French curls braids are braids made with French curl braiding hair, which is smooth near the root and falls into soft, loose spirals towards the ends. The finish is lighter and more romantic than classic box braids. With gentle care, the braids themselves often last several weeks, though the curly ends need the most attention.
Key takeaways
- French curls give you the ease of braids with the movement of curly hair.
- Boho French curls add loose curly strands along the braid for a softer, fuller look.
- The curls are the first part to show wear. Most of your aftercare is about keeping them separated and frizz-free.
- Scalp care and a good night routine decide how long the style looks fresh.
Why is everyone booking French curls right now?
The interest is measurable. In our own Google Merchant Center data for South Africa in September 2026, searches for “meisha french curls” were up 24%. That matches what we hear in the chair: clients want a protective style that still looks soft and feminine, and French curls deliver that balance.
There are practical reasons too:
- Movement. The curly ends swing and bounce in a way straight-ended braids do not.
- Lighter on the eye and the head. The loose curls create a softer silhouette, which suits everything from the office to a wedding.
- Season-ready. It is a style that photographs beautifully on holiday and in warm weather.
French curls vs boho French curls: what is the difference?
| French curls braids | Boho French curls | |
|---|---|---|
| Look | Neat braids with curly, loose ends | Braids with curly strands left out along the length |
| Feel | Polished and defined | Soft, undone and fuller |
| Maintenance | Moderate: mainly the ends | Higher: curls along the whole braid can tangle |
| Best for | Work, travel, a longer-wearing finish | Holidays, events and photographs |
If you like the soft finish but worry about tangling, ask your stylist about leaving out fewer curly pieces. You can still get the boho feel with less upkeep.
Who do French curls suit?
Almost everyone, with a few adjustments:
- Round or full faces often look best with longer lengths and curls that start below the chin, which draws the eye down.
- Longer or oval faces suit mid-length curls with more volume at the sides.
- Active lifestyles are better served by classic French curls than boho, because there are fewer loose strands to knot during exercise.
- Sensitive scalps benefit from a medium braid size and a moderate length to keep the weight down.
How to prepare for your appointment
A little preparation makes the appointment smoother and the result neater:
- Arrive with clean, detangled hair unless your booking includes a wash. Product build-up under fresh braids is hard to remove later.
- Bring two or three reference photos showing the size, length and amount of curl you want. Names vary between salons, so pictures avoid surprises.
- Ask how much hair to buy, or whether the salon supplies it, before the day.
- Plan for a longer sitting. Smaller braids and longer lengths take more time, so wear something comfortable and bring a charged phone.
Taking a break from braids?
Each one can be installed and styled by our stylists in Sandton. Split the cost into interest-free instalments with PayFlex or PayJustNow at checkout.
-
Sale!
This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product pageMimi 18″
Original price was: R8,280.00.R6,624.00Current price is: R6,624.00. -
Sale!
This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product pageZini 18″
Original price was: R6,500.00.R5,200.00Current price is: R5,200.00. -
Sale!
This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product pageMeagan Raw
Price range: R5,599.00 through R10,800.00
Easy ways to style French curls
Part of the appeal is how many looks one installation gives you. A half-up top knot shows off the curls while keeping them off your face. A low, loose bun works for formal events. For a fresh look midway through the style, switch your part or pin the front braids back with a statement clip. Keep updos loose: tight styles pull on the root and crush the curls.
How long do French curls braids last?
The braided section often stays neat for a similar time to other braids, commonly around four to six weeks with good care. The curls are different. Because the ends are loose, they can start to frizz, knot or lose definition sooner, sometimes within two to three weeks if they are not protected at night. Many clients keep the style looking fresh for longer by refreshing or trimming the ends rather than taking the whole style down.
Signs it is time to take them out include matting at the root, persistent itching, or curls that no longer separate even after refreshing.
