French roll hairstyles are a classic and elegant look that can be adapted in numerous ways for black women’s hair.
The basic French roll involves rolling the hair up and away from the face, but modern interpretations can incorporate braids, twists, curls, and other elements to create more intricate and eye-catching styles.
In this article, we will explore 13 beautiful French roll hairstyles for black women, providing tips, step-by-step instructions, and inspiration for recreating these glamorous updos.
Simple Swept French Roll
The swept French roll is a simple yet sophisticated take on the classic style.
It involves sweeping all of the hair over to one side and then rolling it into a neat coil shape.
This places the focal point over one shoulder for an asymmetric look.
It works well for creating a formal or elegant style for events and special occasions.
To get this look, start by sectioning out the top front portion of the hair and setting it aside temporarily.
Brush the remaining hair back and gather it over one shoulder.
Apply gel or setting lotion to smooth any flyaways.
Next, begin rolling the length of the hair up toward the nape of the neck.
Place bobby pins as you roll to hold the hair in place.
Make sure to roll the ends under to create a seamless finish.
Once the roll is secured, lightly tease the front section of hair, brush it smooth, and then sweep it over the roll.
Position it so it blends with the shape of the coil.
Set it with pins or glue.
Finish with a light holding spray.
For added polish, wrap a thin satin ribbon around the base of the roll.
This style works well on medium to long hair.
Just adjust the size of the roll based on hair length.
Braided French Roll
Incorporating braids adds eye-catching texture and dimension to a French roll updo.
Smaller micro braids help contain curly or thick hair, while larger Dutch or fishtail braids make an elegant statement.
Start by parting a section at the crown and braiding it in your choice of pattern.
For micro braids, part small 1-2 inch sections and braid each one down toward the nape of the neck.
For larger braids, section out bigger parts of the hair before braiding.
If adding a Dutch braid, braid from the middle out to one side.
For a fishtail braid, divide hair into two sections, cross small strands from the outside into the middle, and repeat down the length.
Once the braid(s) are complete, sweep all the remaining loose hair over one shoulder.
Smooth with gel or serum.
Next, begin rolling the length of hair up into a coil, incorporating the end of the braid so it becomes part of the roll.
Pin the roll in place, curving the end of the braid artfully over the top.
Finish by misting with medium hold hairspray.
For second-day styling, simply redo the braid and then wrap it back into the roll.
This style is great for medium to long hair.
Textured French Roll Updo
Naturally curly and coily hair types can opt for a textured French roll updo.
This version incorporates the volume and movement of curls into the classic rolled shape.
It creates a soft, romantic style that works for both day and night.
Start with dry, picked out curls.
Part the hair down the middle.
On each side, divide hair into 2-3 inch sections.
Pull each section up toward the crown, twisting and rolling it into a round shape against the head as you go.
Crisscross sections as needed to fill in the shape.
Smooth any frizz on the ends with gel and tuck them into the roll.
Insert bobby pins as needed to hold.
Once both sides are pinned, loosely twist the remaining hair at the nape of the neck and wrap it over and around the rolls to blend them together.
Insert pins to hold it in place.
Finish with a light misting of flexible hold hairspray, scrunching curls gently from the roots as needed.
This style can be worn with all hair lengths from short to long.
Sleek Low French Roll
For a refined take on the French roll, try placing it low at the nape of the neck.
This creates an elongated, elegant shape that works nicely for formal events or black tie affairs.
It also helps showcase dangling earrings.
Part hair cleanly down the middle and brush into a sleek, smooth style.
Create a deep side part and sweep all the hair over to one side.
Brush it with serum or anti-frizz cream first.
Gather hair into a low ponytail at the nape of the neck, brushing it to remove any bumps or lumps.
Twist the ponytail lengthwise and begin rolling it upward.
Wrap the ends tightly under and pin in place along the roll to keep everything sleek.
For extra polish, wrap the base of the roll with a coordinating satin ribbon.
Mist with firm hold hairspray.
