How to Do a Loose Chignon

A loose chignon is just a twisted low bun that looks deliberately undone—twist hair into a rope, coil it at the nape, and pin loosely.

1. Prep with texture. Start with day-old hair or add texturizing spray to clean hair. You want grip, not slip. Brush everything back into a low ponytail at the nape of your neck, but don't secure it yet.
2. Twist into a rope. Hold the gathered hair firmly and twist it in one direction until it starts to coil on itself. Keep twisting until the hair naturally wants to wrap around—this is your foundation rope.
3. Coil and pin. Let the twisted hair wrap around the base in a loose spiral, leaving the ends slightly messy. Pin through the coil in several places with bobby pins that match your hair color, securing the weight but keeping it soft.
4. Loosen strategically. Gently pull apart sections of the chignon to create volume and that undone texture. Pull out a few face-framing pieces if you want them, and mist lightly with hairspray to hold without stiffness.