Low Chignon Updo

Look like a celebrity with this Red Carpet style chignon. It is easy to create and the look is as elegant as if it were done in Hollywood. It is a great style for the prom and becomes a beautiful wedding updo when a veil is added. This style adapts well to long hair or shoulder length.

Your first step is to curl your hair into loose curls and waves. You can do this with a curling iron, hot rollers or simply scrunching it dry if you have naturally curly hair.

Section off the front and top of your hair, from the temple area back about two or three inches. Don’t include the hair above the ears. Clip the top section out of the way.

Pull all of the rest of the hair back into a low ponytail. Secure it loosely with an elastic band. If your hair is long, divide the ponytail into four or five sections. Curl each section in a loose impromptu curl and pin it. Arrange the curls on either side of the elastic band to camouflage it.

Unclip the front section and let it fall. Select a medium sized strand and smooth it loosely back into the curls at the back. Take one strand at a time, pulling it back to the chignon. Work each one into the chignon, allowing the ends to curl and pin it in place. Allow some strands to drape softly or fold the ends in toward the center back and secure with a bobby pin. This forms a loose roll and adds fullness to the back.

If your hair is shorter – about shoulder length or layered, you can still create this elegant chignon. As directed above, pull the back section into a ponytail and secure it loosely with an elastic band. Fluff the curly ends and allow them to cover the elastic band. Secure with hairspray. If some of the ends are too long and droop, form a curl and secure it with a bobby pin.

Guide the front section toward the back, If it is long enough, it can be pinned into the chignon. If it is shorter, loosely comb it with your fingers, smoothing the ends. Spray with firm hold hairspray.

Select a large silk flower to accent the shade of your dress and tuck it into one side of the chignon, behind your ear, to give this style a dressy, very feminine touch.