The French Haircut Rule That Parisians Swear By

All products are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.

The secret to a French haircut? Get curtain bangs, an effortless and classic style that looks good on truly everyone.

During my last trip to the City of Light, the vast majority of Parisians I saw strolling down Rue de Rivoli or perusing the glittering shop windows of Place Vendôme were wearing the flattering haircut. Some wore it with long, straight hair à la Jane Birkin or Françoise Hardy, while others had slightly shorter, layered cuts like Catherine Deneuve or Brigitte Bardot. All had bangs—curtain bangs, to be more precise.

It’s easy to understand why the cut has become so highly requested at salons. It’s genuinely the most flattering fringe for all face shapes, it’s easy to style, and it doesn’t require as much maintenance as straight bangs. Plus, it’s chic. See what I mean?

Jane BirkinPatrice Picot/Getty Images

Françoise HardyGetty Images

Catherine DeneuveGETTY IMAGES, GTRESONLINE

Brigitte BardotEvening Standard/Getty Images

So what types of face shapes work best with curtain bangs?You’ve likely heard some “rule” about which type of faces are best suited to bangs, but there are plenty of tips about how to determine a cut that will work for you regardless of face shape. In fact, one of the best-known guidelines, which has recently gained popularity on TikTok, is based on a simple math trick that many French women already follow.

First, measure the height of your forehead with your fingers, one on top of the other. If three fingers fit, write a 1 on a piece of paper. If there are four, a 2, and if you can fit five fingers, then a 3.Next, determine which part of your face is widest. If it’s your forehead, write a 1; for the cheeks, a 2, and if it’s your chin, then a 3.Finally, check whether the distance between your eyebrows is greater or smaller than the width of one of your eyes. If it’s larger, the number will be 1; if it’s smaller, then 2.After these three steps, you’ll have a three-digit number. Here’s what they mean:

If the number for your face is 111, 121, 221, or 231, then bangs might not be the best cut for you.For sequences 222, 321, 312, 212, and 322, then bangs should work well with your face shape.If the number is 131, 112, 122, 132, 232, 311, 331, or 332, then the perfect fringe would be curtain bangs.What haircuts work well with bangs?As we mentioned, curtain bangs are probably the most flattering style across the board, plus it’s an easy way to look fresh and modern. Super versatile, it looks great with loose hair as well as all kinds of ponytails and updos.

However, a layered cut works best with curtain bangs, because when you combine them you quickly notice movement, body, and volume no matter the length or texture. If you have fine hair, the long layers add volume; with thick hair, the inner or “invisible” layers help bring that same volume under control. A layered cut with curtain bangs is also perfect if you’re in the process of growing that fringe out.

Bottom line: If you’ve been tempted by bangs, it’s time to do it. No regrets.

What about styling a French haircut?The beauty of curtain bangs lies in its effortless finish, hence why it’s so beloved in France. Not to mention, you don’t need to spend as much time styling as you might with straight bangs. The more natural and undone they look, the better.

When it comes to styling a French haircut like this, all you need to do is blow-dry the bangs forward instead of to the sides with your hand or a round brush. Once dry, part your hair and see how the fringe sweeps back into the rest of the cut.

If hair styling isn’t your forte, you can always use a few tools to help get the look. A good round brush is key as well as texturizing spray, which adds volume and fixes the hair in place without weighing it down. A blow-dryer brush can work well here too. Use dry shampoo for a little grit and texture as needed. And that’s how you get the perfect French haircut.

Balmain Hair Ceramic Round Brush

Living Proof Full Dry Volume & Texture Spray

Shark SmoothStyle Heated Comb & Blow-Dryer Brush

K18 AirWash Dry Shampoo

A version of this article was previously published in Vogue Spain.