The French bob haircut is a chin-length bob paired with a fringe, which usually sits at brow level. The style originated in the 1890s, with French actress and singer Polaire, who wore her hair in a cropped bob and later became more of a widespread trend during the 1920s flapper era.
The modern-day reincarnation features a heavy fringe with blunt ends and wavy texture. Taking inspiration from the dishevelled hairstyles of French style icons like Brigitte Bardot and Jane Birkin, it epitomises effortless Parisian style. So, if you’re ready to add a little French flair into your hair, view 40 of the best Instagram and A-list looks, right here.
Taylor LaShae Haircut
#Instahair is going wild for this look. Credit: Instagram.com/taylorlashae
If you’re looking for French bob inspiration, look no further than Instagram It-girl Taylor LaShae and her perfect cool girl bob and bangs combination. Credit: @taylorlashae
Short French Bob
Credit: Instagram.com/lais_morello
If you aren’t afraid to go shorter, this daring look is exactly what you need to make your hair feel brand new again. Credit: @ lais_morello
Tousled French Bob
Credit: Instagram.com/edosalonandgallery
This beauty proves that the only styling product you should count on is sea salt spray. These beachy waves take this bob haircut to new levels. Credit: @edosalonandgallery
Editor’s tips: If your mane is lacking texture don’t panic: you can still rock a French bob, simply by using a sea salt spray. We recommend the TONI&GUY Sea Salt Texturising Spray, as it adds plenty of lift at the roots, without leaving your hair feeling crispy.
Kaia Gerber Bob
Credit: Instagram.com/kaiagerber
Not sure bangs are right for you? Kaia Gerber‘s relaxed wavy bob is proof that fringe or no fringe, you can still channel the French girl vibes. Credit: @kaiagerber
Thick French Bob
Credit: Instagram.com/chloehelenmiles
You might think that naturally thick hair doesn’t lend itself to a style like the French bob, but that couldn’t be further from the truth! The shorter cut adds shape to the hair to stop it looking boxy, making it much more manageable. Credit: @chloehelenmiles
Textured Bob
Credit: Instagram.com/yokii.san
This season’s hottest hairstyles have one key thing in common – texture. The aim is to give your hair that just-out-of-bed but still chic look, that never looks too try-hard. Credit: @yokii.san
Curly French Bob
Credit: Instagram.com/erickinvisible
Whether you’ve got natural curls or use a curling wand to get them, you’ll be seriously inspired by this gorgeous haircut. Credit: @erickinvisible
Shoulder-Length French Bob
Credit: Instagram.com/salsalhair
Give your shoulder length haircut a bit of edge with some tousled layers and wispy bangs, just like this. Credit: @salsalhair
Layered French Bob
Credit: Instagram.com/millenagomesa
Adding in layers into your style will make your hair look effortless 24-7, which is perfect for those who don’t like spending ages styling their hair. Credit: @millenagomesa
Clémence Poésy Bob
Credit: Rex by Shutterstock
As far as French hair goals go, Clémence Poésy consistently takes the crown. Her grungey blonde lob flatters her heart-shaped face and adds an element of toughness to her girly outfit.
Chin-Length French Bob
Credit: Instagram.com/cajmel
There’s a reason why Instagram stars love this popular Parisian cut! It’s classic, sultry and the ideal cut for framing all face shapes. Credit: @cajmel
Lucy Boynton Bob
Credit: Rex by Shutterstock
With her icy blonde hue, blunt cut and barely-there waves, Lucy Boynton has fast become one of our go-to sources of red carpet hair inspiration.
Lip-Length Bob
Credit: Instagram.com/itsabobeatbobworld/
Dare to go even shorter? Ask your stylist for a lip-length cut to make a real style statement this season. Credit: @itsabobeatbobworld
Messy French Bob
Credit: Instagram.com/juju_masta_hair
Never managed to master the messy hair trend? Styling a messy French bob couldn’t be easier – simply use a curling wand to curl 2-3 inch sections of your hair, then use your fingers to break them up to give you loose, undone waves. Credit: @juju_masta_hair
Long French Bob
Credit: Instagram.com/chloehelenmiles
If anyone’s going to convince you to give a long French bob a try, it’s this beauty and her perfectly tousled mane. With this cut in your mane life, you’re sure to get snapped by a street style photographer. Credit: @chloehelenmiles
Blunt French Bob
Credit: Instagram.com/erickinvisible
Here’s one style that never goes out of fashion: the blunt bob. If you’ve got straight hair, this glossy French cut is your best option. Credit: @erickinvisible
Léa Seydoux Bob
Credit: Rex by Shutterstock
Ever the hair chameleon, French actress Léa Seydoux rocks her bob in this season’s must-have honey blonde hue.
Sleek French Bob
Credit: Instagram.com/mjtollo_hair
We love a wavy bob (in case you couldn’t tell!), but the beauty of this versatile cut is that it looks just as chic when worn straight and sleek. Credit: @mjtollo_hair
Editor’s tip: If you’re planning on straightening your bob, be sure to always use a heat protectant to keep damage to a minimum. We like the TRESemmé Biotin + Repair 7 Primer Spray, as not only does it protect strands up to 230 degrees, it also speeds up styling and adds shine, too – we heart a multi-tasker!
