My French Bob in 2026: Cut, Care & the Gray Hair Questions I Get Asked
Updated June 2026 with new photos and expanded sections on hair care and color analysis.
My Updated French Bob
Last year I decided to grow out my pixie — again — and landed back on the French bob. (What makes it “French”? Je ne sais pas exactement.) But I’m genuinely happy with where it is right now.
This version has a bit more length than before: layers grown out, with light tapering at the ends and a slightly choppy finish. I like this earlobe-grazing length — long enough for movement, but not so long it starts to look droopy. It suits my fine, thin hair well and is easy to style and maintain.
If you’re considering something similar, I’ve included side and back views below to share with your stylist.
My hair has a little natural wave, which works nicely with this cut — it actually looks best with a bit of undone texture. My stylist recommended air-drying for more body and to let that wave come through naturally.
Care & Maintenance
I get a trim every five weeks or so and wash two to three times a week. I recently switched to Olaplex — the Shampoo No. 4 and Conditioner No. 5, both formulated for fine hair — and I’ve been happy with both.
Fine hair requires some care with styling products; the wrong one can weigh everything down instantly. I look for products that add volume and texture without stiffness. I was recently sent this texturizing mousse from Crown Affair, and it’s quite good. It’s specifically formulated for air-dried hair rather than heat styling, which suits my routine perfectly. I also received this Microfiber Hair Towel, which speeds up drying without the roughness of a regular towel. And Crown Affair has kindly offered my readers a special discount — use code SUSAN15 for 15% off!
All of these products are cruelty-free.
Does Going Gray Change Your Seasonal Color Palette?
I get this question a lot, so let me give it a proper answer.
The short answer: most likely, no. The color analysis system we use is based on skin tone, not hair color. (When analyzing someone who colors their hair, we often cover it for the initial assessment.) Since your skin tone doesn’t automatically change when your hair does, your season typically stays the same.
The longer answer is a bit more nuanced.
Going gray — or any significant shift in hair color — can change your overall contrast levels. If you were previously coloring your hair a deep shade, your contrast may have been higher than it is now. You might find that certain colors within your palette feel more flattering than others, or that color combinations that once worked beautifully now feel off.
It’s also worth noting that “gray” hair isn’t one thing. It can range from cool silver and white to warmer, more complex tones. My own gray has retained warmth — lighter in front, where it reads more ivory than white, and deeper in back, where it leans pewter rather than silver.
My best colors haven’t shifted, but I’ve noticed that very high-contrast combinations or all-dark looks can feel overpowering now. I’m gravitating toward tonal outfits or a single bright color anchored in an otherwise neutral look.
If you’re curious about your own palette and are in or visiting the Los Angeles area this summer, I’m taking bookings for Personal Color Analysis. It’s a great investment — in your wardrobe and in yourself.
Is there a hair cut or style you’ve been wanting to try?
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Hi Susan—I love your new haircut-very softly frames your face and flattering. As I was reading your post, I couldn’t help noticing the lovely sweater and happy that you linked it below. What colors would you recommend for a winter? I was surprised to see 3 shades of red. Would you ever wear the sweater without front-tucking or is it too boxy even with sizing down? Necklace or no necklace because of the neckline? Thank you.
Hi Rose, thanks! I think the Citron (bright acid yellow) could work for some Winters, and probably either of the other reds. I’ve worn it both tucked and untucked. I prefer it tucked, but can also depend what pants you wear with it.
Love the hair and the tomato-colored sweater is smashing!!
Thanks, julie!
That cut looks lovely on you. I am a bit envious that you can just let it dry with no tools to get that look. Perfect. Two weeks ago I finally succumed to the the cut of my curly hair and ended up with a cut somewhat like yours, with bangs and chin length (when straightened) but can also let it dry into curls that end at my earlobes. A great stylist can really see what will work. I am glad you described the season question, since people often say the same to me when I talk about my season and palette. A friend has always been a spring and now that she has gone very grey, thinks that a winter red looks good on her, among other not spring colours. Her skin has not changed colour. I try to guide her to the old reliable wonderful colours when we shop. It is hard to explain contrast to some people. Anyway, enjoy your cut, it is fabulous.
