The Slender Neck: Chignon Hairstyle

The chignon is a sophisticated bun-like hairstyle that is pinned to the back of the head, and it can be worn in various styles. The name comes from the French word meaning “the nape of the neck,” chignon du cou. It was named so because it was meant to accent the slenderness of the neck, and the chignon was usually pinned at the nape of the neck. This hairstyle is one of the elegant up-dos you will see stars wear at special occasions, but this style can also be worn for casual wear as well. Because of its versatile nature many women of today wear the chignon, and it will often be seen worn alongside other up-dos such as the French twist and the bun. The chignon is also one of the easiest hairstyles to complete and this attracts women today because simplicity has become the way of life for everyday women.

Creating a chignon is an easy process and can be completed in a few simple steps, and you can choose to create the chignon near the nape of your neck or a little higher on the back of your head. The chignon will look best if you have medium or long hair, but with some short hairstyles you are still able to make it. First, de-tangle your hair by brushing (if your hair is wavy or curly then straighten it for a sleek look), and then add some mousse through your hair. Next, brush your hair back into a ponytail (do not tie you hair with a hair tie but just hold the base of the ponytail), and use your other hand to twist the ponytail. (If you have short bangs and layers, then you can keep them out of your face by pinning them back with decorative hairpieces). Then, while still holding the base of the ponytail take the end of it and lift it straight up, and now you can start coiling it into a bun. Then tuck in the end of the hair into the chignon and use bobby pins to secure it, and spray with hairspray to keep it in place.

Chignons have been around since Grecian times and women of Athens, Greece, were usually seen with this style of hair (which was pinned by gold and ivory hairpieces). Ancient Chinese women wore this hairstyle as well, and it was usually married women who wore the chignon (a low knot at the nape of their neck). In the Victorian era, the chignon was very popular, and many women even used fake hair to achieve an elaborate chignon. In the 1940s, women wore the chignon under scarfs as they worked in factories during the war effort in World War II.