Maisie Williams’ Choppy Bob
Credit: Rex by Shutterstock
Game of Thrones’ Maisie Williams keeps her cropped chin-length bob looking fresh and modern with the addition of short, choppy bangs.
Charli XCX’s Coloured Bob
Credit: Rex by Shutterstock
Charli XCX is pretty in pink with these fluro pink ombre tips.
Editor’s tip: Feeling inspired to try out some coloured ends? To make sure your new colour lasts as long as possible, switch to a colour protect range like the TRESemmé Colour Shineplex Shampoo and Conditioner, which will help to prevent colour fade.
Soft Waves
Credit: Instagram.com/yukistylist
Like to stay one step ahead of the trends? The French bob and the runway wet-look hair trend combine to create this high fashion inspired style. Credit: @yukistylist
Editor’s tip: Don’t worry, you don’t actually have to go out with wet hair to get the mermaid look. Simply apply the VO5 Wet Look Styling Gel to damp hair from root to tip and then blowdry for a lasting wet-look effect.
Retro French Bob
Credit: Instagram.com/inthetresses
Love all things retro? Nod to the flapper girl hair of the 1920s with this ultra-short rounded bob. Credit: @inthetresses
Grown Out Bob
Credit: Instagram.com/genevievegianhair
Thinking about going short for the first time but scared to make the commitment? This in-between length is less intimidating and offers up a variety of styling opportunities. Credit: @genevievegianhair
Next Read
French Bob on Fine Hair
Credit: Instagram.com/heidiwallacehair
Bobs are a fantastic option for those with fine hair, breathing life into flat locks and giving the illusion of more body and fullness. Credit: @heidiwallacehair
Black French Bob
Credit: Instagram.com/thebobbedbrunette
Got medium or long dark hair? This cute cut is your fast track route to cool girl hair. Don’t forget the cat-eye sunglasses! Credit: @thebobbedbrunette
Sign up to our newsletter and get exclusive hair care tips and tricks from the experts at Poudre de Rose.
French Bob on Straight Hair
Credit: Instagram.com/difino_kudo0810
Feathered layers and choppy ends will give even the straightest strands a boost. Credit: @difino_kudo0810
French Bob with Micro Bangs
Credit: Instagram.com/maneaddicts
Need some convincing to give the micro bangs trend a try? Look no further. Credit: @maneaddicts
Amélie Bob
Credit: Rex by Shutterstock
It’s impossible to mention the French bob without talking about iconic Audrey Tautou’s hair in Amélie. Audrey’s signature bob cut and tiny fringe in the film started the trend and is the reason why everyone still talks about it today.
Vanessa Hudgens French Bob
Credit: Rex by Shutterstock
With chin-length loose waves and a piecey fringe, you’ll be channelling Vanessa Hudgens vibes in no time.
Curly Bob
French bob hair looks amazing on naturally curly hair. Credit: Instagram.com/janusch.ka
Blessed with natural curls? Well, you’re in luck, because the French bob looks incredible on curly tresses, creating an effortless, bedhead vibe! Honestly, have you ever seen such a stunning, nonchalant look? Credit: @janusch.ka
Editor’s tip: To keep your curls looking natural, yet under control, scrunch a handful of the VO5 Curl Defining Mousse throughout your locks to enhance your curls and fend off any unwanted frizz.
Side French Bob on Thick Hair
Credit: Instagram.com/lindsmarie_hair
We love the way this Instagrammer is rocking her French bob with subtle texture and a side parting. Credit: @lindsmarie_hair
Felicity Jones’ Shaggy Bob
Credit: Rex by Shutterstock
Is Felicity Jones’ tousled shaggy bob enough to tempt you to go for the big chop?
Next Read
Vintage Bob
For a vintage, glamorous twist on the trend, look to Marion Cotillard’s glossy curled bob for inspiration. This ‘40s hairstyle will make you feel like a silver screen actress.
Blonde Bob
Credit: Instagram.com/samkanehair
This tousled look is a must-try for blondes who want to switch up their look. Credit: @samkanehair
Fine Hair French Bob
It’s a great way to add dimension to limp locks. Credit: Instagram.com/karolina_roslon
Equally, this style is great for adding shape and body to poker straight locks, too! The jaw-skimming length eliminates any chance of your hair weighing you down, plus it’s great for accentuating petite facial features. It’s sweet, delicate, and our new hair obsession. Credit: @karolina_roslon
Wavy Bob
Credit: Instagram.com/yokii.san
This playful bob and bangs hairstyle is all about effortless texture, making it the ideal haircut for those with naturally wavy hair.Credit: @yokii.san
Lilac Bob
Go crazy with colour! Credit: Instagram.com/salsalhair
The only real rules to this style are the fringe and the length, so there’s nothing stopping you making the trend your own by experimenting with fun colours! We love this Instagrammer’s violet hue, with her seriously bold brows adding an edgy touch to her soft bangs. Credit: @salsalhair
Alexa Chung Bob
Credit: Rex by Shutterstock
If your Alexa Chung is your fashion icon, her trademark, undone French girl hair also deserves your attention. Who else is screenshotting this?
Cute French Bob Hairstyle
Credit: Instagram.com/emaliechristoffers
Yes, the French bob can be cute, too! Credit: @ emaliechristoffers
Keira Knightley Bob
Credit: Rex by Shutterstock
Go for a deep side part to channel Keira Knightley’s curly French girl hairstyle.
