Best French Bob Haircuts (Hairstyles) 2024 & Who/How To Cut?
The French bob, a chic and timeless ultra-short bob has established itself as one of the unmissable haircuts with its modern, easy-to-style, and adaptable to all styles! The stars and chic lazy girls are all adopting this trendy cut! No matter where you are, feel free to say bonjour to the classic Parisian women's cut! In 2024, the French bob continues to gain popularity with new hairstyles - these shortcuts are scoring points with Gen Z (but not only) on social networks.
What is the French Bob Haircut?
The French bob haircut is a Chic timeless style characterized by its jaw-length or chin-length cut often paired with blunt bangs, this low maintenance look embodies a classic Parisian Elegance, making it a go-to choice for those seeking a sophisticated yet effortless hairstyle. Perfect for various hair types, it offers a refreshing change with minimal styling requirements.
But why is this bob called French? It appeared in the 1890s when French actress Polaire adopted this tousled, seemingly unkempt style. The "French bob" allows for hair in motion, breaking away from our habits of straight cuts. It can be worn on straight, wavy, or curly hair, with or without bangs, and with a side part or a middle part. It's the hairstyle of the free-spirited Parisian!
Who is the French Bob For?
What are the advantages of this short bob haircut? It reveals the face and highlights your features. It's also an atypical hairstyle, full of character, that will give style and personality to the wearer. By cutting the hair so short, you're giving it a rejuvenating treatment: ideal if you're looking for a radical solution to get rid of damaged and tired lengths. The French bob is a cut that suits everyone since it can be worn by women as well as men, and which suits all ages since we can easily consider a square bob on a child or a middle-aged person. The textured French bob is a very good option for fine hair or anyone looking to obtain volume and movement. The French bob haircut can be personalized with bangs or with angles to adapt to the person's style!
Which Type of French Bob Haircut Is Right For You?
Adjustable depending on the nature of the hair, the face, or even the style, the French bob suits many people. This unique cut doesn't necessarily suit all face shapes, however. A very short bob tends to highlight the lower part of the face, so it's better to avoid cutting it too short if you don't want to emphasize a square jawline, chubby cheeks, or a slightly too round face. On the other hand, the short bob is perfect for highlighting a smile, a beautiful jawline, or an elegant neck.
The good news, the French bob suits fine hair as well as thick or even curly hair. Typically, the French Bob works best for those with straight to wavy hair textures, as the style looks best with a bit of natural texture and movement. People with round or square face shapes can benefit from how the French Bob helps elongate the face. The chin-length cut and framing bangs are very flattering. Those with oval or heart-shaped faces can also pull off the French Bob well, as the style complements these face shapes nicely.
While individuals with very curly hair may need to do more styling to achieve the look, the French Bob can still work with the right cut and products. The key is finding the right length and bang style that flatters your features. Consulting with an experienced stylist is recommended to customize the cut to suit you best.
The French Bob is a low-maintenance style that can give a confidence boost to many people. As long as you're willing to rock the short, textured look, this vintage-inspired cut is definitely worth considering.
Top 10+ Best French Bob Haircuts (Hairstyles) 2024
In 2024, the French Bob comes in different trendy variations, ranging from the softest to the most structured! Here we've sorted out the Top 10+ most-asked-for French Bob hairstyles in 2024 for different face shapes and hair textures:
Soft Wave French Bob with Wispy Bangs (French Bob For Square Face)
For square faces, the key is to choose a French bob with lots of layers and texture to create movement and softness around the face, rather than emphasizing the angular features. Stylists recommend opting for a chin-length cut that hits right at the jawline, as this length draws attention to the cheekbones and eyes instead of the jawline. Adding soft, wispy bangs that graze the brows can also be very flattering, as they help create the illusion of a more oval-shaped face. When styling your French bob, try adding beachy waves or messy texture to achieve an effortless, flattering look that complements square face shapes.
Asymmetrical French Bob with Curtain Bangs (French Bob For Round Face)
Go for a slightly asymmetrical or side-swept French bob to create the illusion of a more oval-shaped face. Ask your stylist to incorporate layers around the face to add movement and volume at the crown, which can help slim the appearance of a round face. Opt for a French bob that hits just below the chin, as anything too short can accentuate the width of a round face. Consider adding face-framing curtain bangs or a sweeping fringe to draw the eye downwards and create the illusion of a more elongated face shape. Use styling products like texturizing sprays or creams to add definition and separation to the bob, preventing the style from looking too heavy or bulky on a round face.
Elegant Side-Parted French Bob (French Bob For Oval Face)
To balance an oval face, the French bob should be paired with a deep side part to create elegance and harmony, while incorporating soft, face-framing bangs rather than blunt ones. Adding layers is recommended to introduce movement and texture, preventing the style from appearing too boxy or severe. The French bob can be styled either straight and sleek or with beachy, tousled waves, both of which complement the oval face shape effectively. The French Bob in the picture is a stylish haircut that ends just below the chin. It features soft, subtle layers that add volume and movement to the hair. The hair is parted slightly off-center and has a natural, tousled texture that gives it an effortless, relaxed appearance. The ends of the hair are gently curled inward, framing the face delicately. The overall look is sophisticated and quintessentially French, exuding a sense of casual elegance.
