Popular French haircuts and hairstyles to try

There’s something about French girls that those abroad are just obsessed with – it’s their insouciance, the way they flaut the beauty rules we’ve all come to accept, and the fact that they just look so damn cool while they do it.

Oui, French women have got beauty on lock, whether its their fuss-free approach to skin care, their streamlined makeup routines, or their preference for bold signature fragrances. But the biggest French beauty trend in Australia right now is those uber-chic French girl hairstyles that are suddenly everywhere.

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According to Pinterest, there has been a 430 per cent increase in saves for French haircuts over the last year. It seems Aussie girls, with our penchant for laidback luxe, all want to get that Parisienne vibe on their next visit to the salon.

Even the latest hair accessory trends, such as hair bows and hair scarves, are all French-inspired. Clearly there’s something to this French girl thing, so we’re delving deep on the undeniable je ne sais quoi of French haircuts and hairstyles.

French girl hairstyle #1: The curtain fringe

Image via Pinterest/beatricejaxson

The curtain fringe has been big in 2019 and we totally get the hype. Getting a fringe cut is probably the easiest way to update your look, and the curtain fringe is the perfect choice for those new to a face-framer. It’s layered, lazy and equal parts low maintenance and stylish. Plus, the feathered cut means that it can be adapted to suit most face shapes and hairstyles.

A whole slew of French It girls favour the curtain fringe, so much so that the trend has expanded from the tables of L'Avenue to the red carpets of Hollywood (see Selena Gomez, Hailey Baldwin, Sienna Miller and Alexa Chung). In fact, this is one French haircut trend that might just be calling my name too!

Hair product MVPs: Goldwell Kerasilk Repower Volume Dry Shampoo, Redken Forceful 23, Klorane Dry Shampoo with Nettle Tinted.

French girl hairstyle #2: The French bob

Image via Pinterest/jaggsaud

This classic style is French girl cool personified. Keep it simple, short and sharp for maximum effect with minimal fuss, parted in the centre or on the side. This isn’t a haircut that requires a styling routine longer than the Seine River – the less you do to it, the better. Overslept? A few days into the dry shampoo? GOOD. French girls know how to make a haircut work around their lifestyle better than any other nationality.

Not sure if a short hairstyle is for you? You might be surprised. The latest iteration of French bobs are varied and can include everything from a blunt fringe to a bowl cut. Our only advice is to chat to your hairstylist before making any sudden snips. The key to this look is wash and wear-ability, so you want to be sure you’re happy with it. And if you need inspiration, look no further than social media darling Taylor LaShae.

Hair product MVPs: Kérastase Densifique Bain Densité Absolu and Fondant Densité, R+Co Sail Soft Wave Spray ($42, adorebeauty.com.au).

French girl hairstyle #3: The French girl fringe

Image via Pinterest/tahneecarroll

Don’t get it twisted – the eponymous French girl fringe is miles away from the curtain fringe. It’s heavier, it’s eye-skimming and it gives the wearer instant Parisienne status. Favoured by all hair lengths and all hair types, And while this look is less low maintenance than other French haircuts, thems the breaks of having a full fringe cut in.

Thankfully, fringes in desperate need of a trim perfectly fit into the French girl hair ethos – so even if you’re a little late on your salon appointment, you won’t be lacking in the chic department. So find out whether a fringe will suit you and book in that consultation with your stylist.

Hair product MVPs: ELEVEN Australia Make Me Shine Spray Gloss, Christophe Robin Cleansing Volumising Paste ($66, adorebeauty.com.au), La Biosthetique Volume Powder ($41, labiosthetique.com.au).

French girl hairstyle #4: The hair bow

Image via Pinterest/Luxenarrative

The quickest way to French girl hair is to add the signature French hair bow. All hair lengths and hair types will find that this is super adaptable – all you need is a ribbon! French girls have been loving velvet ribbons in the hair of late, but you can use anything you can get your hands on – I’ve even used pretty ribbons from floral bouquets!

Simply secure the hair in a low-slung ponytail (never higher than the ear – French girls keep it understated) and tie the ribbon in a bow around the elastic. And it all else fails, take the cheats way and get an elastic with a bow on it. We won’t tell if you won’t!

Hair product MVPs: Gliders Twin Bows, Lady Jayne Leather Bow Elastic.

French girl hairstyle #5: The hair scarf

Image via Pinterest/gabimay.com.br

French girls know their way around a scarf – knotted at the neck, looped around the wrist and definitely in the hair. There are a multitude of ways wear a hair scarf, but the most très Francais is to tie it around a bun.

Make it a messy topknot or leave it in low bun, either way it’s best executed with a laidback hand for debonair glamour.

Hair product MVPs: Pump Haircare Bondi Babe Sea Salt, Trevor Sorbie Thicker & Fuller Hairspray, Drybar Whiskey Fix Styling Paste ($37, sephora.com.au).

What’s your favourite French girl hairstyle?