It’s hard to put my finger on exactly what it is about French girls that we Brits find so damn alluring. Perhaps it’s their ability to build a timeless capsule wardrobe that always looks stylish or their penchant for a basic makeup product that will stand the test of time. There’s definitely something about their fondness for “boring” basics that’s appealing to those of us who are maximalists at heart.
Between classic trench coats and pharmacy moisturisers, there’s something else I always look to French girls for: hairstyle inspiration. Whether they’re stepping out with long locks or short strands, French women always lead the way when it comes to chic, simple hairstyles that look like they haven’t taken any time at all. In fact, a few of these styles only take 30 seconds to create.
From messy buns topped with elegant hair scarves to side-swept down ‘dos and dishevelled waves, here are 17 French girls I always come back to for chic hair inspiration.
Fringes are back with a bang for 2023, but it doesn’t mean they have to be high-maintenance. Andrea’s choppy fringe looks so laid-back and pairs perfectly with another of summer’s most popular hairstyles: The humble ponytail.
I think that Aria’s messy bun would make the perfect wedding-guest hairstyle.
Léna is the Parisienne queen of the head scarf, and it always looks so chic on her. It’s a playful way to add print and colour to a simple outfit and also protects hair from the elements.
I’m all kinds of obsessed with Franny’s curly bob-and-fringe combo, which looks effortlessly chic.
When it comes to bringing their fringe A-game, French girls like Leia know where it’s at. Her centre-parted bangs look great with her long lengths.
Proving that balayage isn’t going anywhere, Hanna’s blonde-tinged curls look so good.
The key to re-creating a French-girl hairstyle at home is to remember the one key rule: Don’t try too hard. Camille’s gorgeous updo can be twisted up quickly at the back of your hair and secured with a tortoiseshell claw clip. The more flyaways and escaped strands, the better.
When French girls aren’t opting for dishevelled waves and tiny tendrils, they’re stepping out in elegant updos like Claire’s chic, scraped-back low bun.
Jeanne has that effortlessly tousled “I woke up like this” hair vibe down to a fine art. I’m totally obsessed with her wonderfully feathered fringe too.
Our resident Brit girl in Paris, Marissa Cox, embraces a French-girl staple hairstyle: breezy beach waves.
Marta’s short, wavy bob is making me want to cut off all of my hair right now.
Getting the hair accessories right is half the battle when it comes to re-creating French-girl hair at home. Xiayan’s hair scarf looks simply stylish tied around a simple low ponytail.
French girls embrace one of two parting styles: the classic centre part or the relaxed side sweep, as demonstrated by Clémentine.
Let’s face it—a topknot is a hairstyle that looks good all over the world. AJ’s is super high, super slicked-back and utterly chic.
Cool girl Anne-Laure always delivers on hair inspiration, and I can’t get enough of this ’90s-inspired ponytail complete with micro plaits.
A ponytail takes seconds to do but always looks good. Sabina’s scrunchie looks so cute with her minidress.
Parisian Ellie reveals the key to rocking a short, pixie cut like a French girl is to add in some hair accessories. Her hair-clip duo on the side adds instant cool points.
If you remember one thing about the best French hairstyles, make sure it’s to embrace your natural hair texture. Chloé leaves the natural kink in her hair to reign supreme in this simple, centre-parted style.
Nothing says French chic like a cropped pixie haircut.
This leaves curls so hydrated and smooth.
Klorane is a French hair favourite, and this dry shampoo instantly refreshes roots without any residue, and it also adds body and volume to lengths.
This conditioner has a loyal following (just check the hundreds of five-star reviews) for its ability to leave hair soft without weighing down hair.
This styling gel leaves curls defined and smooth, with a long-lasting hold that doesn’t feel crunchy.
When in doubt, a headband adds instant style to any look.
This claw clip is on the larger size, making it ideal for long or thick hair.
This post was originally published at an earlier time and has since been updated.
