As a style, elegant twist and sophisticated French roll hairstyle badly is making a comeback in today’s fashion scene. The iconic updo remains popular today, but its infamy during the 1990s began with Black women’s love affair with the style for its versatility and chic elegance. In an era where French Roll was synonymous with class and refinement, the French roll came from options when Whitney Houston inspired women all over the world with her look from the ‘Waiting to Exhale’ film. This beloved hairstyle is back, not as a passing fad, but as a viable option for the style conscious of today.
The French roll’s appeal is in its forebear appeal of being both formally right and unexpectedly elastic considering different events. An elegantly twisted vertically twisted cone shape along the back of the head, ended with cascading curls that run down the body and a rose-shaped bun provides this updo a more personal flair. Renowned hairstylist Dontay Savoy, who has noted the French roll’s comeback over the years and has seen it return in the latest wave; Cardi B, Megan Thee Stallion, Keke Palmer and Victoria Monet are all examples of stars who have carried the French roll torch in the last decade.
Its cultural impact extends beyond mere style. A celebration of individuality and identity, a multitude of which make up its many forms acts as a medium for personal expression. French roll comes in all styles from sleek and polished to braids and decorative clips; reinvent it any way you wish. It has also won over younger generations, reimagining this way on platforms such as TikTok.
Moreover, the French roll’s resurgence highlights a broader trend within fashion and beauty: revival of a retro styles with a contemporary twist. It’s not pure nostalgia—this is about trying to reengage with the past, even if that means mixing it with the present. This French roll trend exemplifies bridging the generations and placing timeless style in today’s trend, making it the perfect example of the current offshoot.
To this day, French roll is praised for its practicality. Such a hairstyle can last up to two weeks without restyling, say Savoy and other hair experts, if proper care is taken and styling is followed. It’s perfect for someone who wants low maintenance and stylish at the same time. Though it looks complicated, the French roll is actually done with so few tools: bobby pins and a good holding spray are all you need to keep it together.
One of the best things about this French roll is that it can easily fit all the way from short hairs to long hairs. However, for naturally kinky or curly haired people, the style affords them the chance to continue presenting a sleek and polished finish after a thorough wash, and straightening by the straightener or hair straightening iron. On the other hand, those with straight hair can make their aesthetic better by curling or adding tendrils to the face that give it depth and structure.
While it may sound difficult, the art of pulling that French roll off is simpler than it looks if you have the right tools and some practice. We’ll walk through the nitty gritty of how to get this timelessly chic look exactly right, so that be it a glamorous evening, or a chic daytime event, your French roll will have people turning to you to admire.
Let’s get your bake together starting with your supplies. You’ll need bobby pins in spades, a boar bristle brush to smooth things out and a trusty holding spray. However, if you’re hoping for a smooth look, you want to start with straightened hair, for instance, if your base hair type is curly or kinky. The ideal canvas for styling is a smooth, bone straight canvas.
Twist your hair into a low pony, leaving out any pieces you want to add for face framing tendrils or bangs. Until now, this has been a necessary first step towards the French roll’s signature twist. Once your ponytail is wrapped, pull it up and tuck ends into a roll. While creating this beautiful spiral, be generous with your bobby pins; you’re going to want to use them to secure the roll from the bottom and the top. The strength is always in the pins, so go crazy with them, there’s always too many that you can actually use.
For those with short hair or anyone seeking added volume, a ponytail extension can truly transform your look, offering a game-changing boost. Simply flip your braid upside down, pull your hair upward, and secure it with pins, ensuring it’s safe to attach the extension. This extra volume not only enhances the fullness of your roll but also opens up the door to added sophistication and flair.
Now that your French roll is in place, it’s time to focus on the finer details. If you wish to soften the overall appearance, consider curling the ends to create lovely face-framing tendrils. To ensure your stunning updo lasts from day into night, finish by giving it a spritz of strong hold spray, locking in that beautiful style.
If you are looking to take the classic French roll to the next level there are plenty of contemporary takes to make yours your own. There’s a version for every taste whether a voluminous 90’s inspired roll or a chic half up twist. For instance, the half up style is the tradition art French roll with a special twist, great for proms, weddings. It has a unique silhouette, unique compared to the classic forms, and the extra volume around the back of the neck is utterly gorgeous.
The beauty of the French roll lies in its versatility, allowing you to experiment with various elements to find the perfect combination that suits your personal style. This timeless hairstyle balances elegance with adaptability, making it suitable for both formal events and casual outings around town.
Embrace the return of the French roll in your hairstyling repertoire and savor its revival. As you master the art of this iconic updo, you’ll quickly understand its irresistible charm – a hairstyle that transcends time and instantly elevates your look with elegance and sophistication.
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