French chic

Taylor Lashae sports the French bob hair. Pic/Getty Images

When it comes to effortless, cool girl-chic, few hairstyles hold as much pizzazz as the classic French bob. While at once sexy and low maintenance, the super-short length (the bob typically ends right above the chin) adds an element of fun and quirkiness. The style is said to have its roots in the chic bobs worn by French actresses, often under stylish berets, in the 1920s. "This style is often worn with bangs and is cut blunt at the ends. It adds some volume without requiring too much upkeep. It's also surprisingly versatile as it works well with a variety of hair textures and face shapes," explains hairstylist Drishya Bhagyanath.

Drishya Bhagyanath

Style it right

When it comes to this hairstyle, getting the proportions right is very important, Bhagyanath notes, pointing out that the tips of the bob should hit the corner of your mouth and the fringe should sit just above the brow. There's no heavy layering involved, which adds to the style's fuss-free appeal. While the idea of this hairstyle is to embrace your hair's natural texture, depending on the outfit you pair it with, you can choose a tousled or a super-sleek finish. "Keeping in mind the desired outcome, use a little gel or texturising spray on your hair," she suggests.

Making it last

Since these bobs grow out evenly, the style is longer lasting, which makes maintenance a breeze. "Unlike some styles that can look a little jagged, the French bob looks good at longer lengths as well. If you are keen to maintain a super short length, get your hair trimmed every six-to-eight-weeks," Bhagyanath advises. She adds that while the style suits most faces, if your face is long or heart-shaped, consider getting a longer bob that skims your shoulders or a chunky layered bob that ends right below the chin.