We’re Seeing The Garçon Cut Everywhere This Season

By Charlie Colville

2 months ago

Say 'bonjour' to your next hair obsession


You might not know it by name, but you’ve likely seen more than your fair share of garçon cuts. The hairstyle is making waves this season, following in the footsteps of the pixie and bob movements. Intrigued? Here’s everything you need to know about this French favourite.

What Is A Garçon Cut?

Translating to ‘boy’ in French, the ‘garçon’ cut is a short, boyish haircut stemming from the classic pixie. ‘It’s is a very short haircut, traditionally considered more masculine,’ agrees El Markellos, Artistic Consultant and Supervisor at Daniel Galvin Corinthia Hotel London. ‘It’s a very stylish cut with roots in the 1930s, originating from the French dancer and singer Josephine Baker. It also became an iconic hairstyle with Audrey Hepburn in the 1950s.’

But they aren’t the only famous faces to wear the trend. El tells us that a whole host of women have continued to popularise the garçon cut since its first appearance. ‘There was Twiggy and Mia Farrow in the 1960s; Liza Minnelli and Elizabeth Taylor in the 1970s; Madonna and Linda Evangelista in the 1980s; Princess Diana and Halle Berry in the 1990s; Victoria Beckham and Rihanna in the 2000s; Jennifer Lawrence and Tyra Banks in 2010s; and Charlize Theron and Cara Delevingne in 2020s,’ he says. ‘As you can see, this cut has had a lot of life in many different lengths, colours, and styles.

‘So even though it dates back almost a century, it can be worn and styled in a fashionable modern way – making it a popular choice today,’ he continues. ‘It’s now worn in different lengths and textures, finishes and colours. We’re seeing more people play with natural colour, highlights and even natural silver/grey.’

@belezabrasiloficial1 Corte shortbob #hairtutorial #shorts #cortefemino #hairstyle #haircut #hair #cirtedecabelo #pixiecut #cabelofemininochanel ♬ som original – BELEZA BRASIL OFICIAL

Who Suits This Cut?

Anyone, really. Straighter hair will allow the garçon cut to sit more like a traditional pixie, while longer, curlier hair will give you a lot more texture to play with.

‘This hairstyle can favour all hair types, textures and face shapes,’ confirms El. ‘In the earlier years, the trend was worn only on straight hair. But now women have adopted the style in wavy and curly textures, and it can be very feminine and stylish.’

How To Ask For A Garçon Cut In The Salon

‘Bring a few inspiration pictures that made you want this haircut,’ suggest El. ‘This will help us connect your inspiration with the technique that we will use to create your ideal style.  If asking for a garçon cut for first time, I focus on whether they’re ready for a big change. For guests that have had at some point this style of haircut, I try to create a new frame so they can see themselves with something fresh.’

Then it’s just a matter of tailoring the cut to the individual. ‘I show them images on a tablet of this cut styled on people with a similar face shape, complexion, and hair colour, so they can better feel in the mirror how this trend will look on them,’ El tells us. ‘Then we know if we are going for a softer or more creative fringe, a longer or shorter crown, stronger or graduated hairline and which colour will work best.’

@ashleynicolequiroz Inspo: @namislaurabettina! Styling my way through all my awkward stages while my hair grows out ❤️ (hair cut by @z.studio.z on ig) #shorthair #pixiecut #hairinspo #hairstyling #hairstylingvideo #shorthairstyles ♬ Rodeo (Remix) – Lah Pat & Flo Milli

How To Style A Garçon Cut

The beauty of a garçon cut lies in its low maintenance appeal. Little needs to be done to make this hairstyle look good, but it can be elevated with the use of styling tools and products. ‘While this haircut is very low maintenance, I love to show and educate my clients on how to create different styles at home,’ says El. ‘You can rough dry, blow-dry, use curling tongs or straighteners on the hair to achieve more volume – and also go either sleek or straight. There is a perfect version of this cut for every occasion.’

What Next?

El doesn’t see this cut going anywhere anytime soon. ‘This is a timeless trend,’ he confirms. ‘My 26 years of experience have shown me that it is a style that came into the 1930s to stay. It has dressed a few of the most beautiful and iconic women in the past, and will continue to amaze us in the following decades.’

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Featured image: LFW September 2023 Street Style (c) Deborah Iona, British-Fashion Council