GET FREE SAMPLES

sign up for our newsletter to get free sample alerts

How to Do a Flawless Chignon in 5 Easy Steps

Get a gorgeous (and timeless) updo suitable for any occasion in less than five minutes
Photo 1/7
Looking for an easy updo that doesn't require a trip to a hairstylist? Then it's time to learn how to master the chignon hairstyle.

Don't let the fancy French name intimidate you. We're willing to bet you've come across a chignon more than a few times and didn't even realize it. Chignons are defined as a knot or coil of hair arranged at the back of the head, but you can make the style your own by catering to your personality. Whether you want to rock a romantic chignon and pull a few pieces out around the face here or there, or get fancy with a braided version, a chignon is one hairstyle that is completely adaptable.

And while we love gawking at a gorgeous chignon updo that took hours to craft, we don't always have that kind of time (like when you're rushing straight to that after-work birthday bash). However, thanks to the versatile updo, simple chignons are quick to create and just as beautiful as their extravagant counterparts. So, the next time you need to up your glam but don't have a surplus of time to devote to your look, try this gorgeous chignon bun, created by celebrity stylist Shaylee Blatz.

Photo 2/7
First Thing's First -- Grab These Tools
Thankfully, chignons are low maintenance in both time and tool requirements. All you need to create the classic updo are the following:

• A mirror, unless you're some kind of hair ninja and can throw your hair up perfectly without a visual. (If so, props to you, lady.) A hand mirror is also helpful for this look, since it's all at the back of your head

• A pick comb to help you create a clean center part and grab hair

• A small bristle brush for teasing your roots and amping up volume at the crown

• Bobby pins to keep your chignon bun in place

• Hair tie

• A medium-to-hard hold hairspray (we love Freeze It Original Freeze Hairspray, $6.99

• Texture spray (Blatz recommends Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray, $46)

Photo 3/7
Chignon How-To: Step 1
Apply texturizing spray to dry strands. This will give hair more grip when you lock in your chignon with bobby pins. After a few spritzes, part your hair to your liking -- a center part is a pretty go-to. Starting at the top of your head, create a section of hair on both sides in front of the ear and forward. You can secure the sections of hair with a hair tie or allow them to rest free for now -- whichever is convenient for you. (Those with mermaid-like long hair might want to tie back.)

Photo 4/7
Chignon How-To: Step 2
To give your chignon a little life and volume, lightly tease the crown for extra oomph. To really amp it up, you can spritz some dry shampoo at your roots before you tease (try Psssst Instant Dry Shampoo, $6.99). Taking the back section of hair (not the two sections in front of the ears), put hair into a low ponytail, and lightly tease the ponytail to add fullness.

Photo 5/7
Chignon How-To: Step 3
Grab a small section of hair from the bottom of your ponytail and wrap it around the base of the ponytail to hide the rubber band, securing the giant strand with a bobby pin. (Minus the major dog ears we've got going right now, this is also a simple way to dress up a basic ponytail.)

BY JESSICA AMARIS | APR 17, 2017 | SHARES
VIEW COMMENTS
Full Site | Terms & Conditions | Privacy Policy
TotalBeauty is a property of Evolve Media Holdings, LLC. © 2024 All Rights Reserved. | Affiliate Disclosure: Evolve Media Holdings, LLC, and its owned and operated subsidiaries may receive a small commission from the proceeds of any product(s) sold through affiliate and direct partner links.