Speaking of hair,
I recently read an article about 7 things that French women never do to their hair; a peak from How To Be Parisian Wherever You Are by Caroline de Maigret, Anne Berest and Audrey Diwan. Interesting thoughts and from my observations most of the points were true but not entirely.
Hair, French style, is definitely different to the way hair is worn in London or New York. I would say that my Francophilia has been responsible for many of my hair phases and probably the biggest reason why I like wearing my hair mostly straight. French hair has a natural look, it appears simple and non-contrived.
I never believe for a second that “natural” takes any less time than “done” and oftentimes looking natural is way harder than any other look.
1. French women never dye their hair.
“Do not dye your hair, or if you do, only in your original color to highlight it, or to hide any gray.”
French women dye their hair to appear natural and to suit their complexions. It would seem they don’t dye their hair to follow fashion trends. I haven’t seen many pastel bobs on the streets of Paris as yet. Let’s not get carried away though, French women do dye their hair. They go to a great deal of expense and time to make it appear natural. And that is the secret, natural.
2. French women never use a hairdryer.
“Do not dry your hair with a hair dryer (in fact, you might as well throw your hair dryer away) but instead use two much more environmentally friendly resources: fresh air in summer and a towel in the winter.”
If the number of hair salons in Paris buzzing with blow dryers are anything to go by I doubt that this is true. Younger women may follow this lead but not all.
3. French women never wash their hair every day
“It’s not worth washing your hair every day, as it’s usually on the following day…that your hair gains a certain weight that in turn gives it the right volume when tied up in a bun.”
Second day hair is usually the best. Slightly messy with a little more texture, always works for me.
4.
French women never accessorize their hair.
“There’s no point in accessorizing your hair.”
French women don’t wear clips and bands, sparkles or colour in their hair. Simplicity and natural always the key.
5.
French women never leave the house with wet hair.
“Whenever possible, wash your hair in the evening rather in the morning, so as not to leave the house with wet hair.”
I had never thought about this but it’s true, I haven’t seen it. Would we do that anyway?
6. French women never forget the power of scent.
“A touch of perfume on your hair, behind your ear, or on the nape of your neck, never did anyone any harm…”
True, true, true.
7. French women never complain about the heat.
“Bless that magical time in the summer when your hair, with some sea water and sunshine, becomes simply perfect: a little bit rough, a little bit lighter, and a little bit salty.”
Forgive me, I am obviously not French. I complain all the time about humidity and getting my hair wet… ;)
Are you feeling French when It comes to your hair? xv
How To Be Parisian Wherever You Are by Caroline de Maigret, Anne Berest and Audrey Diwan
image of jeanne damas and article byrdie.com