Mid-Length French Bob with Side-Swept Bang (French Bob For Heart-Shaped Face)
For heart-shaped faces, the best French bob is a mid-length cut hitting around the jawline, which softens the pointed chin without overwhelming the face. Incorporating lots of layers and texture throughout the cut adds movement and volume at the cheekbones, balancing the narrower chin. Soft, side-swept bangs that graze the brows draw attention to the eyes and cheekbones, diverting focus from the chin. Styling the bob with a deep side part creates an elegant and flattering look. For those with thinner hair, adding well-placed extensions can provide extra volume and dimension.
Messy Fringe French Bob (French Bob For Rectangle Faces)
For a rectangular face, aim for a French bob that hits just below the chin or at the jawline to balance out the longer face. Adding soft, face-framing layers around the cheeks and jawline can create more dimension and softness. Bangs are also a great addition; opt for a thick, blunt fringe that hits around the brows to draw attention to the eyes and cheekbones, minimizing the face's length. When styling, go for a natural, slightly tousled look rather than a super sleek finish by using a volumizing mousse or salt spray to add texture and movement, as this effortless, undone vibe complements the angular rectangle face shape.
Whatever your face type, do not hesitate to discuss it with your hairdresser so that he can advise you on the best cut.
Retro Glam Bob with Fringe (French Bob for Fine Hair)
The Retro Glam Bob, a chic short haircut ending just above the jawline, features full, blunt bangs that frame the face with a touch of vintage charm. Its soft, wavy texture creates an effortlessly tousled, voluminous look, with ends slightly curled inward for a polished finish. This sophisticated yet playful style suits various face shapes, particularly oval, heart-shaped, and round faces, and is ideal for straight to wavy, fine, or medium-density hair. Fashion-forward individuals, those with creative and artistic personalities, and professionals will find this trendy haircut both stylish and versatile, requiring minimal maintenance while offering a retro flair enhanced by styling products like mousse or texturizing spray.
Voluminous Short Curly French Bob with Layers (French Bob for Curly Hair)
This short curly bob haircut ends just above the jawline. The curls are tight and bouncy, giving the hair a full and voluminous appearance. The cut features soft, rounded edges that frame the face beautifully, enhancing the natural shape and structure. The curls add a playful, lively texture to the overall look, making it both stylish and effortlessly chic. It's a classic yet modern take on the French Bob, with a focus on embracing natural hair texture.
Blunt French Bob with Layers (French Bob for Thick Hair)
The Chic Blunt Bob is a sophisticated jaw-length haircut that showcases sleek, voluminous hair with blunt-cut bangs. Slightly tapered towards the nape for a polished look, the bangs are cut straight across the forehead, offering a bold and edgy style. This smooth and rounded bob accentuates the natural shape of the head and enhances facial features, blending classic elegance with contemporary playfulness. Ideal for straight to wavy hair, particularly fine to medium in density, this versatile hairstyle flatters oval, heart-shaped, square, and round faces. It's perfect for fashion-forward individuals, professionals, and those with artistic personalities, offering a structured look that can be easily maintained and styled for various occasions.
Messy Wavy Bob (French Bob for Wavy Hair)
The Messy Wavy Bob is a chic, jaw-length haircut featuring soft, tousled waves that create a relaxed and effortless look. The bangs are slightly longer with a natural, wispy texture that blends seamlessly with the rest of the hair, resulting in a voluminous and textured style that exudes playfulness and youthfulness. This French Bob is versatile, casual yet chic, suitable for various face shapes such as oval, heart-shaped, square, and round, and ideal for naturally wavy or curly hair, particularly medium to thick in density. It's perfect for those seeking a low-maintenance, fashion-forward hairstyle that embraces natural texture and can be easily styled with products like sea salt spray or mousse. This flexible haircut suits creative and artistic personalities, offering a style that can be dressed up or down for any occasion.
Platinum/Grey Classic Blunt Bob (French Bob for Straight Hair)
The Platinum/Grey Classic Blunt French Bob for straight hair combines elements from both images to create a stylish and versatile look. This haircut features a short length that falls just below the jawline, with smooth, straight strands that curve slightly inward due to a subtle undercut. The bangs are softly layered, blending seamlessly with the rest of the hair, which adds to its modern and chic vibe. The precision of the cut, coupled with the sleek, platinum or grey color, exudes elegance and sophistication, making it perfect for various face shapes such as oval, heart-shaped, and square. This bob is ideal for those with straight, fine to medium hair, offering a polished appearance with minimal maintenance, suitable for both fashion-forward individuals and professional settings. Additionally, the clean, geometric lines and full, straight bangs enhance its classic and timeless appeal, making it a bold choice for anyone looking to make a stylish statement. Regular trims and a commitment to styling are essential to maintain the haircut's sharp, sleek finish, ensuring it remains a sophisticated option for those who appreciate enduring elegance.
