32 Chignon Hairstyles That Are Perfect for Every Occasion

If you want to upgrade your typical messy bun, look no further than these 32 chignon hairstyles. Not sure of the difference? We’ve got that covered too.

By Emma Taylor & Powered By L’Oreal Professional Products Division
Update Date: 01 Sep 2026

If you’re looking for hairdos that never go out of fashion, look no further than chignon hairstyles (pronounced sheen·yaan). The French name may sound fancy, but it just refers to a bun that’s loosely knotted or wrapped. The beauty of chignon buns is their versatility—from sleek and glam to messy and undone, this hairstyle is right for whatever your day brings. So if you want to keep your hair out of your face, but want an upgrade from your basic ponytail, try a chignon.

This hairstyle has been around since ancient times, but chignon buns have been a staple in fashion for decades. From chic French twists that exude old Hollywood glamour to the spiky space buns trend of the ‘90s, there’s a chignon hairstyle for you.

Although many chignons are of the stiff matrimonial variety, we love that the style can work for all occasions—weddings, sure, but also grocery trips and late brunches. No matter your texture, we’ve got the chignon hairstyle ideas for you.

As an added perk, these chignons are heat-free. Give your hair a holiday—it’s on us.

What is the difference between a bun and a chignon?

We’ll let you in on a secret—even though it sounds fancier, a chignon is actually easier to create than a bun. The difference is that a bun is always twisted around itself, whereas a chignon can be a simple tuck-under style or wrapped around a hair accessory, like a clip. Traditionally you’d wear a chignon low at the nape of your neck, while a bun can sit anywhere.

How do you make a classy chignon?

It’s simple to create the most basic chignon bun. Start by gathering your hair into a low ponytail at the nape of your neck. Then twist the pony upwards until it starts to coil around itself. When you’ve twisted the hair as much as possible, wrap it around the base of the ponytail, creating a bun. Keep wrapping until you've tucked all your hair inside the bun, and secure it with hair elastics or bobby pins. (See our complete tutorial here, or watch the video above for the play-by-play.)

Chignon Hairstyles Ideas

Ready to elevate your hairstyle game? We’ve rounded up 34 chignon hairstyles that are perfect for any occasion. From classic and elegant to edgy and playful, there’s a look for everyone.

Basic Wrapped Chignon

For a wedding, bridal shower, or upscale birthday party, give the wrapped chignon a shot. Divide your hair into three sections, creating the bun with the middle hair. Once that’s finished, wrap each of the side strands over and around the bun, successfully hiding the hairband from sight.

Braided Chignon

If you’re a long-maned lady who doesn’t always know how to deal with all that hair, the braided chignon is your new go-to for nights out and dinner dates. Check out the tutorial above for a deceptively easy single-braid style. Or, for an even simpler style, start with two loosely braided pigtails secured with clear elastics, wrapping the two around each other before pinning them into a bun. Just be sure to hide any loose ends from sight!

Side-Swept Chignon

Here’s the easiest piece of hair advice we will ever give you: Use the above tutorial to create a basic wrapped chignon, but shift your middle ponytail to the side of your head before beginning. Use smaller side pieces to wrap around the base of the bun. What can we say, other than “instant wedding updo”?

French Twist

The French twist has gotten a bad rap in recent years for being unflattering or outdated, but we’re still big fans of the style for formal events. The trick is to apply texturizing spray or product with grip before beginning to roll the hair into the head. We like to use Redken Invisible Dry Shampoo for its lightweight formula with no residue. Instead of losing strands as you go, you’ll be pleasantly surprised at how simple the style can be to complete.

Headband Chignon

We originally found this hack on Pinterest, the ultimate source for all things DIY. Instead of wasting your time pinning and spraying your head, fake a chignon by tucking hair into a bedazzled elastic headband. This is a more casual style meant for nights in or weekday events.

Pro tip: This hairstyle also creates gorgeous, heat-free waves.

Fishtail Braid Chignon

Here’s another look for ladies with too much hair to simply tuck up into a bun. Try the fishtail braid chignon, creating the braid at the nape of the neck before fastening it with a no-show hairband. Then, wrap the braid into a bun shape and pin it securely. Pancake the braid as much as you’d like, coating the final product with a layer of hairspray to prevent flyaways.

Topsy Tail Chignon

We love the look of a laid-back chignon for a daytime party or brunch. There are a few ways to use a topsy tail as the starting point for your bun, but the first few steps are the same no matter your finished product.

Create a ponytail, then use your finger to pull it over and down through the hair directly above the hairband. Once you have the requisite twist, repeat the process with your ponytail until no hair is left, or create a bun directly below the hairband.

High Chignon

Contrary to popular belief, a chignon doesn’t have to sit on the neck to qualify. Create your high chignon—a great fit for a formal wedding, by the way—by brushing your hair into a high ponytail. Backcomb the tail, leaving out a small piece at the bottom, smoothing and folding it up into a fan shape. Once you have the main portion pinned the way you’d like it, wrap and pin the second strand around the base of the ponytail.

Crown Braid Chignon

Once more, you’ll follow our basic chignon tutorial to make your bun. To begin, however, you’ll make a deep part and French braid away from it along the hairline. At the ear, transition into a traditional braid. Once you’ve finished the plait, braid your strand on the other side. Wrap these braids around the base of your bun.

Messy Chignon

If you’re looking for a way to keep your hair out of your face while shopping or out on the town, look no further than the messy chignon. Start with second-day or texture-sprayed locks, gathering them into a loose ponytail in one of your hands. Starting from your ends, roll up the hair as tightly as possible, pinning the hair to the base of your head.

Banana Bun

Although the name is anything but sexy, the banana bun is the newest cool-girl hairstyle to take the internet by storm. To create this look, use our basic chignon as a rough tutorial. Instead of using your middle section for a bun, however, you’ll create a ponytail that’s only half pulled through the hairband.

Knotted Chignon

Here’s another straightforward style for a night out, a casual wedding, or a dinner with friends, one that works particularly well on ladies with straight, sleek hair that doesn’t hold curls well. Instead of fighting your natural texture, smooth your hair into a low ponytail.

Braided Twist Chignon

We’re huge fans of hairstyles that only look complicated—pulling dozens of bobby pins out of your hair after a major event is so 1982. For an outdoor wedding or casually glam event, try this updo trick: Create a middle or side part, then fishtail braid your hair from the nape of the neck to the ends. After wrapping an elastic around the braid, pancake it.

Space Buns

Double buns, double the fun. For this ‘90s-inspired trend, use a long-tailed comb to create a straight part from your hairline to the nape of your neck. Then, divide your hair into two sections, tying each one into a high ponytail on the crown of your head.

Oversized Chignon

Who doesn’t love big buns? There are many different ways to get the big hair look. You can make your bun stand out from the back by pancaking a braided chignon for the supersized look.

Scrunchie Chignon

Tired of the same old low ponytail? Check out this tutorial for a simple hair hack featuring everyone’s favorite ‘90s accessory: the scrunchie. Add a choker and wear your favorite mom jeans for full 1990s nostalgia.

Claw Clip Chignon

Another ‘90s trend we love to see! Claw clips can speed up your morning hair routine while giving polished results. Gather your hair at the nape of your neck, twist your ends up and around, and secure with a claw clip. You can pull out some face-framing pieces at the front for a stylish statement.

Teased Swirl Chignon

While it may seem like a simple and casual low bun from the front, this swirled chignon is sure to stop the show when you turn your head. Save this style for significant events when you want to make a statement and let your hair do the talking.