Thanks, Diane! Yes, finding a stylist who can work with our hair is essential.
ADORABLE new hair style
Thanks, Pamela!
I think your hairstyle looks terrific, very natural, very effortless!
Hi Marina, thank you!
Your “new” hair color & cut are so flattering!
Thanks very much, Cilla!
Nice! I think you are on to something with this hairstyle and the products. I can relate because I have thin, straight hair that I keep shoulder length in a blunt cut. I’ll try the shampoo and conditioner – I can see the difference.
Love your bracelets! Where did you find them? Thanks!
Thanks, JK!
ooops – just saw the bracelet link. Thanks
Hi again,
Did you order more than one set of bracelets to get the combo you are wearing in the photo? I’d love to find this look. Thanks!
Some of the bracelets are from the set I linked to but a few are from an earlier set here: https://bit.ly/32HsTLH
Susan
I’ve been a follower for awhile. I just wanted to say you look fantastic and I appreciate every opportunity that women over 50 have to show that we are not invisible, but here, wearing bright colors!!
Hi Barbara, thanks so much!
Love your new hair style! Beautiful!
Thanks, Debbie!
I LOVE your hair, so chic and young. The only thing (just my opinion) is I don’t like earrings longer than your hair, as it drags my eye downward instead of stopping at where your hair stops. I have these bugaboo in general about hair/earrings, and I’m sure others feel differently. It’s so gamine and waif like that I feel a small earring would be better.
I think you’ve got a point about earrings not ending right in the middle of a saggy jawline or double-chin.
Sue’s earrings seem to end right at the top of her jaw, which for many of us is about the firmest spot around. I feel like that’s a good length for drop earrings.
Thanks so much, and I actually agree with you about these earrings. This is the longest/largest pair I wear anymore, usually wear more of a “huggie” style that I think is better, especially now with this cut.
Your hair looks wonderful! I have worn a shorter version on the Ana Wintour bob for many years and after 18 months it’s naturally silver. I splurge on Oribe Silverati shampoo because it adds a definite sparkle to my grays!
Thanks Robyn! Doesn’t it feel great to find a style that *works*?
Darling hair cut. Softly frames your face and looks so youthful. Happy Halloween.
Thanks so much, Debra!
I love how you explain details. I also love your new hair style.
Thanks very much, Marian!
Your hair looks great Susan! My silver hair is cool compared to my warm skin tone. The vibrant autumn colors work well for me—but, as you say, one vibrant only in the outfit and the rest neutrals
Hi Sally, thanks and yes, I love the contrast with gray hair and vibrant colors!
The haircut is great! I also love the color of the sweater; sadly, cropped/boxy sweaters don’t work on tall me 🙁
I wonder if ‘tomato’ is a cross-season color? I think of myself as a winter (taupe, black, merlot, and evergreen are great colors on me), but I also can wear orangey-red.
In any case, you look FAB!
Hi Debra, thanks! I think this sweater might skew a bit orange for most Winters, but there are two other reds that I think would be safe bets.
Don’t you feel there is freedom in grey/white hair?
Looks great.
Could you please suggest a golf vacation packing for a month in Florida?
Thank you
Mary
Thanks, Mary!
Cute ‘do’. !!
Thanks, Nancy!
I have hair which is very similar to yours. This style looks perfect on you.
Thanks, Ava!
You look FANTASTIC!!!!!❤️❤️
Thanks so much, Molly!
A French bob for a fan of France. Makes sense!
Love your new “french bob” and thank you for showing the sides and back for those who want to share with our stylist. I recently cut my chin length bob to a “bixie” and it is a bit too short for my oval face shape, and I like the style and length of your cut better. Please share photos again after your next cut since you mentioned you are going to grow out some of the shorter layers. And the sweater is a beautiful contrast with your tone.
Thanks very much, PJ!
Love the new cut and how your hair color has “grown out”. Thanks for the multiple view pics. I can’t wait to show these to my stylist.
Thanks, Cindy, glad it’s helpful!
