All Makeup Skin Hair Nails How-To Beauty Amplified Spoilers IPSY 101 Ingredient Index

Mais Oui! How to Do a Chignon, the Classic French Bun Hairstyle

Lindy Segal DefaultLindy Segal Default
By
Published on Aug 11, 2021
Zendaya posing looking glam in a chignon hairstyle on the red carpet MobileZendaya posing looking glam in a chignon hairstyle on the red carpet Desktop

Quick: Name three things that are quintessentially French. In addition to croissants and berets, we hereby move that the classic chignon hairstyle should make the list. Not only is the chignon synonymous with elegance, it’s also surprisingly easy—after all, it’s really a hairstyle you’re already quite familiar with. “Quite literally it means ‘bun’ in French,” explains celebrity hairstylist Clariss Rubenstein. But “chignon” and “bun” aren’t exactly interchangeable; we’re here to explain just what the chignon bun is, along with Rubenstein’s expert insight. Plus, get a step-by-step tutorial, and keep scrolling for some stunning red carpet looks worth copying.

Default Middle Subscribe Module Image - MobileDefault Middle Subscribe Module Image - Desktop

It's about glam time you treated yourself.

Join IPSY
MEET THE EXPERT

Clariss Rubenstein is a celebrity hairstylist based in Los Angeles.

What is a chignon?

“Traditionally a chignon is worn low near the nape of the neck, and contains the majority or all of the hair,” explains Rubenstein. It may translate to “bun,” but a chignon “does not have to be a classic-style bun—[i.e.] wrapped around itself—but can be tucked under or twisted in a simple style,” according to the hairstylist. Lastly, the style is “worn as a single bun, never in multiples,” says Rubenstein. (In other words, don’t expect to see “space chignons” anytime soon.)

The chignon’s origins may be French, it’s strikingly universal. “If your hair is long enough to be pulled back and tucked or wrapped into a bun, you can wear a chignon,” says Rubenstein. But don’t worry if you don’t have long hair, says the stylist: “If you need more length, temporary extensions or even a clin-in bun work well.” The style can also be worn by all hair types. “Absolutely all hair textures can wear a chignon,” states Rubenstein.

How to do a chignon, step by step:

What you’ll need: 

Directions:

  1. Prep your chignon. “Smooth all hair into a ponytail at the nape of your neck. If you are going for more texture or working with natural curls, simply use your fingers so as to not to disrupt the texture. If you are going for a smoother look, brush the ponytail with a natural bristle brush,” says Rubenstein.

  2. Form the bun. “Create your bun by wrapping the hair around the base with your hands, and secure it using French hair pins,” says the stylist.

  3. Et voilĂ ! Add a spritz of hairspray to keep your chic chignon in place, and au revoir!

Celeb chignon inspo to try:

1. Daytime elegance

Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex, greeting children and sporting a messy chignon hairstyle MobileMeghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex, greeting children and sporting a messy chignon hairstyle Desktop

Megan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, often opts for some form of this hairstyle, and her slightly messy bun (in a good way) is perfection. We love how she keeps the look from being overly simplistic by styling it with a pretty side tendril and volume at the crown.

2. Retro Updo

Zendaya posing and looking glam in a chignon hairstyle on the red carpet MobileZendaya posing and looking glam in a chignon hairstyle on the red carpet Desktop

Leave it to Zendaya to pair two timeless styles—finger waves and a low chignon—and make them seem modern and fresh. Feel free to pin her look to your “Wedding Hairstyles” Pinterest board (we already have!)

3. Fanned-Out Low Bun

As Rubenstein stated, not all chignons have to be classic buns to be called chignons—and this fanned-out style on Lily Aldridge is a perfect example. Chignons also tend to look fantastic with hair accessories, and Alridge’s gold hair piece is a gorgeous finishing touch.

Want to try the latest hair products and more with the IPSY Glam Bag? Take our Beauty Quiz now to get started. Already an Ipster? Refer your friends to earn points, which you can use toward products. Either way, don’t forget to check us out on Instagram and Twitter @IPSY.

Like this article? Share it with your friends by clicking the icons below! 

Liked this post? Share!

Related Stories

An image of a woman with kinky hair, smiling with her mouth open, looking very happyAn image of a woman with kinky hair, smiling with her mouth open, looking very happy

Hair

Yes, You Can Revive Your Heat-Damaged Curls: Here’s How

Published on May 24, 2025 ‱ 3 min read

An image of K-pop artist Lisa Manoban showcasing her stunning makeup look, styled with a half-ponytail and signature bangsAn image of K-pop artist Lisa Manoban showcasing her stunning makeup look, styled with a half-ponytail and signature bangs

Hair

12 Wedding Hairstyles to Add to Your Inspo Board

Published on Apr 24, 2025 ‱ 6 min read

A close-up image of a blonde girl with light makeup and wavy, wet-look hairA close-up image of a blonde girl with light makeup and wavy, wet-look hair

Hair

How to Get the Wavy Wet-Hair Look of Your Underwater Dreams

Published on Apr 23, 2025 ‱ 7 min read

A photo of a matcha powder and a green tea liquid in a clear glass cup, placed on a mat next to a wooden combA photo of a matcha powder and a green tea liquid in a clear glass cup, placed on a mat next to a wooden comb

Hair

Turns Out Your Favorite Tea Might Be the Key to Better Hair Days

Published on Apr 21, 2025 ‱ 7 min read

A smiling woman with long, thick, textured brown hair falling over her eyesA smiling woman with long, thick, textured brown hair falling over her eyes

Hair

6 Expert-Approved Ways to Go Longer Between Hair Washes

Published on Mar 28, 2025 ‱ 4 min read

Hair

Frizzy Hair, Where? These 12 Products Will Help You Forget Flyaways for Good

Published on Mar 26, 2025 ‱ 6 min read

An image of a woman with her hair styled in a balayage bunAn image of a woman with her hair styled in a balayage bun

Hair

Get Crowned: Long Hair Updos That Deserve Prom Queen Status

Published on Mar 19, 2025 ‱ 4 min read

Products from K18 HAIR Leave-in Molecular Repair Hair Mask, DESIGNME HAIR GlossMe Hydrating Treatment Mask, BRIOGEO HAIR CARE Don't Despair, Repair!ℱ Deep Conditioning Mask, STYLEDRY Pineapple & Coconut Hair MaskProducts from K18 HAIR Leave-in Molecular Repair Hair Mask, DESIGNME HAIR GlossMe Hydrating Treatment Mask, BRIOGEO HAIR CARE Don't Despair, Repair!ℱ Deep Conditioning Mask, STYLEDRY Pineapple & Coconut Hair Mask

Hair

8 Moisturizing Hair Masks That’ll Breathe Life Into Your Dry, Tired Strands

Published on Mar 3, 2025 ‱ 4 min read

Default Bottom Subscribe Module Imagebottom_subscribe_module_image_desktop

Beauty Picked Just for You

Get 5 products worth up to $70

Plus exclusive access to epic deals up to 80% off

Starting at just $14/month. Cancel anytime.

Get Started