How to Achieve Effortless French-Girl Hair, According to a Parisian Stylist

From bobs to bangs.

Jul 20, 2021 - 07:00

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How to Achieve Effortless French-Girl Hair, According to a Parisian Stylist

When it comes to French-girl hair, the philosophy remains consistent: The less you do, the better. French girls have a knack at making their hair work around their lifestyle (another day of dry shampoo? Pas de problème! Overslept? Embrace the bed head!)—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 hairstylists Rudy Martins in NYC and Parisian-based hairstylist Stéphane Bodin to get the full rundown on what types of hair cuts we should be asking our stylists for if we want to achieve that nonchalant French-girl hair. From short bobs to blunt bangs and soft waves, scroll below to channel your inner Carine, Clémence, Lou, or Jeanne.

"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 give the cut a youthful look, and it's super easy to style and upkeep."

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's fallen flat.

For natural tousled waves, spray a salt spray onto damp hair then air dry or use a diffuser for an effortless nonchalant look.

Ideal for adding more volume and texture to a choppy bob.

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."

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.

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."

Dry shampoo will add texture and volume.

Create an effortless wave with with a styling iron to give your hair some extra oomph.

Spray into damp hair to give hair effortlessly chic, natural, undone waves.

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, effortless waves with no major definition."

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.

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."