Summer's Biggest French Girl Hair Trend Works for Every Length
I’m shamelessly invested in the French beauty aesthetic. A trip to Paris—especially at a time like Couture Fashion Week—or an investigation into the #frenchgirlbeauty pockets of social media proves why. The Parisians have mastered the art of appearing sophisticated with little effort. “French glam has always been clean and elegant,” beauty professional Dani Parkes tells me. “They use minimal products and still look put together.” A stroll around the Champs-élysées will demonstrate the hallmarks: red lips and no foundation, shaggy bangs, air-dried waves, and an abnormal prominence of freckles (faux or otherwise).
But a new French girl-approved beauty trend emerged during the height of Paris Couture Week. Updos of the easiest, most laid-back variety made their way onto every hair type and length. “Trend-wise, we’re seeing a lot of slicked-back braided buns or tussled ponytails, adding some accessories for detail,” says hairstylist Deana Saldiran. “There are messy chignons with curtain bangs that are simply yet impactfully sexy.”
While en route to sit at Schiaparelli, Balenciaga, or Dior, fashion girls filled the city streets with endless summer hair inspiration. Given the heat, having an off-the-neck, quick hairstyle is a practical decision. But these French girl updos also permit an infusion of personal style. Low-hanging chignons were embellished with floral appliqués. Pearls made their way onto barrettes, adorning half-up hairstyles. Heavy-set bangs complemented Arianna Grande-esque ponytails.
To get summer hair inspiration straight from the streets of Paris—and learn how to DIY French Girls' current favorite trend—read ahead. Saldiran, along with hairstylist Olivia Thompson, are sharing everything you need to know.
Paris Couture Week Updo Inspiration
Coquette-Core
Infuse a bit of the girlhood aesthetic into a simple slicked-back bun by popping a clip-in bow onto a low-hanging braided chignon. You'll want the look clean, crisp, and flyaway free, so it serves as a nice juxtaposition to a frilly accessory. "My go-to product for a sleek bun is the Got2b gel and hairspray," says Saldiran. "Use small rubber bands for a super easy look."
Got2b Ultra Glued Invincible Styling Hair Gel
Betty Bow
Lelet Jodie 2-Pack Crystal Bow Bobby Pins
Simone Rocha Daisy Chain Bow Ribbon Headband
Sleek Sophistication
While we've historically seen the "clean girl" slicked-back bun with a center part, Paris Couture Week appears to be in favor of straight-back buns. This style works well with bang hairstyles, too. Just add some volumizing hairspray to your fringe, and sweep the rest of your hair into a chignon.
Scunchie Season
Easily my personal favorite updo inspiration to come out of Paris is this heavily accessorized ballerina bun. Not only is it incredibly simple to recreate (just grab a scrunchie and some floral pins), but it also instantly elevates an understated outfit.
Sandy Liang Flower Power 2.0 Scrunchie
Tasha Assorted 2-Pack Oversize Satin Scrunchies
Lele Sadoughi Lily Imitation Pearl Claw Clip
Camelia Barrette
Halfway There
I've been a wear-my-hair-down girl for my entire life, so I understand that a full blown updo can be a bit intimidating. Enter: the half-up, half-down hairstyle. Slick back all the hair that falls above the ear, and secure it into a bun or ponytail. It's an easy way to get in on the trend (and hair out of your face), without full updo commitment.
Partless Ponytail
Some hair gel and a ponytail are really all you need to recreate this Parisian hairstyle. It works with any hair type or length—and is easy to personalize. Add in little bows, barrettes, headbands, or ribbons.
All About Edges
A zig-zag part and swirled edges make a stylish combination—just look at the above street style photo. You'll want some heavy duty hair gel and boar bristle brush to execute this look. But once you have your tools at the ready, it's incredibly easy to pull together.
Pattern Beauty Strong Hold Hair Gel
Kitsch Dual Edge Brush and Comb
