5 Ways To Rock An Effortlessly Chic French Bob
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Like many people, we're obsessed with everything French. From the controversial yet fun "Emily in Paris" to buttery croissants to the stunning Eiffel Tower and the beautiful French language, we can't stop fantasizing about life in France. Although it may not be realistic for most people to pack their bags and move to France or instantly learn the language to convince everyone they're French, you can still make yourself look like a French movie star by getting a timeless French bob.
Of course, we still can't get enough of the hottest summer hair trend, the Botticelli Bob, and we enjoy learning about all the Y2K hairstyles that are making a comeback. But if you're looking for a hairstyle with French inspiration, a French bob is your best bet. French bobs are haircuts where the short bob typically stops around or above your chin, paired with bangs to complete the look. Known for being super flattering, these bobs will help you look stylish no matter what you wear. If you want to try this French-inspired hairstyle, you need to know that there are a few different ways you can go about it.
Messy and undone for a playful vibe
When we searched #frenchbob on Instagram, more than 38,000 posts popped up, and many of the hairstyles looked intentionally undone. A French bob is one of the few hairstyles where messiness adds to the allure of the look, which is one of the most prominent reasons we're so tempted to get French bobs. For instance, somewhat uneven bangs paired with messy chin-length curls or waves look like something we'd see on a runway or magazine cover.
While bangs are notoriously high-maintenance, they don't have to be when they're part of a French bob since this haircut arguably looks best at its messiest. So, if you go for a messy-chic French bob look, you can skip getting up early to blow dry your bangs and even avoid brushing your hair. "The style gives your hair that just-out-of-bed but still chic look, that never looks like you tried hard," hairstylist Aaron Grenia tells Byrdie. Therefore, once you get a French bob, you'll have an excuse to flaunt your bedhead!
Anyone who wants to add more volume and dimension to their French bob should consider the Kristin Ess Dry Finish Working Texture Hair Spray for Volume + Texture, Light Hold, available at Target for $15. This spray will help volumize your French bob and has 4.1 out of five stars with more than 300 reviews.
Wear it straight and sleek for an elegant vibe
On the other hand, a straight, perfectly styled French bob will help you look classy for work or formal events. Wearing a straight French bob exudes a more mature, serious vibe, so try straightening your French bob if you want your family or co-workers to take you more seriously. A convenient aspect of straightening a French bob is that it won't take forever since your locks will be short. Everyone who's ever had long hair knows how time-consuming the process of straightening long tresses can be and how frustrating it feels when you miss a lock and have to go back. But with a French bob, it shouldn't take too long to straighten your short hairstyle and bangs. Or, if you want to try something different, try leaving your bob wavy or messy and only straightening your bangs.
Before getting your French bob, you should invest in a high-quality yet affordable straightener, such as the Conair Double Ceramic Flat Iron. According to Target, this flat iron works with all types of hair and sells for less than $25, and it has 4.1 stars with more than 350 reviews.
Go bold with an ultra-short French bob
While some French bobs are chin-length, others are shorter for a more intense look. If you feel ready to commit to a significant chop, try a French bob that lies a little below your ears. A shorter cut like this will draw more attention to your jawline and cheekbones for a 1920s-esque vibe for chic glamour. Furthermore, the shorter length will help you keep cool in warmer weather.
We understand that anyone with long or medium-length hair might be nervous about the idea of a drastic chop, even for a look as striking as a French bob. However, there are many reasons why it's a good idea, especially if you've been through any trauma or unpleasant experiences in your lifetime — or if you're about to start a new chapter. "Dramatic hair changes are a way of shedding the past and moving on," traveling hairstylist Eloise Cheung tells HelloGiggles. Maybe you didn't enjoy high school and want to change your look before you start fresh in college. Or perhaps you finally feel ready to put yourself out there again after healing from a breakup. Or maybe you're about to move out of your current living situation. Whatever your scenario is, you should consider starting your new journey with a short French bob as you let go of the past.
Wear your French bob with a beret
One way to make your French bob look even more, well, French is to top off the look with a beret. Not only will this stylish hat make you seem more French, but it will add extra sass and pizazz to your outfit. For example, Emily's ability to speak French wasn't so great in "Emily in Paris," but at least the red beret she wore added a beautiful contrast to her black and white outfit (via YouTube), making her ensemble appear ultra-fashionable with a French flair. If you feel inspired by the fictional Emily's look, you should consider buying the Sequins Detail Solid Beret in Red. Available at Shein for $8, this red beret has an impressive 4.93-star rating out of five.
On the other hand, if you prefer a black and white beret with a chic pattern, you should look into the Black/white checkered Beret from H&M. Featuring a polyester shell and cotton lining, this beret is available for less than $15 and has between four and five stars. Moreover, the Margot Slouchy Beret offers a less structured look, so it would look great with a messy French bob. You can purchase this beret from Free People for $38, where it has 4.1 stars, and 74% of reviewers recommend it.
Opt for a French lob instead
Oui, French bobs are traditionally short. But, if you really aren't a fan of short locks, we don't think you have to sacrifice your medium-length hair for this look if you don't want to go for a drastic chop. So, for a longer variation of a classic French bob, why not ease into the look by opting for a lob with bangs instead? A lob typically stops around your shoulders and looks excellent with bangs, making this twist on a more traditional chin-length — or shorter — French bob a fun option to consider for long or medium-length-haired beauties.
"The lob is such a popular style because it is a striking look, and yet you don't have to commit to having short or long hair," celebrity hairstylist Earl Simms tells Glamour U.K. You can never go wrong with a lob, as this hairstyle is notoriously flattering for all face shapes and ultra-easy to style. Therefore, shoulder-length — or slightly above the shoulder if you're willing to go a little shorter — locks with bangs make for a fun French lob.
So, are you ready to get a French bob or French lob soon?