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Emily in Paris season four is set to hit our Netflix screens next month, and with the Paris Olympics in full swing, our envy for French beauty and style has never been greater.
Brigitte Bardot, Camille Rowe and Jane Birkin are among the quintessential muses of French hair, but Lily Collins has proven that you don't have to be Parisian to achieve this look.
We hear from European hair experts on how to Effortless Style your hair like a French girl, with just one bit of effort.
Effortless curls
Bohemian curls never go out of style and reflect Sienna Miller's timeless style.
The trick to these curls is not to define them too much. “Start by using a flat iron or curling iron, wrapping them around the hair but leaving the ends out,” says celebrity hairstylist Gustav Fouche. “This technique, known as a mid-wave, ensures that the ends remain slightly straighter.
Using a curling spray before undoing the curl will ensure a flexible hold. After curling and applying the product, Fouche recommends brushing the hair to achieve that elegant and sophisticated French look.
CLOUD NINE The Curling Wand – Sericite Edition, £99 (was £139)
got2b gotCURLZ Defining & Protecting Curly Hair Spray, 150ml, £7
The Parisian bob
Created by Vidal Sassoon in 1964, the modern bob took Europe by storm. It appeared on French catwalks in the late 1960s and was soon seen everywhere on women in the city, becoming synonymous with Parisian chic.
As one of the most difficult styles to master, Mark Hayes, International Creative Director of House of Sassoon, shows us how to create this chic look that's perfect for summer.
“Start by washing and conditioning your hair, then apply a suitable heat protectant, containing a blend of oils to add shine while protecting, and blow dry in horizontal sections using a semi-circular brush. With the dryer following closely behind the brush, wrap the hair around the head. Always point the dryer down the hair shaft to smooth the cuticle and promote shine.
“The key is to dry your hair evenly throughout your head rather than in sections, focusing on controlling the roots. If you have bangs, apply the same process there as well.
“Towards the end of the drying process, and if the hair is long enough, gently curl the ends of the hair downwards in sections from the nape of the neck. Remember to apply cold air once the hair is completely dry. Comb through thoroughly and, to further smooth and flatten the cuticle, use a hair straightener – always set it to the lowest temperature you can while still achieving the desired result – don’t just set it to the highest temperature.
“Work section by section, gently curling the irons towards the ends to achieve a natural-looking result. Finish with hairspray to set the hair.”
Ouai Hair Oil – 45ml, £26, Cult Beauty
Diva Pro Gold Dust & Precious Metal Hair Straightener, £159.99 (was £209.99)
A French fringe
The summer style, worn by models such as Daisy Edgar-Jones and Lily Collins, is boho-chic fringes. This casual style evokes memories of Jane Birkin and the sixties.
Perhaps one of the most high-maintenance looks, an integral part of French bangs is the tooling and texture.
“Start by blow-drying your fringe with a round brush, directing the hair to the sides to create a soft, feathered effect,” says hair expert Armin Morbach. “Next, apply a volumizing texturizing powder at the base of your roots. This will add volume and help your fringe look fresh and bouncy all day long. To add texture, you can also lightly twist sections of your fringe with your fingers after applying the powder.”
BaByliss Salon Pro 2200 Hair Dryer, £35, looks fantastic
Sam McKnight Cool Girl Barely There Texturizing Mist, £12
The elegant bun
Once associated with Parisian girls trying to cope with the city's summer heat, this casual hairstyle has risen through the ranks to become a regular royal hairstyle, often sported by the Duchess of Sussex.
This effortless bun is all about technique. “To create an effortless bun, the key is to make sure the base is firm,” says stylist and CLOUD NINE ambassador Marie Nieuwoudt. “Always secure your bun with a ponytail, placing it at the height of a ballerina bun, which is about an inch above the nape of the neck from the collar. Make sure to use good quality bobby pins to hold your bun in place, and you’re done!”
Beauty Pie Super Healthy Flat Hair Straightening Brush, £40
