If you’re anything like me, you are always looking for ways to cut down your time getting ready in the morning without sacrificing style. Beyond makeup, my hair is usually what takes me the longest to do. It’s for that very reason that I like to keep a great rotation of easy-to-copy hairstyles in my repertoire (think ponytail hairstyles and bun hairstyles like these messy bun ideas). One of my main go-tos in particular is the forever chic chignon.
Not only does the updo hairstyle look and feel effortless, but also it’s pretty much appropriate for any occasion. I wear a low slicked-back bun hair look to work out, to lunch with friends, to school dropoff and pickup, and was even this close to wearing one to my wedding. In essence, when it comes to no-fuss hair, my motto is a chic chignon can do no wrong.
I know I am not alone in this, as evidenced by the runways, red carpets, and my Instagram feed. Keep scrolling to see 20 easy chignon hairstyles from the most stylish of celebrities and influencers (even a princess!), but first I breakdown the true difference between a chignon and a bun.
What Is a Chignon?
When it comes to updo hairstyles, we’ve all heard the words bun and chignon used interchangeably, but is there truly a difference? In short, yes. Traditionally, a chignon is considered a single low bun that sits where your head meets your neck. In fact, the word chignon originates from the French phrase chignon du cou, which roughly translates to nape of the neck. A bun, on the other hand, can be placed anywhere on your head. Plus, you aren’t limited to having just one.
Chignon Inspiration
Caroline Daur completes her elevated sweaterdress look with an effortless low bun.
Claire Most mastered the slicked-back chignon and paired it with a cool black tank top and leather pants.
Ali Tate's tousled chignon is the icing on top of her romantic look.
Stephanie Broek opted to wrap a scrunchie around her low bun.
Chrissy Rutherford kept the effortless vibe of her outfit with a side-parted chignon.
Rosie Huntington-Whiteley is the queen of chic chignons.
Monikh shows off her classic low bun style.
Angela Fink stays true to her minimalist style with an easy chignon.
Zoë Kravitz stuns in a knotted chignon hairstyle.
Meghan Markle added a touch of flair to her twisted chignon with piecey bangs.
Aïda Badji Sané is known for her elegant, classic style, and her low bun is no exception.
Hailey Bieber gave her messy chignon a fun update with flower-embellished bobby pins.
Shailene Woodley is red carpet ready with her sleek chignon.
Anne-Laure Mais proves that a classic chignon is appropriate for even the dressiest of occasions.
Sylvie Mus's low bun helps to showcase her incredibly chic neck scarf.
Kate Middleton's woven chignon is fit for a princess.
Anouk Yve makes a cool case for low buns with lots of texture.
TyLynn Nguyen's proves that even the tiniest of low buns looks super elevated.
Zazie Beetz brought her chignon to the next level with a statement hair accessory.
Alexis Foreman is everyday-look goals with her no-fuss low bun and cozy outfit.
Products for Perfecting a Chignon
Hailey Bieber reportedly swears by this stick.
Bobby pins help to keep hair in place.
Find a hair tie that matches your haircolor for a seamless updo.
Brushes with boar bristles help to slick back your hair with ease.
This pomade smells delicious.
Next up: The Fashion Crowd Says This Retro Hairstyle Is Back—Here's How to Modernize It
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