French Haircuts British Girls Are Asking for Right Now

In my job as a beauty editor, I speak to hairstylists on the daily to find out what hair trends are big news. And hairdressers and salons always deliver the best insights, whether it be autumn/winter hair color trends that we need to know about or the trending haircuts the the fashion set is booking in for.

While we might see hair trends crop up on social channels like Instagram and TikTok, they're not always reflective of the hairstyles that are really trending. Busy salons, however, see first-hand the haircuts and colours that people are booking in for.

What's more, choosing a new haircut can be an overwhelming task. You might want something low-maintenance, or maybe you're looking for some short-haircut inspiration. So I asked some of the top London salons and hairstylists to share the cuts that their clients are actually asking for. Read ahead to find out the haircuts that are taking London by storm right now, as well as the top hair products to maintain the look at home. Salon-worthy hair ahead!

The Amélie Bob

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(Image credit: @frannfyne)

"The bob haircut continues to reign supreme as the It cut for 2022, and autumn 2022 will see the bob take on a Parisian feel with a statement fringe and wavy, undone texture," says Wella craft expert Jordanna Cobella. "Perfectly framing the neck and jawline, the Amélie bob helps to create structure and definition, flattering most facial shapes."

This haircut also makes a great in-between haircut if you're growing out a short hairstyle. "What's great about this cut is that it can be a transitional look, such as a grown-out Pixie or a statement cut from longer lengths," says Cobella.

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(Image credit: @champagnemani )

The Amélie bob haircut looks great on all hair textures.

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(Image credit: @pomelokiwi)

"The Amélie Bob is worn best with a slight wave and texture. Before blow-drying, spritz the hair with Wella Professionals EIMI Sugar Lift Spray ($20)," says Cobella. "This lightweight styling spray creates hold and texture and allows you to create a 'lived-in' look that the Amélie bob needs."

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(Image credit: @sylviemus_ )

A blunt cut creates a stylish shape.

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(Image credit: @lefevrediary)

Carefully placed layers allow movement and that covetable undone texture.

The French Bob

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(Image credit: @melodiebance)

Similar to the Amélie cut, the French bob is another popular haircut that stylists are seeing requested in salons. "The most-requested hairstyle in my chair this summer has to be a French-style bob with retro bangs—it has been so, so popular," says Marz Cielen, senior stylist at Billi Currie. "So many of my clients have been willing to let go of their lengths and have been ready for a dramatic change. I know it's been said, but I really do think the pandemic changed people's approach so many things, and hairstyles are definitely one of them."

"This short, undone style is normally paired with a long fringe or bangs and heaps of texture. What I love most is its versatility; there are loads of variations of the cut, which makes it adaptable for all hair types and face shapes whilst still being super easy to maintain." 

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(Image credit: @aida.bdji )

"For straighter hair types, the French Bob can look great slightly longer without a fringe. For wavy types, I would suggest taking it slightly shorter in length, as it makes it easier to style and gives that super-undone feel," says Cielen. "And for curly hair types, I think the shorter, the better, as you can really play with the hair structure to create more angular shapes, but you can also create a gorgeous French style with slightly more length, depending how you like to style your curls."

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(Image credit: @pomelokiwi)

"For styling naturally curly, coily or wavy hair, I always recommend using Session Label The Mousse and The Define by Schwarzkopf Professional in towel-dried hair to prep. Then allow your hair to air-dry or gently diffuse—this combination won't disappoint," says Cielen.

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(Image credit: @salome.mory)

A longer length looks particularly chic if you want to keep some of the length in your hair. Opt for a blunt finish to keep it feeling modern.

The "Je Ne Sais Quois" Blow-Dry

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(Image credit: @juliesfi)

French women are known for their effortless style, and the same goes for their hair. If you wear your hair long, you'll want to work with your stylist to select some face-framing layers to create that just-rolled-out-of-bed hair.

"The Neville haircut, which oozes that je ne sais quoi French flair, is a great way to give your hair shape, movement and versatility, without losing length," says Jack Merrick-Thirlway, creative director of Neville Hair & Beauty. "The most important factor of any haircut is the shape that cuts around the face, as this determines whether the look suits or not. This haircut really is about the face framing layers that we then use to choose layer length and base length to create balance for the overall look," he adds.

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A soft wave is a fail-safe way to tap into that effortless French-girl look.

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Rounded layers pave the way for bouncy blow-dries, which look particularly good on second-day hair.

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(Image credit: @camillecharriere)

A couple of tactical face-framing layers can highlight your best features.

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(Image credit: @aida.bdji )

Wave hello to tumbling waves, which always look stylish.

French Hairstyling Essentials

Up Next: 3 French Hair Cuts L.A. Girls Are Asking for Right Now

This post originally appeared on Who What Wear UK.

Beauty Editor, Who What Wear UK

Eleanor Vousden is the beauty editor of Who What Wear UK. She was previously deputy editor at Hairdressers Journal, health writer at Woman & Home and junior beauty editor at beauty website Powder. She has also contributed to Wallpaper and Elle Collections with written and styling work.

Working as a beauty journalist since 2015 after graduating in fashion journalism at the London College of Fashion, she has been highly commended at the BSME Talent Awards and also contributed to Powder, winning Website of the Year at the PPA Awards for her work in beauty journalism.

Eleanor’s journalistic focus is to provide readers with honest and helpful beauty content. Through words, video and live broadcast, she has interviewed several celebrity makeup artists, hairstylists and top dermatologists throughout her career. She has a particular interest in finding solutions for acne and eczema, which she has experienced firsthand. She has also amassed a large collection of fragrances and can never say no to a new candle.

When she’s not writing or testing the latest beauty product or treatments, she’s on the seafront in her hometown of Brighton and Hove, where she lives with her partner.