7 French Bob Haircuts That Make Short Hair Look So Chic

Launchmetrics Spotlight

The French bob is one of the most timeless and iconic hairstyles ever! Characterized by its jaw-length or slightly longer bob, typically featuring a straight and blunt cut, this classic haircut symbolizes effortless elegance. The beauty of this cut is that it can be tailored to suit various face shapes and hair types, whether sleek and polished or tousled and textured. So, if you fancy a change of chop and want to give this Parisian hairstyle a go, keep scrolling below to learn everything about the French bob.

What is a French bob?

Inspired by the free Parisienne, the French bob is originally a cropped bob cut right under the ears and above the chin (i.e., cheekbone-length) and paired with bangs sitting at the brow line. Very popular in the 1920s, it became the iconic haircut of the Roaring Twenties (“les années folles”) thanks to Louise Brooks, known for her roles in the silent films of the 1920s. During that era, the bob hairstyle was considered a daring fashion statement. It was the mark of a free-spirited woman who went against the grain, was independent, and had an insatiable hunger for living. Many actresses and movie characters adopted this daring haircut. Like Uma Thurman in Pulp Fiction, Natalie Portman in Léon, Audrey Tautou in Amélie and more recently Soko in Girlfriends, and Ùrsula Corberó, known for her role of Tokyo in the successful show La Casa de Papel.

french bob haircut — Jill Kortleve at Chanel Fall 2022 Ready to Wear fashion show. Photo: Launchmetrics Spotlight.

Over the years, we have seen many iterations of this iconic haircut. More recently, models Kaia Gerber, Jill Kortleve, and Hannah Kleit all do a really good new version of the French bob. Think of a cropped bob cut just at the jawline or below to flatter the face (especially the cheekbones) and with subtle layering to eliminate any bluntness on the ends. This modern interpretation of the French bob can be worn without bangs or with a retro curtain or breezy bangs. Nowadays, the essence of the French bob lies more in its natural and effortless appearance than in its length. The focus is on natural texture and easy styling to achieve the signature nonchalance of French style.

Who can wear the French bob?

La beauté of this haircut is that everyone can try it! The French bob suits every face shape, age, and hair texture. However, you should ask your stylist to adjust this haircut to the shape of your face and the texture of your hair. For example, if you have a square-shaped face, consider opting for a chin-length cut that will accentuate your jawline. Or, if you have a longer heart-shaped face, a lob with layers to soften your chin and highlight your cheekbones will work best. Or, if you have an oval face shape, any French bob haircut will work for you (even the classic French bob with bangs).

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How to style a French bob?

If done right, this classic cut should be low-maintenance and require little styling, as the main point of this hairstyle is to embrace your natural texture. If you want to give your hair that just-out-of-bed but still chic look, I would recommend prepping your hair with a volumizing mist (I love Christophe Robin’s Instant Volumizing Mist or Leonor Greyl’s Au Lotus Volumizing Mousse) before blow-drying, as this will give your hair a great moldable hold. Or, if you want to wear your French bob sleek and polished, I recommend the Sérum de Soie by Leonor Greyl to give your hair a smooth finish.

Don’t forget to invest in high-quality hair tools, shampoos, and conditioners for healthy, bouncy hair. I highly recommend the Dyson Airwrap and my all-time favorite hair brush: the Mason Pearson Handy Bristle Hair Brush. During my last trip to Marrakesh, I bought L’Occitane’s Intensive Repair Shampoo and Conditioner, and I really loved them! My hair was smooth, supple, and beautifully shiny.