Chignon

Definition: Chignon

December 11, 2007

by POPSUGAR Beauty 14

A chignon is a low bun that is created by twisting hair into a knot or a roll and pinning it at the nape of the neck. It is French word that is pronounced "sheen-yon,” and it comes from the French phrase chignon du cou, meaning nape of the neck.

The chignon is an age-old hairstyle associated with classical sophistication. Stemming from ancient Greece and China, it became extremely popular in America in the late 1940s. Although it has taken on many variations throughout the years, we can see from a recent photograph of Katherine Heigl that this hairdo is still extremely popular today.

Hair Glossary Chignon

14 Comments

ShePirate2010 5 years 4 days

hmmm

veronicaraye 5 years 23 weeks

pretty hair

femmefatale 5 years 23 weeks

I do my own variation and i love it. Either very sleek or i leave my hair curly and make the bun super tight.

BethEsme 5 years 23 weeks

Such a chic hairdo... I wish I had my own personal hairdresser!

UrbanBohemian 5 years 23 weeks

Chignons always look sophisticated. It's a great updo.

Bettyesque 5 years 23 weeks

It reminds me of the classic and elegant actresses of the 50's ... very glamorous Heigl is hot stuff she has come a long way.

aimeeb 5 years 23 weeks

Classy and chic...

emalove 5 years 23 weeks

Always a very pretty and classy updo. Love it.

kia 5 years 23 weeks

I've been practicing chignon variations like crazy for my wedding hairstyle.

staceyleeroberts 5 years 23 weeks

Very easy up-dos when you learn how to do them right.

Lovely_1 5 years 23 weeks

I do these sometimes when I need to fix my hair quick :)