When it comes to enduring elegance in fashion and beauty, France stands at the forefront. Icons like Brigitte Bardot and Catherine Deneuve propelled French hairstyles into global prominence during the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s. Their legendary styles continue to serve as pivotal sources of inspiration for beauty enthusiasts today. However, these influential figures were not the pioneers; the 1920s flapper movement introduced beloved cuts such as the French bob and pixie. Thus, for those in search of fresh hair inspiration, French styles offer a wealth of options.
What sets French hairstyles apart? According to esteemed French hairstylist David Mallett, it is their inherent sense of nonchalance. “French women deeply contemplate their desired appearance, yet they strive to convey an effortless vibe,” he explains. “The objective is for the hairstyle to appear as if minimal effort was involved, creating a look that feels lived-in and personal—never artificial.”
Meet the Experts
- David Mallett: A celebrated hairstylist working in Paris and New York City.
- Émilie Riant Passelande: Head colorist at Christophe Robin Salon in Paris.
If this laid-back aesthetic resonates with you, read on to explore more than a dozen French hairstyles recommended by Parisian experts.
The Classic Brushed-Back Blowout
One of Catherine Deneuve’s signature looks is the elegantly brushed-back blowout, often styled into a bouncy ponytail. Mallett describes this as one of the most exquisite hairstyles of all time. “To achieve this style, simply scrape back the hair on top into a small bun secured with an elastic or clip, allowing strands to cascade loosely at the front,” he advises.
The French Pixie Cut
The French pixie, epitomized by recent Miss France Ève Gilles, features a short, androgynous silhouette above the ears. Mallett notes that this haircut should maintain soft edges for a more casual appearance. “Unlike a geometric cut, the edges should appear slightly shattered and grown-out,” he says.
Effortlessly Chic Styles
According to Passelande, the hallmark of a quintessential French hairstyle is its effortless chicness. “A great cut that demands minimal maintenance is essential, whether it’s a blunt cut or a tousled style,” she asserts, as seen in the looks perfected by French designer Jeanne Damas.
The Escargot Bun
In France, the low twisted bun is affectionately known as the “escargot” or “croissant.” Mallett explains, “You twist the hair around itself like a snail. Recently, we’ve been using accessories like The Safety Pin Clip to elevate this classic updo.”
Vintage French Finger Waves
Created in the late 1800s, the Marcel curling iron introduced the elegant finger wave, as demonstrated on French model Flora Coquerel. A gentle nod to this classic style can elevate even a simple side-parted bun.
French Bangs
French bangs, reminiscent of Brigitte Bardot, are a staple in French hairstyles. Mallett praises this style for its versatility: “These bangs are slightly short in the center and longer on the sides, allowing for a seamless transition into the rest of your hair.”
The French Bob
Mallett’s favorite hairstyle is the French bob, exemplified by Musier Paris founder Anne Laure Mais. “This cut features lightly textured ends for a lived-in appearance,” he explains, noting that the goal is to avoid a precise, freshly cut look.
Grown-Out Feminine Styles
French hairstyles often emphasize softness and a “grown-out” aesthetic. Mallett observes, “A fresh haircut should look lived-in from the start, conveying an air of femininity and poetry,” as showcased by journalist and model Sabina Socol’s wavy cut.
High Ponytail
Parisian chic can be achieved with a simple high ponytail, complemented by soft, parted bangs. Passelande emphasizes that this look embodies quintessential Parisian elegance, as illustrated by model Mélodie Vaxelaire.
The Bardot Flip
Brigitte Bardot’s signature flipped ends and center-part bangs defined the beauty ideals of the 1960s. French model Lena Simonne captures this look flawlessly, showcasing its timeless allure.
Relaxed Long Hair
The key to achieving a chic, relaxed appearance is to embrace a slightly disheveled look. French model Chloe Lecareux exemplifies this style with her long hair, proving that a carefree vibe is essential.
Low Ponytail
Lecareux reappears to demonstrate how to make a low ponytail appear both polished and casual, enhanced by a charming black bow for a touch of whimsy.
Coily French Bob
While the classic French bob can be challenging for tighter curls, French influencer Ellie Delphine shows that it can be stunning on coily textures, proving its adaptability.
Feathered Bangs
Mallett asserts that feathered bangs are quintessentially Parisian. Parisian model Mara Lafontan exemplifies how a voluminous, round brush technique can create a fresh, dynamic look.
Casual Flipped Bob
While many French bobs feature side or center parts, a relaxed flip, as demonstrated by Florence Pugh, offers a chic and carefree alternative.
Classic French Twist
Passelande highlights Margot Robbie’s classic French twist, showcasing how effortlessly chic this updo can be, providing a refined yet relaxed aesthetic.
Layered Lob
Although British, Alexa Chung is often celebrated for her “lived-in” lob that captures the essence of French beauty. “To achieve this texture, I suggest tipping the hair upside down and lightly sprinkling it with volume powder,” Mallett advises.
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