Sofia Richie Grainge just made the ‘French bob’ the cheekbone-skimming hairstyle we all want for summer
Maybe it's the heatwave making us want a new chop. Or we're just lusting over a face-framing way to switch up long hair. But the French bob is shaping up to be our favourite cut of the season thanks to Sofia Richie Grainge.
On June 22, the social media personality and model took to Instagram to reveal her new French Bob – fittingly with the French Riviera as the backdrop. Cut by her go-to hairstylist George Curran, it features all the hallmarks of a French bob: an earlobe-grazing length, blunt ends, a centre part and a slightly lived-in feel.
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Unsurprisingly, the bob haircut is (still) reigning supreme when it comes to hair trends. It's not hard to understand why: it's as versatile as it is flattering, and can be radical, rebellious, sexy and very, very chic.
And the French bob hair trend is pretty much as Parisian chic as you can get, which is why it's set to go stratospheric this summer.
What is the French bob?
So what exactly makes a bob "French"? Traditionally, they're cut daringly short along the the mouth line and accompanied by a straight, brow-skimming fringe. However, the modern incarnation is a little less rigid and we've seen both elements worn separately.
We love that the nonchalant cut calls for natural texture, which is further emphasised by the lightweight length which encourages extra curls and waves.
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You can side part your fringe, or do away with it completely. The main feature every French bob has to have, however, is attitude. It needs to feel light and airy, but not too ‘done’. Think ‘I woke up like this’ but with that added French nonchalance and je ne sais quoi.
Why should you consider the French bob for your next salon visit?
First, it satisfies the desire to cut the whole lot off, but in a way that not only saves on blow drying time (hallelujah) but also absolutely nails the relaxed vibe lots of us are after.
Second, if you've experimented with hair colour and want to lop off all the damage, you can do so in style.
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And third, the French bob is gloriously low maintenance. The cut pretty much takes care of things, which means you won't have to spend as much time styling it. In fact, it looks pretty when slicked back and wet, plus air drying adds to its messy appeal.
For more from Fiona Embleton, GLAMOUR's Associate Beauty Director, follow her on @fiembleton.
For more from GLAMOUR's Beauty Editor, Elle Turner follow her on Instagram @elleturneruk.
Want something more specific? Check out the asymmetrical bob, faux bob, collarbone bob, micro bob, curly bob and blunt bob to see which style you like best.
14 French Bob Inspo...
@salsalhair / InstagramLA-based @salsalcedo is king of the French bob, having mastered it and re-spun it countless different ways to suit each individual clients bone structure as sense of personal style. The length and fringe sticks to the traditional cut but the choppiness makes it feel modern.
TheKetchap/ InstagramGlowy skin and a red lip is the perfect pairing with the French bob.
@hannahkleit / InstagramA new spin on the style, @hannahkleit has opted to forgo the fringe (not a bad shout for summer).
@zoelaz / InstagramThe laid back natural texture works beautifully for @zoelaz.
@mariama / InstagramThis straighter style by @mariama is also very chic.
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wannabe_parisian__ / InstagramWe love how relaxed this styling by Gabrielle Rojas is.
@cajmel / InstagramThis grown-out French bob worn by @cajmel is a safer starting point if you want to test the waters first.
@taylorlashae / InstagramVery traditionally French, this length, favoured by @taylorlashae, really helps to maximise cheekbones.
@viihrocha / InstagramThis jaw-skimming length on @viihrocha looks beautiful.
@taylorlashae / InstagramFringe. Check. Cheekbone length. Check. Nonchalance. Check. @taylorlashae ticks off all the elements of a cracking French bob.
@chadwoodhair / InstagramProof that even jaw-length Frenchies can be styled into an updo (a good option for festivals).
@chelsealeeford / InstagramThis trad French bob by @chelsesaleeford is effortlessly elegant.
@chloehelenmiles / InstagramThe sweet micro fringe and airy texture on @chloehelenmiles' cut manages to look classic and modern
@effortlesslyfrench / InstagramThe pretty layers in this French bob by @effortlesslyfrench help to cup and accentuate cheekbones.
@salsalhair / InstagramIt works well on damp and air dried hair making it a low-maintenance option.
Edward BerthelotThis classic shape and full fringe is a beautiful rendition of the French bob.
Edward BerthelotWe love this slightly flicky French bob which flicks outward rather than under cheekbones.
Edward BerthelotThis has the cropped lip length shape, just without the fringe, if you fancy forgoing it.
Edward BerthelotAnother lip-length bob which captures the casual French bob vibe, just without the fringe.
