10 Chic Hairstyles Parisians Always Ask Their Stylists

When it comes to French girl hair, the philosophy remains simple: less is more. French women, including myself, tend to keep their hair natural, slightly undone, and a bit messy. The goal is to achieve a look that is perfectly imperfect and casually styled yet still falls just right :).

French women are renowned for their effortlessly chic hairstyles that appear to require no effort at all. To achieve this coveted, nonchalant look, they rely on specific haircuts and essential hair products. From the classic bob to long hair with curtain bangs, here is a complete guide to the French haircuts and styles you should consider. Some are easy to maintain and need only a few salon visits, while others are timeless and always make a statement, like various types of fringes, the bob, the long bob, and longer lengths.

As a French woman, I’ve rounded up the most iconic hairstyles that French women effortlessly nail. No matter your hair texture or length, there is a French-inspired cut or style for everyone. Keep scrolling to get inspired ;)!

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1. Long Hair with Curtain Bangs

This hairstyle, inspired by ’60s icon Jane Birkin, remains a staple on the streets of Paris. With long hair, you can choose a center-parted fringe (curtain bangs) or a long fringe with frayed ends. Alternatively, you can go for “Birkin bangs,” which hit just above the lashes. Avoid blunt or razor-sharp bangs. For a chic, effortless look, add texture to your hair with a volumizing mist like Christophe Robin’s Instant Volumizing Mist with Rosewater. This will give your hair a perfectly imperfect and sophisticated appearance :).

2. The Classic Bob

The classic bob remains incredibly popular in France and is a common sight on the streets of Paris. This hairstyle is designed to flatter your face, especially the cheekbones, with its cut just at or below the jawline. You can choose a blunt cut or opt for slight layering to soften the ends. The key is to embrace natural texture and effortless styling to capture that signature French nonchalance.

3. Lob with Bangs

Inspired by Jeanne Damas’ signature haircut, the lob (long bob) is a stylish choice that falls between a traditional bob and long hair. It typically sits just above the shoulders, at shoulder level, or slightly below. This haircut has been a favorite in Paris for quite some time! The lob is versatile and low-maintenance, making it a flattering option for many women. It’s all about natural-looking volume. For an effortlessly cool look, skip the curling iron and use a texturizing spray or mousse instead, like Leonor Greyl’s Au Lotus Volumizing Mousse.

4. Long Hair with Side Part and Layers

I absolutely love this hairstyle! I currently have a short bob, but I’m growing out my hair to achieve this gorgeous length :). This hairstyle is perfect for anyone with long hair looking to add some movement and dimension. It’s especially great for oval, heart, or square face shapes, as the face-framing layers beautifully highlight and soften your features. Whether your hair is straight, wavy, or slightly curly, these layers can really elevate your look by adding texture and volume. Très chic!

5. The French Bob

Inspired by the free-spirited Parisiennes of the 1920s, the French bob is a classic cropped bob that falls right under the ears and above the chin, paired with bangs at the brow line. This iconic French haircut has evolved over the years, now featuring variations from blunt cuts to beachy waves and subtle layering to soften the ends, with or without bangs. The essence of the French bob is its natural and effortless look rather than its length. Embracing natural texture and easy styling is key to achieving that signature French nonchalance.

6. Long Curly Hair

French women prefer a look that seems effortlessly chic, and this hairstyle perfectly captures that typical French style! They love to embrace their natural hair texture, so you can easily recreate this look on naturally curly or wavy hair ;). Just let your hair air-dry after washing. I also recommend using hair products designed for curly hair to achieve those easy, effortless waves without too much definition.

7. The Long Pixie

Along with the bob, the long pixie is another classic French style—a beautiful way to wear short hair! This cut retains the sassiness of short hair that fully reveals the neck but looks softer and more feminine than a traditional pixie. I absolutely love this haircut, especially as seen on French model Louise de Chevigny. It’s perfect for those who prefer short hair without going too short, thanks to its soft, textured layers that exude a nonchalant French girl vibe.

8. Long Blond with Layered Bangs

This hairstyle is inspired by Brigitte Bardot’s iconic ’70s look and is quite popular among les Parisiennes. I find the long, blonde hair with layered bangs absolutely charming. It’s also perfect for those hesitant about getting bangs since the layered fringe blends seamlessly with the rest of the hair and can be styled in various ways. You can part them down the middle, keep them straight, or even sweep them to the side. To maintain your blonde hair’s brightness and prevent unwanted brassiness, I recommend using purple shampoos and masks at least once a week, such as Kérastase’s Blond Absolu Hydrating Illuminating Shampoo and Anti-Brass Purple Hair Mask.

9. Natural Hair

Many women blessed with thick natural hair (“crépus”) choose to flaunt their voluminous beauty. The classic or short afro hairstyle is often seen on the streets of Paris, exuding a chic and stunning appeal. French women love to embrace their natural hair texture, creating an effortlessly stylish look. To achieve this, I recommend using extra nourishing hair masks like Klorane’s Nourishing 2-in-1 Mask with Mango or the Nourishing and Repairing Mask. Don’t forget to use a nourishing hair oil, such as Huile de Leonor Greyl, for softer, non-greasy curls with enhanced shine.

10. The Messy Long Lob

The long lob is a trendy hairstyle, with hair cut just below the clavicles, which is a favorite among Parisians. It complements most face shapes and is especially great for those with naturally straight hair. Styling this look is a breeze! After washing your hair, simply let it air-dry and then scrunch it with Christophe Robin’s Instant Volumizing Mist with Rosewater to add some texture. The key is to keep the look natural and effortless. For extra volume and texture, you can also apply dry shampoo at the roots. Et voilà!