6 Hair Commandments Every French Girl Swears By

When a woman heads to a bar for a blowout instead of a glass of Burgundy, rest assured, she is not French. Here are the six hair commandments French women always live by.

Press your coffee—not your hair. "French women don’t use straightening irons,” says Paris hairstylist David Mallett. "Their ideal look is full and bouncy—never flat."

You can never own too much L'Oréal Paris Elnett Hairspray. "I have some at home, in my car, and at the office," says model and L'Oréal Paris spokeswoman Inès de la Fressange. A quick blast at the roots adds volume.

Ease up on the shampoo. "French women wash their hair three times a week, max," says Paris colorist Christophe Robin.

Consider a splash of white vinegar. "It adds shine and keeps color intact," says colorist Sophie Georgiou of Sharon Dorram Color at Sally Hershberger in New York City. Dilute three drops in cold water and apply after you’ve conditioned. "It’s our best and oldest trick," she says.

Texturizing spray is key. "I spritz it on after my hair air-dries, and that’s the extent of my styling routine,” says actress Clémence Poésy. "It adds body and roughness." Poésy loves Bumble and Bumble Dryspun Finish.

Balayage is your bon ami. "French women love hand-painted highlights,” says Georgiou. "The effect is subtle, not like the stripy, choreographed look of foil."