Paris fashion week brings out the finest of the French style set and when we’re not coveting their wardrobes, we’re obsessing over their hair. Effortlessly chic and always in excellent condition, French fashion editor hair seems to transcend all seasonal hair trends. They know what works, and they stick to it. But what exactly is it, and how do they get it? Here, we reveal the six things the likes of Emmanuelle Alt, Jennifer Neyt and Camille Charriere do to their hair, that you don’t…
By Liz Hambleton
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1 They have 'dry' haircuts
Long, leisurely salon trips are not an option for this jet-setting bunch. They squeeze their trims in during fashion shoots when obliging hair stylists will perform what is known in the industry as a ‘quick dry trim.’ Despite the obvious time-saving benefits of skipping the pre-washing and post blow-drying process, a dry trim creates a softer, looser cut that makes the most of your hair’s natural movement. Even with the best will (and skill) in the word, a wet trim can easily take that all important extra half an inch off. It might not sound much, but it can be the difference between having a get-up-and-go cut, or requiring laborious daily styling to make it sit well. Especially important for curly hair.
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2 They embrace their natural hair texture
What is it about us British women? If we're born with glorious curls we dedicate our life to ironing then out and if we're blessed with poker straight hair we spend serious amounts of money cultivating waves.The French believe in working with what nature gave you and making the very best of it. Making it your signature in fact, something half French stylist Julia Sarr-Jamois has done perfectly. The beauty of embracing your natural hair texture is that you'll save hours on hair prep and styling, not to mention giving it the break if can so often need in order to grow. And don't forget, a great hairstylist will always know how to give you a cut that works with, rather than against your hair.
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3 They don't do styling products, they do leave in conditioners
You’d never catch the likes of Paris Vogue Editor Emmanuelle Alt with a ‘do.’ For her, the thought of looking done is so far removed from her daily aesthetic you might as well ask her to wear a ball gown to work (Which she would of course look impossibly chic in) But in order to pull off ‘undone’ (Without looking messy) the products you use need to work hard AND be invisible to the naked eye. Step up leave in conditioners, every fashion editors must-pack product. Apply it onto damp hair post-shower and you’ll get a double dose of long-lasting nourishment and natural looking texture control. No styling products required. We can highly recommend Wella Professionals Elements Leave In Conditioner Spray, £13.55.
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4 They air dry, not blow-dry
If you can't imagine going without your daily blowout then look away now. The number one thing every French fashion insider does that you don't, is let their hair dry naturally. Leaving it to do it's own thing guarantees a relaxed, casual appeal that a classic blow dry completely flies in the face of. One of our favourites, Anne-Lourde Mais is never without her perfectly air-dried wavy, bronde bob, a look that is only enhanced by the natural drying process. If you still need your regular salon hit, then many blowdry bars now offer a rough drying service which gives the 'air-dried' effect for those who can't cope going totally hairdryer-free.
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5 They get a 'grown out' colour
The French have had a long love affair with ‘grown out’ colour. Back in the 70s, Parisian salon Carita invented a technique to give their fashionable clients a laid back hair colour. Today, this technique is known as balayage and is probably one of the most requested effects across the world. Stealth fashion brunettes like stylist Geraldine Saglio go straight to balayage because it allows them to inject a touch of warmth into their hair, without making it look ‘coloured.’ Remember, looking like you've just stepped out of the salon is not the aim here..
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6 They wear their hair low, and loose
French, fashion influencer Camille Charriere is one woman who knows how to leverage an everyday hair style such as the ponytail. Wearing it (and any other hairstyle for that matter) low, at the nape of the neck instantly creates a feeling of dressed-down elegance. Add in a few pulled out tousles around the face and a utilitarian hair accessory or two and you're fit for the front row. The same applies to ballet buns, twist and even braids.