The first person who asked me to do a French bob pulled a dusty magazine clipping from the late 90s. She said she wanted to look like she had just come back from buying bread in Paris. I thought she sounded ridiculous, but she was sort of right. There’s something about this haircut that makes you look effortlessly chic, like you just rolled out of bed looking fabulous. I’ve done variations of this cut many times and it still surprises me how different it looks on everyone I cut. The length, texture, and bangs really all depend on what you have to work with.
Before you scroll any further, I need you to know that a French bob is not one specific thing. Just last month, I had a client with the thickest, curliest hair you can imagine and she was convinced this cut was not meant for her because every photo she had seen of this cut was on pin-straight hair. We did it anyway and she ended up crying when I turned her to the mirror. My point is that hair really does its own thing, and it ages like fine wine, so what you are seeing is just the potential. Some bobs are blunt and polished, and then there are others that are shaggy and a little messy. A few also have color that completely changes the vibe of the whole cut.
#1: Chic French Bob with Soft Bangs
The French bob is one of the most popular haircuts of 2023! This style can be personalized to suit varying tastes while maintaining its basis as horizontal bob that lightly touches the jawline. Framing bangs further highlight the face. Because the French bob is meant to keep its structure, it is best suited to medium and fine hair. This style is especially flattering on oval and heart face shapes. To keep the hair looking effortless, use a light mousse and texturizing spray to create a messy look. The sculpted layers will make it easy to switch looks and styles! If you want a dramatic and modern style, the French bob is a great option as it requires minimal upkeep.
#2 Soft Volume French Bob with Face Framing Layers
This hairstyle is effortless and editorial, with inward, face-framing layers that highlight your cheekbones. As for the crown’s volume, that’s where fine hair types should aim for. That volume isn’t just there for fun. It’s probably the result of a good root lift and some strategic blow-drying. Even on day two, your hair can look just as voluminous with the right dry shampoo.
#3 Layered Brunette French Bob with Flicked Ends
I want to finish with this one, because it captures something I want to communicate with my clients and I’m never able to find the words. Look at the ends flicking out and going different directions, and some layers are shorter around the face but some fall longer towards the back? That’s not messy. That’s an extremely skilled haircut, because the stylist knew that perfection is boring. That touch of controlled chaos is what makes a French bob actually French and not just a short haircut. The warm brunette with subtle lighter threads woven into it doesn’t hurt either. If your hair does anything at all when you let it air dry, there is a version of this that will work for you. I mean that.
#4 Minimal Dark French Bob with Tucked Ends
This look is simple – and sometimes simple is best! No bangs, no highlights, no extremes – just a classic dark brown bob. The color is lovely and the sophistication level is perfect, being suitable for anywhere from an art gallery to the grocery store. The clean center part contributes to this haircut looking as good as it swings. The haircut has just the right amount of weight for the cut to do the flowing. I frequently recommend cuts like this to my clients after they have been large and bold for a while, as it is a nice change to focus on the cut rather than the loud colors and details.
#5 Rich Brunette French Bob with Curtain Fringe
The curtain fringe here is textbook (meticulously styled) straight, splitting perfectly down the middle and falling to each side of the face to show off the cheekbones and not conceal. This version of the bob is even more voluminous and thick in the body, which is balanced by preserving that signature French bob shape, suggesting some thoughtful interior layering to relieve bulk while preserving the outer silhouette. If you’ve got thick hair and been told French bobs won’t work for you (because your hair is ‘too much’), please show your stylist this photo and tell them I sent you, because this is proof that thick hair and this cut are a truly phenomenal pairing.
#6 Tousled Blonde French Bob with Soft Bangs
A French bob hairstyle is typically known for its soft, undone texture. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve had clients ask for “beachy hair but shorter” and this style seems to be the only answer I could give. The bangs are light and playful in appearance. They are not long enough to fully split and give an almost thick bangs type of look. The shape is round and flattering, especially for longer face shapes. The warm blonde color isn’t washing anything out. If you want a style that is low maintenance, this is one of the best and most practical options.
#7 Warm Chocolate French Bob with Volume
These layers are super nice because the layers that are exposed on the outside of the shape are different from the layers that are hidden inside the shape. This is not a technique that every stylist does, but when they do, it makes a big difference. The warm chocolate color has a few lighter pieces woven through it that keeps it from being too flat. The way it sweeps back from the face on both sides creates a really nice open feeling. This is one of those cuts that will look great styled down, pinned behind one ear with a pair of shades on. That is the real test of whether a haircut actually works for your life.
