20 French Bob Haircuts that Ooze Parisian Charm

What makes a bob “French”? The French bob is typically a little shorter than a standard bob. It hugs and accentuates the cheekbones. It tends to be more on the blunt side and almost always has some form of bangs.

Have a look at these 20 French bobs to get an idea of how to mix them with different layers and types of bangs to add individuality to your version of this stylish haircut.

1. Retro French Bob

This is one of the earliest known incantations of the bob. French actress Polaire wore the hairstyle at a time when it was considered to go against what was typical for women in the late 19th century. It wasn’t considered ladylike to have shorter hair. Maybe that was part of her reason for feminizing the look with hair comb and the bow.

2. Tousled with Blunt Bangs

This is a GRAND SLAM from Brian Aguilar, a stylist from Byrdie Salon. It just has it all and is so darling on her. As far as French bobs go, this one is hitting on all cylinders.

@brianaguilarhair

3. Messy with Choppy Ends

This masterful haircut by the incredibly talented Sal Salsedo is about as good as it gets. It has it all. The short length, the weight line, the bangs, the little pieces that hug and accentuate the cheekbones.

@salsalhair

4. With Layers and Wispy Bangs

Here’s a lovely bob from Brent Basore, the owner of Sage & Brush Hair Salon, with the free moving tousled natural texture look. It’s just a little longer but still utilizing all the features of the French bob. It’s amazing how this look can transport you right to the coffee shops of Paris.

@brentdanielbasore

5. Color Block Sleek Bob

Here we see Emily Chestnut playing with some fun colors but still maintaining the Frenchie-ness of the bob. The look is accentuated with curtain bangs and a heavy weight line around the perimeter. It’s styled with a smoother look rather than the natural textures we see in most French bobs.

@memmieyo

6. No-Bangs French Lob

This bob from Brent Basore doesn’t have bangs and is a bit longer but still has the natural texture with the weight around the bottom. The bob was styled with natural texture but lightly finished with the iron.

@brentdanielbasore

7. With Long Bangs and Front Layers

This cute little bob has the cheek-hugging pieces but has quite a bit more layering with the face-framing bangs. It can be worn softly tucked behind the ear. It also is quite easy to manage with a little mousse and letting it air dry.

@brentdanielbasore

8. French Pixie Bob

Featuring soft bangs and face framing pieces, this haircut is a little more layered at the back yet it still has a French vibe because of the natural texture.

@brentdanielbasore

9. Textured with Curtain Bangs

This is about as classic as it gets. It’s got the bangs with the heavy weight line. It also has a very natural feel with the styling. Looks so effortless and is brought to you courtesy of Justin Toves-Vincilione.

@ahappyjustin

10. Cheeckbone-Grazing Bob

This freshly chopped bob is hugging the cheekbones nicely. If you don’t want to cut the length quite this short, you can leave it a little longer and just style the length towards the face for a shorter look. Miiko Mashiro is killing us softly with this perfect version of the French look.

@taylorlashae

11. Wedge Micro Bob with Baby Bangs

This bob really does a great job of using some of the prominent aspects of the first French bob. It has the strong wedge shape with a really strong weight line. The stylist adds his personal touch with the shorter bangs.

@fabulousfrank

12. With Eyebrow-Grazing Bangs

Accessorizing your bob can go a long way to complement the look. If you look at the first known photograph of a French Bob, you’ll see that Polaire added the ribbon to give it a feminine touch. Here we see Monique Maureen add a beret to complete her look.

@madame.barber

13. With Shaggy Curls and Bangs

Oh la la! This wavy bob by Nicole Chelini King is a real stunner! So much like some of the earliest versions of the Parisian bob but with the light flicky pieces giving us life.

@nicolechelinikinghair

14. With Curved Inwards Ends

Playing with color can add a fun aspect to the famous haircut. So, when we see the iconic cut with a platinum blonde hair color from Gabrielle Godfrey, it just goes together harmoniously. Loving the bangs and fun little pieces around the face.

@gabie.godfrey

15. Jaw-Length and Wavy

This jaw-length cut from Brent Basore is a complete throwback to the original. It ticks all the boxes and gives us the French vibe. However, the use of a trendy strawberry blonde color makes it have an alternative look.

@brentdanielbasore

16. Razor Cut French Bob

Such an amazing before and after from the masterful Jayne Matthews. Short bangs here do a marvelous job of balancing the face shape and framing the eyes.

@jayne_edosalon

17. With Micro Bangs

This chic, stylish bob makes natural hair sing. The micro bangs also look super cute and charming.

@rebeccah.hairhealer

18. Tapered French Bob

Here is a Parisian bob but without the weightiness usually seen. This is because the back is tapered and styled to closely hug the shape of the head.

@brentdanielbasore

19. Swoopy Shaggy Bob

This jaw-dropping bob has the cutest little curtain bangs and swoopy face-framing layers. This work of art comes from Sergey Zaroslov.

@zaroslovs

20. Wolf Cut Bob

Love the choppy little bangs and soft wavy pieces that Jess from Clementine Studio brings us with her playful vision of the French bob, which also hit the wolf cut trend.

@saltybangs

Here you have it. 20 cool bobs, each individual in their own way. Make sure to use the jawline or just above it when cutting the length. If you get a dry cut, you will still want to cut it just a bit longer than your finished look. That way, when you wet and diffuse for the natural look, the length won’t be too short. The same consideration goes for wet cutting. The French bob is best styled by diffusing wet hair with a styling product of your choice. That way you can manipulate the natural texture in the direction you wish for the finished look.

Well, I hope to see you all and your beautiful work on the pages of Instagram. If you would like to see my hair artistry, you can find it at @brentdanielbasore.

Au revoir et bonne chance.

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• Hairstyles