I've always been drawn to that effortless, voluminous look Brigitte Bardot made famous in the 1960s and the good news is you don't need a salon to get it.
In this guide, I'll walk you through everything about Brigitte Bardot hair, from the right tools to a clear step-by-step tutorial anyone can follow.
We'll cover what the style actually is, what products you need, common mistakes to avoid, and tips for a natural finish. I've tried this myself, and it's honestly easier than it looks.
Whether you have short or long hair, this guide will help you nail the look with confidence.
What Is Brigitte Bardot Hair?
Brigitte Bardot hair is a vintage French-influenced style built on three things, big crown volume, soft waves, and loose face-framing layers.
It has a relaxed, undone quality that feels both easy and put-together. The top section is teased for height, the waves stay loose rather than stiff, and soft pieces fall around the face for that lived-in feel.
The best part? You don't need any special skills to do this. The steps are simple and repeatable, it works on straight, wavy, and curly hair, and you only need a few basic tools to get started.
Tools and Products You'll Need
You don't need a lot. Just the right basics.
Basic Hair Tools
- Curling iron or rollers: Used to add soft waves. A 1 to 1.5 inch barrel works well.
- Teasing comb: This is what creates the volume at the crown. A fine-tooth comb or a brush with stiff bristles works best.
- Hair ties or clips: You'll need these to section and hold your hair while styling.
Recommended Styling Products
- Texturizing spray: Adds grip and makes teasing easier. Spray it on before you backcomb.
- Dry shampoo: Great for adding instant volume, especially on day-old hair.
- Light-hold hairspray: Use it to set the style without making it stiff or crunchy.
Step-by-Step Brigitte Bardot Hair Tutorial
Follow these five simple steps to get the full Bardot look at home.
Step 1: Prep Your Hair
Start with clean or day-old hair. Day-old hair actually holds volume better. Apply dry shampoo at the roots if your hair feels too soft or freshly washed.
Spritz texturizing spray through the mid-lengths and ends, then curl small sections loosely with your iron. Let the curls cool completely before running your fingers through them.
Step 2: Create Volume at the Crown
Take a section from the crown, about two to three inches back from your hairline. Hold it upward and backcomb gently from mid-shaft down to the root.
Work through two or three small sections rather than one big chunk. Keep the teasing light you want soft lift, not knots.
Step 3: Section the Hair
Gather the top half of your hair, from above your ears up to the crown. This forms the base of the half-up Bardot style.
Don't grip it tightly when pulling it together. The looser and more relaxed the section sits, the more natural and authentic the final look will be.
Step 4: Secure the Style
Use a small hair tie or a few bobby pins to hold the top section in place. Avoid pulling it too neat or centered. A slightly off-center placement looks far more natural.
Let the back and bottom sections fall freely in loose, soft waves without touching them too much.
Step 5: Add Finishing Touches
Pull a few soft pieces out around your face to frame it gently. Add a ribbon or small bow at the base of the pinned section for a classic Bardot detail.
Finish with a light mist of hairspray to hold everything in place without stiffening the volume or flattening the waves.
How to Customize the Bardot Look
Small changes let you make this style your own.
With Curtain Bangs
If you have curtain bangs, they fall naturally into this style. They frame the face and make the overall look feel more authentic to the original.
For Short vs Long Hair
- Short hair: Focus on volume at the crown and skip the half-up section. Use a small clip or pin to pull back one side.
- Long hair: You have more to work with. Try a looser, lower placement for the top section, and let waves flow past your shoulders.
Day vs Evening Styling
- Daytime: Keep it relaxed. Skip the ribbon, use less product, and let a few strands fall loose.
- Evening: Add a velvet bow, use slightly more defined waves, and set the style with a bit more hairspray.
Common Mistakes Beginners Should Avoid
Knowing what not to do saves you time and keeps the look looking fresh.
Over-Styling the Hair
The Bardot look works because it stays soft and relaxed. Too much product or heat makes it stiff, so use just enough to hold the style and nothing more.
Skipping Volume at the Crown
Crown volume is what makes this style recognizable, so don't skip the teasing step. Even a small amount of lift at the top completely changes how the finished look sits.
Making the Style Too Tight
Pulling the half-up section too firmly makes it look more like a regular updo than a Bardot. Keep your grip loose and let it sit naturally on your head.
Tips for Achieving an Effortless Finish
Small habits that make a big difference in how the final look turns out.
- Keep your strands loose and relaxed because the less perfect it looks, the more authentically Bardot it feels.
- Press down lightly on the teased crown section after pinning to smooth the surface without losing the volume underneath.
- Skip the symmetry on purpose since a stray strand or uneven wave actually makes the style look more natural and effortless.
- Fine hair holds teasing really well, so light backcombing is usually enough to get good lift without much product.
- Thick hair needs a bit more texturizing spray or dry shampoo to keep the volume in place throughout the day.
Conclusion
Brigitte Bardot hair is one of those styles that never gets old. I love how it looks put-together without trying too hard.
If you've been holding off because it seemed too complicated, I hope this guide showed you it really isn't. Give it a try this weekend even a rough first attempt usually looks better than expected.
Tried this look? Drop a comment below and tell me how it went. And if this helped, share it with a friend who loves classic vintage hair styles.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hair type works best for Brigitte Bardot hair?
This style works on most hair types. Fine and medium hair holds the volume well. Thick hair may need extra product to keep the lift in place.
Can I do Brigitte Bardot hair without a curling iron?
Yes. You can use foam rollers or even braid damp hair overnight for soft waves. The curling iron just speeds things up.
How long does it take to style Brigitte Bardot hair?
For most beginners, it takes about 20 to 30 minutes. With practice, you can get it done in 15 minutes or less.
Does this style work on short hair?
Yes, with adjustments. Short hair can still get crown volume and soft texture. Skip the half-up section and focus on lift and loose waves.
How do I make the volume last all day?
Use dry shampoo at the roots before styling and finish with a light-hold hairspray. Avoid touching the crown too much throughout the day.
