from runway to real way: the unfussy chignon

I don't think anything looks more effortlessly chic that the "unfussy" chignon ... when done properly.

By properly, I mean actually creating a chignon. Not half looping a ponytail through a Goody elastic and calling it a chignon - that's a "gym time" chignon or the "must clean the house" chignon.

The unfussy chignon actually require a bit of fuss, as in perfectly imperfect. (You know what I mean).

For me, executing this look and making it work with a cocktail dress or jeans and a tee is about volume and texture.

Before I even start to work the hair back into a tail to coil into the chignon, I like to spread a bit of Aveda Pure Abundance into the root of the hair to give it a lot of volume. Then, I tease for some rumpled up texture.  I tease at the crown and if I am bringing the hair in the front straight back, tease there too.  (Use a fine tooth comb to do the teasing. You can get all the backcombing you need, but not of the ratty look it causes).

With a bristle brush I start working the hair back and smooth it into a ponytail. As I twist and coil the hair I pin securing it into place. You may choose to twist a partial part of your tail and then leave the end and any short strands sticking out, which is totally cool! If you do, I would suggest adding some gloss and shine to the ends. I prefer a big chignon and tucked ends, so what I do is I secure the first quarter of the tail and then tease the rest of the hair for a bit for size, texture, and rumpledness (I don't know if that's a word - but I'm using it!). Then I continue to twist and secure it until I get the right size, shape and look.

Always finish the look with a bit of fine mist spray. Make the look your own by playing with placement. Low, high, side - you can't go wrong if you do it right (you know what I mean)!

-bp-