14 Stylish French Hairstyles For Short Hair

Take some style inspiration from the nation that popularized the classic bob look!

Reviewed by Dawna Jarvis, Licensed Cosmetologist
Written by Jyotsana Rao, BE
Edited by Shatabdi Bhattacharya, BSc
Fact-checked by Pahul Nanra, BA (English Hons)  • 

We have all seen Amelie, and we all wanted her short hair. There is something so alluring about French women and short hair – it is a never-failing combo. So, we decided to pick our all-time favorite French hairstyles for short hair and take you along for the ride. These hairstyles are so chic and versatile you will wonder why you have not cut your hair yet!

From a bob with a French braid to a French twist and a side-swept pixie cut, explore various short French hairstyles right here. Keep reading.

protip_icon Before You Get Started
  • When it comes to French fashion, generally, less is more. The French like to embrace their natural hair texture. The overall vibe is that of a nonchalant look that did not take much effort.
  • French hairstyles are all about adding volume. Use texturizing and volumizing sprays to add body to your mane.
  • The French use hair perfumes. Their hairstyles do not just look chic but also smell divine. These special perfumes have lower alcohol content, and a spritz on either side works.

1. French Bun

French Bun
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Image: Shutterstock

Jada Pinkett-Smith is well-known for her edgy and cool hairstyles. But this one really wows! She wore a beautiful slick-back French bun at the American Theatre Wing’s 64th Annual Antoinette Perry Tony Awards. The hairstyle is chic and apt for all occasions.

2. French Braid Halo

French Braid Halo
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Scarlett Johansson has always been one of the most stylish and glamorous actors. Her hairstyles are usually chic and simple. The dark roots act as a perfect base for the blonde halo. And this hairstyle is perfectly complemented with her minimalistic makeup and jewelry. This beautiful braided halo is from the “Avengers Assemble” premiere at the Vue cinema Westfield, London.

3. Side-Swept Pixie

French side-swept pixie hairstyle for short hair
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At the premiere of Exodus: Gods And Kings, Sami Gayle proves that if you’ve got the looks, the right attitude and the confidence, even a long fringe can look good, like this sexy side-swept pixie that pushes the boundaries. We love it. Licensed cosmetologist Dawna Jarvis offers some saying, “Pomades work best for styling this hairdo.”

4. Bob With Blunt Bangs

French bob with blunt bangs hairstyle for short hair
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Dawn Oporter’s blend of blunt bangs meeting the red carpet round bob is the hairstyle we want this season. Classy, refined and elegant, Dawn’s hairstyle is the easiest way to update your sleek bob – just don’t forget to add that face-framing bangs!

protip_icon Quick Tip
You can wear a headband or wrap a bandana around the crown area for that extra cute yet chic look.

Licensed cosmetologist Dawna Jarvis agrees with our pick. She adds, “The face-framing fringe adds such a flair to this timeless look.”

5. Swept Up Hairdo

French swept up hairdo for short hair
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What a gorgeous swept up ‘do Carey Mulligan was rocking at the 57th BFI London Film Festival. Short, neat and chic – the hairstyle can be duplicated by using some strong-hold hairspray, a comb, and a handful of pins. You just can’t stop staring at it, can you?

6. Shaggy Bob With Side-Swept Bangs

Shaggy French bob with side-swept bangs for short hair
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At the 63rd Cannes Film Festival, Melanie Laurent looked gorgeous, and while we couldn’t imagine this shaggy bob suiting the French beauty, the side-swept bangs brought out her smokey eyes and facial features. The actress matched her hairstyle with mocha brown lips and finished her stunning look.

7. Tousled Bob

Tousled French bob hairstyle for short hair
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Hottie Berenice Marlohe proves that the tousled bob is enough to make a major red carpet statement. A great bob hairstyle for thick hair, the actress pairs her bouncy locks with a dramatic eye makeup and mocha brown lips for the maximum sex appeal.

8. French Twist

French twist hairstyle for short hair
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As if we need to tell you how gorgeous Amber Heard looks here with that soft French twist. And if that wasn’t enough, the actress added oodles of oomph to her hairstyle by pairing it with Vionnet gown, flawless makeup and glossy lips. This is an amazing French twist hairstyle for short hair.

9. Asymmetric Bob

Asymmetric French bob hairstyle for short hair
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This is one seriously asymmetric bob!

Actress Marion Cotillard, with her minimal makeup, mocha brown lips and blue eyes looks every bit of a classic beauty. To recreate Marion’s sleek and smooth hair, remember to invest in a strong-hold volume mousse, hair straightener and some anti-frizz hairspray.

10. Subtle Ombre

Subtle ombre French hairstyle for short hair
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Always one to show what magic tousled waves can do, Alexa Chung’s hairstyle has all the elements of a red carpet hit. The British model’s bob is classic yet modern, and her signature fringe swept to the side along in subtle ombre is mere perfection. Spawning a ton of copycats, the key to her look is – plenty of heat protection hair products, volumising mousse and tongs.