Classic Short Curly Bob (French Bob for Older Women Over 50)
The Short Curly French Bob for individuals over 50 features a voluminous, textured cut that sits just above the jawline, emphasizing natural waves and curls for a playful, dynamic look. The curly bangs fall naturally over the forehead, blending seamlessly with the rest of the hair, creating a carefree, romantic vibe with a touch of vintage charm due to its tousled and layered appearance. This "Tousled Curly French Bob" suits various face shapes, such as oval, heart-shaped, and square, and works best with naturally curly or wavy hair, particularly medium to thick textures that can hold volume and curls effectively. It's perfect for those who embrace a fun, relaxed style, appreciate low-maintenance haircuts, and enjoy a vintage-inspired, romantic aesthetic. Ideal for artistic and creative individuals, this hairstyle allows for personal expression with minimal effort. Consulting with a professional hairstylist can help tailor the cut to best suit specific features and hair types, ensuring a personalized and flattering look.
After admiring these beautiful and elegant French bobs, are you tempted to head to the salon or create one yourself? At the end of the article, we would like to offer some advice before you cut a French bob.
What Should You Ask Your Hairdresser for the Perfect French Bob?
Before taking the plunge into a French bob, Delphine Courteille suggests a few recommendations:
Adapt the Length: Ask your hairdresser to adjust the length according to your hair type (thick or thin) and the shape of your face. "It's a cut where you can easily cheat with the lengths; you can also work it slightly angled depending on the hair's natural growth."
Avoiding Mass Effect: Even though it's a straight cut, don't hesitate to ask your hairdresser for a slight point-cutting at the ends to avoid a bulky look. "If you have thick hair, don't thin it out too much. For fine hair, it needs volume and movement. My technique is to do point-cutting at the ends so that the whole cut moves."
Adding Bangs: If you have a large forehead, big eyes, and fine hair, you can also ask your hairdresser to add bangs. In addition to enhancing the French bob, bangs often add that extra charm to any haircut.
Managing Unruly Hair: If you absolutely want to adopt the French bob trend but have frizzy, thick, or unruly hair, you can control the texture with a memory blow-dry (it's like a permanent straightening, but without the stick-straight effect) to tame the fibers. This is the ideal trick when you want to have the haircut you've always dreamed of.
How To Cut French Bob at Home?
Perhaps you want to try cutting French bobs at home yourself or help your family with it. Here is a simple tutorial to show you how to do it in minutes step by step:
Step 1 - Prepare Your Hair: Start by saturating your hair with water using a water mist bottle, which evenly mists your hair for the best result. Part your hair in the middle for the most even distribution, and then thoroughly comb your hair to ensure it's clean and tangle-free, preparing it for precise sectioning and cutting.
Step 2 - Section Your Hair: Identify the apex at the top of your head, where the head starts to round. Using a comb, draw a line from this point to the top of your ear and section away this part of the hair. This step is crucial for starting the cut at the back of your hair and maintaining even sections.
Step 3 - Cut the Back: Gather all the hair at the back of your head, determining how much to cut off based on your hairline. Comb the hair from underneath, split it into three manageable sections, and make sure each section is evenly distributed. Curve your fingers underneath the hair, put the comb down, and cut a straight line while keeping your head tilted forward to ensure an even cut.
Step 4 - Align the Sides: Use the middle section of your hair as a guide to line up the left side with the middle, ensuring that both sides are even. Similarly, align the right side with the middle section, making sure that all sections are symmetrical and that the cut is uniform across your head.
Step 5 - Continue Sectioning and Cutting: Proceed by taking the next section of hair, combing it down, and checking the line using mirrors to ensure accuracy. Split this new section into three parts and align it with the previous section, trimming any extra hairs that stick out to maintain a straight and even cut.
Step 6 - Move to the Front: Comb the front sections of your hair forward and snip off any corners to create a sharp, clean line that is characteristic of a French bob. Measure the hair by pinching both sides and feeling for evenness, ensuring that the front aligns well with the back sections.
Step 7 - Refine the Line: Use a handheld mirror to check the back of your hair and ensure that the line is straight. If necessary, use texture shears to remove any bulky areas and refine the overall look. This step helps in achieving a polished and professional finish.
Step 8 - Final Adjustments: Blow dry and style your hair, checking for any small tails or uneven sections that need trimming. Apply a texture spray to add volume, especially if your hair is fine and oily. This final step helps in setting the style and giving your French bob a chic and finished appearance.
By following these detailed steps, you can achieve a chic French bob at home. However, we still recommend consulting a professional for your first attempt at a bob haircut, as any mistakes with short hair can be difficult to fix.
How to Maintain and Style This Bob Cut Daily?
If you have normal hair, you don't need to do too much. Once washed, dry them with a microfiber towel and let them air dry.
If you don't have much volume, you can style them with a volumizing texturizing spray. "The problem with a bob is that the volume is often at the cheek level.
If the top of the head is flat, the result will be less impressive." How to give the overall shape more volume: spray the product at the roots and along the lengths to structure the hair and add volume.
Finally, if you have frizzy hair and aren't a wizard with a blow dryer, you can start by using a product that will smooth the fibers.
Lastly, if you're aiming to let your hair grow, this cut requires very little maintenance. However, if you want to keep your lengths at jaw level, the bob requires a trim every two months.