How to Style a Textured Crop for Men

The textured crop is one of the most popular men's cuts: short on the sides, a bit longer on top, with a messy, natural finish. It's low maintenance, but only if you style it right. This guide shows you how to get texture and shape without making it look heavy or overdone.

What Is a Textured Crop?

A textured crop has short sides, often faded or tapered, with a short, choppy fringe and texture on top. Because the length is cut for movement, the style depends on a good texturizing product. Without it, the top can fall flat.

What You'll Need

How to Style a Textured Crop — Step by Step

1. Start with towel-dried hair. Rough dry it with your fingers so it's damp, not dripping.

2. Add prep if your hair is fine or flat. Spray a little sea salt spray at the roots and through the top. This gives the clay something to grip.

3. Blow dry for shape. Dry the top forward and up with your fingers, so the fringe sits where you want it. Stop when it's fully dry.

4. Warm a small amount of clay or paste. Use a pea-sized to dime-sized amount. Rub it between your palms until it's smooth and no longer lumpy.

5. Apply from the back to the front. Work the product through the top with your fingertips, finishing at the fringe.

6. Pinch and separate. Use your fingers to pinch and twist small sections for a choppy, textured look. Don't comb it.

7. Add lift if needed. A tiny bit of powder at the roots can add height and absorb any shine.

Common Mistakes

  • Using too much clay. It looks heavy and stiff. Start small.
  • Applying to wet hair. Clay needs damp-to-dry hair to grip and hold.
  • Combing it through. Combing removes the texture. Use your fingers.
  • Skipping the blow dry. A minute with a dryer gives you shape before any product goes on.
  • Never washing it out. Shampoo regularly so buildup doesn't weigh the style down.

Which Product Should You Pick?

  • Clay: Strong hold with a matte finish. Good for thick hair and choppy shapes.
  • Paste: Flexible hold with a matte finish. Good if you want to rework the style during the day.
  • Powder: Lift and texture at the roots, best for fine or flat hair.

Not sure? Read our guide to the best products by hair type or the hair clay guide.

Ready to try it? Shop the Executive Matte Clay or the Architect Styling Paste. Free shipping over $40 CAD.

FAQ

What products do you use on a textured crop? A matte clay or paste for texture, with sea salt spray or powder if you want extra grip or lift.

Do I need to blow dry a textured crop? It isn't required, but a quick blow dry gives better shape and height.

How much clay should I use? A pea-sized to dime-sized amount. Add more only if you need it.

Can I do this with fine hair? Yes. Use less product and add a little powder or sea salt spray for lift.

How often should I wash it? Wash whenever product builds up. See our simple hair routine for a weekly plan.

How do I get clay out of my hair? Shampoo as usual and rinse well. A clarifying shampoo helps if it has built up.