What Is the South of France Haircut? A Simple Guide
Learn what the South of France haircut is, who it looks best on, and how to ask your barber for it with confidence.
The South of France haircut is a cool, clean style that many people love. Pop star Usher made it famous. Some people call it a gentleman's mohawk, but do not worry. It does not look wild or messy like a punk rock mohawk. It is neat, stylish, and smooth.
What Does It Look Like?
A standard mohawk has shaved sides with a thin, pointy strip of hair on top. The South of France is much softer.
The barber leaves a wide patch of hair on top and all the way down the back. Then, the barber adds a burst fade or a drop fade around your ears. The hair tapers down smoothly to your skin right by your ears and neck, while the rest stays full and thick. The edges are lined up crisp and sharp.
Who Looks Good With This Cut?
This cut looks great on almost anyone, but it works especially well with thick, curly, or coily hair. The natural curls give the wide strip on top great shape and height.
It also works with many face shapes:
Round faces: The tall hair on top helps your face look longer and slimmer. Square faces: The clean fade around the ears highlights your strong jaw. * Oval faces: Almost any haircut looks good on oval faces, and this one is no different.
If you have a very long face, just tell your barber to keep the top a bit shorter. That way, it will not make your head look stretched out.
How to Ask Your Barber for It
Barbers know this cut by a few different names. When you sit in the chair, here is what you can say:
Tell the barber you want a South of France cut, or ask for a wide burst fade mohawk. Tell them how long you want the hair on top. Some guys like it short, like a buzz. Others like it long enough to show off loose curls or mini twists. Make sure you tell them to keep the fade rounded around your ears, not cut straight back.
How to Keep It Looking Fresh
This cut does take some work to keep it neat. You will need to visit the barbershop every two or three weeks to clean up the fade and line up the edges.
At home, keep your curls soft. Use a leave-in conditioner or a little bit of hair oil. You can use a curl sponge or your hands to give the top good texture each morning. Wrap your hair in a silk or satin durag or scarf before bed so your sides do not get messy while you sleep.
If you want to see this cut on yourself before you head to the barbershop, try HairMatch AI. You can scan your face to check your face shape for free, then purchase a render pack starting at just $0.99 to see the South of France right on your own photo.