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Allow Us to Introduce You to the French Bob Haircut

 

Anyone who's ever gotten a big chop knows: cutting your hair is like hitting a giant reset button on your life. If you are experiencing fatigue (with your hair or otherwise), desperately looking for a change, or wanting to feel inspired, a new haircut will do the trick, but sometimes it's hard to know where to begin.

Somewhere between a lob and a pixie cut is the sweet spot we call the bob haircut. It's cool, it's easy, it's low-maintenance. But if the typical blunt-end bob style doesn't suit you, there are more options out there just waiting to be discovered — like the French bob.

Ahead, learn more about the style and get inspiration to bring with you to the salon.

Experts Featured in This Article

Raven Hurtado is a hairstylist at Maxine Salon in Chicago.

 

What Is a French Bob Haircut?

Unlike the straight ends of a blunt bob, the French bob haircut is more layered and choppy with piecey ends. "A French bob haircut is a short, chin-length cut," says hairstylist Raven Hurtado. "It consists of soft layers and bangs for volume." It works on curly, straight, and wavy hair textures and instantly gives your look a touch of attitude. "However, on curly, thick hair, it can have a boxy look if it's not cut right."

How to Style a French Bob Haircut

Allow the following street style shots to serve as inspiration and proof that the French bob is the chicest cut around. It makes for a laid-back, perfectly messy style that looks like you just rolled out of bed but also like you're ready to step onto a runway — which pretty much sums up French beauty.

"To style this cut, you can air dry or heat style," says Hurtado. "For a tousled look, air dry using a mousse (you can also add a diffuser). To heat style, you can use a round brush and blow dry going under."

As you scroll through these French bob haircut ideas, it'll take everything in you not to chop off your hair right here and now. (But of course, we advise strongly against that.)

Messy French Bob Haircut

A French bob looks great when styled with messy, loose waves. This is what makes the cut so perfect for air-drying. This version highlights how great a long French bob can look.

French Bob With Bangs

Micro bangs are a chic addition to this haircut.

Curly French Bob

Curly hair can get in on the French bob trend, too. As Hurtado cautioned, you just have to ensure your hairstylist knows how to cut it properly.

Wavy French Bob

This classic French bob is styled with tousled waves.

Straight French Bob

If you have straight hair, it'll look nice in a sleek version of the style.

Short French Bob Haircut

Wispy bangs complete this short French bob haircut. We love the bluntness of this cut, which is styled using a flat iron to give the ends a subtle flip.

Middle-Parted French Bob

This classic French bob hits just below the chin.

Curled French Bob

If you have curly hair, this particular style can really play up your texture.

French Bob on Fine Hair

Kaia Gerber's super-short hairstyle is a great example of a French bob on fine hair.

Side-Parted French Bob

The French bob haircut works with a middle or side part.