The Soft Crop Is The 2024 Hair Trend Making Pixie Cuts Low Maintenance
It's 2024, people, so it's high time we move on from the idea that only certain people can "pull off" a cropped cut. As it is, short hairstyles are very much in this year, and stylists are experiencing an uptick in requests for the latest short hair trend: the soft crop. "The soft crop is a gentle, almost grown-out interpretation of a timeless, classic crop," hairstylist and colorist Francesca Inverarity tells Vogue. "Its wispy edges give it a grown-in feel, as opposed to a box-fresh, straight-out-of-the-salon look."
This unexpected new 'do is a breath of fresh air that negates the belief that pixie cuts, lobs, and bobs only suit certain features or a specific face type. Instead, the soft crop offers a universally flattering alternative to the traditional pixie cut, marking it as one of the most exciting hair trends for 2024. The soft crop can also be styled in a myriad of ways. "For instance, leaving the hair longer at the edges means it can be tucked behind the ear, which softens the style around the eye line," Inverarity explains. "On the other hand, keeping the hair slightly longer with a grown-out feel at the back creates a more gentle effect on the neckline."
The soft crop's surprising versatility and relatively low maintenance upkeep make it a popular choice for spring and summer, so stay ahead of the trends and pick your favorite variant of this trendy new cut before your next hair sesh.
Soft crop with delicate bangs
The soft crop is characterized by wispy edges and a tail that sits further down on the neck compared to a traditional pixie cut, which gives it a light and airy feel. The textured effect produces flattering bangs that you can style in multiple ways. "You can wear it swept to one side and flicked out at the back for a fun, Gen Z feel; brushed forward to create the illusion of a grown-out fringe; or with clips and hair accessories," Francesca Inverarity tells Vogue.
Opt for a choppy soft crop
The wonderful advantage of the soft crop is that it suits more than one hair type. It suits thin, thick, and coarse hair textures. For instance, the soft crop on medium to coarse hair produces a choppy, highly texturized look. And if you complement the wispy edges with thicker bangs, this style can enhance the dimension and volume of your hair.
Rock a side-swept micro fringe
At the other end of the spectrum, the soft crop may also appeal to people who prefer to skip bangs altogether. A soft crop with a micro or mini fringe looks equally flattering. Sporting a micro fringe and a close cut allows your facial features to take center stage. It's also the most convenient and low-maintenance type of soft crop by far.
Dyed tips and mini mullets
In addition to the wispy edges, it can be said that the newest mullet trend is partially responsible for giving the soft crop a sense of character. The mullet returned at the beginning of 2023 with a shaggy new remix, and the soft crop incorporates this enduring trend in typical Gen Z fashion. Take the mini mullet a step further by opting for a longer tail and dyeing the tips a unique color.
Go for a curly crop
Good news: There's no need for the curly girls to feel left out, as this is one of the short hairstyles that makes super-curly hair pop. Simply ask your stylist to tailor the soft crop for your curl type. Consider a variation of the soft crop with thicker bangs to show off your curls with a focus on face-framing pieces and texturizing.