Special Occasion Hair Hack: How to Do the Easiest Chignon Bun for Your Next Event

Published by
Erin Ryser
Shop the Look: Love of Romance Pink Floral Print Satin Cowl Neck Maxi Dress, Wise Idea Gold and Pearl Hoop Earrings

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. 

Shop the Look: Love of Romance Pink Floral Print Satin Cowl Neck Maxi Dress, Wise Idea Gold and Pearl Hoop Earrings

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. 

Shop the Look: Love of Romance Pink Floral Print Satin Cowl Neck Maxi Dress, Wise Idea Gold and Pearl Hoop Earrings

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. Fold this section of hair all the way around the chignon and secure it with bobby pins or hairpins.
  5. 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.

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