7 French Girl Hairstyles That Are Trending—But Still Totally Timeless

Tousled Updos

Our stylists agree: Pulled-up, artfully undone hair is great for French-girl vibes. "A tousled half-updo is my idea of a sexy French cool girl look," says Streicher. "I love the effortless feel, but also the intentioned volume and sexiness of it." Haliti is also a fan, pointing out that "low-maintenance updos are also universally flattering [and] can be altered depending on personal preference."

The main thing to remember when copying this look: "It should feel "effortless and 'lived in,' but not too messy," says Streicher.

French Balayage

French balayage exploded in the 1970s, and it's been a popular (and chic) alternative to traditional highlights ever since. Characterized by a smudged root and subtle and seamless transitions, the hand-painted highlights are lower-maintenance and require less upkeep. While the highly customized nature means this technique can work for any face shape, Haliti particularly likes it for round and oval, "as it adds depth and dimension."

Face-Framing Layers

Face-framing layers are universally flattering and do exactly what the name says: frame your face. Sometimes referred to as a long angle cut, to get the look, the stylist will cut layers around the face—beginning at the chin or jawline—then blend them into the rest of the hair. The look works with all face shapes, though Haliti says it's especially great for ovals and hearts. To really make the style shine, she recommends styling your hair with a blow dryer and round brush to enhance the layers and make them pop. 

Undone Waves

Another universally flattering style, undone waves are "an old trend that remains popular due to its effortless appearance," says Haliti. She outlines the steps for getting the low-key-yet-sophisticated look for yourself:

1. Start with clean, dry hair.
2. Use a curling wand or iron to create loose waves. Alternate the direction of the curls for a natural look. 
3. Gently run your fingers through the hair to break up the waves. 
4. Finish with a texturizing spray or sea salt spray for the signature texture.

Curtain Bangs

Popular in the 1960s, curtain bangs have always managed to make a comeback over the years; sometimes as messy, feathered fringe, sometimes in a longer, more layered fashion, sometimes even as baby bangs. "They can be shorter microbangs or longer cheekbone-length fringe that adds a bit of softness to the front of any textured bob, lob, or layered hairstyle," says Streicher. Her tips to style them:  

1. Wrap your fringe around a medium-sized round brush from the root.
2. Hit the brush with some blow-dryer heat and roll away from your face.
3. Keep the hair in the brush until it is cool.
4. Once cooled, feather your bangs back and away.
5. Part the bangs in the center, then grab the ends and spray them to each side with a light-setting spray.

The French Bob

When many think of bobs, they think of 1920s flappers sporting pin-straight, ear-skimming cuts. But as anyone who keeps tabs on celebrity hair trends knows, they've "resurfaced with a modern twist," as Haliti says. Today's bobs are more touseled, with many embracing loose waves and soft curls.

The cheekbone-length French bob "accentuates the jawline and cheekbones, so it's best for square, heart, and oval faces," says Haliti. For a very French feel, use a curling or flat iron to create waves, then add texture spray to create that undone, touseled look.

Pearl-Accented Updo

For a dressier moment, "I love taking a classic, like pearls, and dressing the hair down, creating a cool and edge look," Streicher tells us. She recommends a messy half-up French girl bun. "I love a half-updo that is basically a downdo, but with some intentional volume when you need it," she says. "This is great for anyone who needs some extra volume on top of the head." To achieve the look:

1. Spray a texturizing spray throughout the roots of your hair, flip your head over, and massage your scalp, giving your roots and hair some volume and texture. (Pro tip: This style is super ideal for previously curled or blown-out hair, which will hold it a little better). 
2. Make sure your fringe/front pieces are tousled and waved the way you like them. Then, grab the hair just behind the front perimeter, right above both ears, and trace your fingers to meet at the crown of your head or wherever you want your half updo to live. 
3. Keeping the hair loose and volume at the top, spin the hair into a loose messy bun and begin pinning into place with hairpins and bobby pins. 
4. Once your bun is exactly how you want it, spray with hairspray for movable hold and texture.
5. Finally, place your pearls throughout.