GUIDE TO FRENCH BOBS

Some hairstyles never go out of fashion - they simply evolve, becoming even more iconic with time.

Enter the French bob. Equal parts casual and sophisticated, this shorter style oozes effortless elegance and quiet confidence. It's a multifaceted look that somehow feels both timeless and totally modern, like your favourite tailored white shirt or a swipe of red lipstick.

If you’re thinking of going for the chop, here’s how to get this sought-after style just right.

What is a French bob?

A French bob is a short, chin‑length haircut - often cheekbone‑length - with blunt or softly texturised ends. It’s typically cut with a choppy, chunky fringe, and can be dried straight or wavy, depending on your hair’s natural texture.

Born in 1920s Paris, it’s a one‑length cut that channels modernity and it’s been carefully-honed over the last decade to get a full refresh for 2025 and beyond.

What does a French bob look like?

A French bob is a short, chin-length haircut with a blunt edge - typically styled with soft, natural texture. Here are some key features to tell your stylist you’d like:

• Length: Usually ends around the jawline or just above the chin.
• Blunt cut: The ends are typically cut straight across for a clean, bold shape.
• Fringe: Often paired with a wispy or full fringe that skims the brows, though not always.
• Texture: Worn tousled or slightly wavy for a relaxed, lived-in feel - rarely overly styled or curled.
• Parting: Can be centre or side-parted, depending on how you normally wear your parting.

Will I suit a French bob?

The French bob’s fairly versatile, and works for a wide range of face shapes and hair types:

• Oval and heart-shaped faces: The French bob is balancing, subtly showcasing your features and naturally flattering.
• Square and round features: This style can soften sharp lines and add structure to your overall look.
• Most hair textures: The French bob’s a winner for nearly all hair textures; straight, fine, wavy, or curly - just tweak your cut and any at-home styling, adding layers and texture accordingly. If you have thin hair, however, this cut won’t have the base level of volume and thickness you’ll need to pull this cut off.
• Extra thick hair: Like many tailored bob haircuts, the French bob can help manage bulk and your hair’s weight with subtle layering.
• Women over 50: The French bob isn’t just the domain of the young. If you have fine hair but a lot of it, this cut provides a gentle framing effect and additional volume, making it popular haircut for women over 50.

How to ask your stylist for a French bob

Your stylist should already have a good idea of what French bob is - how it looks, the kind of layers you’ll need and whether you have the right hair type to carry it off. It goes without saying that you should always listen to your stylist if they say a French bob might not be the right cut for you - they’ve got your best interests at heart!

If you’re not sure what to ask your stylist for, here are some ideas to get you both on the right track. To nail the cut, say something like:

“I’d like a chin‑length bob, cheekbone level, blunt ends with soft texturising, and an optional fringe that can either be full, wispy or curtain, depending on my hair type.”

Key points for your stylist:

• Length: Jaw‑hugging, between your earlobes and chin
• Texture: Blunt but with softened ends, and subtle layering
• Fringe: An eyebrow‑skimming fringe that can be tailored to your hair type
• Layers: Keep these minimal on naturally-straight hair, and strategically-placed for natural waves or curls

Types of French bobs

Classic Blunt French Bob

Mid-length and sleek, the classic blunt French bob is the epitome of Parisian polish. Its signature full fringe and clean, even ends frame your face, highlighting your cheekbones and creating a striking silhouette. Whether styled smooth or tousled for a touch of texture, it’s a go-to for those who love effortless elegance with a bold edge.

Textured and Tousled French Bob

Full of movement and personality, the textured French bob is your go-to for that artfully undone look. Think choppy ends, razor-cut layers, and a carefully-ruffled finish that adds instant volume and airy bounce.

To give your hair some extra oomph, our Volume Lift range can help give you that lived-in, slightly windswept style that looks touchable soft and full.

French bob with micro fringe

Bold, cropped, and endlessly chic, the French bob with a micro fringe is for those who love a little edge with their elegance.

The shorter, brow-skimming fringe adds a fashion-forward twist to the classic bob, drawing attention to the eyes and creating a beautifully structured frame for the face.

Wavy or Curly French Bob

Romantic, playful, and full of texture, the wavy or curly French bob makes the most of your hair’s natural movement while keeping the bob’s iconic shape. Soft, sculpted layers help maintain a flattering silhouette and prevent the cut from looking too boxy, especially at the corners.

Make sure you’re using the right products to keep your curls in check; our Dream Curls range is the perfect partner to keep your curly French bob looking defined, hydrated and frizz-free.

Modern French Bob

A fresh twist on a timeless classic, the modern French bob brings subtle drama and soft sophistication in equal measure. With a slightly longer length and delicate face-framing pieces, this style flatters from every angle.

It’s modern, it’s playful, and especially well-suited to thick hair that needs some TLC and weight removed.

How to care for a French bob

Looking after a French bob is fairly straightforward; the key is consistency to keep your bob looking its best until you’re back with your stylist.

• Get a trim every 4–6 weeks to keep the shape crisp - this is especially important for your fringe, as an outgrown fringe has a tendency to make your overall look fall flat
• If your hair’s fine, use a thickening shampoo and conditioner to give your hair the body it needs to carry this look off. Our PROfiller+ range is expertly-formulated to give fine, flat hair an instant plumping boost
• For a sleek style, blow-dry with round brush with volumising mousse, smoothly curling the ends under and inward. Add a small dab of mousse to your brush to ensure even product application throughout your lengths
• To add texture, apply mousse or sea‑salt spray to damp hair, and air‑dry or rough blow-dry, using your fingers to ‘tease’ out body from your layers
• Always use a heat protection spray when using heated styling tools to minimise breakage and keep split ends at bay