Honestly, when it comes to the chicest hair styles I could write a thesis on the ways in which French women always get it right. From effortlessly face-framing fringes to the coolest colours, everything about their hair is undeniably covetable.
“They absolutely understand the ‘less is more’ approach,” agrees celebrity hairstylist Tom Smith. “Often opting to keep their colour natural and their hair un-styled in a ‘wash and wear’ approach allows the beauty of their natural hair to shine through.”
But while there are certain cuts that are the epitome of French girl hair —the classic bob, I’m looking at you—I’m interested in finding out what some of the more-under-the radar styles are that French women are currently wearing on the streets of Paris and beyond.
Ahead, a top hairstylist deciphers with his finger on the pulse both here and across the pond breaks down what the 3 biggest French girl hair trends are right now. Keep scrolling to find out…
1. Birkin Bangs
Nobody has perfected a fringe like the French, but this modern take on the style is even more effortless than its sweeping predecessor. “Birkin bangs are characterised by a shorter, choppier fringe that is unstructured and textured and disconnects entirely from the rest of the hair,” explains Smith. “This is a great style for those who want to frame their eyes and cheekbones, but otherwise keep their hair long.”
This statement fringe totally elevates a simple ponytail look.
A choppy fringe is so versatile and looks great on both long lengths and shorter bobs.
The feather-soft ends of these longer bangs mean this fringe style never looks too blunt or heavy.
Style your Birkin bangs with these products:
Kérastase
Elixir Ultime L’Original Oil
Smooth just one drop of this beautiful-smelling hair oil between your hands the rub over your fringe to add shine and limit flyaways.
Bumble and bumble
Pret a Powder
Fringes can feel high maintenance as they often require daily washing, but massaging in a sprinkle of this oil-absorbing powder will buy you can extra day.
Denman
Pro-Tip Natural Bristle Small Curling Brush
A small round brush is your best friend when styling your fringe and blow-drying it into shape on wash day.
2. TEXTURED LAYERS
The one commonality of these French girl hair trends is that they all elevate the wearer’s natural hair texture, and this layered cut is a prime example. “Naturally curlier hair is cut to enhance the natural texture without a set parting and allowed to air-dry,” says Smith. “This look is a playful and feminine style that really celebrates texture.”
Forget about a parting—going without one adds so much movement as demonstrated with this elegant, mid-length style.
The piecey layers at the front of this curly style add movement to a bob.
Layers add subtle volume and texture to fine, air-dried waves.
Style your textured layers with these products:
Arkive
The Scene Setter Hybrid Pomade
Warm a pea-sized amount of this between your palms and then rub into the roots of your hair to add lift and volume.
JVN Hair
Complete Air Dry Cream
The ultimate air-dry product—smooth this nourishing cream through damp hair, then leave it to do its thing. Your hair will look shiny, volumised and perfectly undone. (Just like the French girls!)
Oribe
Styling Butter Curl Enhancing Creme
This styling cream is packed with hair-nourishing butters to inject curls with moisture while lending hold to your textured style.
3. FRENCH BOB
Of course, no round-up of French girl hair trends would be complete without a mention of the French bob—one of the most popular styles of 2023, wherever you live. “Worn in soft, flicky waves and cut higher towards the face, this Parisian style can be worn flipped over or parted with a soft fringe,” describes Smith. It does require some maintenance though—Smith points out that you’ll need to have a trim every six weeks to keep this style looking its best.
A side-parting is such a chic French look and pairs perfectly with hair this length.
I love the juxtaposition between the sharp centre-parting and the soft bob silhouette here.
The French bob looks chic whatever your hair texture, from curly to poker-straight.
Style your French bob with these products:
Hair by Sam McKnight
Sundaze Sea Spray
This mineral salt spray lends hair that undone French wave without adding any crunchiness or stickiness.
Beauty Pie
Super Healthy Hair Seven-Oil Hair Elixir
Exactly as it says on the bottle, this decadent hair treat uses seven oils to deliver shine and softness to all hair types. Massage a few drops in before blow-drying to lock in that effortless glow.
Larry King Hair Care
My Nanna’s Mousse
