ELLE's Guide To Nailing The French Bob Haircut, No Matter Your Texture
Bobs are taking over the hair world and for good reason: whether it's a razor sharp cut or a Jane Birkin-style long bob, this hairstyle is incredibly versatile, offering a myriad of styling options for every hair texture.
The French have especially excelled at the bob. As a nation, they've given us plenty of bob inspiration; from Amélie's wavy, earlobe-grazing chop and actor Clemence Poesy's laissez-faire style to fashion influencer's Solène J's petit bob.
So what does it take to nail the French bob? Here's everything you need to know.
What is a French bob?
As it turns out, there's a long history with French bob haircuts. 'Inspired by the short bobs of 1920s, the French bob was given its name because it was first worn by the hip French art girls and the fashion movement led by Coco Chanel. It was mainly a rebellion against long hair,' says Joel Goncalves, senior stylist at the Nicola Clarke x John Frieda salons.
'It’s worn in a short, blunt-ish line that's cut to just above the jawline. It's very relaxed and effortless,' says Goncalves, adding that when it comes to styling, it often gives the illusion that nothing much has been done to it - perhaps just some air-drying and worn with a textured fringe.
Who should try a French bob?
Since the French bob is much less severe than a sharp, precise chop, it's easy for anyone to dip their lengths into this trend. The classic French style often stops at the jawline, but if you're not ready to commit, you can always go gradually shorter. Think of it this way - the French bob is more of an attitude rather than anything ultra-prescriptive. It's a low-maintenance style that leans into your natural texture.
On the practical side, Goncalves notes that the French bob is great for anyone with finer hair (he recommends having it much shorter, just by your earlobe with a fringe that grazes the eyebrows for that Amélie effect) as it creates the illusion of volume and texture.
He adds: 'As this haircut is all about the cut being relaxed and at the right length with the right level of fringe, it works on most hair types. It looks so cool with curly hair.'
How to style a French bob
Less is truly more here. To nail the fine balance between undone texture and a polished finish, use a small amount of styling cream and let the hair air dry.
'It can also be smooth dried but use a brush rather than straightening irons. It’s also a great idea if your hair is straight to add a golf ball amount of mousse to it, brush it behind the ears, and dry with a diffuser,' says Goncalves.
'When it’s totally dry, shake it out, and there should be and slight natural wave on the sides.' Goncalves is loyal to diffusers when styling French bobs, an excellent tool for curly lengths, too. As for his favourite product, you'll always find the Hair By Sam McKnight Cool Girl range in his arsenal.
Voilà! All our French bob hair inspiration, below
The Coco French Bob
The grande dame of all bobs. Its wavy texture and clean, slicked back styling stands the test of time.
The Amelie French Bob
This is a choppy bob at its most rebellious, complete with uneven edges and baby bangs. There's a DIY-sense to this look (we imagine the character Amélie just taking a pair of shears to them at the kitchen sink), but do get it done professionally to avoid any hair regrets.
The Textured French Bob
Actor Clémence Poésy may be growing out her bob, but this look of hers still lives rent-free in our minds as the perfect example of a rock n' roll, textured style.
The Relaxed French Bob
Not ready to take the plunge? Channel Léa Seydoux's longer bob with layered lengths and slightly shorter face-framing pieces to help ease you into a fringe.
The Polished French Bob
Founder of lifestyle brand, Route, Jeanne Damas, is a poster girl for low-key Parisian style. Her glossy French bob is always refined and grown-up, with plenty of body and shine.
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