All About the Classic Chignon
The chignon is always in style and suits any occasion – from a job interview, to a romantic date. Follow our easy step-by-step instructions to get the perfect chignon
Want a hairstyle that’s bound to leave a good impression? Look no further than the classic chignon. Also called a bun or top knot, the name is derived from the French expression for a bun styled at the nape of the neck. The chignon is one of the most popular updos thanks to its timeless beauty. Wear it low for an elegant and classic look, or style it high with a bit of mess for a more modern look. Follow our easy instructions to create your own chignon:
DIY chignon style
On the job or at an interview: you’ll always look the part with a chignon.
- Before styling, work some mousse, dry shampoo or volume powder into your roots to give more grip and volume to your hair.
- For even greater volume, gently backcomb your hair and brush it back into a ponytail.
- Easy version: Twist the ponytail several times into a spiral bun, securing with bobby pins as you go.
Alternative version: Lightly tease the ponytail. Secure the end of the ponytail with a thin hair tie and tuck it under the hair tie holding your ponytail to create a loop. Pin the end hair tie firmly to your hair and gently loosen the resulting bun.
- Secure your chignon with plenty of bobby pins and hairspray to ensure your look will last all day or evening.
- For an extra dose of glamor, apply a gloss spray to your finished style for a seductive shine.
- Soften the look by gently loosening strands of hair from over your ears and hairline to frame your face.
Where to wear a chignon
An elegant, low chignon is perfect for special occasions.
Got a job interview or dinner with your future in-laws lined up? A chignon is just the right hairstyle for all those situations that require a little more polish. Or maybe you have a romantic date, prom night or a wedding to attend, a chignon will ensure you look effortlessly elegant for your big event – try a low-slung chignon for guaranteed glamor. If it’s not clear enough, a chignon will work for almost every special occasion!
Chignon: a definition
A chignon is strictly defined as a hairstyle in which the hair is twisted into a knot at the neck. The name comes from the French phrase “chignon du cou”, which translates to “nape of the neck” or “hair knot at the nape”. Today, other versions of the style, even top knots, are also referred to as a chignon.
