The French girl hair routine is all about embracing the natural texture of your hair and keeping it hydrated and healthy. While it may seem like the routine is effortless and carefree, the truth is that real French women use intentional techniques like air drying, scrunching and diffusing to create that ‘natural’ and effortless look.
Starting a hair care routine may take some effort and consistency to find what works for you, but the results are worth the early pains. As long as you create a routine that fits your lifestyle and hair needs, you’ll be happy you adopted a haircare routine after all.
One of my best French haircare tips is to schedule this routine into your daily or weekly schedule. Start with a simple routine that includes washing and conditioning your hair regularly. As you become more comfortable with the routine, you can add in additional treatments or products.
It may take some time to see results from your hair care routine, so be patient and consistent. Over time, you will see the benefits of taking care of your hair regularly. Here is how the French do it!
Determine Your Hair Type
The first thing French girls do when they get old enough is to visit a professional hair salon and ask the stylist about their hair type. You might have one or two hair types and this will influence the routine that is best for you. Here are the major hair types:
- Straight Hair: Straight hair is prone to oiliness and must be washed more often than other hair types
- Wavy Hair: Wavy hair types should avoid products that weigh the hair down
- Curly Hair: Curly-haired women should focus on moisture and avoid drying out the hair too much
- Coily Hair: Coily or coarse hair types should be treated with care using a sulfate-free shampoo that locks in moisture
There are lots of French haircare brands that sell products made for a specific hair type or color so keep an eye out for these specialized items.
Shampoo
The first thing French girls do in the shower to begin their haircare routine is to wash it with a specialized French shampoo made for their hair type.
The goal when shampooing your hair is to remove any oil, grease, hair product residue, dirt, or dead skin cells that may have built up on your scalp or hair strands.
French women prefer to use gentle, sulfate-free shampoos. They buy shampoos that are made for their hair type, color, or a particular haircare concern they might have (like a lack of volume, dandruff, etc.).
Some of the best French shampoo brands to choose from include:
- Kerastase: this is a luxury French shampoo brand for high-end haircare used by many international celebrities, influencers, and actresses.
- Klorane: this is a favorite French pharmacy haircare brand that many Parisians use regularly. It’s the perfect balance of quality and price.
- L’Oréal: this is a tried-and-true affordable beauty brand from France that you can rely on for quality, effective haircare on a budget.
Conditioner
Next up, French women moisturize their hair using a French conditioner, or après-shampoin, for their hair type as part of their haircare routine. French hair conditioners help seal the cuticles, hydrate the hair, and sometimes even detangle it.
Detangling
If your hair is prone to breakage, a French detangling spray can be used after you get out of the shower. A hair detangling spray typically contains a combination of water, conditioning agents, and emollients that help to coat the hair and reduce friction between strands. When applied to hair, it forms a thin film that makes it easier to comb or brush through tangles and knots. Some sprays may also contain ingredients that strengthen the hair and reduce breakage.
The Leonor Greyl Lait Luminescence Detangling Milk Spray is one such spray that both hydrates and detangles hair at the same time.
Protect
While most French women prefer to let their hair air dry, sometimes a blow dryer must be used to dry the hair fast, especially on wintry days. Always apply a heat protectant before blow drying or styling your hair using a hot iron.
A styling primer such as Kerastase Resistance Heat Protecting Leave-In Treatment can be used to prep your hair for any styling as well as ensure the look lasts all day!
Treatments
The French girl haircare routine involves the use of regular hair treatments to keep the hair in good shape. Many French women devote Sunday as their self-care day to take care of their bodies and get ready for the week ahead. Some treatments can be applied every day or every other day, but most only need to be used once a week. Read the suggested use paragraph for each product before applying it!
Deep Conditioner or Mask
A deep conditioner or hair mask should be used once a week. A deep conditioner is a hair treatment that penetrates the hair shaft to moisturize and nourish the hair. It typically contains ingredients like oils, proteins, and vitamins that help to strengthen the hair and improve its texture and manageability. When used regularly, a deep conditioner can help to prevent breakage, reduce frizz, and promote overall hair health.
The Kerastase Symbiose Deeply Hydrating Hair Mask is a best-selling hair mask that increases shine and hydrates using squalane as a key ingredient.
Hair Oil Massage
You can do a hair oil massage once a week if your hair is prone to dryness. To use French hair oil, start with clean, towel-dried hair. Take a small amount of oil and rub it between your palms to warm it up, then apply it evenly through your hair, focusing on the ends and mid-lengths.
The trick is to avoid applying too much oil, which can make your hair look greasy. Use a wide-toothed comb or your fingers to distribute the oil evenly and style your hair as desired.
A best-selling luxury French hair oil is the Kerastase Elixir Ultime L’Huile Original.
Scalp Treatment
Scalp treatments can help with itchy scalps or lack of hair growth. A scalp treatment is a specialized hair care product that is designed to improve the health and appearance of the scalp. It typically contains ingredients like salicylic acid, tea tree oil, or menthol that help to exfoliate the scalp, remove buildup, and soothe irritation. When used regularly, a scalp treatment can help to reduce dandruff, promote hair growth, and create a healthy foundation for strong, shiny hair.
One of the most popular French scalp treatments is the Christophe Robin Cleansing Purifying Scrub with Sea Salt.
Starting a hair care routine is a simple process, but it does require consistency and patience. With the right products and routine, you can achieve healthy, beautiful hair à la française.
