Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners:How to Do a Chignon Bun?

Yes, you should stop scrolling.  You've been secretly infatuated with that sleek, low bun?  The chignon bun is going to become your new best friend.  ideal for that carefree yet contemporary vibe.  This bun is perfect if you're going to brunch with your group, posting a TikTok GRWM, or simply want a polished appearance for Zoom.

What Exactly Is a Chignon Bun, Then?

Chignon Bun

A low bun at the nape of your neck is simply referred to as a chignon in French fashion. It's not so much a style as it is a vibe.  It could be a little sloppy and bohemian, soft and romantic, or tight and exquisite.  You're halfway there if you can pull your hair back into a ponytail.

Why We're All Low-Key Obsessed with This Hairstyle

Fashion Chignon Bun

Why is this hairdo so appealing to us, really?  Allow me to enumerate the methods.

 🎨  The Ultimate Shape-Shifter:  There is variation in this bun.  Stylish and polished for a job interview?  Verify.  Soft and ready for a romantic evening on a date?  Verify.  A bit textured and disorganized to seem cool while running errands?  Verify again.


 🎨  On days when your hair is bad, it's a lifesaver:  For hair that is second (or third... no judgment) day old, this bun is a lifesaver.  All you need is a little dry shampoo for grip.

🎨 Quick Feelings of "I Have My Life Together": Putting your hair in a neat low bun is the simplest method to seem put together and professional.  In just five minutes, it transforms a simple glance from "meh" to "who is she?"

 🎨 It Just Feels Sophisticated: Meghan Markle and Zendaya are always sporting this style for a reason.  It instantly gives any ensemble a more polished and deliberate appearance.

Your No-Sweat, Step-by-Step Guide to the Perfect Chignon

✅ Grab This Stuff: A hair tie, a bunch of bobby pins (seriously, more than you think), some texturizing spray or dry shampoo, and light-hold hairspray.

✨ Little Secret: This works best on day-old hair. For freshly washed hair, add texturizing spray at the roots for grip.

1️⃣ Make a Low, Messy Ponytail: Brush your hair back to the nape of your neck—not too low, right where your head meets your neck is perfect. Secure it with a hair tie. Now, here’s the trick: on the last pull-through, only pull the hair halfway. You should have a looped ponytail. This is your bun’s foundation.

2️⃣ Create a Hole in the Middle: Gently pull the loop apart with your fingers to make a little hole in the middle.

3️⃣ The Magic Tuck: See that tail of hair hanging down? Flip it up and over the top of the bun loop. Then, tuck it down through the hole you just made. Gently pull the ends to snug the bun up against your head.

4️⃣ Wrap It Up: Now, take the leftover tail and wrap it around the base of the bun to hide the hair tie. This is what gives it that classic “chignon” wrapped look.

5️⃣ Bobby Pins are Your BFF: This is the most important step. Take a bobby pin, open it, and slide it into the bun, aiming into the base of your ponytail on your scalp. Criss-cross them for extra security. Tuck in any loose pieces. Don’t be shy—use a lot!

6️⃣ Lock It and Rock It: Mist everything lightly with hairspray to kill any flyaways. Gently tug a few tiny pieces loose around your face and neck for that soft, romantic vibe. You’re done!

THE ALL-DAY BUN MASTER PLAN

How to Make That Bun Last ALL Dang Day?

✅ 1. Start With Clean, Moisturized, Grippy Hair

A bun holds best when your hair has some texture and product.

  • Lightly dampen your hair (don’t soak it).

  • Apply a leave-in conditioner + light cream to control frizz.

  • Add a holding gel or mousse — this gives the hair grip so the bun stays put.

Tip: On super silky hair, apply a little dry shampoo first for extra hold.

✅ 2. Use the Right Brush to Smooth It

Use a boar bristle brush to smooth the hair upward or backward.
It lays flyaways and creates tension (which keeps the bun secure).

✅ 3. Snatch It With Double Security (Elastic + Elastic)

One hair tie won’t last all day.
Use TWO:

  1. First elastic: secure the ponytail tight.

  2. Second elastic: wrap the actual bun.

This prevents the bun from loosening as the day goes on.

If you have thick or natural hair: use snag-free stretchy ties so they don’t break.

✅ 4. Make the Bun With the Right Method For Your Hair

For thick/natural hair:

  • Twist the ponytail tightly

  • Wrap it clockwise

  • Secure with 2–4 large hairpins + an elastic

For thin/fine hair:

  • Make a loose pony

  • Use a hair donut to add fullness

  • Wrap hair around it

  • Pin with small bobby pins

For wigs:

  • Don’t pull too hard

  • Make sure wig is snug first

  • Secure bun with open hairpins, not bobby pins (they hold better on wigs)

✅ 5. Lock It In With the Stacked-Pin Technique

Instead of sticking pins randomly:

Insert pins in an X shape ➜ cross them so they lock onto each other.
This makes the bun almost bulletproof.

✅ 6. Freeze the Style (The Finishing Cocktail)

After the bun is done:

Brush a light layer of gel on the outside
Mist with a strong-hold hairspray
Tie down with a satin scarf for 5–10 minutes

This sets the bun so it does NOT move.

Avoid These (They Make Your Bun Fall Apart)

  • Using only one hair tie

  • Wrapping the bun too loosely

  • Skipping product

  • Using only bobby pins (they slide out, especially on natural hair)

  • Making the bun on wet hair (causes swelling + loosening)

Conclusion

That's it.  The chignon bun is a straightforward, timeless, and breathtakingly gorgeous hairstyle that you can definitely pull off; it's not some unachievable red carpet vision. You'll have a gorgeous, go-to updo for every occasion after you master the tuck-and-roll technique, which can take one or two tries.

 


Leave a comment

This site is protected by hCaptcha and the hCaptcha Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.