Are you going to grow it out a little more? The bangs suit you perfectly too. My hair is very thick so my lob is a few inches longer with a slight angle from back to front as I like the front length longer than my jaw. Razored layers in the back but still long enough to avoid the ubiquitous’mom’ cut. At 67 I only have 30% gray in my dark hair mostly in the front at the temples. ( yes very bride of Frankenstein) A bob type style allows me to hide that or show it off.. a lot of women with that greying pattern simply dye it but I have young people ask me if I have bleached my white ‘side burns’ on purpose because there is so little grey in the rest of my head!!
.Totally agree with you on skin tone vs hair colour. My mom was a winter but went over to summer colours as she went white. When my Dad insisted on dark frames for her glasses it was miraculous! The contrast with the white hair was so striking. My SIL and I started gifting her with more subdued winter colours and what a difference!! We ditched the gold and brought out her collection of silver jewellery. In her 90’s she looked stunning!
Thanks, at this point I like the overall length and will maintain it. I’ll let some of the shorter layers on the crown get just a little longer, but will keep some layering for lift and movement.
I had noticed your adorable new cut. Looks fabulous on you!
Thanks very much, Linda!
Your hair looks great!
Thanks, Maite!
Sue, this latest haircut is perfect on you! Can anyone recommend a stylist in Chicago?
Thanks, Sandra! Hopefully some of my Chicago readers can chime in with some suggestions.
You seemed to transition to gray so seamlessly. I have somewhat but I still have a lot of my natural color with some gays in it that is darker than I have ever worn my hair so I am highlighting and low lighting to brighten up a bit a few times a year. Without color on my hair the texture is different too which takes some getting used to. It does seem that some items from my closet to not look as well as before. It’s a work in progress. Today I was watching the news and a young woman was wearing black and I could see it clearly wasn’t her best look. It’s amazing we can see things easier on others.
Hi Pat, thanks! It helped that I’d been coloring blonde, so there wasn’t a lot of contrast at the roots. When I began the grow out process, I had Brian add some highlights into the grey to blend it a bit more, which helped too. It sounds like you’ve worked out a good process for your hair.
Love your hair cut and color. My hair is very similar to yours (fine and thinner). I have been wanting to try a bob cut but have been too chicken to cut off the back (which is somewhat longer). You have inspired me. Also, love the all gray, too chicken to try that also.. Take care
Thanks, Jes!
Your new haircut is very flattering! The ease of care is enviable. Sweater is a fabulous color on you.
Thanks very much, Vicki!
finally a chic site that is for femme d’un……lovely model..great tips without sounding like it’s written by a 30 year old fashion editor. thank you. look forward to more info.
Thanks so much, Patricia, and welcome!
It looks terrific. Great cut. I like the colour of your grey hair too. It is quite white/silver which I prefer to actual grey.
And you are right about colours and skin tone. When I was a brunette, I found out that yellow was one of my best colours. Then I dyed my hair blond, I thought I could forget yellow but no, it still suits me perfectly. Yay.
Greetje
PS that tomatoe colour of your top looks very good on you.
Thanks so much, Greetje! Yes, you still look amazing in yellow.
Your hair looks fantastic.
Helen Mirren is an example of a woman over 60 who has rocked a bob for a while.
Thanks so much, and yes, she looks fantastic in her bob.
I love getting product suggestions from you, however, these hair products have sketchy ingredients that you don’t want on your skin/scalp. Anything that lists parfum/fragrance will be hiding endocrine disrupters and cancer causers like parabens and other no-nos. Please recommend products that are much safer to use. Thanks.
If I find any, I will.
Great look!!!
Thanks!
I know I’m late with this comment but you look stunning in that red sweater with your beautiful silver hair. I’ve gone gray but salt and pepper, not so striking. When I saw your post I just said to myself wow. Had to make a comment.
Hi Susan… I’m a little late to this party but would this tomato color work for an Autumn? I’ve let my hair go gray recently and I feel confused about colors. My hair is now more steel gray than it’s previous bronde and not sure about it with my autumn colors. I know it’s determined by skin color but everything is looking off to me now
PS. Would you ever do a zoom color consultation? I’m in NY.
Hi June, it really depends on the type of Autumn. If you’re more in the Vibrant range, then yes you probably can. At the moment I’m not doing color analysis online, but should I add it, I’ll let you all know.
Thanks Susan!
The hairstyle looks fantastic on you. I have a similar style and once you have a carefree easy to style hairstyle it is very hard to go back to one that needs a lot of attention. I feel the time I save fixing my hair I can use for many more pleasant things!
