There are only a few things I know to be undeniably true. First, the best hair days tend to happen when you have no plans and you're not going to be leaving the house (naturally). Second, a breakout is sure to appear on the eve of a big event, like a birthday, job interview, graduation, or wedding (it's just the way it is). Third, French-girl beauty will never go out of style (this is an absolute).
The latter has been proven time and time again. Whether it's the popularity of French beauty brands or trending French skincare secrets, everyone knows there's a classic and timeless aspect to it. And that's certainly true when it comes to French hairstyles, like Birkin bangs.
Popularized by French icon Jane Birkin in the '60s, these bangs are short, slightly feathered, and universally flattering. Celebrities are proof of that. Everyone from Anne Hathaway to Jenna Ortega, Emily Ratajkowski, and Zendaya has opted for them. Keep scrolling to see them all. Plus, learn how to get them (and style them), according to a top hairstylist.
According to Tatum Neill, Creative Director of Aveda Arts & Sciences Institute, "Birkin Bangs are a soft version of a full framed fringe that dates back to '60s fashion icon Jane Birkin. They have a square shape to them much like the Hermès Birkin Bag but they do not read as geometric and blunt."
He recommends bringing photos to the salon so you get the exact result you desire. "The best way to ensure you get the right look is to come with photos and an idea of where you want them to sit. They can be placed below, at, or above the eyebrow and should extend beyond the eyes and open up your face. Be sure to discuss your hair texture and growth patterns to ensure that they sit right and don't pop up too much when you style at home. The bangs should be cut with a little disheveled precession so they maintain a square shape but feel soft and piecey."
Getting the right cut is half the battle. Styling them is the other half. Luckily, Neill has some advice for that, too. Start with clean, damp hair and blow dry your bangs with a small paddle brush or a fine-tooth comb. "You want to follow your brush or comb with your blow-dryer with a back-and-forth movement so the hair doesn't part in any particular direction," he explains. "Once dry you can use a lightweight hair spray like Aveda's Air Control ($29) to piece some of the ends together to give it that effortless French look." Easy, right?
The Modern Take
Jenna Ortega's bangs are full and shiny and pretty much perfect.
Anne Hathaway has been embracing a mod aesthetic lately, and her Birkin Bangs are proof.
If there's a poster child for modern-day Birkin Bangs, it's Dakota Johnson.
Jourdann Dunn's Birkin Bangs look sleek and modern thanks to her slick-straight strands.
Emily Ratajkoski opts for longer bangs with rounded volume at the root.
Lily Collins proves Birkin Bangs compliment a red-carpet up-do.
Who can forget the Birkin Bangs Zendaya debuted at the London Film Festival? They look effortless and windswept when paired with her tousled curls. We're obsessed.
Shop Essential Products to Style Birkin Bangs
This styling foam doubles as a heat protectant.
We also love this heat protectant from Living Proof.
Section your hair and separate your bangs with these crease-free clips.
This is one of our favorite hair dryers for damage-free styles.
This light-hold hairspray won't leave strands feeling stiff or crunchy.
A touch of shine serum never hurts.
Nor does a volumizing product for lift à la Emily Ratajkowski.
Next: The Fashion Crowd Says This Retro Hairstyle Is Back—Here's How to Modernize It