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Regardless of what kind of hair type you have, coming up with fresh, versatile hairstyle ideas is no easy feat. Thanks to TikTok, though, we can discover dozens of new hairstyles daily, ensuring our supply of eye-catching, trendsetting styles is never empty. Next up on the docket of viral hairstyles: French curls.
French curls have taken over the TikTok beauty algorithm, inspiring viewers with textured hair to switch up their next braided style with this dimensional look. French curls on textured hair combine traditional box braids with loose, bouncy curls. Ahead, braid experts and textured hairstylists talk all things French curls.
Featured Experts
What are French curls?
“French curl braids blend traditional braiding with curly extensions, typically starting with box braids and, as the hair progresses down, the braider incorporates synthetic curly extensions,” explains Takisha Sturdivant-Drew, celebrity hairstylist and textured hair expert. “Depending on your preference, you can have the curls be at a uniform length or get them layered by incorporating the curly extensions at different points of the braiding process. You can even add in colored extensions to create an ombre effect.”
“French curl braiding has and always will be a favorite of mine because it allows you to get the blowout look with braids,” says celebrity hairstylist and curl expert Sophie Rose. “You can never go wrong when working with this hair because it is guaranteed to keep the look bouncy and styled. This curl type can be used by anyone in all forms of braids when adding extra hair. It’s also great for protective styles because it requires no heat. French curls can be set with a bigger curl so that when you re-wet and style the hair, the curls will come out and it almost creates a blowout look.”
How do you install French curls?
“After washing and blow-drying your hair, start off by creating sections and begin braiding your natural hair with your curly braiding hair,” Sturdivant-Drew says. “To ensure the curls flow at the bottom, take a piece of the braiding hair, once you braid to your preferred length, and wrap it around the braid to create a tight knot. Repeat for the remaining sections.”
The Best Products for French Curl Maintenance
“With all types of braids comes a certain level of maintenance, so if you decide to go with the French curl pattern, invest in some good products to maintain the softness and help the curls to stay fresh,” Rose suggests. “A curl refresher that I have been using on my clients with braids is the Curl Wow SHOOK Mix & Fix Bundling Spray ($38). I love how hydrating it is and it never weighs the hair down. A good brush will also help—Olivia Garden has an amazing Detangler Brush ($14) that you can use after you spray in your curl refreshe. Once the hair is dry, you can also add an oil to keep it soft and shiny. My go-to is the Evolvh Standard Hair Oil ($38). It’s great for extensions and is also a clean line so you will never feel build up.”
Sturdivant-Drew adds, “When sectioning hair for braids, I love using Jamaican Mango and Lime’s Extra Hold & Easy Braid Jel ($9). It’s great at controlling frizz and has a great hold for braiding! I use the Braiding and Setting Mousse ($9) to finish off the look too. Both of these products contain aloe vera and vitamin E to nourish the hair. Not only that, Smooth Moisture has a great Leave-In Conditioner ($14) to help maintain the French curls.”
