She’s chic, she’s French, and she is everywhere. We’re talking about the Parisian bob, the trendy cropped cut that’s being worn by everyone from major celebs to unfathomably cool people posing in those street style pics or casually showing off their new look on Insta. 

“The Parisian bob is a vibe,” says Monique McMahon, hairstylist and ambassador for Christophe Robin. “The look is classy yet effortless—think Coco Chanel in the ‘30s.” She says while it never goes out of style, it does get little updates and trend surges and that’s exactly what we’re seeing right now.  Let’s explore this season’s iteration of this iconic fave.

What Is the Parisian Bob? 

The Parisian bob has been around for a long time, originating as a rebellious “look what I can do?” response to the notion that women had to wear long hair. Though it dates back to the roaring ‘20s when bobs were everywhere, the Parisian bob has enjoyed several iterations over the years. 

“The new version of the Parisian bob has a more modern finish,” McMahon says. “It’s cut to the jawline, slightly blunt with lots of texture and movement, and maybe comes with a little fringe. It still looks effortless but chic, letting the natural movement of your hair shine.” 

The idea is that it celebrates your hair’s texture for a healthier, more natural look and feel. McMahon, who says she’s “obsessed with these snack-sized bobs,” notes that it’s definitely one of the key trends of the season. You can see it on Taylor La Shae’s micro version or Yesly’s take, among so many others. 

Styling and Maintaining the Parisian Bob 

Good news: the Parisian bob is relatively low maintenance, and its versatility means you can adapt it to your own needs.

“It comes down to your lifestyle and face shape rather than hair type,” McMahon says. “Talk to your stylist to make sure you get the perfect length for your features, and think about how much time you have to recreate the look in the morning.” 

She recommends a maintenance cut every four to six weeks to keep things looking polished and French girl chic. And depending on your hair texture, you can apply a leave-in product and let it air dry to show off your hair’s natural movement. Or, when styling with hot tools, you can add a bit of bend to the look with a medium-sized curling iron or blow dryer and round brush. 

As with any hairstyle, healthy strands are key. ‘Reach for lightweight, hydrating shampoos that plump the hair leaving it shiny, defined and smooth,” McMahon advises. She also recommends a weekly scalp treatment to keep roots fresh and light, and you can use a root booster when styling to help do more of the same.