Add a sparkling hair clip or jeweled pins for accent.
Let a few curled tendrils or ringlets soften the look around the temples and ears.
This style works best on medium to long hair.
French Braided Roll
Incorporating French braids along the sides of the head adds intricate detail to this gorgeous rolled look.
It also helps keep the style neat and tidy.
Begin by parting a section from temple to temple across the crown.
Secure the remaining hair out of the way.
Work your way across the crown section, French braiding along the hairline toward one ear.
Braid the section smoothly and tightly for best results.
Wrap the end of the braid around itself and pin it just above and behind the ear.
Repeat on the opposite side.
Next, release the remaining hair and brush it into a smooth ponytail.
Apply gel or serum to control flyaways.
Twist the length of the ponytail and begin rolling it inward.
Place pins as you roll the hair back toward the nape of the neck.
Wrap the ends under and pin to hold the roll in place.
Mist with firm hold hairspray.
French Rolling Pin Curls
For fabulous retro-glam style, set your hair in pin curls first before rolling them up into a French style.
This technique allows you to create a rolled hairstyle even with shorter hair lengths.
Start by washing and setting hair in chunky pin curls.
Part hair into 2-4 inch sections first and smooth each section with setting lotion.
Begin rolling the hair around itself into a flat curl shape.
Insert a bobby pin at an angle or cross shape to hold each curl in place.
Allow hair to dry fully overnight.
The next day, take out the pins and separate curls.
Lightly mist hair with water to soften and loosen them.
Create a side part.
On one side, begin rolling a couple curls together from back to front, arranging them circularly against the head.
Insert pins to hold in place.
Repeat on the other side, rolling pins in the opposite direction.
Smooth any frizzy ends under or away into the roll using gel.
Finish with holding spray.
For short hair, add height with hair rats or pads under the rolled curls.
This vintage style is gorgeous for weddings or themed events.
Topsy Tail French Roll
Put a fun spin on the French roll by incorporating two high, spiraled ponytails.
This playful take adds youthful flair and volume.
Start by parting hair straight back into two even sections.
Secure the front piece out of the way temporarily.
On the back section, tease the hair at the crown to boost volume.
Next, gather it into a high ponytail atop the head.
Smooth the ends with serum.
Twist the ponytail until it coils onto itself in a tight spiral.
Then wrap the ends under themselves and pin to create a rolled bun shape.
Repeat the process on the front section.
Tease lightly and gather into a spiraled ponytail, rolling the ends under.
Mist each rolled ponytail with firm hold hairspray.
Leave a few curly tendrils loose around the face for a soft finish.
This fun style works great on short to medium length hair.
Romantic Low Chignon Roll
For a sweet, romantic updo, try this chignon-inspired rolled style.
It incorporates a french braided chignon at the nape of the neck and rolls the remaining hair smoothly over it for a feminine finish.
Start by parting hair down the center.
Take a 1-2 inch section from behind one ear to behind the other.
French braid it loosely, letting the outer strands wisp freely for a relaxed look.
Secure the braid ends together at the nape of the neck in a loose knot.
On both sides, brush hair back toward the braid and smooth with serum.
Lift the braided chignon up and begin rolling one side over it diagonally.
Curve it around the head and pin it just above one ear.
Repeat on the other side, rolling it in the opposite direction toward the other ear.
Pin any frizzy ends under and secure with hairspray.
For second or third day styling, simply spritz hair with water, smooth down the frizz with serum, and repin any pieces that have come loose.
The imperfectly undone look adds to the charm of this French roll hairstyle.
French Roll Faux Hawk
For an edgy, stand out look, try blending a tapered faux hawk with a rolled French bun.
This playful yet polished style makes a statement for a night out.
Start by sectioning the hair straight back into thirds.
Secure the two outer sections temporarily out of the way.
Tease and spritz the middle section with texture spray or dry shampoo.
Brush it up into a tall, triangular ridge down the center of the head.