#8 Lived-In Highlighted French Bob
For a client wanting a French bob but worried about it being too pretty, I would suggest this one. There is nothing pretty about this cut. It is choppy and messy and has caramel highlights that look like they are a few months grown out, which is the sweet spot for a balayage. The hair is windblown, which is a look you can’t get with a curling iron. That is totally from the cut and some natural texture in the hair. If you have hair that is in the between wavy and curly then this should be on your mood board.
#9 Cool Ash Blonde Sculpted Bob
I have the utmost respect for you, and would call this an elite “I have my life together” haircut. The severe side part and large hair sweep has a very intentional, almost professional look to it. The light ash blonde that has been perfectly blended with darker roots looks expensive because it is. The cut is very precise and almost sculpture-like with the hair that is subtly curved at the ends to form a shape that sits perfectly on the jawline. Trims will need to be done every 5-6 weeks to maintain that sharpness but that is the price you pay for a cut that is this polished.
#10 Polished Espresso French Bob
I’ve got a soft spot for deep, dark, single process color on clean bobs, and here’s my rationale. With cuts this good and color this saturated, there’s simply no room for highlighting, balayage, or dimensional gimmicks. The deep espresso brown looks glossy, which elevates the whole thing and the slight back to front angle gives it just enough edge to not come off as corporate, which it could totally hold its own in a boardroom. If you’ve been mulling over your color choice for a long time, often the best option is to play it safe and go dark.
#11 Effortless Brunette French Bob with Curtain Bangs
Most people probably think of this exact cut as a French bob, even if they don’t know what the term is. The bangs are perfectly curtain-esque, splitting in the middle, and blending in with the face framing layers, as well as the bed head, she ran fingers through it and walked out sort of vibe. I had a customer show me this style, and so I asked what she liked about it, and she said, “It looks like she has better things to do than worry about her hair.” That’s probably the highest praise you could give this cut. If you have a bit of a natural weave, then you’re probably already there.
#12 Sun-Kissed French Bob with Textured Ends
My eyes see this color and instantly think of ‘vacation hair’. The warm auburn base with lighter pieces towards the ends makes it glow like the sun did the highlights for you, and the textured ends give movement without losing shape. I once had a client that went on a two week trip to Spain and when she came back she had hair almost identical to this from the sun and salt water. When I told her we could recreate it on purpose she was so frustrated because she had been battling that texture for so long. Your hair may be doing what is trendy already, you just have to let it.
#13 Sleek Minimal French Bob with Micro Bangs
The bangs are soft so they won’t cover your entire forehead and the bob is sleek. The ends are smooth and rounded which means this was blow-dried with a round brush. This is the hairstyle for those who want a modern and streamlined look without having to spend time scrunching or spraying their hair. If you have straight hair, this one is definitely for you.
#14 Airy French Bob with Soft Flip
This haircut has a lot of volume which is something that you don’t usually see with French bobs because they tend to look more flat and lifeless. The ends of the hair that are ‘flipping’ out give the haircut a youthful vibe and the bangs are pushed to the side instead of sitting heavily and taking up space on the forehead. If your hair is wild and flips out at the ends instead of curling under, stop trying to fight it. When you embrace your hair instead of trying to make it behave, it will always look so much better. So, when you go to the salon make sure to tell your stylist exactly that.
#15 Side-Parted French Bob with Subtle Highlights
A side part can elevate the overall vibe of the hairstyle to something more refined and smart, whilst still keeping everything else to a more relaxed style, and I think that is something that a lot of people don’t notice until they try it. Those caramel highlights are incredibly placed, they frame the face and the upper layers so they are light catching and create movement without looking like a full highlight job. this is the French Bob I would send someone to a work event in, and that’s not an insult, it’s genuinely stunning, it just has an elegance to it that reads a little more put together than some of the more relaxed iterations we have here.
#16 Dark Tousled French Bob with Piece-y Bangs
I can’t stop thinking about this. It looks very effortless, as if her hair just grows like that. It’s very difficult to pull off. The choppy texture throughout the cut, along with the piece-y separation in the bangs, may be the result of some amazing razor work or point cutting. Her bangs, dark brunette in color, make the texture very visible, showing that it doesn’t need highlights to show off the work. This cut needs just a bit of dry texture spray, and literally nothing else.
