The effortlessly chic "messy morning after" look—a hallmark of French girl style—is less about a chaotic mess and more about achieving a subtly undone, naturally beautiful aesthetic. It's the art of looking like you woke up like this, even if you spent an hour perfecting it. This guide will walk you through mastering this coveted look.
Understanding the French Girl Aesthetic
Before diving into the specifics, let's define the core elements:
- Natural Texture: This look celebrates your hair's natural texture, whether it's straight, wavy, or curly. Avoid overly styled, perfect curls or sleek, straight hair. Embrace the imperfections.
- Subtle Undones: Think slightly tousled waves, loose braids that have come undone, or a softly textured ponytail. It's about looking relaxed and chic, not meticulously perfect.
- Minimalist Approach: French girl style is about less is more. Avoid heavy makeup and overly complicated hairstyles. Keep it simple and elegant.
- Effortless Cool: The key is to appear as if you haven't tried too hard. The look should feel natural and approachable, not contrived or overly done.
Getting the Look: Step-by-Step Guide
Here's how to achieve the perfect messy morning after French girl hair:
1. Prep Your Hair the Night Before
This is where the magic happens! Don't wash your hair the night before. Second-day hair provides the perfect base for this textured style. However, if your hair is excessively oily, consider dry shampooing before bed.
Pro Tip: Braiding your hair loosely before bed will add natural waves and texture.
2. Wake Up and Refresh
Gently run your fingers through your hair to break up any knots or tangles. Avoid aggressive brushing, as this will remove the natural texture you've worked so hard to create.
3. Add Texture (Optional)
Depending on your hair type, you might want to add some extra texture. A texturizing spray or sea salt spray can help to enhance waves and add volume. Apply sparingly and scrunch your hair gently to distribute the product evenly.
Product Recommendation: Look for products that provide light hold and enhance natural texture. Avoid anything that leaves your hair feeling stiff or crunchy.
4. Styling Your Messy Morning After Hair
Here are a few styling options to achieve the perfect look:
- Air-dried waves: Simply let your hair air dry naturally after applying texturizing spray (if needed). This is the most effortless option and provides a truly undone look.
- Loose braids: If you braided your hair the night before, gently pull apart the braid to create a more relaxed and wavy look.
- Low bun or ponytail: For a more polished yet still relaxed look, try a low, slightly messy bun or ponytail. Leave some strands loose to frame your face.
- Side part: A deep side part adds a touch of sophistication to the overall look.
5. The Finishing Touches
Keep makeup minimal—think a touch of mascara, some tinted lip balm, and perhaps a light blush. The focus should always be on effortless beauty.
Maintaining the Look Throughout the Day
The key to maintaining this look is to avoid over-styling. Use your fingers to gently refresh your hair throughout the day, rather than using a brush. A small amount of dry shampoo can also help absorb excess oil and maintain volume.
Embrace Your Natural Beauty
The "messy morning after" French girl look is all about embracing your natural texture and beauty. It's a style that celebrates imperfection and encourages you to feel confident and comfortable in your own skin. So ditch the fuss and embrace the effortless chic!