Mist with strong hold hair gel and smooth sides lightly.
Next, release one side section and sweep it smoothly back toward the faux hawk.
Gather any extra length into your hand and begin tightly rolling it inward.
Wrap the ends under to create a neat, rounded shape.
Pin the roll in place just behind the faux hawk ridge.
Repeat on the other side.
Secure with extra hold spray.
Finally, insert bobby pins decoratively along the faux hawk ridge.
For extra embellishment, braid hair extensions or ribbons into the ridge.
This style works best on medium to long hair.
On shorter hair, create faux length by rolling ends of hair pieces into the buns.
Side-Swept French Braid Roll
This elegant style incorporates a French braided side sweep into a gracefully rolled low bun.
It’s perfect for proms, weddings or anytime you want an effortlessly beautiful updo.
Start by creating a deep side part.
Take a 1-2 inch section starting behind the hairline and French braiding it diagonally down toward the opposite ear.
Bring the braid across the nape of the neck.
Gather the remaining hair over one shoulder and brush smooth with serum.
Loosely twist the length of hair and begin rolling it inward toward the base of the head.
Incorporate the end of the French braid into the roll so it disappears seamlessly.
Wrap any frizzy ends under and pin into place.
Insert bobby pins decoratively along the diagonal part and sweeping braid for extra polish.
Finish with medium hold hairspray.
For added romance, tuck a few small flowers into the braid.
This style complements long, thick hair.
90s Style French Roll
Revive 90s nostalgia with this cool, relaxed French roll hairstyle.
It has a laid back vibe while still looking put together.
Start by parting hair off center.
Take a 1 inch section from the larger side and French braid it along the wider side of the part toward the ear.
Wrap the end of the braid across the nape of the neck and pin in place.
On the smaller side, sweep the hair back loosely and brush it smooth.
Gather all the remaining hair into a low ponytail just under the braid.
Twist the ponytail lengthwise to create a rope-like texture.
Begin coiling it into a loose bun shape.
Leave the ends flipped out for an imperfect finish.
Pin the roll loosely in place along the head.
Pull out a few face framing pieces around the temples and ears.
Set the style with medium hold spray.
This relaxed French roll is perfect for school, work or weekends.
It works well on medium to long hair.
Half Up Half Down French Roll
This half up half down style provides the best of both worlds – some hair left free and flowing while the rest is swept up into a classy French roll.
It’s great for events like weddings and galas.
Part hair from ear to ear across the top of the crown.
Create a quiff by backcombing the front section lightly and brushing up and back.
Mist with texture spray.
Gather the back section into a low ponytail at the nape of the neck and secure with an elastic that matches your hair color.
Next, divide hair above the elastic in two.
Twist both sections away from the face so they spiral around each other.
Begin coiling them into a rounded bun shape against the head.
Insert pins to hold in place.
Leave the remaining hair down in back to cascade over shoulders.
Softly curl the ends if desired.
Finish with medium hold hairspray.
For second day styling, simply redo the elastic ponytail and re-roll the bun portion.
Voluminous French Roll Pompadour
Amp up the volume and drama for a night out with this big, bold French rolled pompadour.
It makes a striking statement.
Start by sectioning the hair straight back into thirds.
Secure the two outer sections temporarily.
Tease the middle section aggressively, especially at the crown.
Then brush it up and back toward the crown into a rounded pomp shape.
Mist with strong hold spray.
Smooth the sides lightly.
Next, release one outer section and sweep the hair back over the pompadour mound.
Roll the ends inward, creating a large spiraled bun shape.
Place it just behind the pompadour bump.
Secure tightly with pins.
Repeat on the other side.
Mist completed style with firm hold hairspray.
Finish by inserting bobby pins decoratively along the base of the pompadour.
Let pieces along the hairline fall softly for contrast against the voluminous shape.
So try out a French roll style for your next special event or night out on the town.
With the inspiration above and a little practice, you can master these advanced techniques for show-stopping hair.