#17 Feathered Brunette French Bob with Wispy Fringe
The bangs are nice, and since they aren’t too heavy, they won’t overwhelm the face. They also add just enough of a French touch to the haircut so that it’s not just a basic bob. The feathering is a nice addition, and the hair that tucks slightly under the jaw creates a nice shape. It’s particularly good for rounder faces since it creates the illusion of length without adding more hair. If you are really nervous about bangs and the whole heavy look, then these wispy bangs are about as low commitment as you can get!
#18 Soft Blonde French Bob with Side-Swept Bangs
This blonde looks sleek and contemporary without looking overly done. The side-swept bangs ease the potential bluntness of the look, and the darker roots provide a more lived in look so you don’t have to visit your colorist every four weeks. I enjoy this on clients who have had the same long layered look for a decade and want a change but aren’t ready to go too crazy. It’s a gentle step into shorter hair and I think it looks nice.
#19 Warm Copper Layered French Bob
The copper/brown combo is working wonders and I’m not mad about it. From what I can tell, the lighter pieces create a dimension that is completely lost with single process color. The cut is working the layers that are flipping out in a very intentional retro way. For people with medium to thick hair, this is the French bob version I would recommend. It’s for those who are concerned the cut may fall flat. The layers will provide movement and styling makes a big difference. Chances are that cut could fall flat though. The copper tones may require more upkeep to look this bright, so an effective color depositing conditioner will be necessary in between salon visits.
#20: Textured French Bob with Bangs
It’s got that “I woke up like this” vibe. However, I’m sure some effort goes into styling. Most of the work here is being done by the waves. Everything else keeps balanced with the bangs perfectly sitting in place. If your hair is naturally wavy, all you have to do is add some texture spray to damp hair and let it air dry. The more you mess around with this hairstyle, the better it will look!
#21: Textured French Bob with Bangs
The feel of these bangs is what I like the most. I think they give a softer feel and they feel less permanent. If you are nervous, these bangs are for you. The chin-length cut along with these bangs really creates a signature French bob and the ends have the perfect amount of texture so the look isn’t too shiny. For those of you with straight to wavy hair wanting low maintenance and wash-and-go hair, this is a great option to start with.
#22: Sleek French Bob with Micro Bangs
Micro bangs can be a bit scary, but when they work, they work! It’s all about precision with this one. The sharp fringe, the clean bob line, everything is lined up just so. For that glassy look, definitely a smoothing serum and flat iron. It reads fashion forward and that’s the point.
#23: Chic French Bob with Soft Bangs
I like the softness with this and I can understand the desire to avoid something too severe or defined. The soft bangs and jaw-length cut combination provides a lovely, even romantic, shape. The layering in this cut is subtle enough to retain some movement if your hair is finer, which is nice, and it won’t make the ends look too thin. One of the biggest pros to this cut is that it grows out nicely.
#24: Chic Curly French Bob with Soft Layers
The French bob and curls combination is proof of how well two things can harmonize. The way the curls bounce is due to the layers being cut so that they’ll feel free instead of getting all weighed down or forming a triangle shape. That’s honestly the #1 thing I try to avoid for hair that is cut shorter and has curls. A good definition curl cream that is worked through while the hair is wet will allow for definition without the crunch. If you’ve been contemplating going shorter with your curls, show your stylist this!
#25: Modern French Bob with Textured Ends
Waves add dimension and the ends look a touch tousled which is nice and makes the look relaxed and casual. I like a cut that sits at the jaw, length because I find this length super flattering on so many people. If you have fine hair, the mid length waves stop it from looking flat. This look is coffee cut and weekend farmers market appropriate. It looks effortless but put together which is the hardest balance to strike.
#26: Chic French Bob with Soft Waves
I love how the blunt edges make the cut look structured while the soft waves add some flexibility and flow to the overall look. It’s an awesome combination. The length that just grazes the jaw opening the neck and creating a lovely contrast is so elegant but without being severe. If you have some natural wave or a bend in you hair then you are halfway there with this one.
#27 Bold Black French Bob with Blunt Bangs
The combination of color and cuts has created an effect. The bold straight bangs match the bold straight cut and create a clean graphic effect. With this look you have to stick to your trimming schedule since the look relies on those clean edges. The result of the effort is a look that is polished and clean for weeks between appointments. The depth of that black shade also catches the light in a way that gives the hair a super healthy appearance.
#28 Chic Textured French Bob with Soft Bangs
You’ll want to take a closer look at this hand-painted balayage color technique. The cut looks elevated with this multi-dimensional layered style as opposed to having one flat color. The wispy bangs add a touch of playfulness while jaw-grazing length is universally flattering. For anyone wanting color but is concerned about maintenance, a soft hand-painted balayage is a great low-maintenance option to bring up with your colorist.