11. French Braid

French braid hairdo for short hair
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Are you in search of French braid hairstyles for short hair? Always on-trend with hair trends, Twilight actress Kristen Stewart looks chic and edgy with her brunette bob in French braided up-do. This hairstyle, along with messy, loose tendrils is combined to create a romantic effect. The braid accentuates her face, creates the illusion of a slimmer face…and we like it! Dawna Jarvis, a licensed cosmetologist, loves this hairstyle. She says, “You will never go wrong when choosing this forever elegant French twist. It can be worn casually or dressed up for a night out!”

A YouTuber shares her personal experience of experimenting with French braid hairstyles. Her video presents a step-by-step guide for beginners as well as hairstyle enthusiasts looking for something fun to try! She shares tips and tricks about hair partition, braid twists, and more. As a note of recommendation, she adds, “If you want a really big and voluminous braid then just go ahead and pull on the sides of the braid to really fan it out and make it really big (i).”

protip_icon Did You Know?
French braid also goes by the name French plait. Some of its other variations include the Dutch braid (also known as the inverted French braid) and Fishtail braid.

12. Wavy Pixie

French wavy pixie hairstyle for short hair
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Perfect for a graceful beauty like actress Audrey Tautou, this super-short wavy pixie is ultra-feminine. Not only that, Audrey’s pixie at the Palme D’Or Winners Photocall has never looked so good. That said, the hairstyle is a great everyday hairstyle, one that is easy-to-do, manage and looks stunning.

Note: You can opt for a sophisticated pixie cut with a touch of texture, such as subtle waves. For a trendy look, try a modern, fashionable bob with choppy layers and a sleek, asymmetrical fringe. For a retro vibe, go for a vintage-inspired pin-up look with victory rolls. In addition, textured styles are also on-trend with tousled waves and messy bobs.

13. French Bob

A woman showcasing a French Bob
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The French bob is a timeless and chic hairstyle characterized by its short length, typically ending above the jawline. This classic cut features a slight taper, adding a touch of sophistication. It exudes effortless elegance and complements various face shapes. You can try this hairstyle for a versatile and modern way to make a statement.

14. Double French Braids

A woman showing a double French braid
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The double French braid, a sporty and stylish twist on the classic, radiates an air of active charm. This versatile hairstyle combines practicality and flair, with twin braids weaving seamlessly along the scalp. Whether hitting the gym or strolling through city streets, the double French braid embodies a fusion of fashion and function, offering a trendy and secure look for any occasion.

Infographic: Top 6 Stylish French Hairstyles For Short Hair

Looking for some chic hairstyles that add volume to your short hair? We’ve got you covered! As mentioned above, French hairstyles are classic and always in style. You can never go wrong with them, especially for short locks. There are many trendy French hairstyles for short hair to choose from, and the infographic below lists 6 of the most stylish ones. Check it out.

top 6 stylish french hairstyles for short hair (infographic)

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

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The movie, Amélie (2001), gave us all short hair goals. If you are tired of your usual hairstyle and want something different, you can easily recreate these French hairstyles for short hair at home. They are versatile and chic and accentuate your facial features perfectly. You can try out the classic swept-up hairdo, the elegant bob with bangs, or the gorgeous French twist. For something edgier, go for an asymmetric bob or wavy pixie. All you need is the right combination of makeup and jewelry to show off your new French hairstyle.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes French hairstyles for short hair unique and distinctive?

Short French hairstyles focus on the natural hair texture and take your face shape and hair shade into account. These make the French hairstyles effortless, unique, and elegant.

Can French hairstyles for short hair be adapted to suit different hair types and textures?

French hairstyles can be adapted to suit different hair types and textures. Those with an oval face shape can go for a bob with blunt bangs. However, those with a round face can opt for side-swept bangs.

How can French hairstyles for short hair be dressed up for formal events or dressed down for more casual occasions?

You can opt for elegant hairstyles like a French bun or a French twist for formal events. A tousled look and braids work well for casual occasions.

What are some common mistakes to avoid when styling French hairstyles for short hair?

Avoid working with styling tools every day as they damage your strands. Since French hairstyles focus on the natural hair texture, limit the usage of hair sprays as the chemicals present in them may make your hair dry and dull.

How can French hairstyles for short hair be maintained and kept looking great on a day-to-day basis?

Practicing proper hair care and avoiding heat damage are some of the best ways to maintain your hair. Use hair products designed for your hair type. Individuals with an oily scalp should use clarifying hair products. Also, ensure that you get regular trims to encourage healthy hair growth.

Key Takeaways

  • Short French hairstyles involve embracing the hair’s natural texture to create an effortlessly messy look.
  • These versatile hairstyles are easy to do and suit different hair types, textures, and occasions.
  • Some popular hairstyles you can experiment with are the French bob and the wavy pixie for a modern, edgy vibe.
French Hairstyles For Short Hair

Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team

Learn how to create a beautiful and elegant French hairstyle like a French twist for short hair with this easy-to-follow tutorial video.

Personal Experience: Source

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