BEAUTY

Parisian Chic: The Return Of Statement Hair

Trés chic!

When it comes to looking effortlessly chic, Parisian women have it down to a fine art.

Whether they are pairing perfectly tailored basics with minimalist accessories that pack maximum punch, or they’re rocking a “just woke up but I look flawless” beauty look, French women have a certain je ne sais quoi when it comes to all things style.

It’s a philosophy that also extends to their hair. Famous for chic, simple hairstyles, the Parisian woman knows how to make a statement with her strands.

So, in 2022, we’re embracing our inner French girl and rocking dreamy, effortlessly undone statement hair of our own. Here’s how we’re doing it.

The Cut

The key to French-inspired statement hair? A cut that works with your natural texture, that requires minimal maintenance and is effortless to style.

Curtain bangs or face-framing strands are the perfect mix of ‘Parisian pretty’ and timeless chic. Plus, they work for hair no matter if it’s naturally textured and wavy, or whether it errs on the straighter side.  

The Parisian-style cut is all about texture and softness. Think face-framing strands or curtain bangs.
The Parisian-style cut is all about texture and softness. Think face-framing strands or curtain bangs. (Credit: Getty)

Of course, the French bob will always be in style, with the 2022 iterations of this classic cut focusing on softness. While the term ‘bob’ once conjured up images of blunt, sharp lines, the Parisian woman wants texture, with a cut that works with the hair’s natural movement.

And the golden rule of a Parisian-inspired cut? Something that can be styled to look like it’s, well, not styled at all.

The Colour

Just like the cut, the colour must be soft, diffused, and natural. Think melted and perfectly blended highlights, that are still multi-dimensional.

‘French Glossing’ is a trend fast taking over salons around the world—a professional 2-step gradient colour service that offers root coverage and weightless, glossy lengths.

Permanent hair colour is applied at the roots, and glossy lengths are then personalised using Dia Light colour—L’Oréal Professionnel’s ammonia free gel-cream colour that neutralises undertones and enhances and revives colour on lengths, leaving hair with an incredible shine.

‘French Glossing’ is a professional colour service offering root coverage, and glossy lengths. Image: L’Oréal Professionnel.
‘French Glossing’ is a professional colour service offering root coverage, and glossy lengths. Image: L’Oréal Professionnel.

It’s the perfect pairing for a subtle twist on the balayage trend—French Shadow Balayage. Creating shadow from root to tips, the technique offers seamlessly blended and neutralised colour.

While the ‘traditional’ balayage trend is going nowhere fast, this is a more dramatic look, offering even more contrast between roots and lengths, without compromising on the hair’s quality and strength.

The Style

Perfectly straight strands? In the words of the French, mais non! When it comes to Parisian-inspired styling, it’s all about natural movement and texture.

Try using straightening tools to create soft bends and waves in the hair for a soft and dreamy look. Or, for a more tousled style, use hands to scrunch wet hair before drying or use texturising sprays and products designed to add volume and movement.

It’s all about movement and texture when it comes to French-inspired hair styling.
It’s all about movement and texture when it comes to French-inspired hair styling. (Credit: Getty)

When it comes to nonchalant hair that still makes a statement, products that smooth frizz without weighing hair down, while still offering moisturising and protecting properties are your best friend.

An effortlessly cool cut, seamlessly blended colour and undone, tousled waves? Trés chic!

The longest running hairdressing competition in the world is back. This year’s L’Oréal Professionnel Style & Colour Trophy theme is “FRENCH EDITO”, with professionals encouraged to expose new French-inspired hair trends and showcase their potential. Enter now here.

Brought to you by L’Oréal Professionnel.

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