When it comes to French-girl hair, the philosophy remains consistent: The less you do, the better. French girls have a knack for making their hair work around their lifestyle. Another day of dry shampoo? Pas de problème! Overslept? Embrace the bedhead! They're always exuding an effortless, undone aesthetic that never looks like they've tried too hard.
In order to pull off this low-key yet chic hair, there are certain signature haircuts (and products) that French women are utterly devoted to. We tapped French celebrity hairstylist Rudy Martins in NYC and Parisian-based hairstylist Stéphane Bodin to get the full rundown on what types of haircuts we should be asking our stylists for if we want to achieve that nonchalant French-girl hair. To see everything from short bobs to blunt bangs to soft waves, scroll below and channel your inner Carine, Clémence, Lou, or Jeanne.
1. Messy Bob (With or Without Bangs)
"A short bob is a very popular and in-demand hairstyle right now," explains Bodin. "There are plenty of variations of the cut that you can choose to suit your face shape. It works with so many types of hair, so it's easy to play!"
Martins adds, "The addition of short bangs gives the cut a youthful look, and it's super easy to style and upkeep."
Achieve the look:
Spray this texturizing spray on dry hair to add definition, volume, and shine. It's also perfect for reviving a two-day-old blow-dry that has fallen flat.
For natural tousled waves, spray a salt spray onto damp hair and air dry or use a diffuser for an effortless, nonchalant look.
Ideal for adding more volume and texture to a choppy bob.
2. One Length + Bangs
This one is inspired by '60s Jane Birkin, and it continues to be seen all over the streets of Paris. According to Martins, "French girls love this style because it looks effortless yet still sophisticated."
Achieve the look:
Keep frizz under control with this lightweight leave-in conditioner.
This lightweight multitasking pomade adds texture, bounce, and hold to strands, creating that perfect, piece-y French-girl fringe.
Apply to damp hair before air-drying your hair to smooth, condition, and eliminate frizz.
3. Long Wavy Bob + Bangs (AKA the "Collarbone Bob")
This timeless French cut is in between a long and short hair length and features soft, textured layers, exuding a nonchalant French-girl look. "It's called the collarbone bob because it stops at the clavicles," explains Bodin. "It's a very easy-to-manage cut, and you can refresh your length without sacrificing a ponytail or bun."
Martins adds, "It can be easily styled with a curling iron and some dry shampoo. French girls adore this style because it gives volume to their hair quite naturally without looking like they've spent too much time on it."
Achieve the look:
Dry shampoo will add texture and volume.
Create an effortless wave with a styling iron to give your hair some extra oomph.
Spray into damp hair to give hair effortlessly chic, natural, undone waves.
4. Messy Curls
This style exudes the typical Parisian vibe. "French girls don't like to look that they've spent too much time on their hair—the idea is to find the balance between néglige (messy) and sexy without looking too hippie," says Martins.
Bodin adds, "this is a very french look—the kind of style with easy texture and effortless waves with no major definition."
Achieve the look:
Keep your curls in supreme condition with this leave-in conditioner.
Messy curls need major hydration. This conditioning mask is the answer.
Perfect on any hair texture, this air-dry cream smoothes, tames flyaways, and calms frizz while adding shine, separation, and texture.
5. Bowl Cut (Short Bob) + Short Bangs
According to Martins, "Most French girls had this haircut as children in Paris (often cut by their own mothers). While the cut has a sweet and innocent touch, it's also innately cool without trying too hard."
Achieve the look:
Shorter hair requires a little texture. Apply this easy-to-distribute pomade to your ends for moldable texture, shape, and separation.
No need to worry about flat hair days—plump up the volume with this dry finishing spray to create voluptuous, bombshell hair.
For finer hair, this lightweight volumizing powder provides just enough texture without overloading the hair.
Up next, 20 gorgeous hair cuts that will make you want to chop all your hair off.
This post was published at an earlier date and has since been updated.