Andie MacDowell’s Gray French Twist Deserves Its Own Palme d'Or

Andie MacDowell with curly hair and skin-like makeup on, posing for the camera. .

I’ve always loved gray hair, but Andie MacDowell’s silver curls definitely take the cake. On May 14, the actress was photographed in France for day two of the Cannes Film Festival, as she left Hotel Martinez to head to the red carpet for Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning. While she dressed completely on theme in a black and white suit, my favorite part of MacDowell’s look was the chic French twist that she donned.

Though the actress doesn’t have an Instagram account to share the details of her glam, French twists usually follow a formula. It’s likely that MacDowell’s hair was first gathered into a ponytail, then twisted around her stylist’s fingers, and pulled to the top of her head. A few bobby pins to keep the style in place, and voilá, the chic hairstyle is born. While most French twists typically see all the hair being pulled up and back, MacDowell’s version had the most gorgeous side bang, which allowed her elegant ombré gray color to shine in its full glory.

Andie MacDowell at the Cannes Film Festival 2025 for the Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning red carpet. (Image credit: Getty Images)

French twists have long been lauded for their versatility. The hairstyle is perfect for formal red carpet events, as seen on stars like MacDowell and Mikey Madison, but it also bodes perfectly for a casual look. For me, the spring and summer are all about easy updos that keep my hair out of my face and off of my body, so I will be keeping this look in mind over the next few months. Keep reading for the products you’ll need to recreate MacDowell’s Cannes hairstyle, including my favorite French hairpin that makes this style easy to do at home.

Briogeo

Scalp Revival Exfoliating Scalp Shampoo

My best hairstyles are always done on squeaky clean hair, so make sure that you're shampooing with a clarifying formula before attempting this hairstyle. I love this one from Briogeo.

Deborah Pagani

Large Dp Pin

My favorite way to jazz up a French twist is with a fun hairpin. This one from Deborah Pagani is simple, yet chic, and will keep your hair in place all day.

EWAGOA

300 Pcs Bobby Pins

Bobby pins that match the color of your hair are a godsend for styles like French twists. If you have gray hair like MacDowell, opt for these silver ones from Amazon that will blend in.