The '90s French-Roll Hairstyle Is Back in a Major Way
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Close your eyes and think back to any special occasion in the '90s. Then, picture the hairstyles that the people in your lifes were wearing. Now open your eyes and answer this question: was the hairstyle a french roll, yes or yes?
The french roll is an elevated updo that has been an iconic hairstyle in the Black community, with Black women flocking to the look in droves for special occasions like weddings or graduations in the '90s.
The style begins by gathering a ponytail and twisting the ends of the hair before twisting it at the back of the head. Then, you "roll" the section into place and secure with bobby pins or decorative hair accessories to finish the look.
As are most trends from the '90s and early 2000s, the style is reemerging; however, there are now numerous iterations of the design that look just as chic as the original but have been modernized to fit today's aesthetic. People are dressing up the french roll with everything from curls to braids and even specialized hair accessories to give the classic a fun twist — and allow you to re-create the style without looking like a carbon copy of your mother.
Scroll ahead for some inspiration on how you can transform the look into a chic, timeless masterpiece — and don't forget to document the end result with a photo. (You know, time capsules and all.)
The Classic French-Roll Hairstyle
This french roll is a classic take on the trend that features the traditional tucked-in roll starting at the nape of the neck all the way to the crown. Try this style if you're a stickler for the classics.
French-Roll Hairstyle With Side Bangs
Although the french-roll hairstyle is often seen with the front of the hair pulled completely back, it can also be styled with the front pieces loose. In this example, they're wearing a severe side part which makes the style look even more '90s-esque. We're obsessed with how it turned out.
French-Roll Hairstyle With a Twist
Tessa Thompson's fun french roll looked like a vintage '50s dream. The style featured the classic french-roll updo with an added bang that was styled to make an additional roll. A two-for-one, if you will.
Braided French-Roll Hairstyle
A french roll and braids? Now that's a match made in heaven. This style features a classic french roll punctuated by a braided crown for an updo that is the perfect protective style and extremely easy to upkeep.
The French-Roll Hairstyle With Accessories
If you want to spruce up your french-roll hairstyle, consider tweaking your finishing touch — instead of hidden bobby pins, secure the roll in place with a decorative clip. This adds an elegant touch to an already classy hairstyle. If you have a wedding or graduation coming up, this style is for you.
Voluminous French Roll
The style is usually a bit tighter at the nape of the neck — as this is where the "roll" begins — but this version adds some volume near the nape of the neck for anyone who wants to grab extra attention.
French-Roll Hairstyle With Curls
Try adding some curls to your french roll for an updated take on the trend. This style features the traditional roll that stops in the middle of the head (instead of the crown) and adds curls up top.
Ariel Baker is a former assistant editor for PS Beauty. Her areas of expertise include celebrity news, beauty trends, and product reviews. She has additional bylines with Essence and Forbes Vetted.