There's a reason the chic chignon returns every summer. As temperatures rise, even the bounciest blow-dries can fall victim to heat, humidity and the inevitable frizz that follows.
A polished hair up style, on the other hand, looks just as chic from the first glass of champagne to the last dance, making it the hairstyle we'll be relying on for weddings, balmy holiday evenings and every event in between.
"A polished chignon is similar to what a red lipstick does," says legendary hairstylist Sam McKnight MBE. "You instantly look pulled together, ready to take on whatever comes your way." Incredibly versatile, it can be worn slicked back for a glossy, modern finish or softly undone with loose face-framing pieces – much like Sienna Miller’s tousled up do – for a more relaxed feel. "Whether you go sleek and perfected or for a wet look finish, it's a strong and powerful move," adds McKnight.
How to recreate the chic chignon at home
"There are so many ways to wear a chignon," says McKnight. "Go high for a more classic, old Hollywood feel, or straight back, mid height for that effortless vibe, whereas low into the nape has an air of romance to it. Switch up your parting, from straight back to middle for a modern finish."
Once you've settled on your preferred placement, McKnight says the secret is not to overcomplicate it. "I love the mid height chignon, slicked back with hairspray for control and shine and then the chignon itself a simple twist with a pin or two. Not overly complicated, feels fresh, perfect for this time of year."
For a polished finish that lasts, product is key. "My go-to products are always my Modern Hairspray misted through the roots and mid lengths and then brushed back smooth, and a slathering of nourishing balm through the ponytail before twisting and pinning to secure. The balm will hydrate, define and defrizz, sealing split ends."
How to adapt a chic chignon for short hair
Part of the chignon's enduring appeal is that it suits almost every hair length and texture. For shorter hair, keep your chignon low at the nape of the neck, securing it with a thin hair tie before twisting the ends around themselves and pinning into place. If the ends of your hair are too short to get into a full chignon, a half-up, half-down hairstyle is perfect and creates a softer, face-framing finish.
If your hair is on the longer side, try gathering it into a ponytail first, then on the final twist only pull the hair halfway through to create a looped bun. Wrap the remaining lengths around the base to conceal the hair tie before securing with bobby pins.
Now get inspired by our favourite celebrity chignon styles below...
Jessica Biel's sleek centre-parted chignon
Jessica Biel's sleek chignon is one to bookmark for your next black-tie event.
The Princess of Wales' romantic twisted chignon
If Ascot is on your calendar, take your cue from The Princess of Wales' romantic, twisted chignon.
Gabrielle Union's sleek sculptural chignon
A strong side part and a sculptural chignon are a match made in hair heaven – just look to Gabrielle Union for proof.
Olivia Palermo's glossy knotted chignon
A great hairstyle for fine hair, take inspiration from Olivia Palermo and go for a tightly knotted, ultra-sleek chignon.
Thandiwe Newton's curly chignon
Natural texture gives Thandiwe Newton's chignon a softer finish that's perfect for summer occasions.
