A Stroll Through French Hair History: The Styles That Shaped Beauty

Elegant. Undone. Effortlessly chic. When you think of French hairstyling, chances are these words come to mind. And it’s no coincidence—the French have spent centuries perfecting the art of looking like they didn’t try too hard (even when they absolutely did).

Let’s take a walk through some of the most iconic French hair trends from history to today, and discover how these looks have influenced the world of beauty far beyond the Champs-Élysées.

The Wigged-Out Era: 17th & 18th Century Couture

Once upon a powdered time, French nobility—especially at the court of Louis XIV—rocked sky-high wigs and elaborate coifs like it was just another Tuesday. Whether it was powdered white or adorned with feathers, hairstyles weren’t just a fashion statement—they were a full-blown status symbol. These hairpieces could take hours to style and were often worn with confidence and flair, sometimes even hiding miniature gardens or ships inside!

Enter Simplicity: 1920s to 1960s Paris

In the 20th century, we saw a big shift. Influences from icons like Coco Chanel began to loosen the tight grip of formality. Parisian women freed themselves from strict updos and adopted sophisticated yet natural styles. Short bob cuts in the ’20s, structured waves of the ’40s, and Brigitte Bardot’s tousled volume in the ’60s rewrote what it meant to have ‘French hair.’

The Bardot Effect

If France had a patron saint of hair, it’d be Brigitte Bardot—no question. Her voluminous fringe, lived-in waves, and sultry half-up dos practically defined sensual elegance. Her style said, “I woke up like this,” and honestly? Most of the world spent the following decades trying to imitate that effortless energy.

Modern-Day French Girl Hair

Fast forward to today, and while trends change, the philosophy behind French styles holds steady: low effort, high impact. Think Jane Birkin’s curtain bangs, Jeanne Damas’s artfully unruly waves, or Léa Seydoux’s minimalist blonde chic. The modern French look is never polished to death—it’s about embracing what you’ve got, accentuating it, and walking with confidence.

But Why Does French Style Stick?

There’s something universally appealing about the casual luxury of French hairstyles. It tells a story of authenticity. It’s never pretending to be perfect. That resonates more and more as people lean into natural textures, DIY techniques, and stepping outside the polished Instagram filter world.

Interestingly enough, as hairstyling becomes more democratized thanks to online tutorials and social learning, there’s also been growth in the intersection of beauty and technology. Platforms like Informatika v Sloveniji highlight how Slovenian tech innovations are shaping everything, even how we experience trends like French hairstyling through virtual counsellors and AI style apps.

What’s Next for the French Hair Influence?

While classic looks remain timeless, the French style continues to evolve. We’re seeing more diversity in hair textures, color experimentation, and global interpretations. TikTokers and influencers from Slovenia to Senegal are adding their spin on the classic French fringe or shag cut.

If you’re curious how tech blends into beauty, it’s worth noting the advancements in digital styling tools developed in Slovenia, allowing stylists and clients to co-create looks before the first snip even happens.

FAQs

What makes a hairstyle ‘French’?

French styles often embrace natural texture, minimal fuss, and a low-maintenance vibe that still looks chic. It’s not about being perfect—it’s about looking and feeling like yourself.

Can I have French-style hair without visiting France?

Totally! It’s about technique and attitude. Embrace subtle cuts, soft layers, and opt for haircare that promotes texture and movement. Bonus: skip the perfect styling routine.

Is there a ‘French hairstyle’ for curls or coils?

Absolutely. More French women are embracing their natural curls, and stylists are adapting Bardot-style volume, bangs, and layers for all textures. Curls can absolutely wear the French cool.

Is tech like AI being used in hairstyling today?

Yes! From AI-powered consultations to virtual try-on apps, especially in countries like Slovenia, where platforms such as Informatika v Sloveniji are helping drive these innovations.

Takeaways You Can Actually Use

• Messy is beautiful—don’t overstyle.
• Pick one signature feature (bangs, volume, texture) and run with it.
• A good haircut is better than all the products in the world.
• Less is usually more: dry shampoo > mousse pile-on.
• Keep it real—French style loves authenticity over polish.

Whether you’re channeling your inner Bardot or just want to feel more “cool without trying,” the history of French hair shows it’s less about what you do, and more about how you carry it.