I've made no secret of my obsession with French-woman hair. There's just something effortlessly chic about the strands of our continental fashion friends that I can only ever hope to replicate with my own five-minute work hairstyles. However, I think there's one style in particular that French women lead the way in above all others: the fringe. A tricky thing to get right, fringes are notorious for being both high maintenance (in terms of regular trims and hair washing) and difficult to pull off. French women, however, seem to have discovered the perfect fringe formula, and trust me—it looks good every single time.
Their secret to fringe success? A centre parting that separates their bangs into two sections. It works for all hair types, but the key to that effortless French vibe is allowing a bit of your forehead to shine through in the centre. Keep scrolling for some of the best French-women fringes around.
1. Easy-Breezy
This combination of effortless updo and perfectly parted fringe just oozes French-woman energy.
2. Full and Thick
Fuller fringes look equally cool in this subtly parted style.
We love this fuller fringe paired with longer lengths.
3. Grown-Out Lengths
A slightly grown-out fringe looks so relaxed paired with a longer hair length.
4. Chop, Chop
If you've just had a fringe cut, then simply push your strands to each side for a more laid-back feel.
5. Ponytail Pairings
Don't think that fringes should only be worn with your hair down. This fringe comes into its own when teamed with a chic ponytail.
6. Minimalist Fringe
You don't have to opt for a full-on fringe, either. These barely-there bangs are so damn cute.
7. Side-Swept
If in doubt, sweep your fringe to the side for instant French-fashion-person appeal.
8. Curtain Bangs
The '90s curtain bangs are a modern take on the classic French fringe, and I'm very much here for it.
This haircut looks so good paired with face-framing layers.
9. Visor Fringe
Opt for a fuller visor fringe, which goes around to the sides of the temples. It looks amazing paired with shorter hair.
Shop Key Fringe Maintenance Products:
Fringes can require a little maintenance to look their best. Thankfully, this brush is suitable for all hair types—it's particularly good for thick and curly strands—and is great to use when blow-drying your fringe into place.
When you're blow-drying your hair regularly, you want to ensure that you quickly mist a heat-protecting spray through the lengths to keep your hair free from heat damage. This one by Beauty Pie does the job and leaves hair shiny and bouncy.
Warm a little of this matte-finish hair clay between your fingertips, and smooth it through the ends of your fringe for that cool, piece-y finish.
Just a couple of spritzes will deliver effortlessly chic vibes to even the most basic fringe.
A greasy fringe is never a good look, but bangs are prone to oiliness due to their constant contact with our forehead. This French pharmacy dry shampoo soaks up excess oil when you're in between washes.
This nourishing cream adds shine and moisture to hair while imparting that"lived-in" look we all seek.
This article was published at an earlier time and has since been updated.
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