Your hair, and you, look fabulous–I don’t know how I missed this before so thank you for your reply to my post on another thread requesting photos of your new style–I LOVE it! I have the same fine hair texture with a little natural wave so I want to cut my classic, traditional bob like yours. I am hoping my stylist can do as good of a job with layering as yours has done–it is a great cut/style. Thanks again, Susan, for your response–you’re the best at what you do!
I really admired the short bob hairstyle and will show the picture to my stylist!
Hi Susan. I found your nice picture on pinterest. I am the same age as you and my hair has the same texture as yours. Now it´`s short, but I try to let it grow like your beautiful haircut. I never left a comment before, but your picture was an inspiration. Sorry for mistakes , I live in Northgermany and my Englisch is not so perfect.
Best wishes Hedwig
Hi Hedwig, thanks so much!
Ohhh myyy goodness!! Why are you the most beautiful woman ever!? I was just browsing for my new hair cut- and as a 31 year old woman- I stumbled upon you and just pray I look as fabulous as you one day! You are simply stunning and radiant in every way! Truly goals right here! Stay fabulous my dear!
Thanks so much, Danielle!
would this cut be good for straight hair ( no wave) ?
Yes, I have straight hair.
I love it, the color and the cut. And I love that you are not afraid to change your hair style. I recently cut mine about 6 inches, it impacted me in so many ways including how I worked out, how I ate, how I felt about myself in general. All positively.
Thanks so much, Arlene! I agree that finding the right hair style can do wonders for one’s confidence.
Great haircut!
Thanks, Laura!
Susan, your gray is stunning! As a fair olive dark winter with a mottled salt and pepper that can look silver depending on how the light hits, I’ve found the lighter colors in the winter palette now wash me out as do some of my lighter mauve lipsticks. Seems I have to replace the contrast from my hair elsewhere in my outfit. Yet I can wear white. It picks up the silver and white in my hair (white at the temples, shade of things to come?). So yes, my contrast is lower from my dark brunette/fair fair skin days, but that doesn’t make me a summer!
Hi Shari, thanks so much! It sounds like you have a good handle on the changes and your colors.
Thank you for posting these photos of your new hair cut. Very chic! Very modern. Also your recommendation for an airdry mousse- wonder what makes it different from the ordinary kind?
I am also growing out layers and blonde highlights, and this is very inspiring.
My hair is fine and wavy, so I will be showing the photos to my stylist and hope that she can copy.
Hi Cannon, thank you! Glad it’s helpful.
Thank you for this info! (I’m going to print the pix as I need a new hairdresser. (Mine, who I love, is ill.) I have very fine silver hair, which still retains an area (back right) where my deep, dark hair shows through. My hair was white by 30 or so, and the black area wasn’t visible then. (I’ve been told vitamin b NOT biotin does this.) I have a cut similar to yours, but air-dried my hair is naturally curly at certain lengths. I have my ‘bob’ angled back in the front, which suits me better than a blunt cut. I use purple shampoo periodically to keep my hair sparkling.
Hi Maeve, thanks and I hope you find a new hairdresser you love!
Hi Susan,
I think your French bob is lovely. I have always thought the angled bob adds to the way the jawline looks (with age, especially).
Just a “tip”: With age (75), I have dry skin and scalp, and one day for fun, I put Cerave lotion on my scalp and left it on for an hour or so (I gooped it on!)(I looked like an ancient rock non star!). After I showered and shampooed with baby shampoo, I found that my short hair was much shinier for several days. I only shampoo every 5-7 days (I have very short hair-like your pixie) and although it gets wet, I comb it wet and let it air dry.
Everyone’s hair is different-of course. Thanks for a great, informative blog!
Hi Mary, thank you!
Hi Susan! Love your French bob and natural hair color! I also have fine hair but mine is very straight. I have been rocking a chin length bob since I was three with a few deviations. I quit coloring my hair after a cancer diagnosis in 2014 and never looked back. Wish I had done it earlier! I have a really cranky sensitive scalp and the Plantur 39 three step system is my go to. You can get it on Amazon. Once I quit fighting my hair and trying to change it, I finally started to love my hair. Now it is a signature feature and I get compliments all the time. Great post!
