The Edgar is a precision cut, and precision cuts die in translation. "Kinda short with the front thing" gets you a coin flip. The right six or seven words gets you the exact cut from the photo in your head.
Here's the script, the numbers, and the questions to expect back — so the consultation takes thirty seconds and the cut comes out right the first time.
What Exact Words Should You Use?
Walk in and say this:
"I want an Edgar. High skin fade, top around a #2 or #3 pushed forward, blunt fringe cut straight across, hard lineup."
That one sentence covers every decision that matters: side length, fade height, top length, fringe shape, finish. If you want the softer version, swap two words: "taper instead of a fade" or "textured fringe instead of blunt."
Most barbers know the Edgar by name now, but the name alone isn't enough — there are at least five versions of this cut walking around. Name the cut, then name the details. The details are the cut.
Which Guard Numbers Should You Know?
You don't need to memorize a chart, but three numbers do most of the talking:
- Skin or #0.5 — the bottom of the fade. Skin means razored to nothing; #0.5 leaves a shadow.
- #1 to #2 — the blend zone on the sides. Your barber handles this; you don't need to specify it.
- #2 to #3 — the top. A #2 is roughly a quarter inch and reads tight and military. A #3 gives you a bit of push-forward texture. Fluffy Edgars go scissor-length instead, an inch or more.
If you're unsure, say "#3 on top, and we can go shorter if it looks too heavy." Hair only cuts one direction. Start conservative.
What Makes a Good Reference Photo?
One good photo outperforms any description — but pick it right. Choose a photo where the person's hair type looks like yours. A dense, straight-haired Edgar photo is fiction if you've got fine or wavy hair, and your barber will have to translate it honestly.
Get the front angle. The Edgar lives and dies on the fringe, and a side-profile photo hides it. Ideally show two shots: one front-on for the fringe line, one side-on for the fade height.
And skip heavily filtered or AI-looking photos — half of them show hairlines that don't exist in nature. A real photo of a real cut gives your barber something real to match.
What Will the Barber Ask You Back?
A good consultation is a two-way street. Expect some version of these:
- "How high do you want the fade?" — High is the classic Edgar. Mid reads slightly calmer. Answer with where you want the shortest point to end: temple, above the ear, or near the crown.
- "Blunt or broken up on the fringe?" — Blunt is the signature. Broken up (point-cut) suits wavier hair.
- "How's your hairline up front?" — An honest question. A blunt fringe needs density at the front. If yours is thinning, your barber may suggest a crop instead — trust that call.
- "What do you do for work?" — Not small talk. It's a check on whether a full skin fade fits your week, or whether the taper Edgar is the smarter move.
Answer straight, and the cut comes out straight. When you're ready, book the chair — or browse the menu first if you're deciding between cuts.