How to Nail Brigitte Bardot Hair: Modern UK Guide to French-Girl Glam

Brigitte Bardot’s beauty legacy isn’t about perfection; it’s about attitude—that lifted crown, softly mussed lengths, and eye-framing fringe that looks as if it happened naturally (even when it didn’t). A recent round-up by WWD revisits the essentials commonly used to channel Bardot’s late-1950s/60s “French-girl” glamour, spotlighting staples such as texturising sprays and precise liquid liner. For Hairporium readers, the most useful takeaway is that the Bardot look is fundamentally a hair-first silhouette: volume at the crown, movement through the mid-lengths, and an intentionally relaxed finish.

Below, we break down what actually makes Bardot hair work—plus how to adapt it for modern UK lifestyles, different hair types, and our famously changeable weather. You’ll also find practical steps you can try next, whether you’re heading to a party, a date night, or simply want your everyday blow-dry to feel more elevated.

What defines Bardot hair (and why it still works)

Bardot’s signature is often described as “undone”, but professional stylists recognise a clear structure underneath:

• Crown volume: a lifted top section creates that instantly recognisable “Bardot bump”.
• Soft, touchable texture: not crunchy; more airy and lived-in, like second-day hair at its best.
• Face-framing fringe: curtain bangs or a longer fringe that blends into layers, drawing attention to the eyes and cheekbones.
• Loose, brushed-out wave: more S-bend than tight curl—romantic rather than ringleted.

Why it endures is simple: the shape flatters a wide range of face shapes and instantly reads “glam” without looking overly formal. It also pairs brilliantly with minimal makeup, which is why the look continues to cycle back through fashion weeks, red carpets and TikTok “French-girl” tutorials—often with a more wearable, modern twist.

The hair toolkit: what actually matters (beyond product shopping lists)

WWD’s piece references the usual hero items associated with this aesthetic—most notably a texturising spray for grip and a defining eyeliner for the elongated eye. On the hair side, it’s less about chasing a specific bottle and more about choosing the right function for your hair type and desired finish.

In salon terms, Bardot hair typically relies on three “families” of support:

• Root lift: mousse, root spray, or a lightweight volumising lotion that won’t collapse after an hour on a damp commute.
• Texture + grip: texturising spray or dry texture spray to help teasing hold and to stop waves dropping flat.
• Flexible hold: a brushable hairspray or finishing mist so the hair stays movable (the opposite of helmet hair).

If your hair is fine, prioritise weightless lift at the roots and go easy on oils. If your hair is thick or coily, you’ll often get the volume “for free” and instead need shape control: smoothing at the roots with soft texture through the ends. For naturally curly hair, Bardot-inspired styling can look gorgeous when you focus volume at the crown and keep the curl pattern fluffy rather than tightly defined.

Step-by-step: a modern Bardot blow-dry you can do at home

You don’t need a full salon set to get close—just the right sequence. This method works well on most hair types with minor tweaks.

• Step 1: Build the base at the roots. Apply a volumising product through the crown area (not all over). Rough-dry to 80% dry, lifting the roots with your fingers.
• Step 2: Create direction. Use a medium round brush (or hot brush) to lift the front/top back away from the face. The lift is the “look”.
• Step 3: Add a soft bend. Wrap the mid-lengths lightly with a large-barrel tong or use rollers. Let them cool fully before brushing out.
• Step 4: The Bardot crown. Section the top layer, tease gently at the root (think light backcombing, not knotting), then smooth the surface with a soft brush.
• Step 5: Texture, then control. Mist a texturising spray through the mid-lengths for grip; finish with a flexible hairspray focused on the crown.

Real-world tip: if your hair drops quickly, clip the crown in place while you do your makeup, then release it just before leaving—cooling and “setting” time genuinely helps.

UK-proofing the look: humidity, rain, and scarf season

The Bardot aesthetic can suffer in classic UK conditions: drizzle, wind tunnels around stations, and winter scarves that flatten the crown. A few stylist-approved habits make it far more reliable:

• Keep texture products targeted. Concentrate texture spray on the mid-lengths and underlayers; too much at the top can look dull.
• Choose brushable hold. You want to be able to “revive” the hair with a quick finger-lift at the crown.
• Carry a small comb or mini brush. A 10-second crown fluff in a bathroom mirror can restore the silhouette.
• Use strategic pinning. A discreet bobby pin under the crown section can anchor volume on windy days.

If you’re wearing a hat or scarf, consider a half-up Bardot variation: lift and secure the crown section loosely, leaving the rest soft. It holds its shape better and still reads very “Bardot”.

Key Takeaways

• Bardot hair is defined by crown volume, soft texture, face-framing fringe, and brushed-out waves.
• Prioritise product function: root lift, texture/grip, and flexible hold matter more than any single hero item.
• Let curls/rollers cool fully before brushing out—cooling is what makes the wave last.
• For UK weather, use targeted texture and carry a small brush for quick crown “revivals”.
• Try a half-up crown pin on windy or rainy days to keep the silhouette intact.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Bardot hair achievable on fine, flat hair?
Yes—many stylists start with a lightweight volumising base and focus lift at the crown rather than loading product through the lengths, which can weigh fine hair down.

Do I need a fringe to get the Bardot look?
No. Curtain bangs help, but you can mimic the effect by parting hair in the centre and styling shorter front layers forward and out, then tucking slightly behind the cheekbones.

What’s the difference between Bardot volume and a modern bouncy blow-dry?
A bouncy blow-dry tends to be smooth and uniform. Bardot volume is higher at the crown with a more relaxed, textured finish through the lengths.

How can I make the style last all day?
Set the wave (cool it), add texture for grip, and use a flexible hold spray. If your hair drops, clipping the crown while you get ready can improve longevity.

Will teasing damage my hair?
Over-teasing can cause tangling and breakage. Keep it gentle, focus only at the roots, and brush out carefully from ends to roots. If you have fragile hair, consider using rollers and root lift products instead.