10 Chic French Hairstyles Parisians Always Ask Their Stylists

Here are the chicest French hairstyles and haircuts Parisians always ask their stylists. When it comes to French girl hair, the philosophy remains the same: the less you do, the better. For French women, hair tends to be natural and a little bit undone, and messy. The focus is on achieving a natural look with effortless movements, making the hair appear perfectly imperfect and casually styled while still falling in just the right way.

It’s no secret that French women are experts when it comes to effortlessly chic hairstyles that appear to require zero effort. And in order to achieve that coveted nonchalant look, French women swear by specific haircuts and hair products that are essential. From classic bob to long hair with curtain bangs, here is a full rundown of the French haircuts and hairstyles you should be asking your stylist. Some are easy to maintain and ask for only a few hair salon visits. While others are timeless and continue to make statements: fringes of all varieties, bob, long bob, and lengths.

Being French, in today’s post, I’ve rounded up the most iconic hairstyles that the French are known for nailing so effortlessly. No matter your texture or length, there is a hairstyle and cut for everyone. Keep scrolling below to get inspired.

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1. Long Hair With Curtain Bangs

This hairstyle is inspired by the ’60s Jane Birkin, and it continues to be seen all over the streets of Paris. With this long length, you can opt for a center-parted fringe (curtain bangs) or a long fringe with frayed ends and edges. Or you can also choose to wear the “Birkin bangs,” which hit just above the lashes. Just forget any kind of bangs that are blunt cut or razor sharp.

For a chic and effortless look, consider adding some texture to your lengths with a volumizing mist like the Christophe Robin Instant Volumizing Mist with Rosewater. This will give your hair a perfectly imperfect and sophisticated appearance.

2. The Classic Bob

The classic bob is still very popular in France and continues to be seen all over the streets of Paris. The bob hairstyle is designed to flatter the face, specifically the cheekbones, by being cut just at the jawline or below. It can be cut bluntly or with slight layering to avoid any bluntness on the ends. The focus is on natural texture and easy styling to achieve the signature nonchalance of French style.

3. Lob With Wispy Bangs

Inspired by Jeanne Damas’ signature haircut, the lob (also known as the long bob) is a hairstyle that falls between a traditional bob cut and long hair. It typically sits just above the shoulders, at shoulder level, or slightly below. This haircut is been really popular in Paris for a while now! This haircut is versatile and low-maintenance, making it a flattering option for many women.

This French hairstyle is all about natural-looking volume. For an effortless and cool look, skip the curling iron and use a texturizing spray or mousse instead, like the Leonor Greyl Au Lotus Volumizing Mousse. 

4. The French Bob

Inspired by the free Parisienne of the 1920s, 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. Over the years, this iconic French haircut has been modernized, with now many variations from blunt cut to beachy wavy hair and subtle layering to eliminate any bluntness on the ends, with or without bangs.

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.

5. Long Curly Hair

French women don’t like to look like they’ve spent too much time on their hair. And this hairstyle perfectly exudes the typical French style! As previously mentioned, the French are advocates of embracing their natural hair texture. You can easily recreate this hairstyle on naturally curly or wavy hair by allowing your hair to air-dry after washing.

Also, I recommend using hair products specifically designed for curly hair to get this easy texture and effortless waves with no major definition. Consider washing your hair with a volume shampoo like the Leonor Greyl Restructuring Shampoo. Then, use the Masque à l’Orchidée to nourish, detangle and soften your hair. Finally, style your curls with the Algues et Fleurs Restructuring Styling Spray.

6. The Long Pixie

Along with the bob, the long pixie is another classic French style. It’s a beautiful way to wear short hair. While retaining the sassiness of short hair that fully opens up the neck, the long pixie looks softer and more feminine than the short one. I absolutely love this haircut, beautifully worn by French model Louise de Chevigny. It’s the ultimate haircut for those who prefer short hair but not too short, as it features soft, textured layers, exuding a nonchalant French girl look.

7. The Curly Bob

The curly bob hairstyle is a great choice for those who want a feminine, playful, and easy-to-style look. If you have curly or coily hair, you can create different types of bobs that suit your hair type. The key is to give it the right shape to enhance your natural curls. There are various types of bobs to choose from, including inverted, angled, A-line, stacked, graduated, and more. Just make sure to choose an experienced hairstylist who can shape your curls for the best possible look.

Also, I recommend using a styling cream specifically designed for thick and coily hair, like Leonor Greyl Éclat Naturel Styling Cream, to nourish, easily sculpt and shape your curls.

8. Long Blond With Layered Bangs

This particular hairstyle draws inspiration from Brigitte Bardot’s iconic ’70s look and is quite popular among Parisiennes. I find the long, blonde hair with layered bangs quite charming. It’s also a great option for those hesitant about getting bangs since the layered fringe blends in nicely with 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.

For those who desire to maintain their blonde hair’s brightness and prevent unwanted brassiness, it is advisable to use a purple shampoo such as the Kérastase Blond Absolu Anti-Brass Shampoo at least once a week. The Kérastase Blond Absolu Strengthening Hair Mask is also an excellent option for nourishing the hair, reviving highlights, and removing yellow tones.

9. Natural Hair

Many women blessed with thick natural hair (“crépus”) choose to flaunt their voluminous beauty. The classic or short afro hairstyle can often be spotted on the streets of Paris, exuding a chic and stunning appeal. French women embrace natural hair texture, resulting in a effortlessly natural and chic hairstyle.

To achieve this look, it is recommended to use extra nourishing hair masks such as the 3-in-1 Mask with Organic Cupuacu Butter or the Kérastase Curl Manifesto Nourishing Mask. Also, don’t forget to use a nourishing hair oil like the Curl Manifesto Scalp & Hair Oil for softer, non-greasy curls with enhanced shine.

10. The Messy Long Lob

The long lob is a trendy hairstyle that features hair cut below the clavicles. It’s a popular choice among many Parisiennes as it complements most face shapes. Moreover, it’s an ideal option for those with naturally straight hair.

Styling this hairstyle is effortless! After washing your hair, simply air-dry it and then scrunch it with either Leonor Greyl Au Lotus Volumizing Mousse or Christophe Robin Instant Volumizing Mist with Rosewater to add some texture. The key is to keep the look natural and not overdone. You can also apply dry shampoo at the roots for a boost in volume and texture.