France is home to some of the most beloved food and scenery in the world. If you’re as beauty-obsessed as we are, chances are you’re not only drawn to Insta-worthy backdrops and buttery croissants, but also the timeless appeal of French girl beauty. It’s laid-back yet elegant—and, as far as we’re concerned, nothing encapsulates this effortlessly chic aesthetic better than the classic French bob.
If you’re looking to achieve the perfect French bob (without hopping on a flight), we have the tips, tricks, and styling ideas you need to make it happen. The look can be yours with a few well-placed layers and three simple at-home steps. Read on for everything you need to know about the French bob, plus 20 of our favorite ways to wear the look.
What Is a French Girl Bob?
We like to think of French bobs as the “no makeup” makeup look of the hair world. The chin-length haircut paired with full bangs is chic and elegant, yet it still looks like your entire styling routine takes five minutes or less (and, in many cases, it does). While the cut is typically worn straight or with a slight wave, it’s easily adaptable for a range of hair types and textures.
What Is the Difference Between a Bob and a French Bob?
The main difference between a standard bob and the French bob is the length. The former typically falls just below the chin, while the latter ends a bit higher up (usually right around the jawline). Fringe—or the absence of it—also differentiates these two cuts. A classic bob can be worn with or without bangs, while fringe is a defining element of the traditional French bob.
Does a French Bob Have Layers?
Like bangs, layers are a key component of the classic French bob. Soft layering helps give the hair volume and shape, both of which are a must for nailing that laid-back Parisian flair. Your stylist will create subtle layers throughout your mane to make your cut appear naturally effortless and textured. Layering can also help remove bulk from your ends, which is especially helpful if you have thicker strands.
Good hair day by @thebangsbabe
What Face Shape Suits a Bob?
Good news: A bob can flatter any face shape, though the best style for you may depend on your features. Chin-grazing cuts that accentuate the jawline work well for those with square and rectangular-shaped faces. If you have a heart-shaped or diamond-shaped face, meanwhile, you may want to opt for a long, layered lob that calls attention to your high, enviable cheekbones. If you’re not sure which style to opt for, ask your stylist: They should be able to provide recommendations on which sort of bob will complement your features best.
Is a French Bob High Maintenance?
While styling a French bob is typically easy, the cut itself can be high maintenance (as is the case with any short haircut). Depending on how quickly your hair grows, you’ll want to visit your stylist for a trim every four to six weeks to ensure that your cut stays at the right length and remains free of split ends.
If frequent trips to the salon aren’t feasible, consider adding a strengthening system into your routine to prevent unnecessary breakage in between trims. The Redken Acidic Bonding Concentrate System is a great pick, as the four products in the lineup work in harmony to help reinforce weakened hair bonds, visibly reduce the appearance of split ends, and strengthen damaged strands. If you don’t want to splurge on an entirely new haircare system, you can also reach for a leave-in treatment like Kérastase Première Sérum Filler Fondamental Repairing Anti-Frizz Serum, which helps strengthen the hair, reduces the appearance of split ends, and repels humidity for a frizz-free finish.
Good hair day by @hairbychloegrace_
How Short Is a French Bob?
Classically, the French bob hits right at or slightly above the jawline. You can play with the length, though—a shorter cut (think: cheekbone length) lends the chic cut a decidedly demure feel, while a slightly longer iteration is great for those looking to fully embrace that laid-back Parisian vibe.
Will a French Bob Look Good On Me?
With the proper approach, a French bob can be flattering on just about everybody. To ensure the best possible results, leave your transformation in the hands of a professional who can tailor the cut to complement your unique features, hair type, and texture.
How Do You Style a Short French Bob?
The beauty of the French bob is that it’s almost as effortless as it looks. Here are three tips to keep in mind when styling your chic new ‘do.
Begin with second-day hair (or fake it)
Good news for those who prefer low-maintenance looks: French bobs aren’t supposed to be overly neat or polished. In fact, they tend to look best when worn a little undone. That’s why we suggest skipping wash day and heading into your styling routine with second-day hair when possible. You can use a dry shampoo, such as the Redken Deep Clean Dry Shampoo, to absorb any excess oil at the roots.
