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The history -

The French twist, which originated in the 1950s-1970s, was usually worn to formal events like proms and weddings. The style was popularized by women in the film industry such as Audrey Hepburn, Brigitte Bardot, and Catherine Deneuve. They inspired women to copy their glamorous hairstyles, even for daytime looks. 

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How it's done! -

This chic look may seem complicated, but it can be achieved by following these simple steps. First, you will need to brush your hair to one side, then start a twist from the bottom going up. It should look like a croissant! Once done, start pinning it up or use a comb pin to secure it. The remainder of the hair can be left in loose curls or simply tucked in.

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Tips from experts -

For this particular updo, it is recommended by stylists that you have slightly wet hair as it makes it easier to keep it all together. A lot of hair spray usually also does the job.

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Deconstructed French twist -

A deconstructed French twist is a kind of half updo. Simply twist the top half of the hair, letting the rest flow loosely around the neck. The extra hair can be either left as it is or curled.

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Short hair -

Short hair? No problem! That can be fixed by doing a simple twist starting halfway up the back of the head. The rest of the hair can be curled.

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Classic and sleek -

One can never go wrong with a sleek, classic updo. This style of French twist is the original way it was done before the variations became popular. 

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Chignon vs. French twist -

They are sometimes mistaken for the same hairstyle, but the methods are quite different. A French twist is created by twisting the hair upwards and securing it at the back of the head, whereas a Chignon is created by taking all the hair into a low ponytail and further wrapping it into a twisted bun.

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Street style -

The French really do it the best! The French twist is versatile and chic, and is often spotted on the streets at Paris Fashion Week.

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Accessorize -

One can always accessorize to make the hairstyle even more glamorous. 

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The '90s twist -

Another variation that was popularized in the '90s featured some messy volume on top with face-framing bangs and the rest of the hair gathered into braids.

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The bridal favorite -

The French twist is a common choice of hairstyle among brides, as it gives an elegant and sophisticated appearance. It suits many different face shapes and gown styles. 

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Trust the French to get it right! -

'Emily in Paris' star Camille Razat demonstrates how a simple Fench twist can be made into a serious fashion statement. For the season four premiere, the actress showed up wearing her hair in a sleek, glossy French twist with a stylish fringe.

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Barbie goes French -

Margot Robbie is pictured here at the 'Barbie' premiere in 2023. She went for a classic Bardot-style French twist that was slightly undone yet red carpet-ready.

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Trending on tiktok -

The French twist has been trending on Tiktok with Generation Z trying out the style after Keke Palmer pulled off this glamorous look in 2023. 

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Trending on tiktok -

More celebrities, like Victoria Monet, also opted for a similarly glamorous look at the Grammys in 2024. 

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Princess Leia aka Carrie Fisher -

Carrie Fisher's Princess Leia in the 'Star Wars' franchise is famous for her hair. For this look, she has been styled in a half-up French twist with the rest of her hair flowing down in a braid.

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The icons that started the look -

The French twist was not actually invented by the style icons of the 1950s and 1960s, but their influence has made it the timeless hairstyle that we still see on red carpets to this day. 

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Brigitte Bardot -

First, we have Brigitte Bardot, the chic French actress, singer, and model who also happens to be an animal rights activist. In the 1960s, she often wore her French twist with a bouffant. At other times, she sported a bed-head look that still maintained a Parisian charm. Throughout her career, she styled the French twist with a number of variations.

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Audrey Hepburn -

The British actress, best known for her role in 'Breakfast at Tiffany's' (1961), always has a stylish bouffant. She has worn the French twist on-screen and off-screen countless times, and it's an integral part of her image. 

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Catherine Deneuve -

Catherine Deneuve is a French actress, producer, and model. She is considered one of the greatest European actresses in film, and she's also another style icon of the French twist.

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Rachel Green -

Jennifer Aniston styled her French twist with a claw clip in 'Friends' when she played the character Rachel Green.

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Kate Moss -

Like Rachel Green, Kate Moss also liked to tie up her French twists with a claw clip.

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Cate Blanchette -

The French twist has always been a staple look for Cate Blanchette. It compliments her timeless grace and elegance perfectly. 

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Gwen Stefani -

Gwen Stefani has made this French updo something quirky and bold. She decided to go for a blowout look in the front that gives volume to the style, making it a statement for her red carpet look.

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Lily Collins -

Lily Collins is often said to be this generation's Audrey Hepburn. Collins sure followed in Hepburn's footsteps with this fringe and French twist updo.

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Sydney Sweeney -

Sydney Sweeney's look for the 2022 Vanity Fair Oscar party was clearly inspired by Brigitte Bardot. 

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Guido Palau -

The British hairstylist Guido Palau worked on the show for Dior's SS24 collection. He decided to style the models in French twists to achieve a laid-back Parisian glamor. He went for a damp hair texture for the hairstyle.

Sources: (Allure) (Glamour) (hair.com) (Harper’s Bazaar)

See also: The most iconic movie hairstyles

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