French Roll Hairstyle: The Perfect 'Do for Any Occasion!

Do you want an iconic hairstyle for your everyday wear? Let's introduce you to the French roll.

The French roll hairstyle transports us to 1995 when every woman visited the salon for Whitney Houston's signature hairstyle. But guess what? It's 2024, and it is back! How we love the return of such phenomenal hairstyles.

This retro, classy hairstyle is on par with the French twist (we’re sure you're familiar with it) but is also cool for casual events. It's not too sleek or tidy to pass off as too fancy. Instead, it has a messy effect, making it more stylish than ever.

So, if you think the French twist is too much for your outing, here's a chic style that's effortless, playful, and, of course, elegant for you.

Let's give you seven French roll hairstyles you can recreate and cover everything you need to know about the hairstyle in this article.

What Is A French Roll Hairstyle?

The French roll hairstyle is an effortless version of the French twist. It involves twisting your hair in a cone shape and then pinning it around the crown of your hair.

The style is versatile and customizable, meaning you can rock it in different ways- the half-up style, classic French roll, and a messy bun are just a few. These styles of the French roll are all easy and achievable with few tools even though they might not look that way.

While it has returned to the spotlight in 2024 with new styles all over TikTok, many celebrities have rocked it in previous years. Keke Palmer styled a French roll updo in 2023 and Victoria Monet got everyone’s attention with hers at the 2024 Grammy Awards. We still can't fail to mention Cardi B’s French roll style and that of the American rapper, Megan Thee Stallion. They were chic, classy and gorgeous.

The French roll hairstyle is a hairdo you'll want to rock every day since it compliments any event while giving a retro and modern style at the same time.

So, if you love the French roll hairstyle as these celebrities do and we do presently, check how you can style it below.

How To: French Roll - Step By Step

Achieving the French roll hairstyle is easy and that's the best part. All you need are a few tools to start styling your French roll.

Gather some bobby pins (a lot), a boar bristle brush, and a strong hold spray. These tools are what you need after your hair is prepped for the styling process.

There are different ways to go about the style part. But the method you use most times depends on the length of your hair and the style you are going for.

Note: If you have a curly or kinky texture and want your French roll sleek and straight, wash your hair and straighten it to bone straight before following the steps.

Once it's smooth and bone straight, you can follow the steps below.

Step 1: Pull your hair into a low ponytail. But if you want face-framing tendrils or bangs, you’ll need to section off the front part of your hair before putting the rest into a ponytail.

Step 2: Twist your ponytail upwards and tuck the ends of your hair to look like a roll.

Step 3: Use bobby pins to keep your hair in place, ensuring they secure it both underneath and on top. You are free to use as many bobby pins as you need.

Step 4: If you leave face-framing tendrils, curl the ends so it perfects your look.

Step 5: Now, finish the hairstyle with a strong hold spray. It should keep your hair in place for the whole day.

Those with short tresses might find it challenging to achieve a full French roll hairstyle. So, here's how you can add your hair ponytail.

• Divide your hair into two parts with the right side a little bigger than the left.
• Pull the right into a low ponytail and braid it.
• Next, add a ponytail extension upside down to the braids and pull the hair upwards.
• Use a bobby pin to secure the ponytail afterward, then cover it with the second half of your hair.
• Tuck the ends inside and hold it with some bobby pins.
• Move to the top of your hair and roll the rest of the ponytail extensions.
• With a bobby pin again, secure your hair then section a part of your bangs, brush it to your roll, and hold it in place with pins.

You've achieved a full French roll hairstyle.

7 French Roll Hairstyles

These are some classic and modern French roll hairstyles you can rock.

1. The 90s French Roll

Here's where it all began- the 90’s French roll. The 90’s French roll is a classic that gives you elegance and glamor for your night out. It's a chic style that's easy to achieve and takes no time to style.

With it, you are certain your hair will stand out and will look amazing even with a casual outfit. So, twist your hair into the roll and leave some tendrils to frame your hair. After you've styled your hair, let us know how you feel. You'll be lost for words.

2. Half-Up French Roll

Have you got long tresses? Style the Half-Up French roll hairstyle for a classy style. This hairstyle takes the classic French roll and twists it, leaving you with nothing short of splendid beauty. That makes it a perfect hairstyle for prom and weddings. It will provide a unique look distinct from the classic.

The combination of the half-up and French roll also adds to that uniqueness. And the volume of the ponytail leaves us gasping. But the highlight of it all is the little curls detail at the ends that adds something extra to the style. Beautiful!

3. Twisted French Roll Ponytail

Add a personal spin to the French roll hairstyle and it will look phenomenal. At times, it's all about getting creative with your style and the twisted French roll ponytail allows you to do that.

If your tresses aren’t long enough, add extensions to achieve a full, voluminous, and gorgeous style. The accessories also help to beautify the hair so don't leave them out.

While your accessories might not be identical to those in the image above, incorporating whichever you choose can elevate your hairstyle.

4. The Messy Bun

Go for a casual French roll with the messy bun hairstyle. Take it further by choosing a messy vibe to achieve a nice appearance with your hair. Even though it's messy, the roll adds elegance to your look, making it a good choice for occasions.

This style is perfect for ladies with curly or wavy hair as the tresses naturally fall around to frame the face. You can also curl your hair if you have sleeker tresses.

5. Casual Chic

For your office go-to hairstyle, the casual chic is a great choice. Instead of a sleeker version, this is much simpler yet romantic. Plus, the waves add an effortless feel to it.

The casual chic allows you to slay the French roll easily and offers you a stylish yet quick look for work. During busy mornings, you can quickly style your hair without being pressured for something neater. So, pull your hair into the casual chic French roll style and rock it beautifully throughout the day.

6. French Roll Ponytail

While this is comparable to the previous style, the French roll ponytail is slicker. It's perfect for simple evenings and meetings but might require more work than a casual look. Even so, putting effort into achieving a sleek look will amaze you with the results. It'll give you a combination of elegance and simplicity. So, why not recreate the French roll ponytail ASAP?

7. Untucked French Roll

You can style a French roll in many ways, including wearing it loose. The untucked French roll proves it. This is a more casual, unique, yet fabulous style to wear. While it may appear difficult to achieve, it's not as hard as you think.

All you have to do is twist your hair upwards, this time, don't tuck it in. Instead, take it upwards and fold it to the other side. Viola! You have your untucked French roll hairstyle. Will you be trying this style? You should. It's simple but glamorous.

Is there a Difference Between a French Roll and a French Twist?

Yes, there is. Although the French roll and twist are so similar that it's hard to distinguish them, the difference lies in the finishing.

As we've mentioned previously, the French twist is much sleeker and fancier than the French roll hairstyle. This means achieving a French twist requires more precision as it's shiny and smooth. But a French roll can be messy to give a playful and casual vibe. It's that easy.

Yet, sometimes, stylists interchange both to refer to the French Roll.

Final Words

The French roll hairstyle has to be one of the top 2024 hairstyles you should try. We have given you the steps on how to style it and a few hairstyles to start with. So, what do you say? Will you be going ahead with it?