If you’re reading this fresh out of the shower with a towel on your head, don’t worry—the right leave-in products can help you fake that lived-in texture. For those with flatter or finer strands, we recommend the Biolage Professional Full Density Densifying Spray Treatment, which adds body and volume without weighing the hair down. If you have wavy strands, consider using Matrix A Curl Can Dream Scrunch N’ Go Defining Spray for Waves and Curls to help enhance your hair’s natural texture. Once you’ve applied the spray, gently scrunch your mane to help define your waves.
Skip the hot tools
To give your bob a genuine Parisian feel, we suggest taking a break from your blow dryers, straighteners, and curling irons. French bobs look best when worn a bit messy and tousled, so air-drying your mane and embracing your texture is the best approach here.
If you can’t bear the thought of parting ways with your hot tool (or tools) of choice, be sure to protect your mane before getting to work. Use a heat protectant like the Shu Uemura Art of Hair Netsu Design Blow Dry Cream, which protects against temperatures up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit and helps tame frizz for a sleek, shiny finish.
Add shine
French girl bobs are touseled, yes—but they’re also full of healthy-looking shine. To give your cropped bob a glossy finish, work a small amount of the iconic Kérastase Elixir Ultime L’Huile Original Hair Oil throughout your mid-lengths and ends before heading out the door.
With these tips and tricks in mind, you’re well on your way to achieving the ultimate Parisian bob. If you’re looking for more styling inspiration, keep scrolling for 21 très chic ways to wear your timeless new cut.
20 French Bob Hairstyle Ideas To Try Now
Good hair day by @hairbycarafeder
French Bob With Wispy Bangs
Bangs are an important element of the classic French girl bob, but you don’t have to spring for straight-across fringe if that’s not your style. We love the way long, wispy bangs play up the cut’s effortless feel. Wear yours parted down the center (like curtain bangs) for a bit of boho ‘70s flair.
Good hair day by @ayandathabethe_
Textured Waves
In true French girl fashion, this voluminous, layered cut requires little styling effort—especially if you’re working with naturally wavy hair. Simply mist your mane with texturizing spray to enhance your natural waves and give your bob a bit of body.
Good hair day by @craphairclub
Curly French Bob
A jawline-skimming cut and soft, tapered fringe allows curly hair to shine in the most beautiful way. To keep your curls springy and bouncy, work a curl-defining cream throughout your damp mane before air-drying your hair. We love the Mizani True Textures Curl Enhancing Lotion since it helps fight frizz and leaves the hair feeling soft and healthy.
Good hair day by @realericvaughn
Long Layers
Well-placed layers can make fine strands appear thicker and more voluminous. To achieve the perfect tousled French bob, ask your stylist to add long layers throughout your hair, keeping the ends blunt to create the illusion of volume.
Good hair day by @marissacydya
Blunt Bob With Bangs
Ask your stylist for a blunt bob with bangs if you truly want to do as the French do. This one-length haircut is the OG French girl bob and works beautifully for those with naturally straight strands.
Good hair day by @georgeeblancoo
No Bangs
While the classic French bob features bangs in some form, you don’t have to commit to fringe if you don’t want to. A textured, razor-cut bob that hits around chin-length has the lived-in feel of a French bob—and it requires slightly less upkeep than a style with bangs.
Good hair day by @guidopalau
Paired with a Hat
If there’s one thing the French do well—besides pastries, anyway—it’s fashion. Channel your inner Parisian by pairing your short bob with a chic flat cap (or beret, if you really want to look the part).
Good hair day by @hairby.livvs and @glosalonspa
Blonde
Chocolatey brown hair is classically French, but that doesn’t mean you can’t color outside of the lines if you wish. For a brighter take on the classic French bob, consider opting for a warm blonde hue—the summery color will give your cropped cut a bit of beachy flair. If achieving this sun-kissed shade requires bleaching your hair, be sure to invest in reparative products to help keep your strands feeling soft and healthy. We love the Biolage Professional Strength Recovery Shampoo and Conditioner, which are designed to help strengthen damaged hair.