#29 Modern Textured French Bob with Soft Layers
This style is best with good layering. Classic chin lengths work great as a base, but this movement comes from the piece-y ends, and face framing layers. With this style, I always encourage people to plan on getting trims every six to eight weeks. The layers grow unevenly, and to keep the airy quality, it tends to become a bigger commitment. This cut may look effortless, but it actually requires a good amount of upkeep.
#30 Textured French Bob with Blunt Bangs
This style has a little undone body texture which compliments the blunt bangs. The bang have a nice polish to them and the tousled length looks like it adds some effort, but in reality, it just works together. For those with fine hair, this photo is a good reference because you can see the right cut creates the illusion of a lot more hair. But keep in mind, blunt bangs on fine hair will separate as the day goes on. A mini dry shampoo is great to keep in your bag to keep them looking fresh between washes.
#31 Stylish French Bob with Subtle Highlights
Highlight placement is done so well that you could almost overlook them, which is how highlight placement should be done. It captures the light around the face and through the ends, giving warmth without streaky or obvious ends. The blunt hemline gives everything a clean feel. This is one of those cuts and colors I would recommend to someone who wants to look like they have naturally beautiful hair and effortless.
#32 Sleek Brown Bob with Subtle Layers and Soft Bangs
We understand and appreciate the subtle elegance that the style provides. The back has a gentle graduated shape that adds a little lift and fullness. The bangs are cut to blend so seamlessly with the rest of the layers that everything just flows. This is the kind of haircut that elicits the comment “your hair always looks so good” without the person being able to pinpoint any specific reason as to why. This is without a doubt the greatest compliment a haircut can receive.
#33 Choppy French Bob with Soft Face-Framing Layers
I love the edginess of the chop throughout this bob. There is a difference between messy and intentional. The cheekbone grazing, face framing layers cut the focus toward the eyes. If your hair tends to get a little limp or one-dimensional at this length, suggest to your stylist this added choppiness to the ends.
#34 Textured Curly French Bob with Soft Fringe
This length of curly hair is stunning! The soft bangs compliment the overall look because they go with the curls instead of against them. Since curl types can vary, I would suggest taking this picture to your stylist and talking about it. The natural curl pattern is what this style is all about, and that will determine where all the curls land. The best part about this haircut is that it will continue to get better and better over time. Curly girls know that is the sweet spot of a hairstyle!
#35 Soft Curly French Bob with Playful Bangs
I think this cut is warm and inviting. It looks natural and the bangs seem to have grown that way because the longer bangs blend so nicely into the bob. The wavy hair texture bounces and gives body without too much effort. The cut at jaw length shows off the natural movement really well. Keeping styling simple would be best and letting the texture do its thing.
#36 Textured Wavy French Bob with Soft Highlights
This cut’s little asymmetry is a nice touch, as it stops the hairstyle from being too generic. Furthermore, soft highlights and waves add a lot of interest, especially for a cut that is quite easy. For you with thinner hair, using a volumizing mousse at the roots to the pre-blow dry will help a lot with the style.
#37 Chic Rounded French Bob with Subtle Layers
This bob has a beautiful shape, and offers a nice fullness that hugs the head and is very flattering. The highlights warm it up but won’t take any attention away from the cut. I like to think of this shape as the adult French bob as it is quite elegant. To maintain this look, regular trims will be needed because the layers need to be shaped to support the rest of the bob.
#38 Elegant Copper French Bob with Wispy Bangs
I really like this copper color! It really gives that cut a rich look. The bangs are amazing and cut to soften the look and not hide anything. Then the back has just the right amount of layering to achieve that balanced volume. If you are going to do this color, copper tones do fade. I recommend one of those color depositing shampoos. It’s a small difference but a big difference to keep your hair looking fresh.
#39 Effortlessly Chic French Bob with Blunt Bangs
This is the most typical style people tend to think of when French bob is mentioned. Blunt bangs, sharp cuts, all the way to the jaw, you name it. And yes, it’s classic for a reason. Straight hair shows off the smoothness of the style well, and a tiny bit of shine serum on the ends elevates it to stunning. I love suggesting looks that easily go from a Tuesday morning meeting to a Saturday evening dinner and this bob does exactly that.
