32 Chignon Hairstyles That Are Perfect for Every Occasion | Hair.com By L’Oréal

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).

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.

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.

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.

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. This is all the chic French girl vibes, none of the work.

Curly Chignon

We feel real empathy for those with curly, short,, and textured hair since they get left out of just about every updo tutorial. Use your natural texture to create a lovely chignon—you won’t regret it!

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.

Double Dutch Braided Chignon

This style only looks complicated, we promise. With practice you’ll be turning heads in no time. Part your hair down the center from the hairline to the nape of your neck.

Embellished Chignon

Elevate your basic wrapped chignon by adding your favorite hair accessories. Pins, decorative combs, barrettes, and even pearls and jewels will upgrade your ‘do from basic to brilliant. The possibilities are endless.

Scarf Chignon

This style is perfect for when you want an extra pop of color. Start this style by using an elastic to pull your hair into a ponytail and then a half-bun. Thread a scarf through the elastic to keep it in place, and then braid it with two sections from the ponytail. Wrap the braid around the bun and secure it by tying the loose ends of the scarf.

Ballerina Bun Chignon

Need a polished but practical way to keep your hair out of your face? This super sleek and versatile style works whether you’re sweating at the gym or owning it in the corporate boardroom.

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.

Voluminous Polished Chignon

As the saying goes, go big or go home! We choose to go big. Use a sock bun or hair donut to pump up the volume for this lofty look.

Tuck and Roll Chignon

Got long, flowy locks? This style is for you. And we promise it only looks complicated.

Boho Chignon

Pull out a few loose, wavy tendrils from your messy low bun to get this soft, romantic look. Use a curl-defining product like Redken Texture Paste to shape the perfect loose strands.

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.

Three Bun Chignon

For those who prefer a more voluminous and dramatic look, but also want to keep their hair out of their face, this one’s for you. When you have three low, chunky messy buns close together, they look like one big chignon. Ideal for making a statement while keeping your long locks contained.

Multi-Braided Chignon

Like the style above, the more buns, the better. This one uses four braids to create low buns that combine for a style perfect for a day at the beach, date night, or even just running errands.

Slicked-Back Chignon

This minimalistic yet elegant hairstyle is perfect for formal events. Hate frizz? Keep flyaways at bay with anti-frizz humidity protection from Redken Triple Max Hold 32 Neutral Fragrance Hairspray. You’ll look chic and put together no matter the weather.

Textured Rolled Chignon

Looking for a dramatic yet romantic style? Look no further. This chignon's carefully rolled and wrapped elements add texture and visual interest, making it perfect for weddings, formal events, or any occasion when you want to look polished and put together. You can add a dainty flower for a pop of color to complete the look.

Tucked Chignon

Nothing beats a classic look, and this simple chignon look will never go out of style. Plus, you can get this elegant look without too much fuss. Simply pull your hair back into a low ponytail, tuck it under itself, and secure it with bobby pins. Pull out some loose pieces for a tousled look. This style looks even better when you crisscross twisted strands of hair above your pony.