French Bobs are back and this big chop shines brighter than ever!
The latest wave of airy French-style captured the fashion world after Emily in Paris movie was released on Netflix. However, the history of this carefree Amelie haircut goes much further to the past.
Whether you wanna alter your classic bob and make it a little bit more elegant and sexy, or crave for a big hairstyle change, elegant hairstyles from this French bob inspiration guide will come in handy, for sure.
What is a French bob?
tim_masha
jayne_edosalon
So what makes a bob French and What is special about Parisian hairstyles?
Let’s figure it out.
Firstly, a traditional French bob is shorter than your average bob. However, modern French bobs can reach the collarbones and even shoulders sometimes.
Typically, a French bob haircut is characterized by bangs – but present-day Parisian bobs can also be without bangs.
Well, is there any characteristic we can stick to?
Yep. And now we’re talking about a tousled, casual look, either with waves or a little extra volume, slightly messy, with airy texture and “just go out of the bed” effect. This is exactly where the personality of the Parisian style lies.
And why is it called a French bob?
Just because the first bob style is said to have originated in the 1890s with the French actress’s new hairstyle.
How to Style a French Bob?
cropped2perfection
fomenkojulli
When styling a French bob haircut, remember that the main feature every French bob has to have is the attitude: this style has to feel lightweight, airy, and slightly undone. So that if you said “I woke up like this”, people would believe.
So, here are some basics and styling lifehacks for magnificent French bob hair:
- Be prepared to commit to a simple hair care routine and choose products that work for your hair type.
- Schedule regular trims (every 6-8 weeks) since this cut looks best when it’s maintained often.
- Avoid hair dryers, curling irons, and straighteners – to embrace your natural texture, air-drying with an air-dry cream is the best strategy. However, if you wear bangs, they’re better to be blown-dry for easier styling
- Second-day hair is the best base for a French bob – freshly shampooed hair is laking texture, staying at the softer side.
But if you’re not ready to wait till tomorrow to get your perfect French bob, here are some hair products that will help you to cheat and fake that desired effect:
- Texturizing spray (apply and gently tousle the hair with fingers)
- Anti-frizz hairspray (for naturally wavy hair to lock in your look with a frizz-free finish)
- Dry shampoo (in case you skip a hair wash day, it will absorb oil, refresh the hair, and texturize it)
- Shine serum (to smooth those flyaways and add vibrant shine to your hair)
- Gritty wax paste (if you want to define and mold your style to last)
Follow these tips and tricks and you’ll achieve that French girl hair in no time!
French Bob Haircuts
philosophisalon
Parisian bob is meant for ladies looking for something drastic, radical, rebellious, but also very chic elegant, and sexy for their hair.
Besides, this vintage-inspired haircut is gloriously low maintenance.
Don't believe it? Scroll down to dive into the sea of aesthetics, charm, and playfulness:
Classic French Bob Haircut
ahappyjustin
French girl hair has been in even higher demand after the success of Emily in Paris TV show. Just look at this incredible chin-length haircut! Is it possible not to fall for it?
A Chin-Length Cut
sambolognese
And now look at this chin-length cut, which has a completely different dynamic and vibe compared to the previous one. This super easy cut is more casual and versatile.
Textured Bob
marieange_fnd
And here we go with a cheekbone-length blonde bob with a bit of that warm undertone you’re going to love. This textured bob is slightly exaggerated, indeed, but who cares when you have that kind of mood?
Thin fine hair Bob with Bangs
louisecfrost
French bob hair is a great solution for girls with thin hair, since the main rules of a French bob are volume and texture.
Short French Bob Haircut
spellbound_manes
This short French bob is so Amelie-like, thus we can also count it as a traditional French bob with a short blunt fringe.
Blonde French Bob Haircut
coiffeurvincent
This blunt-cut French bob mixture looks chic and sophisticated, isn’t it? Try wearing your French bob with bangs pin straight. Enhance shine with hair products but let some frizz stay for a true Parisian effect.
Asymmetrical French Bob Haircut
paintedbyjena.buffaloco
You will look nothing like a Karen hairstyle with this asymmetrical French bob, although it also features longer front and shorter back sections.
The Wavy French Bob
spellbound_manes
Show off your wavy texture in a cute French cut like this one. Less texture in front, more wet hair texture at the back – this cropped bob will look the best and cutest on workaholic women.
Chin length French bob with bangs
linethmm
Traditional chin length, disconnected bangs, and natural hair texture. This cute and cool French bob haircut is meant to emphasize the natural beauty of a girl.
Curly Messy French Bob with Bangs
spellbound_manes
If your hair is naturally curly, it doesn’t mean you can’t opt for a playful French vibe. On the contrary, a curly French bob will emphasize your natural texture and elegance.
Long French Bob with Bangs
salonservicespro
Probably, every celebrity hairstylist has already tried out a neck-length French bob with trending curtain bangs. As you see, you don’t need a lot to look gorgeous – just a simple low-maintenance bob like this one.
