The chignon is a classic wedding hairstyle. It suits everyone, keeps its shape for a long time, and is also incredibly comfortable. This updo is timeless and yet, new variations appear every year. We spoke to hair & make-up artist Mallory Jones and found out how to style a modern wedding chignon for a 2022 wedding.
The Biggest Chignon Trends of 2022
I look to the runway for a lot of things; inspiration and spotting new trends. In fashion right now, and with my everyday clients, I'm seeing more clean, sculpted, and classic chignons. Think a ballerina bun but with some added opulence. The look is sophisticated, timeless, and iconically chic. A low chignon with a middle part is my most requested style. Add unique twists like leaving out a few face-framing pieces. This adds a layer of romance and keeps the updo from looking stuffy. That’s not to say you shouldn’t showcase your natural texture. Highlight your curls, and coils with intentional flyaways. Pull the look back with your hands, instead of with a brush. This will highlight your unique hair texture and create a clean, effortless-looking chignon. Other modern takes on the classic updo include twists, knots, and braided buns. Loose, boho, and side-chignons are outdated, and less elevated than their sleeker counterparts. For shorter hair, choose where you’d like your part, blow dry straight, and then tuck behind your ears.
How to Choose the Right Bridal Chignon Style
To determine what type of chignon suits you, I consider a few factors – accessories, confidence, and style. If you plan on wearing a veil or statement earrings, a low chignon with a clean part looks best. No accessories? No problem! Let your updo be the statement by pulling it up higher on your head. Ask yourself if you feel confident with all of your hair pulled back. If the answer is no, then pull out a small amount of hair to frame your face. Make sure these pieces begin at cheek or chin level and taper down no longer than two inches past your chin. Hair that is long and heavy around the face will give off 90s prom vibes, so plan a trim accordingly. Your personal style is also important when deciding the style of chignon that suits you. Ask yourself how you want to look and feel on your big day. Chic and girl next door, modern and editorial, Off duty model and effortless – the options are endless. Find three adjectives that describe how you want to feel on your special day and add those to your Pinterest search!
Hair Accessories to Add to a Bridal Chignon
"More is more" is the motto for brides in 2022. You can get away with over-the-top embellishments since the chignon style itself is on the simpler side. Pearls are having a huge moment right now, and veils are back. Freshwater baroque style pearl barrettes, oversized pins, and headbands look ornate but will always be in style. If you’re more on the edgy side, try gluing pearl bits and bobs all over the crown of your head, on your part, or along baby hairs around the face using clear lash glue. The same can be said for veils. Cathedral length and vintage lace veils are very on-trend right now, and the finished look gives dramatic European extravagance.
