What are French Bangs? From Paris with Style

When it comes to romantic elegance, France has written the book - and their approach to hair is no different. Among the most popular French hairstyles are French bangs. But why are they so adored? In this blog, Laura Elliott, Head of Education at Neäl & Wølf shares what French bangs are, how to cut them, and the best way that they can be styled to suit you.

So, what are French bangs?

French bangs, or French girl bangs, are a soft, textured fringe that frames the face. They usually skim past your eyebrows and part in the middle, creating an effortless, natural look. They can blend into the rest of your locks with a slightly tousled or feathered texture.

What makes French bangs different from normal bangs?

French bangs are different from standard fringes because of their soft, natural texture which is used to frame the face. Below, we’ve listed some more factors that set them apart.

1. Soft texture

French bangs are much more relaxed than the usual bangs, which can have a razor-sharp blunt cut.

2. Face-framing shape

The parting in French bangs works with your face, rather than hiding it. They compliment your face, helping to enhance your cheek bones and drawing attention to the eyes.

3. Natural movement

Often worn with a gentle wave or curl, they look best when they are styled to suit your hair’s natural texture.

4. Grown-in

French bangs are very low maintenance compared to standard fringes, looking just as good grown out as they do when they are freshly cut.

Who suits French bangs?

French bangs work surprisingly well with a range of different face shapes and hair types. However, the tousled look makes them appear best with wavy, layered styles. They are particularly ideal for oval and heart shaped faces, or those looking to soften a high forehead. For more information, read our blog:  What is the Best Haircut For Your Face Shape?

How do you cut French bangs?

Whilst cutting a DIY fringe can seem tempting, French bangs are all about precision blended with softness - a balance best achieved by your hair stylist. The stylist will be able to customise the shape to suit your facial features, blend the layers into the rest of your hair and avoid common pitfalls like overly blunt lines. Book in at your local salon today: Neäl & Wølf Salon Finder

How do you style French bangs?

Styling French bangs is all about achieving that je ne sais quoi finish. Start by prepping with the right shampoo and conditioner duo, boosting your locks with a blow dry and securing them in place.

1. Wash your hair with voluminous products

Prep your hair for volume with shampoo and conditioner like our AMPLIFY Volumising Shampoo and Conditioner to set the foundation for body and lift. This caters to the natural movement of your French bangs, allowing them to shift in the way they need.

2. Apply boosting products

After using a microfibre towel to gently dry your locks, brush our ELEVATE Volumising Lotion through. For a style that helps tame your locks, use our ENHANCE Volumising Mousse. You can use both of these options, or one or the other.

3. Add volume to the roots

Put a root spray like our UPLIFT Volumising Mist on your roots. This helps the base of your fringe rise, as well as the rest of your locks.

4. Blow dry with a diffuser

Use a heat protective spray like our MIRACLE Rapid Blow-Dry Mist, then dry your French bangs with a brush and a hair dryer. Our HERØ Ionic Technology Hair dryer is the ideal solution, as it leaves your hair smooth and shiny, as well as drying locks fast.

5. Finish with a texture spray

Once your hair is dry, spray our TEXTURE Dry Finishing Spray on the end of your fringe, and the mids-to-ends of your wider locks. This can also be used to freshen up your look between washes.

6. Lock in your style

To set your French bangs in place, spray our CONTROL Flexible Styling Spray across your locks. The flexibility of this spray allows for natural movement, whilst keeping your locks held in place.

French girl bangs are a much more relaxed version of standard bangs - think wispy, natural and textured. They’ll bring soft sophistication to any look. Elevate your fringe today and shop the Neäl & Wølf volumising styling range: Volumising Hair Products