When you need a sophisticated hairstyle for a special occasion, the chignon bun has the perfect mix of vintage style, formality, and classic elegance. But what is a chignon, anyway? While you might think it’s just a bun, the truth is that while all chignons are buns, not all buns are chignons.
Basically, a chignon is a type of low bun hairstyle that sits at the nape of your neck. It can be tightly wound or gently folded, neatly tucked or loosely wrapped, sleek and slick, or done in a boho, messy bun style. Chignons are popular wedding or prom hairstyles–but they can also be worn casually for a touch of glam in an everyday style.
Chignon buns are also great for hot, humid weather because they gather up the hair and keep it contained. Here’s an easy way to get a flawless, textured chignon hairstyle that will look absolutely glamorous, no matter the outfit or occasion. It’s a great option for a party, a date night, or even homecoming hair!
Chignon Bun
Supplies
- Curling iron or wand (or other hot tool, like a wave tool)
- Comb for teasing (optional)
- Hair elastics
- Bobby pins or hairpins
Instructions
- Curl the hair to the desired texture, adding some tease to the roots if extra texture is desired. This may not be necessary if you’re working with second or third-day hair! Don’t pull all of your hair back; make sure to leave out some framing pieces.
- Pull all of your hair into a low ponytail. On the last pull-through, pull from the underside and only halfway through. This will create a loop of hair with the ends on top. Make sure you have enough length to pull over the bun.
- Spread the remaining hair out like a fan, and secure the ends with an elastic. It doesn’t have to be a clear elastic, since you’ll be tucking it under the bun.
- Fold this section of hair all the way around the chignon and secure it with bobby pins or hairpins.
- And that’s it! If you’re wearing this style for a formal occasion, you may want to consider dressing it up with hair accessories like bows, clips, or embellished hairpins.
Did you try this easy textured chignon? Share your gorgeous hair with us on TikTok and Instagram @lulus and check out our Summer Dress Shop and our Homecoming Dress Shop for the perfect outfit to go with it!
Erin Ryser is an Atlanta-based makeup artist and hairstylist who makes beauty magic happen whether she’s glamming up brides on the big day or coming up with pretty everyday ‘dos.
Join The Conversation (25)
On British so I don’t know what a ‘Bobby pin’ is. Is it what we would call a ,grip’ a loop of metal held so close together that you can use it to hold even smal pieces of hair or is it an open loop of metal used as a peg to hold hair down? Forgive my ignorance but sometimes American English doesn’t translate ?
Hi Anne! Yes, we used grips or bobby pins like the ones shown here: http://www.amazon.co.uk/250-Hair-Grips-Bobby-Pins/dp/B003XIPRWM
amazing hairstyle…. ??
What’s a topsy tail and how are they made?
What’s a topsy tail and how are they made?
http://www.realsimple.com/beauty-fashion/hair/topsy-tail-0/view-all
this hairstyle is super easy to achieve and is super fashionable!!!! definitely a hairstyle that I am going to use very often. perfect for school, work and even dinner partys!!! this hairstyle is casual but could be dressy if you use it with additional accessories like bows or fancier bobby pins.
In Britain a ‘topsy tail’ is what we would call a butterfly twist
I love this style. It looks really classy yet not too fussy. Now to see if my crazy out of control locks will let me pin it back like that. I might need to use my straighteners first to flatten it down. Thanks for the step by step tutorial – I’ll let you know how I get on!
Lucy
http://www.straighthairday.com/
I have tried this ‘do before and my fine hair will not be held into place like that with bobby pins. A chignon is actually at the top of the list of hairdos NOT to do because of the way my hair will spill out. If I could rely on bobby pins for this look, I wouldn’t have a problem with other hairstyles either!
Très jolie coiffure….malheureusement mes cheveux doivent pousser….Merci pour ce tuto