When you think about effortless, timeless beauty, French women instantly come to mind. There’s something about their laid-back style and confident aura that makes so many want what they have.
We’ve been obsessed with all things French for years, and due to a certain charming new television series set in Paris, so is the rest of the world. The main character emulates every vibe we are going for in fall 2020—which is why we’re here to show you just how to achieve that ideal French girl hair.
There is a certain appreciation for something like French air-dried waves or the class blunt bob with bangs that draws all of us in. The short and sassy bobs and effortless style screams empowerment and liberation, all while looking impossibly chic and put-together. Continuing to embrace your natural texture is key when it comes to achieving this look.
Whether you have traveled to Paris for a leisurely vacation or have been dreaming of doing so ever since you were little, these hairstyles will take you there without the hassle of buying a plane ticket! We spoke with Alexa Joly, L'Oréal Professionnel artist, about how to get perfect French-girl hair. Continue reading for everything you need to know.
Good hair day by @cremedemichelle.
What is French-girl hair?
If you're still unsure about the meaning of French-girl hair, don't worry we’ve got you covered. French-girl hair is effortless, natural, and chic, says Joly. It’s fresh and light, yet it screams sophistication and confidence. The reason we love this style so much is it always looks like an afterthought. French women seem like they were born with the perfect subtle balayage or bed head wave.
How to get effortless French hair
L'Oreal Professionnel Vitamino Resveratrol Color Moisturizing Conditioner
A moisturizing conditioner to give shine and preserve color-treated hair
French-Girl Hair Color
One thing you’ll rarely see on the streets of Paris: pink, blue, purple, or otherwise original hair color. Parisian women’s hair looks like it’s never seen a drop of dye. Yet, in my experience, they highlight their hair just as much as Americans.
For the French girl’s au naturel look, opt for neutral shades of blonde, red, and brunette that are one or two levels lighter or darker than your natural hue, suggests Joly, with strategically-placed pops of color throughout the hair.
“Don't underestimate the power of five perfectly placed balayage pieces to make the strands around your hairline pop and provide a frame for your face,” Joly says. She recommends L'Oréal Professionnel Vitamino Color A-OX Shampoo and Conditioner system to help maintain your color.
French-Girl Haircuts
The French are famous for their blunt cuts—but it’s far from the only trendy French-girl chop. There’s plenty of French-girl inspiration for every hair length: chin-length bobs, blunt bobs with bangs, choppy lobs, curtain bangs, and long layers.
Keep your color subtle to perfect the look. “If you have a stronger haircut shape, keep the color more natural or monochromatic,” Joly says. “If your shape is softer, you can amp up the color.”
Tecni.Art Next Day Hair Dry Finishing Spray
A dry texturizing spray that creates a weightless, tousled, second-day, disheveled look on all hair types.
French-Girl Hairstyles
The best thing about the French girl look: It saves you time. French women rarely reach for hot tools. Pull your hair back in a messy bun or ponytail, and you’re out the door.
“French-inspired hair is all about effortless elegance. You want a combination of products that maintain your look, so you don't have to,” Joly says.
To create effortless French-girl texture, try L'Oréal Professionnel Next Day Hairspray. The micro-propelled dry finishing spray transforms hair into next-day disheveled looks with a discrete and natural touch.
The Best French Girl Hair Ideas To Try Now
Good hair day by @colorwithgrace.
Effortless Texture
Apply a few spritzes of texturizing spray, allow your mane to air-dry, and bedhead texture is yours. Try Shu Uemura Art Of Hair’s Wata Wave Texture Spray to create a matte finish that’s perfect for second-day hair, with volume at the roots and a long-lasting flexible hold.
Choppy French Bob
The secret to effortless French-girl texture? Layers! Ask your stylist for a chin-length bob with choppy layers. If you’re into bangs, keep them piece-y to tie the look together.
Blunt Bob
Nothing makes a statement like a razor-sharp bob that hits your jawline. Add bangs for the ultimate French movie star look.
Good hair day by @kailaestrada.
Bob with Bangs
If you’ve got naturally straight hair, blunt bobs are sleek and stylish with minimal maintenance—and nothing screams the French-girl aesthetic like a slightly longer blunt bob with bangs. Soften up by keeping your length a bit longer and adding a few choppy layers.
Good hair day by @hairbykatlin.
Choppy Lob
There’s a reason lobs—a.k.a. long bobs—have been the reigning haircut of millennials: They’re a cinch to style and work on every face shape. Choppy lobs sit at the collarbone or brush the shoulders and incorporate wispy layers for movement and texture. Add beachy waves for that oh-so-French “I just rolled out of bed” look.
Good hair day by @lottaliinalove.
Curtain Bangs
We have the 1970s to thank for curtain bangs—longer bangs parted in the middle to frame your face on the sides. A wispy texture creates a laid-back vibe. While curtain bangs work with every hair texture, they’re best for tapering round or square face shapes.
Good hair day by @babette_its_me.
Long Layers
Layered cuts give longer hair breezy volume and texture. Long layers are best for elongating a pear-shaped face—i.e. a narrow forehead and strong jawline. Ask for square or horizontal layers for a choppier texture.
Good hair day by @ari_themermaid.
Subtle, Disheveled Highlights
Add dimension with subtle caramel highlights on chocolate brown hair to amp up your hue and softly frame your face. The secret to a natural look is a rich blend of light and dark tones to create believable contrast. Babylights help achieve a natural look on brunettes and redheads; balayage is a good choice for blondes.
Good hair day by @antoniopruno.
Messy Bun
The messier, the better. The key: texturizing spray. Start by brushing your hair smooth, then give it a spritz. Gather the strands in a ponytail, keeping a few low strands loose, and wrap hair around the base. Secure with an elastic. Voila!
Good hair day by @iammarielozano.
Undone Low Ponytail
This undone low ponytail looks like you just slapped on a hair elastic—and it takes just slightly more work. Spritz your hair with texturizing spray, then tease with a comb for volume. Pull into a ponytail, leaving a few face-framing strands free.
Good hair day by @xcellenthairsquare.
Simple Half Updo
French-girl hairstyles might be simple, but that doesn’t mean they’re boring. Loosely twist long hair in a half-up hairstyle for a French-girl look that’s effortlessly beautiful.
Good hair day by @studioehair.
Natural Wave
If you do pick up a curling iron, keep it quick and to the point. Start by applying a heat protectant like Redken Extreme Play Safe Heat Protection And Damage Repair Hair Treatment throughout your strands.
A tip from my stylist: Section your hair in large (3-inch diameter or so) sections, curling the strands around the iron for a few seconds. Move from bottom to top, front to back, all the way around your head. The whole process should take five to 10 minutes max—seriously! Finish with a texturizing spray.
Interested in French-girl hair? Use our salon locator to book an appointment at a salon near you.
L'Oreal Professionnel Vitamino Resveratrol Color Moisturizing Conditioner
A moisturizing conditioner to give shine and preserve color-treated hair
Tecni.Art Next Day Hair Dry Finishing Spray
A dry texturizing spray that creates a weightless, tousled, second-day, disheveled look on all hair types.
Wata Wave Texture Spray
A texturizing finishing spray that provides buildable texture
Extreme Play Safe Heat Protection and Damage Repair Hair Treatment
All in one hair protector that protects your hair from heat, fortifies the strength of your hair and reduces heat damage.
