The French Roll Hairstyle Is Making a Comeback—Here’s How to Get the Look

The French roll, in all its retro Parisian chicness, is officially making a comeback. A little bit sexy and understated, this twist-and-tuck updo hairstyle is popping up everywhere from brunch to the office. Celebs like Keke Palmer, Gigi Hadid, and Taylor Swift have also played a role in making the French roll popular again on the red carpet. 

“I think the slicked-back and snatched ponytails have been popular for a while now, so we are searching for something more effortless and nicer for the hair,” says Kimberly Gueldner, a celebrity stylist and founder of VOËL. “Having your hair slicked back all of the time can cause breakage to the hairline, so it’s also nice to switch it up.” 

Best of all? You can wear it both casually and formally. Here’s how to get the look. 

What Is the French Roll Hairstyle?

The French roll is an elevated updo where hair is smoothly gathered and rolled across the back of the head. Not to be confused with the French twist—which is a bit more formal and sleek-looking—the French roll is more voluminous and rounded, often appearing as a soft, wrapped fold.

“Glamorous French actresses from the ’60s, like Brigitte Bardot, often worn updos—perhaps this is the origin of its name,” says Mayara Macedo, a hairstylist at The Second Floor Salon. “It can be dressed up and down for significant events, and a little undone version works for day-to-day use.”

How to Do a French Roll

The French roll hairstyle works best with medium to long hair. If you have a shorter style, Macedo says you can still try the look with help from clip-in extensions or ponytail.

Step 1: Gather Supplies

You’ll need the following supplies to do a French roll hairstyle:

• Texturizing product
• Bobby pins
• Hairspray
• Finishing spray

Step 2: Apply Texturizing Spray

Start with clean, dry hair. “If your hair is very fine or silky, add some texture with a little mousse or texturizing spray,” Macedo says. This will help your hair stay in place while adding a little volume and dimension.

Step 3: Gather Hair to One Side

Sweep all your hair over to one side and hold it in place with bobby pins in a vertical line along the back of your head.

Step 4: Twist

Macedo says, “Take the loose hair and twist it upward, directing it back to the center of your head and tuck the ends into the roll.” Secure with bobby pins to keep the twist in place. You can also use some pins along the twist.

Step 5: Style

Adjust as needed, “pulling out a few wisps for a softer look or smoothing the surface for a more polished finish,” Macedo instructs. “If you have bangs, you can either pull them back with the rest of the hair, or leave them out and style in your preferred way—split in the middle or to the side.”

Step 6: Finish with Hairspray

Finish with a spritz of medium hold hairspray to keep everything in place. Some shine spray can also help create a glossy finish that catches the light.