updos · hair styling
How to Do a Chignon: The Elegant Low Bun, Stepby Step
How to do a chignon, the classic low bun at the nape, in sleek, messy, braided, and twisted versions, with tips for long, medium, and fine hair.
Hairover Team
A chignon is a low bun worn at the nape of the neck. To do a simple one, tie a low ponytail, twist it, coil the twist around the base, and pin it in place. It can be sleek and polished for formal events or loose and soft for everyday. It’s one of the most popular wedding styles because it’s elegant, works with veils and accessories, and lasts all day.
Simple chignon, step by step
- Prep with texturizing spray for grip.
- Brush hair back to the nape. Choose a center part, side part, or no part.
- Tie a low ponytail with a soft hair tie.
- Twist the ponytail until it starts to coil.
- Wrap it around the base.
- Pin with 4 to 6 bobby pins, sliding each into the bun and the hair under it.
- Loosen gently with your fingers for a softer look, or smooth for a sleek one.
- Finish with hairspray.
Variations
Sleek chignon. Smooth everything back with a little cream or gel. Polished and modern. See the slicked-back bun.
Messy chignon. Pull out face-framing pieces and loosen the crown. Romantic and relaxed.
Braided chignon. Braid the ponytail before coiling it. Adds texture and holds better on slippery hair. See how to braid hair.
Twisted chignon. Twist the front sections back from each side, then gather everything into the bun.
Rolled chignon. Tie a low ponytail, flip it through a gap above the band (a “topsy tail”), then roll the ends up and pin. No coiling needed.
By hair type
- Long hair: coil it fully, or loop it twice for a fuller bun.
- Medium hair: fold the ponytail under itself and pin. A small chignon looks neat.
- Fine hair: tease the ponytail lightly before coiling, and pull the bun outward once it’s pinned.
- Thick hair: split the ponytail into two and coil each half, so the bun isn’t too heavy.
- Curly hair: keep the curls in the bun for texture, and smooth only the hairline.
Accessories
- A pearl or decorative pin on one side
- Fresh flowers for weddings
- A ribbon or velvet bow around the base
Related guides
See your face with your hair up
A low bun frames your face and shows your neckline. Hairover lets you upload a clear photo, get a hair analysis, and try hairstyles on your own face in Style Studio.
FAQ
What is a chignon?
A low bun worn at the nape of the neck. The word comes from French and refers to the nape. It can be sleek and polished or soft and messy.
How do you do a simple chignon?
Tie a low ponytail, twist it, coil the twist around the base, and pin it in place. Loosen it slightly with your fingers for a softer look.
Can you do a chignon with medium-length hair?
Yes. Shoulder-length hair can make a small chignon. Use a few more pins, or fold the ponytail under itself instead of coiling it.
Is a chignon good for a wedding?
Yes. It's one of the most popular wedding styles for brides and guests, because it's elegant, works with veils and accessories, and lasts all day.
