Photo by © La Bonne Brosse
There’s something quietly enviable about French women and their hair. It’s rarely overdone, never over-styled. Whether tucked into a loose bun at the nape of the neck or left to dry in soft waves, it carries an effortless, almost accidental beauty.
At the heart of this look is a less-is-more philosophy — one that embraces natural texture, minimal fuss and a few thoughtful rituals that go a long way, especially in summer. Afternoons by the sea, hours spent in the sun and the drying effects of chlorine or saltwater can leave hair brittle and thirsty. But instead of splurging at the salon, French women turn to simple routines and time-tested tools to protect and nourish their hair, even in the hottest months.
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This isn’t the season for over-washing or elaborate styling. A nourishing pre-wash mask, a gentle shampoo, and a lightweight SPF spray are often all that’s needed. A puff of root powder revives second-day hair, a gloss of oil softens dry ends and a natural bristle brush or chic pin keeps things effortlessly in place.
Ultimately, the French approach favours ease: a few smart products and perhaps a supplement or two to support growth from within — et voilà. Healthy, lived-in hair with minimal effort. Just a little care, and the rest falls beautifully into place.
Prewash: A French Woman’s Secret to Smooth Hair
Before shampoo even comes into play, French women often begin with a protective layer. The Nuxe Pre-Shampoo Nourishing Mask is a perfect first step — infused with rice proteins and sesame oil, it coats the hair fibre to prevent dryness from cleansing — especially essential after sun exposure. Unlike heavier masks that weigh hair down, this light oil leaves no residue, just soft, supple strands with a healthy sheen and luxurious scent. A once-weekly application (before showering) is all that is needed — proving, once again, that consistency beats complexity.
Shampoo and Conditioner: Cleaning with Care
Cleansing doesn’t have to strip the hair of its natural oils—and in fact, French women prefer it doesn’t. They tend to avoid harsh ingredients in favour of gentle, plant-based formulas that care for the scalp as much as the strands. Klorane’s Oat Milk Shampoo and Conditioner is a quiet staple in many French bathrooms, and it offers exactly that. Infused with softening oat milk and developed in the South of France, the duo soothes and hydrates without weighing hair down, making it ideal for frequent washes after days in the sun or sea. Sustainably sourced and lightly scented, it embodies the French approach to beauty: effective, uncomplicated, and always kind to the body.
Hair Serums: Protect and Nourish
Sun protection isn’t just for skin—and French women know their hair deserves the same care. Many turn to specially formulated hair SPFs like Davines SU Milk, a featherlight leave-in spray that forms an invisible shield against UV rays, salt, and chlorine, all of which can leave summer hair brittle and dull. Beloved for its clean formulas and slow beauty ethos, Davines—a thoughtful Italian brand with a loyal French following—blends science with sustainability to create products that protect without buildup. This milk is exactly the kind of quiet multitasker French women love: softening, shielding, and subtly fragrant, without ever feeling sticky or fussy, just an easy spray-and-go solution.
Hair Brushes: Beauty in the Everyday
The French know that the right brush is just as important as the right shampoo. La Bonne Brosse has become a go-to for its beautifully made tools that combine form and function — designed not just to detangle, but to care. Their brushes blend boar and nylon bristles to gently smooth, stimulate the scalp, and distribute natural oils from root to tip, helping hair stay soft and strong without over-manipulating it. Handmade in France, they embody that French mindset of choosing fewer, better things — especially in summer, when hair is more delicate and needs extra respect, not rough handling.
Styling: Adding Texture or Finesse
On days when you want to skip a wash, Violette_FR’s Frange Puff is the ultimate trick. A weightless root powder that revives volume and absorbs oil, it freshens up the scalp without disturbing the lived-in texture. Created by French makeup artist Violette Serrat, this powder is as stylish as it is effective. It comes in a handbag-friendly puff applicator, and adds touchable lift at the roots.
Pro Tip: Follow with a few drops of Rouje’s hair oil on your ends, for a soft, refined finish.
Accessories: Simple Styling
Hair accessories, too, follow the French rule of subtle utility. La Bonne Brosse’s Pic à Chignon is a perfect example. A sculptural pin designed to hold hair in place without pulling or denting, it creates shape without disrupting the natural flow of the hair. Handmade in France and carved from durable acetate, it reflects that same less-is-more ethos — no elastics, no tight updos, just an easy, elegant way to wear your hair up when the temperature rises.
Accessories: Simple Styling
True to their holistic mindset, French women understand that healthy hair begins at the root. AIME’s Hair & Brush Duo pairs a targeted supplement — rich in biotin, zinc, and nourishing plant extracts — with a silicone scalp massager. Designed to boost circulation and encourage growth, the routine is refreshingly simple. One capsule a day, a few gentle strokes across the scalp and let your body take care of the rest.