How To Create a Classic French Twist

While there are many classic updos that require a lot of practice and patience to perfect, learning how to do a French twist is surprisingly simple. The neat, twisted bun—so named for its popularity amongst French women—is an easy alternative to more complicated styles and instantly makes you look chic and put-together. The best part is that despite its glamorous appearance, the French twist takes very little effort to achieve. Ahead, we’ll explain how to do a French twist on long hair and shorter locks (it’s suitable for both!) and share tips on ensuring your elegant updo stays put all day long.

What Is a French twist?

The French twist, sometimes called a French bun, is a take on the bun in which the hair is rolled over itself and tucked into an updo that sits flush against the head. You might recognize the versatile hairdo from ballet class, the streets of Paris, or around the office. Although it has an elegant appearance, understanding how to do a French twist is very easy. Your hair should be around shoulder length to do a French twist—anything shorter and it may be difficult to make the strands form the signature twist style.

What is the difference between a French roll and a French twist?

A French roll is one of the French twist styles available once you’ve become more skilled. Where a French twist involves twisting the hair slightly upward toward the crown of your head, a French roll involves twisting the hair sideways to form a more voluminous cone shape. The look is often recreated on red carpets and for other formal occasions, whereas a French twist can be made a bit more casual. To learn how to do a French bun, leave some hair out of the twist and twist it at the nape of your neck. Now, you can have an easy low bun hairstyle that works for everyday wear.

Tools You’ll Need for a French Twist

Creating a French twist is pretty simple, but you will need a few tools. We recommend gathering the following before getting started:

• Bobby pins: Unlike a traditional bun, a French twist is typically secured with bobby pins, rather than a hair elastic or scrunchie. We recommend grabbing several in a few different sizes.
• A fine-toothed comb: The French twist looks best when there’s a bit of volume at the crown. Using a fine-toothed comb to (lightly!) tease your hair can help ensure your twist doesn’t fall flat.
• Hairspray: To help keep your hair in place—and minimize frizz and flyaways—you’ll need a hairspray, ideally one that offers lasting hold without a stiff or crunchy feel.
• Boar bristle brush: A boar bristle brush is ideal for taming and smoothing the hair so it lays flat against the head.

How To Do a French Twist: A Step-by-Step Tutorial

Step 1: Tease your hair at the crown

A French twist always works best with some ‘stick’ in your hair. If your hair is too clean, pieces can easily fall loose or be difficult to gather together. To start, use your fine-toothed comb to section out a one-inch portion of hair extending from your hairline to the crown of your head. Then, flip the top section over your face and backcomb the underside of it with your comb. This is called “teasing,” and while you could skip it, your finished style may not be as voluminous as you’d like if you do.

Step 2: Smooth your hair to the side

Next, brush all of your hair to one side of your head, as if you were creating a side ponytail. Pin the hair in place using as many bobby pins as you need for it to feel secure (don’t worry—they’ll be hidden once you twist your lengths). For extra hold, you can mist the pinned hair with a long-lasting hairspray, like the L’Oréal Paris Elnett Satin Extra Strong Hold Hairspray-Unscented.

Step 3: Pull your lengths over the pins

Take hold of your lengths, then pull your hair to the side toward the bobby pins. If needed, use your boar bristle brush to smooth your strands—just be sure not to brush directly over the bobby pins, or you risk dislodging them.

Step 4: Twist your lengths

Once your hair is smooth and in position, grab the ends and hold them upward. Then, begin twisting your mane in the opposite direction you originally swept it (so if you pulled your hair into a ponytail on the right side, twist your mane toward the left). As you twist, your lengths will create an elongated cone shape that sits on top of the bobby pins, obscuring them from sight. If you’re doing a French twist on long hair, you may need to fold your hair and tuck your ends into the “tunnel” created by the French twist.

Step 5: Pin into place

When you’re satisfied with the shape and position of your French twist, use large bobby pins (or U-shaped pins) to secure the style into place, gently tucking hair into the twist as you go. Although the pins should be enough to create a tight hold, it never hurts to finish your hairstyle off the French twist with a little extra hairspray. Before calling it a day, spray your updo with the L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle Lock It Weather Control Hairspray for added shine and staying power. You can also add accessories, such as a bejeweled hairclip or embellished pins, for an extra glamorous touch.

Tips for Perfecting the French Twist

The classic French twist is pretty easy to achieve, but if you’re looking to level up your look, here are some tips to consider.

• If you have fine or thin hair, consider prepping your damp mane with mousse to add volume. We love the L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle BOOST IT Volume Inject Mousse, which offers up to 24 hours of body with extra strong hold.
• Clipping in hair extensions is another great way to help make fine hair look fuller and thicker. Just take care when creating your French twist to avoid accidentally pulling your extensions out.
• If your hair is thick or extremely long, consider using larger clips rather than bobby pins—they’ll provide the stronger hold your mane needs to stay in place.
• For a looser, more laid-back look, skip the teasing step and pull out a few face-framing sections before securing your twist at the back of your head. The looser style will feel chic, but more effortless than a perfectly-smooth, every-hair-in-place twist.
• If you’re prone to frizz or flyaways around your hairline, use a (new) toothbrush to lightly brush a hair gel, like the L’Oréal Paris Studio Line Clear Minded Clean Gel — Strong Hold, onto your problem areas before leaving the house.

Next Up: How To Create Playful Space Buns in 5 Easy Steps

Photo credit: Space by Alex Brown, IG/@spacebyalexbrown and Gia Wendt, IG/@giadoeshair