If you want shiny and flowing French girl hair, then I’m happy to say that today is your day. I’m going to spill all the French girl hair secrets I’ve learned over the years. My hope is that these French girl hair tips will give you the hair you’ve always dreamed of!
I’m an American girl who moved to Paris several years ago and since then, I’ve been obsessed with learning all the French beauty tips out there. I adore the French girl look, even if it’s sometimes a bit cliché.
What I really love most though is the effortless approach to French beauty! I do not have three hours to spend on my beauty and hair care routine every day, the way that some American influencers would have me do!
I remember I came across an American influencer’s “five-minute beauty routine” which, in reality, was 45 minutes long! Her followers even called her out on it in the comments. No, thank you!
The French beauty philosophy is so much more me. Ok, enough about that. Let’s talk French girl hair!
Haircare
What is the deal with French haircare? Well, before we talk about haircuts and hairstyles, it’s important to ensure that your hair is healthy, strong, and well-cared for. Taking good care of your hair is paramount to getting that effortless French girl hair look.
Hair Washing & Conditioning
How often do French girls wash their hair? The answer may surprise you. They do not wash their hair every day. French girls wash their hair twice a week ideally, and if not, then every other day maximum. The hair gets a proper condition after being washed, but not in replacement.
I personally use a top French hair care brand’s ultra-gentle shampoo and conditioner.
The best French shampoos will gently cleanse your hair without drying it out.
Since washing the hair does strip it of oils, it’s important to follow up with a good French hair conditioner and restore some hydration.
If you have extra dry hair, then follow up with a good French leave-in conditioner for all-day hydration.
I have tried to wash and condition my hair as little as possible, and I’ve learned that the least often I can do it is every two days. Otherwise, it just gets too greasy for me.
So, what are you to do with your hair on the days you don’t wash it?
Enter dry shampoo! But not just any dry shampoo…
Dry Shampoo
Dry shampoo is an amazing product, but you must use the right one. I have tried lots of American brands from TRESemmée, to Psssssst to Batiste, and many other different brands.
Let me tell you that none of them compare to the wonders that Klorane Dry Shampoo with Oat Milk can do!
If for some reason you can’t get your hands on Klorane, then this list of the best French dry shampoos will help you out.
Hair Drying
French model Caroline de Maigret (author of How to Be Parisian Wherever You Are) is totally against using a hairdryer at all. It’s too damaging to the hair. French women prefer to let their hair air dry when they can.
I can confirm that I’ve read an article where Jeanne Damas says she ties her damp hair in a low bun after getting out of the shower. It dries while she prepares and eats her breakfast, leaving her with loose curls that turn wavy throughout the day.
You could even shower the night before so that your hair has volume the next day.
Hair Treatments
On a regular basis, French women love to do hair treatments.
Many use hair masks formulated for their hair type. My personal favorite is this Ouai treatment mask which leaves my hair feeling silky smooth. I use it in place of my conditioner about once a week, or before an important event.
The Kérastase Resistance Length Strengthening Mask is a high-end, French-made favorite.
Hair Oils
Another option is to put oil at the ends of your hair. Regular use of hair oil can prevent split ends while nourishing the hair deeply.
Try the international bestseller Huile Prodigieuse which can be used on the rest of your body too, or a hair-specific oil like Kérastase Elixir Ultime Oil Serum.
Hair Growth
Top model Gabrielle Caunesil recently shared on her Instagram stories the secret to her long and flowing locks. She treats the ends of her hair with this Virtue Labs serum to ensure consistent growth.
Haircare Brands
There are a few top French hair care brands to know about as you research the right hair care routine for your hair. Here are the most renowned French hair brands to know:
- Kerastase
- Christophe Robin
- Leonor Greyl
- Klorane
French Haircuts
French makeup artist Violette admitted recently that French women prefer short or shoulder-grazing haircuts. They rarely have waist-length hair, especially as they get older.
I personally am not ready to cut my long locks yet!
I do have the typical French bangs though – the long and straight 70s style bangs which fall just below my eyebrows. This works well with my straight brown hair.
Here are some popular French haircut ideas:
- Messy bob
- Shoulder-grazing
- Long and straight
All of these cuts can work with or without bangs!
French Hair Styles
The classic French girl hairstyle is lightly tousled for that bedhead look. There may be some hairs out of place, but the hair doesn’t look messy, per se. It just looks natural and easygoing. In fact, French hairstyles can sometimes look so well-suited that the woman barely needs any French makeup at all!
Hair Dye
French women rarely dye their hair unless it’s just to hide the grays! They truly believe that your natural hair color is what suits you best. There are definitely a few exceptions to this rule, but overall I think it’s true.
Hair Accessories
French women don’t use too many hair accessories. I recommend having a few basic hair ties and other things just in case you need them. Here are a few ideas:
- Bobby Pins
- Tortoise Shell Hair Clips
- Hair Elastics
I hope this article gave you a better idea of how to get the French girl hair look! I will be sharing more examples of how to do your hair the French way very soon!
