For The Best Low-Effort Hairstyles, Copy The French

Here are two things we are all about: lazy girl hairstyles that take virtually zero effort, and all things French, from chic Parisian fashion to the perfect French-girl makeup look. So why not combine our two loves and create a list of the best low-effort hairstyles inspired by the French aesthetique?

What is it about French-girl hair that makes it so enticing? From embracing natural texture, to wearing tresses loose, the look is all about styles that are unfussy, giving off "I woke up like this" vibes. To the naked eye, there's minimal use of products and hot tools like a blowdryer, straightener, or curling iron. In fact, with many of these hairstyles, it appears that a brush is entirely optional. And there-in lies the secret: Whereas American hair looks very coiffed, very done, very styled, French-girl hair should look like it took less than five minutes to complete. 

Think of all the benefits you would reap if you stored your hair dryer, curling iron, and straightener away: You wouldn't have to bother buying or applying heat protectant, you'd save oodles of time, and your tresses would look so much healthier without all the heat and tugging on it. Having a good haircut, as shown in this Instagram post, creates the ideal foundation for being able to wear your hair naturally. The next step is embracing it with confidence.

French bangs are another low-effort hairstyle that oozes confidence. This style is long, playing over the eyes to add drama, and is definitely not blunt, or all one length. That would be very un-Français. Think this fringe might be for you? Here are tips for how to rock chick French-girl-inspired bangs. The beauty of these bangs is that they work on long or short hairstyles and can easily be swept aside if you want to change up your look. They also look great with hair that's worn down or fresh with a ponytail or updo.

The key to pulling off hair accessories for an effortless French-girl hairstyle is that they aren't over the top. They're subtle, polished, feminine, and confident. French icon Brigitte Bardot made the elastic headband famous and French influencers like Lena Mahfouf are interpreting the look in much the same way — worn at the hairline and slightly covering the ears. Bows are another staple that's often spotted at Paris Fashion Week. They're worn in low ponytails or half-up styles. A scarf tied in a simple knot will also suffice.

Please time yourself to see how long this takes you: Pull your hair together and hold with one hand; with the other hand, twist the hair into a coil and wrap it around itself, and secure in a bun with an elastic. If there aren't a few loose, face-framing strands that have come out, pull them out. How long did that take? This classic look requires very little effort but has a big payoff, as it looks soft, elegant, and ethereal, for when you want to give off that French energy.

While bobs are one of the haircut trends that are everywhere in 2025, the "je ne sais quoi" French-girl cut takes the bob trend to the next level. This cut hits just below the ear and is usually blunt at the ends. It can be worn tousled, wavy, curly, straight, sleek, and with or without bangs. The versatility is what makes this one a go-to for women who want something simple that they can play with when they feel like it.

If we had to pick one iconic French hairstyle that gives off effortless, chic vibes, it would be the curtain bang. This fringe, which swoops open like a curtain would, frames the face beautifully and works well on any face shape. (A skilled hairstylist will help find the ideal trim to suit your features.) Just like the French bang, the curtain looks great with short or long hairstyles. It looks coquettish with hair worn down, or playful and youthful with a high ponytail or updo.

There are two ways to wear a French twist: One is slicked back, twisted into place, secured with 43 bobby pins, and shellacked to a statue-like consistency with hairspray. The other option is an easy roll, secured with a claw clip, and plenty of face-framing pieces pulled out. We'll take the latter, low-effort option, merci. Also, we will be taking a page from this Instagram snap showcasing a fab pair of celestial earrings with our next updo.

The whole essence of effortless French-girl style, whether it's fashion, makeup, or hair, is that it looks like it was done with minimal fuss in a short amount of time, and voilà: elegance epitomized. The low ponytail encapsulates all this effortlessness in one simple hairstyle, which can be worn with thick or thin, short or long, and curly or straight hair. Once again, versatility and ease go hand in hand for the French.