The French fringe is an illusion of nonchalance. “The appeal of French bangs is that effortless, just-woke-up look,” says hairstylist Andrew Fitzsimons. A combination of blend, length and shape come together to create a French-inspired bang, which feels like an accessory and utterly romantic step in the growing process. “The ‘almost in the eye’ look is the key element here,” says hairstylist Mara Roszak. “Think Jane Birkin in terms of thickness and Brigitte Bardot in terms of shape, longer and tapered on the sides to frame the cheekbones while opening the face in the middle.”
Although the exact shape may vary, French bangs are never harsh. “There’s nothing too direct or direct about this bangs,” says Roszak. “Gentleness is the key!” » Now let’s talk about the illusion of ease of style. “They’re not supposed to have perfect style, but in reality, it takes a lot of effort to maintain them,” says Fitzsimons. “You may need to schedule more salon visits to maintain your bangs, so keep that in mind if you have a busy schedule before diving in.”
Fitzsimons and Roszak both recommend consulting your stylist before cutting bangs, which will help you determine which subtle iterations will work best with your hair type and routine. “While at-home haircuts can be fun in theory, this style is notoriously difficult to recreate on your own, especially if you don’t use professional scissors,” says Fitzsimons. “Your stylist will be able to take your hair texture and length into account when determining how short your hair will be cut.”
Here, 25 celebrities tackle the French bang to inspire you (and your stylist).
The bangs in his face
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Consider Carla Bruni your prototype French bangs. Bruni and other icons like Jane Birkin and Françoise Hardy sport the kind of bangs that exude insouciance, a hallmark of the French aesthetic.
The rounded Frenchman
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Like Bruni, Suki Waterhouse earned an eponymous style in the French girl bang bank. The Brit has an inherent understanding of the power of lightly overgrown bangs, unwittingly championing the curtain bang long before the trend was named.
Easy French
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“French bangs are supposed to look easy,” says Fitzsimons. Jeanne Damas bangs are the ultimate example, separates soft and seamless enough to inspire an immediate salon session.
Complete French
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Leave it to Zendaya to show off a glamorous twist on the classic style. “Wispy ends and full, voluminous roots are the hallmarks of the French girl bang,” says Fitzsimons. “Often they are shorter in the middle and longer towards the temples.”
New classic
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Phoebe Tonkin’s recent interpretation of the French girl bang includes all the essential elements with present-tense texture. The generous lash-grazing fringe, paired with an air-dried finish, is decidedly fresh.
Bouffant Bangs
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Emily Ratajkowski is a constant proponent of the French girl bang, but this version (worn for a floating seat at the Jacquemus fall 2023 show in Versailles) is her most dramatic yet. This is due to its tousled finish and slight Bardot-style bouffant at the back.
Brit Girl Bang
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Mid-parted bangs are part of Alexa Chung’s everlasting aesthetic, but this cut is a little more noticeable than most. Although slightly shorter than a quintessential French bang, Chung’s British interpretation offers the same ease that makes the style so appealing.
Crumpled and romantic
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Taylor Swift’s bangs are French for their air-dried, romantically scrunched texture. While they may not match the exact shape, the spirit is undoubtedly present, especially when paired with a faux undone square.
Flirty Bangs
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Penelope Cruz has embraced artfully overgrown bangs for years, and this Chanel-ready style — replete with bouffant and black ribbon — relies on bangs for its flirty finish.
Framing bangs
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French bangs look best when accompanied by face-framing layers. Margot Robbie’s understanding of the mission is evident, her fringed silhouette coupled with a low, loose ponytail (another feature of the nonchalant ensemble).
Rock’n’Roll bangs
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French bangs give an undone look, which can be interpreted as a rockstar aesthetic. Take a cue from Behati Prinsloo and lean into your tousled, overgrown bangs with stained liner and some attitude.
Big French
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While most French bangs are defined by delicate strands, Lou Doillon’s interpretation relies on thickness and texture. Doillon’s bangs are still piecey and blend well into the layers that frame the face, but with a bit of weight that will appeal to those who prefer a stronger look that still looks effortless.
The growth
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“A French girl bang is longer bangs that cover the eyebrows,” says Roszak. “It looks almost overgrown.” Halle Berry’s bangs are a perfect representation and prove that growing out existing bangs can be an opportunity to adopt a French-inspired style.
Separated and polished
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“Unlike blunt bangs, French bangs have volume at the roots and thin out toward the ends,” says Fitzsimons. Selena Gomez’s bangs are so long that they emphasize a part while still providing the perfect amount of accessories for the updos.
Fresh Frenchie
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Anne Hathaway’s French-inspired bangs played a major role in her recent renaissance. Her extra-long locks are undeniably chic, cut to fall in her eyes and playing well with her glossy brunette lengths.
Pretty and sketchy
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Part French and part ’90s inspired, Elizabeth Olsen’s bangs pair well with long, face-framing layers.
Piece in Paris
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“Some women style their French bangs with a subtle center part, while others simply let it fall across their forehead,” says Fitzsimons. Lily Collins falls into the latter camp, her straight, sketchy cut giving way to romantic tendrils.
Sweet drama
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French bangs may be nonchalant by nature, but they can also bring (sweet) drama. Kerry Washington’s romantic high ponytail makes a stronger statement when paired with full bangs that taper into tendrils.
Full bangs
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“French girls’ bangs are usually longer and go past the eyebrows for a lived-in look,” says Fizsimons. Jenna Ortega embraces the brooding and mysterious nature of her fuller French, the perfect framing device for smudged liner and long lashes.
French shag
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Like Doillon’s version, Georgia May Jagger’s bangs feature a touch of thickness while still maintaining that French girl feel. This style goes well with blowouts and air dries well too.
Old Hollywood bangs
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Leighton Meester’s French bangs owe something to old Hollywood, the subtle curl reminiscent of styles favored by Audrey Hepburn and more.
Delicate bangs
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Daisy Edgar-Jones’ French bangs are a study in understated delicacy and ease, the perfect approach for those who prefer a timeless take on the trend. “These bangs are very flattering and feminine,” says Roszak.
The French Cool Girl
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Billie Eilish may not be immediately synonymous with French beauty (or bangs), but a second look reveals a penchant for sleek glamor and the kind of effortless bangs the French prefer.
Beach-related bangs
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Sienna Miller’s version is centered and extra long, the perfect pairing for an event-ready bun or beach vacation ponytail. The best part? The strands are long enough to be incorporated into a slicked back style if desired.
Barely present fringes
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Not quite ready to fully commit to the sidelines? Do like Camille Rowe and opt for bohemian bangs that subtly cut the cheekbone. This blendable layer blends easily into your lengths and can be removed for a framed bun – a fantastic way to test the waters or get the urge to chop up your system.
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