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From bridal mornings to polished office looks, the chignon has a sophisticated finish that works perfectly for every occasion. In this blog, Laura Elliott, Head of Education at Neäl & Wølf, shares what a chignon hairstyle is, who it suits, and how to style it best.
What is a chignon hair do?
A chignon is a hairstyle where hair is gathered up and worn low, near the nape of the neck. The word ‘chignon’ comes from the French phrase ‘chignon du cou’, which means “nape of the neck” - the place where hair is gathered, wrapped and secured.
Unlike a standard messy bun, a chignon is typically much more refined and elegant. It can be styled sleek for more formal events like weddings, or slightly more undone for a more romantic vibe.
What is the difference between a bun and a chignon?
Buns and chignons are similar, but there are subtle differences in the two styles. A bun broadly refers to any hairstyle where hair is twisted into a rounded shape. These can sit anywhere on your head, from high at the top, to lower down. Read more about one of our favourite bun styles: The Viral TikTok Slickback Bun
A chignon doesn’t have this flexibility on positioning - it always sits lower on the head, near the nape of your neck. They tend to have a much more structured appearance, and are commonly chosen for formal occasions because of their polished finish. Read more about occasion hair ideas: Is it Best to Wear Bridal Hair Up or Down?
What is the difference between a chignon and an updo?
An updo refers to any hairstyle where hair is styled up and away from your neck and face. This includes buns, braids, twists, and chignons. A chignon is a specific type of updo, but not all updos are chignons. What makes a chignon is the low placement on your head, but other updos can vary in placement and style.
What face shape suits a chignon best?
One of the reasons the chignon is so popular is because it works with literally every face type:
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Oval faces suit almost every variation, from sleek centre-parted chignons to softer textured styles.
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Round faces benefit from added height at the crown or loose face-framing pieces to create elongation.
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Heart-shaped faces look beautiful with soft volume around the jawline to balance proportions.
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Square faces are complemented by relaxed chignons with wispy tendrils that soften angular features.
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Long faces often suit lower, fuller chignons with gentle side volume.
For more information on hairstyles and face shape, read our blog: What is the Best Haircut for Your Face Shape?
Can you wear a chignon casually?
Of course you can! The chignon is famous for being worn on formal occasions, but it can be used as an everyday style too. When worn casually, the key is to balance out the polished nature of the chignon with your overall style. Dress your hair down with trainers, oversized knitwear, jeans, or anything else you’ll feel comfortable in.
How do you do a quick chignon?
Creating a chignon at home is easier than it looks! You can achieve an effortless style in just a few minutes by following the steps below, whether you have short, medium or long hair.
1. Prep your hair
Start by straightening your hair for a sleek, polished finish. Before using any heated tools, protect hair with our GUARD Heat Protection Spray. This helps to protect hair from heat damage whilst leaving it smooth and manageable.
2. Gather into a low ponytail
Brush your hair back and secure it into a low ponytail at the nape of your neck.
3. Twist and secure
Twist the ponytail around itself to create a knot shape, then secure the chignon with grips or bobby pins.
4. Add shine
Finish by spritzing our GLOW Super Shine Micro Mist to give hair a glossy, healthy-looking finish.
5. Lock in place
Complete the look with our CONTROL Flexible Hold Hairspray for long-lasting hold and flexible movement.
How do you keep a chignon in place all day?
To keep a chignon secure, you need the right tools and styling products. Hair grips can help you to hold your hair in place, as can firming styling products like hairspray. Lightly mist our CONTROL Flexible Hold Hairspray over hair to deliver a strong, flexible hold without any stiffness or crunch. This solution sets hair in place, without feeling too heavy. Our extra tips are:
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Use grips that match your hair colour
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Cross bobby pins in an “X” shape for stronger hold
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Anchor the style around a secure ponytail base
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Finish with a final mist of hairspray to lock everything into place
Whether you prefer a sleek and polished finish or a softer, relaxed look, chignon hair can easily be adapted to suit your hair length, texture, and personal style. Browse our full range of products to complete this look: Styling & Finishing Products