Good hair day by @thebangsbabe
French Bob With Side Part
If you want to give your look instant volume without using any products or hot tools, consider switching to a subtle side part. Changing your part can help lift your roots, giving your style a bit more body and bounce. If your hair has trouble staying in place, consider misting your roots with a flexible-hold hairspray, such as the Matrix Builder Wax Spray, after styling.
Good hair day by @lamajbackwards
Coily Bob
A lightly layered, chin-length cut is one of the best ways to show off luscious coils and spirals—and, thanks to the shorter length, styling is a breeze. On wash day, give your mane some TLC with a moisturizing leave-in, like Mizani True Textures Curl Defining Pudding, which helps fight frizz for bouncy, defined curls and coils. When you’re ready to style, create a deep side part on one side of your head, then air-dry or diffuse for extra volume and bounce. Before heading out the door, rake the Mizani 25 Miracle Nourishing Hair Oil throughout your mid-lengths and ends for a glossy, healthy-looking finish.
Good hair day by @matrix
Pop of Color
Showcase your unique sense of style by pairing your French bob with a vibrant fantasy hair color. We love the way hot pink lends the demure cut a bolder, edgier feel, but lilac, burgundy, and even dark blue are all excellent options, as well.
Good hair day by @phillipwolfhair
Bixie Bob
A bixie cut blurs the lines between a traditional bob and a pixie cut and is a great option for those willing to go a bit shorter. Muss up your choppy cut with a texturizing paste like the Matrix Overachiever 3-in-1 Cream Paste for an intentionally-undone finish.
Good hair day by @erinshairthings
Choppy Layers
If you dream of waking up with effortless texture, ask your stylist to add choppy layers to your French bob. It’ll give your shorter cut body and volume for a distinctly shag-like feel.
Good hair day by @bumbas.alexandra
Pin Straight
Try wearing your French bob pin-straight for a chic and sophisticated look. If you need to flat iron your hair to achieve this sleek style, be sure to protect your strands with a heat protectant to minimize unnecessary damage. Try the Redken Acidic Color Gloss Heat Protection Leave-In Treatment, which protects against temperatures up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit and infuses the hair with intense, molecular-level shine.
Good hair day by @xzoharri
Collarbone-Length Bob
Opt for a collarbone-length bob if you want to go short (but not chin-length short). This in-between cut has enough length that you can throw your hair into a ponytail when you want it off of your face.
Good hair day by @xcellent_Kevin
A-Line Bob
For a fashion-forward twist on the classic French bob, try an A-line bob. This asymmetrical cut is shorter in the back than it is in the front and looks best when worn sleek and straight, as pictured here. Pair it with full, blunt fringe for a graphic—and undeniably cool—feel.
Good hair day by @kaciedoeshair_
Arched Bangs
If blunt bangs aren’t your thing, consider arched bangs. This style of fringe follows the curve of the forehead for a subtle rounded effect that pairs beautifully with wavy and curly hair.
Good hair day by @rochellegoldenhairstylist
French Bob with Balayage
Balayage is a French highlighting technique—so it’s only fitting that it’d pair perfectly with a French bob. Your stylist will hand-paint highlights throughout your mid-lengths and ends to achieve this dimensional look. Keep in mind that while balayage is lower maintenance than traditional highlights, you may still need to update your routine to keep your mane looking its best. We suggest swapping in the Matrix So Silver Purple Shampoo once weekly or as needed to keep your blonde brass-free.
Good hair day by @benjaminrosshair
Blunt French Bob
You don’t have to opt for layers if you prefer the streamlined silhouette of a blunt cut. We love how straight-across ends and soft, tapered fringe lends the classic cut a sleeker feel.
Good hair day by @jasminejun
Curled-In Bob
Slightly curled-in ends create a vintage vibe that pairs gorgeously with the timeless French lob. To achieve the effect, let your hair dry about 80% of the way, then wrap your ends in oversized hair rollers. Once your strands are finished drying, remove the rollers and mist your hair with a frizz-fighting hairspray, like the Redken Control Hairspray.
Next Up: Layers vs. No Layers: Which Kind of Cut Should You Choose?
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Header photo credits (left to right): @craphairclub and @thebangsbabe
