A soft chignon creates a look that's equal parts poise and glamour, and stars like Lea Michele and Carrie Underwood have both been spotted wearing the elegant style. But is it possible to get the look on hair that's more fine than full? We brought celebrity stylist J.D. from Juan Juan Salon in to show us how to get the perfect low bun — even if you don't have a lot of hair to work with. See how to get this trendy, tousled updo now.
People toss around the terms "bun" and "chignon" a lot, but are the two interchangeable? No, actually, at least not in English. "Chignon" is the French word for bun, but in its American and British usage, it's an abbreviated term, originating from the phrase "chignon du cou," or "bun at the nape of the neck." With the shortening and misappropriation of the French, it's easy to see why there's so much confusion. Don't worry, though. You can become an expert on the differences between the two: all you need is our quick primer below.
Looking around on Etsy, I spotted this fancy Solar Trinity Chignon ($45), which describes itself as a "solar bronze Celtic knot" that "holds up masses of long hair in Renaissance style." My first thought was "oh, pretty", and then "it looks... poke-y." Would you lock your hair up in a fancy design like this, or would you be afraid it would get stuck in there and do some damage?
During the 1960s, hairstyles were a true art form. For Prada's Fall 2010 runway show in Milan, stylist Guido Palau brought the essence of the era back to the catwalk, as models walked the runway wearing perfectly coiffured chignons. "The look at Prada was all about classic French hairdressing done with a very chic uptown look with a nod to the '60s — a modern take on a classic, sophisticated look." he said. While it might not be a look you'd go for every day, it's definitely a striking style for a cocktail party or formal event, and we've got the complete how-to at the link below.
Find out how to re-create the look when you read more.
Wondering what pretty new hairstyles have come out of Fashion Week's first few shows? Well, look no further, because at BCBG, stylist Harry Josh created these whimsically pretty buns inspired, he says, by "the models themselves, who would come into casting and quickly pull their hair back into a bun. I really wanted to create a look that a woman wearing BCBG would sport herself." Want the lowdown from Josh on how to get this look at home? Just keep reading.
Maybe it's because they're in France, or maybe it's just the moment, but yesterday at the opening of Paris Fashion Week lots of stars were wearing chic, retro updos that recalled the prettiest parts of the late '50s and early '60s. Anne Hathaway and Paz Vega both wore sleek styles that recalled Audrey Hepburn, while Kylie Minogue went for straight Jeanne Moreau. Black shades, of course, were de rigueur. Would you like to see this style more on the red carpet, or the street, for that matter?
Yesterday at the Lauren Conrad LA Fashion Show her BFF and new roomie Lo Bosworth (also of The Hills) styled her hair in a chic, teased chignon. The teasing gives height to the crown and sides of her head (which gives symmetry and balance to an oval face). To learn how to re-create this fashion-forward look at home, just follow my directions.
For the last three steps, read more
