How to Master a Chignon Hairstyle in 5 Easy Steps

When it comes time to flaunt a sophisticated updo, a chignon bun should easily land at the top of your list of options. A variation on the traditional bun look, you’ve likely seen the chignon hairstyle all over your social media, worn by Hollywood A-listers and influencers alike. Known as a fancy French term for a bun, the chignon definition comes from the phrase “chignon du cou,” which means nape of the neck. This hairstyle trend is easy to master on your own and a perfect match for just about any occasion. Curious about trying out a chic chignon for yourself? Keep reading to learn how to master doing a chignon hairstyle in just five easy steps—with pictures to help guide you!

STEP #1: CREATE A PONYTAIL

First things first, make sure that your hair is completely smooth and tangle-free. While most bun hairstyles can be strategically messy, the chignon bun is an exception. You want this style to look perfectly pulled together. Using a fine-tooth comb, part your hair down the middle (or on either side—whatever you prefer). Then, spritz a bit of hair spray—like the L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle LOCK IT Fine Control Hairspray—onto dry strands, before combing through to create a sleek look. Next, pull your hair back into a low ponytail and secure it with a hair elastic. The ponytail should sit low at the nape of your neck.

STEP #2: FORM A LOOP

As pictured, grab all of your hair and make a loop with your ponytail, twisting it just enough so that the ends are pointing toward your crown (be sure to leave an inch or two of your ends hanging out). The chignon is classically a loose knot rather than a twisted, wrapped style, so your loop, by design, will have more volume than a bun.

STEP #3: SECURE WITH BOBBY PINS

Secure the loop at the base of the neck with a few bobby pins (the ends should still be sticking out here). Experienced chignon-ers are known to use a single pin, but you may need a few at first. If you used enough hairspray to prep, a couple of pins should be plenty to keep your loop in place. As helpful as these pictures are, it’s totally fine—and expected—if it takes you a few tries to finally get it right. We promise once you do it’ll get easier and easier each time!

STEP #4: WRAP YOUR ENDS

Those ends that are still loose? It’s time to do something about them. Split the ends in half and wrap one half up and over the exposed elastic, then pin them in place. Use another bobby pin or two to secure the ends of your hair on the other side. Be sure to tuck in any stray strands; this is not a shower or a sock bun—you want a neat, if not formal, finish. The final result should be a vertical loop at the bottom, with a ribbon of hair (your ends) swiped across the top of the loop and secured on either side.

STEP #5: LOCK IN YOUR LOOK

Surely after you’ve put the time into mastering a chignon hairstyle, you won't want it to fall out right away! So, when you have the pieces of your chignon in place, you’ll want to spritz your updo with strong-hold hair spray to make sure every piece stays in place throughout the day (or night). Seal the deal with a few spritzes of the L’Oréal Paris Elnett Satin Hairspray Extra Strong Hold. This hairspray has a fine mist that’s super strong without becoming hard or sticky. Rather, this legendary hair spray offers a clean, shiny finish—with a hold that lasts all day long. To use, hold the can about a foot away from your head, then spritz evenly over your entire head of hair. Voila!

Can’t get enough of updo hairstyles? Next, try a braid-meets-bun hairstyle with help from our step-by-step tutorial, Braid Meets Bun: How to Get a Brun Hairstyle.