Françoise Hardy, Brigitte Bardot, Catherine Deneuve, Charlotte Gainsbourg, Jeanne Damas… through the generations, French women have been celebrated for their unique air of je ne sais quoi. The French It-girl has always been a source of fascination, and effortless hair is right up there on the list of their most enviable attributes. If you’re keen to bring a little Gallic chic into your life via your own hair, Vogue brings you eight hairstyles that are trending across the Channel in 2024.
The Bardot gradient
The year 2024 is definitely the year of volume. Matilda Djerf has already shown the way with her frothy ’70s waves, but the French way to do it is to opt for a looser curl, enhanced with a curved fringe reminiscent of Brigitte Bardot.
The French shag
Consider this the perfect embodiment of what the French call coiffée décoiffée, or artfully dishevelled. A combination of layers and a curtain fringe, it looks simple, but it’s nonetheless impactful.
The French bob
What would any list of French-inspired haircuts be without the bob? The short bob has an air of rebelliousness, plus, it’s super low-maintenance.
Straight bangs and XXL lengths
Long hair with a full fringe for added drama – this statement style is chic and timeless.
The Birkin fringe
Jane Birkin will always be the ultimate in hair-spiration. The advantage of straight, broken-up bangs like Jane’s is that they perfectly frame the face.
Romantic waves
French women know that a gentle, romantic wave can transform the hair, without the need for a drastic cut.
The “curvy” taper
Tapered layers of hair that hug the contours of the face offer a ’90s-inspired retro look that French women are bringing back into style this year.
The garçonne cut
Inspired by Miss France Eve Gilles’ “controversial” pixie cut, French girls are once more embracing the ultra-short crop, which is as flattering as it is low-maintenance.