#40 Chic Soft French Bob with Playful Bangs
This bob has such a nice, approachable appearance, mostly because of how the move ment of this bob is. It is very soft all around, with the bangs, ends, and the overall shape, which makes this style very easy to wear. The subtle layers create that light and breezy sensation without looking sparse. If you are coming from longer hair, I think this is great because it will give you a change without being too drastic.
#41 Modern Asymmetrical French Bob with Soft Bangs
I appreciate the subtle soft asymmetry here which makes it interesting without being too obvious. I like the back where the layers create texture and the front is nice and smooth which is great for framing the face. This type of cut is ideal for straight or even slightly wavy hair because it creates movement that the natural texture won’t provide. The shape will depend on the blow dry so be sure to ask your stylist to teach you how to maximize your blow dry.
#42 Textured French Bob with Playful Curls
There’s no question that these curls add a lot of personality to the hair! The volume and bounce are youthful and fun. Of course, natural waves or curls work, but don’t shy away from this even if you have straight hair. The length of a straight, shorter style will only catch the weight. A light defining product is good, but be careful to avoid any crunchy formulas.
#43 Chic Layered French Bob with Subtle Face-Framing Bangs
I Really love the different layering techniques. The layers are light and not chunky which helps create movement without added bulk at the bottom. The bangs look like softer longer pieces that blend into the rest of the cut which is perfect if you want bangs but don’t want to fully commit. This type of cutting is great for fine hair.
#44 Chic Curly French Bob with Defined Texture
Look at those defined curls. That’s the beauty of a correctly executed curly cut. Each curl gets its own form and its own space. The length just above the shoulders is a really flattering sweet spot for curls because it allows them to spring up without getting too tight. A good leave-in conditioner is a great starting product for the moisture that curls need. After that, layer your styling products on top. Happy curls are hydrating curls.
#45 Textured Chocolate French Bob with Soft Face-Framing Layers
The new chocolate brown shade is super cute, and we love how warm and rich it is! It really helps the cut pop, and, along with the dimensional texturizing, helps add some depth! The face framing layers are phenomenal, and the subtle waves really just give that casual, weekend look! The best part is that if it’s close to your natural color, you may not even need to color it! Just getting the cut done will let the shape do all the work!
#46 Classic French Bob with Blunt Bangs and Soft Layers
With it’s modern feel and polished yet soft appearance, a blunt cut is a great option. This look, however, can be difficult to achieve. Hair that ends just above the shulders is a great length to give some options for fun styles, like soft curls, a ponytail, or a nice blowout. If your hair is finer, I suggest adding some volume at the root of your hair during your blowout to avoid it looking flat by midday.
#47 Chic Blunt Bob with Soft Bangs
This hairstyle is simple and easy to understand. The bangs soften what would otherwise be a very blunt and harsh cut, making it a lot friendlier. I see a good leave-in conditioner at play here, especially considering that shine, which elevates any haircut. The jaw-length hair works so well with the model’s face, and it would look great on a wide variety of face shapes.
#48 Stylish Textured French Bob with Wispy Bangs
Lavender is a great color option. It brings a modern touch to the classic French bob, and the bangs are good because they keep the cut from looking too costume-y. However, a color like this means some upkeep since pastels fade quickly, but if you like that, then on the whole, a fun color definitely pays off. Although the lengths take a lot of work, the look as a whole is still effortless.
#49 Soft Textured French Bob with Feathered Bangs
Feathered bangs give a nice and easy look, and I think I understand why the trend is so popular. The movement of the hair, combined with the way bangs frame the face, draws attention to the whole cut, which is super nice. It has an effortless appearance, but the way each piece is cut is intentional, so it can be constructed or layered. The good news is that for this style, it’s not an issue if the hair doesn’t lay perfectly, and that slight bend in the hair is actually to your benefit. It will fall into the shape of the layers on its own.
#50 Chic Textured French Bob with Soft Bangs
The chocolate color goes stunningly with this cut. The layered movements in the cut create color reflection and shifts that are altered with each movement. It really helps the hair look more dimensional. The bangs are cut to sit softly on the forehead without being too heavy. The length of the hair that is cut to just above the jawline is really flattering. I think this is one of those cuts where the color and the shape really go together well.
#51 Chic Blunt French Bob with Soft Textured Bangs
It’s a textbook case of how a good haircut speaks for itself. No embellishments needed. The blunt cut is chin length and the bangs are mellowed out enough to balance things out. The shine says everything you need to know about the health and care of the ends. In case you were wondering, the photo illustrates the point that the best haircut is the one you maintain and this clean bob is a great starting point.
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