Wavy Ends French Bob Hair
janetlarickhair
This feminine French style looks especially charming and elegant on light brown hair. To rock this classy bob, make a messy side part and blow-dry the length, curling the ends towards the face with a round brush.
Voluminous Blue French Bob Hair
avacorinnehair
Such a glamorous twist as a blue color pop is not typical for a French bob. But you are the one who makes the rules here – so if you’re into it, pair your wavy French bob with a vibrant fantasy hair color if you’re feeling that way.
French Bob Flattering for a Round Face
randco
A long French bob no bangs or fringe will flatter round face shapes. This sweet haircut will take you just 2–4 minutes in the morning to keep that slight wave and shine with hair products.
Modern French Bob with Side Bangs
travisbriggs2
If you wanna give your layered French bob even more volume without using any products or hot tools, opt for a good old deep side part. This incredibly easy switch is flattering for all face shapes.
Curly French Bob
kayceeclarkhair
You don’t necessarily need to have straight hair to wear a French bob. Just look how gorgeous this curly French bob looks! For a wet hair effect and defined curls, use a bit of hair gel.
Blunt French Bob
tigerlilysalon
A blunt short bob with bangs is exactly what the original French bob was about. This one-length style is a versatile cut to suit multiple occasions.
Black Straight Hair French Bob Look
jess_saltybangs
If a layered French bob seems too complex and too much for you, choose minimalism and basics – just like this straight French bob with a fringe.
Jaw-Skimming Length Bob with Curtain Bangs
beauty.x.mark
The shape of the French bob is meant to skim your face, highlighting its best features. If you pair your French bob with curtain bangs, you’ll get the ‘70s-inspired touch of elegance to your haircut.
Vintage French bob haircut
travisbriggs2
This cute shoulder-length French bob looks much more harmonic than most shorter cut variations. Just out of bed – this is the concept that makes a bob French.
Side French Bob on Thick Hair
lilijatoussi
Do you remember Natalie Portman's short hairstyle? This side-swept French bob with tender highlights looks similar, doesn’t it?
Dark Brown Layered French Bob Haircut
mixster_07
Short length, choppy layers, thick bangs, and dark brown color – that’s all you need to know to get this short French bob.
Extra Short French Bob Style
ahappyjustin
Short sassy haircuts have broken into the chat. This extremely short French bob with trendy short fringe in bright blonde color is making another French revolution over here.
Soft Waves
spellbound_manes
Following the best traditions of French women fashion, this chic wavy shoulder-length cut requires minimal styling effort: simply apply a few spritzes of texturizing spray, and you’re ready to go!
Sleek French Bob
samesamebutsage
Can this French bob haircut qualify into the category of bob hairstyles for women over 50? We’ll even say it can suit the category of layered bob hairstyles for over 60! Thanks to the bangs and layers, this straight French bob will make thin hair look fuller and livelier.
Grown Out Bob
spellbound_manes
Like to play around with shaggy hairdos that visually elongate your face shape? With bangs and layers, even a grown-out French bob will keep serving your need.
Shaggy & Wavy French Bob Haircut Dark Black
spellbound_manes
If you’re in the mood for something sophisticated and your hair is rather thick, consider this beautiful messy French bob.
French Bob with Micro Bangs
find.a.waystudio
Micro bangs are a high maintenance trend, indeed. But how hot it is! This ultimate straight French bob hairdo makes a throwback to iconic Charlize Theron's short hair.
Textured for Thin Hair
megancultonhair
Asian bob haircut with a micro fringe will highlight the beauty of women with thin hair.
Low maintenance pixie bob haircut
lucky13saloncollective
Modern bob trends shout “low maintenance!” Thus, every hairstylist echoes “sea salt spray”. These beachy curls and a side-swept fringe take this French bob haircut to new levels.
Thin hair graduated bob for fine hair
mauderntalking
Meet another option of how to incorporate that romantic French vibe in a simple bob and emphasize the inner beauty of women.
French bob with highlights
comercial_troia
Don’t know what to ask your hairstylist for? Maybe, it’s time to show off your personal style by means of a French bob?
FAQ
Who Can Go For This Haircut?
You have seen a huge variety of French bob hair above, so obviously, anyone can wear a French bob haircut – just make sure you choose the one that flatters your face shape, and an appropriate length as well.
The spirit of this style suits pretty much everyone.
What's the difference between a bob and a French bob?
A French bob is typically a shorter bob than a classic one, it usually goes with edgy bangs, and the texture is required to be messy, disconnected, and airy.
Can You Achieve This Hairstyle On Your Own?
If you’re French that much, you can try to cut your own hair short into a French bob following the instructions in this video.
Or just ask your hairdresser for French bob hair, showing one of the pics from our guide.
How Pricey Is A French Bob Hairdo?
Generally, the price won’t differ too much from other bob haircuts variations. Be ready to pay something around $70 for cutting, styling, and blow-drying. Expect to pay more if you also wanna add some cute highlights.
French bob hair is so elegant and flirty – it’s hard not to fall in love with this Parisian lightness, charm, and beauty. If you’re intrigued by the retro French bob and its gorgeous modern offspring, return back to the gallery and choose your ideal French bob to try.