It's often compared to one, because of the straight fringe and the rounded top. The difference is the sides: an Edgar takes them short with a fade or taper.

How long does your hair need to be for an Edgar?

About an inch and a half to two inches on top, so the fringe has enough weight to fall straight. The sides can be cut from almost any length.

Does an Edgar cut work with curly hair?

Yes, it works on any texture. On wavy or curly hair, barbers often leave the top longer and add texture, which gives the softer fluffy Edgar.

Why is it called an Edgar?

No one knows for sure; the origin of the name has never been confirmed. The style itself has been compared to older Indigenous haircuts of the US Southwest and northern Mexico.

Sources

Written in our own words from common salon and barber advice. The example photos are AI-generated and show the style from the front. Updated November 6, 2026.