Straight from a hairstylist.

Pronouncedshee-nyohn, the term translates from the French expressionchignon du cou, meaning nape of the neck.

And that’s precisely where this style sits on the head - just above the nape of the neck.

The author secures her chignon.

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I used ahot brush to alter my naturally wavy hair for a softer finish quickly.

If you want an extra sleek style, I suggest running over your strands with a flat iron.

Define Your Parting

Again, any parting is a good parting when creating a chignon.

Step 1

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For easy-to-achieve volume, I wove out small sections at a time and over directed the hair before teasing.

Over-directing will help give the hair some height to stand on its own when you bring it back down.

A boar bristle teasing brush will be a better fit for building volume if you have finer hair.

Step 2

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Create a Low Ponytail

I recommend creating your ponytail about one-to-two inches up from your hairline.

Select a bungee cord that matches closest to your hair color.

If you have longer hair, you may want to conceal your hair tie.

Step 3

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Remember, this part is totally optional.

That means making the hair accessories you use invisible.

Hairpins can also be used to fine-tune and secure your shape.

Step 4

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The shape you make can be a simple twist, knot, or wrap.

There are plenty of beautiful ways to define your chignon, especially with longer hair.

Since my hair skims right at my shoulders, I opted for a clean and simple twist.

Step 5

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There’s no wrong way to shape your chignon.

So when it comes to finishing touches, ask yourself, how does your hair normally hold up?

What kind of style are you going for?

Step 6

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Hair that sits at your shoulders, or slightly above, is the perfect length to create a chignon.

Step 7

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