How to make French curls last: a stylist’s routine
- Never brush the curls. Separate them with your fingers only, and only when they are damp or have product on them.
- Protect them every night. Gather the braids loosely on top of your head and cover them with a large satin or silk bonnet, or sleep on a satin pillowcase.
- Refresh, do not soak. A light mist of water mixed with a little leave-in conditioner, followed by a small amount of mousse smoothed over the curls, brings back definition.
- Skip heavy oils on the curls. Oils and butters can make the curls clump and attract lint.
- Trim the stragglers. Snipping the few frizzy curl ends that stick out keeps the whole style looking new.
- Keep your hands off. Constant twirling and touching is the fastest way to frizz.
How do you wash French curls braids?
Focus on the scalp and handle the curls as little as possible.
- Dilute a gentle shampoo in an applicator bottle and apply it directly between the parts.
- Massage the scalp with your fingertips, then rinse by letting water run down the braids rather than rubbing them.
- Follow with a light conditioner on the curly ends only, then rinse.
- Squeeze out water with a microfibre towel and let the braids dry completely. Damp roots can lead to odour and irritation, so allow plenty of time or use a hooded dryer on a cool setting.
For most people, a scalp wash every one to two weeks is enough. In between, a light scalp spray can help if your scalp feels dry.
What our clients say
Comfort matters as much as the finish. One client, Josiane, wrote in a public review on Fresha: “I got boho french curls… She was very gentle and the entire process was painless.”
Booking French curls at The Penthouse
French curls, boho French curls and knotless braids are all available in The Queens Quarter, our hair services lounge at The Penthouse Beauty Studio in Sandton. If you are deciding between styles, our guide to knotless braids in Sandton covers sizes, lengths and aftercare that apply to French curls too.
Want care built in? Our bundles and rewards page lists natural hair options with verified prices, including the Protective Style Premium bundle at R1,760, which covers shoulder-length knotless braids with a Mizani wash and a Moisturizer Fusion treatment. For French curls prices and availability, see current prices on Fresha.
French curls are popular for good reason: they look soft, move beautifully and give your own hair a rest. Protect the curls at night, refresh them lightly and keep your scalp clean, and the style will carry you through the season. Book your appointment on Fresha, or send a reference photo on WhatsApp and we will help you choose length and finish.
Book your appointment at The Penthouse
Our stylists at The Marc, Sandton will tailor the style to your hair, scalp and schedule.
Frequently asked questions
What hair is used for French curls braids?
French curls braids use pre-curled braiding hair that is smooth towards the root and falls into loose spirals at the ends. It is usually a synthetic braiding hair. Your stylist will advise how many packs you need for your chosen size and length, so check with the salon before you buy hair for your appointment.
Do French curls tangle easily?
The curly ends can tangle more than straight-ended braids, especially in boho styles where curls are left out along the braid. Finger-separating with a little product, sleeping in a satin bonnet and avoiding brushing all help. Classic French curls, with curls only at the ends, are easier to manage.
Can I swim with French curls braids?
You can, but chlorine and salt water can dry out and frizz the curls. Wet the braids with clean water before swimming, rinse thoroughly afterwards and let the braids dry completely, especially near the root. Expect the curls to need refreshing sooner if you swim often.
Are French curls the same as goddess braids?
They are related but not identical. Both styles combine braids with curly hair. French curls use braiding hair that is already curled towards the ends, while goddess or boho styles usually leave curly strands out along the braid. Many salons use the names loosely, so bring a reference photo to your appointment.
How do I refresh frizzy French curls?
Mist the curls lightly with water mixed with a little leave-in conditioner, then smooth a small amount of mousse over them and separate them with your fingers. Let them air-dry without touching. Trimming the few ends that stay frizzy keeps the whole style looking neater.
Sources
Written by The Penthouse Beauty Studio team at The Marc, 129 Rivonia Rd, Sandown, Sandton. Prices are in rand, include VAT and were correct at the time of publishing.