Thanks, Julie! I agree that the less we fight our features and the more we lean into them, the more we build confidence in our style.
Love your beautiful hair. My hair is thinning on top and I am looking for a lighter, wispier look. I have gone natural, but my hair isn’t graying and I am 79. I used to be blonder…. Now dark something… not sure!
Hi Julie, thanks!
I flew into Long Beach last week thinking visit my 9-yr-old granddaughter, who appeared with a fresh new haircut. “OMG, you look like a little French girl!” She said, “That’s what I was going for!” Couldn’t put my finger on why I automatically thought French, but appreciate the validation from you!
Hi Weezie, I’ll bet your granddaughter is adorable!
LOVE this cut on you. I also recently cut my mid length fine hair into a bob and it is so easy and makes my hair look so much thicker. 🙂
Thanks very much, Susan!
Thank you for showing us the photos of the sides and back of your fun French bob and the very good colors. The overall effect is great to see.
I always joke with my hair stylist that she is coloring and weaving all the hair that I can’t ever see on the back of my head. As a redhead, my gray is coming in white to what seems like almost translucent. It’s a chore having to keep color in my hair, but I’m just not ready to give it up yet.
Hi Eileen, glad it’s helpful! To color or not color is such a personal decision, and there’s no right or wrong answer.
love the hair Susan, very flattering
how am I missing the red sweater?
dont see it
Judy, I had the same question! Then I realized this is an update of an earlier post, which must have included the red sweater.
Thanks Marilyn
I did figure that out but still could not find it. I read all the posts.
I did find a link at the bottom somewhere…
not sure if same
but for an Anthroplogie sweater.
Hi Judy, thanks so much! The red sweater was from the original post in 2022, sorry for the confusion.
Susan, you look lovely regardless of your hairstyle, but I’ve been longing to see you return to a pixie. Many of us don’t have the hair texture or facial features to pull it off — but you do!
Hi Diane, at some point I may return to a pixie, but am enjoying this cut and the ease of it.
Now this is an inspiration — your new haircut is fantastic! I think I’ll attempt it for summer.
Thanks very much, Sue!
Growing up with curly hair, the conventional wisdom was that if your hair was curly, it must be thick. Alas, I have FINE curly hair, so the styling techniques and products (not that there were many products) didn’t work.
And don’t get me started on the “brush your hair 100x per night to get it to shine.” NOPE. It just made it frizz!
It took me YEARS to figure out how to style my curly hair and it’s still a work in progress.
Hi Christine, though I envy your curls, I’ve heard from so many of my curly friends how difficult it can be to find a routine that works.
Hi Susan,
You look fabulous, I love, love, love your hair. I began reading your blog when you had the pixie haircut. A while back, I could tell you were ‘going somewhere’ with the changes but I had no idea you were headed for a French look. Just fabulous!!!.
Thanks so much, Ellaine! That “growing out” period can be annoying, but I’m glad I stuck with it.
Hi I am looking for the post to which there are replies (at the bottom of this updated post) from October 31, 2022—I have had no luck finding these or the smashing red sweater or the lovely new haircut from them…is there a title or exact date for that post? Thank you! this updated one is great, too!
Hi Kimberly, this is the same post, just updated. The sweater was from Anthropologie, and is no longer available. Here’s a short-sleeve sweater in a similar color: https://go.shopmy.us/p-64213742
Thank yo so much!
You are right about the colours. When I changed the colour of my hair from brown to blond, the colour bright yellow was still one of my best colours.
Greetje
Hi Greetje, yes, bright yellow suits you so well! The bright lime green too, like your new jacket.
Such a cute haircut. Looks perfect for your style. I have a bob too, a little longer than yours so I can clip it back for gardening. I bought a sample size of Ouai shampoo and conditioner for fine hair and I really like it. I read somewhere not to use it continually but to switch off and use other things because all the keratin can dry the hair. My hair is very fine and thin so I rarely use a blow dryer or any heat styling.
Thanks, Pink Azalea!
Susan,
I have followed your posts for some time now. I had to respond and let you know I love your new hairstyle! You look absolutely beautiful!
Thanks so much, Norma!