Emmy Hair Style – The Chignon

And the best Emmy hairstyle award goes to . . . Katherine Heigl and the Chignon!

There were only a few stars, in my opinion, that came up with great hairstyles for the 2007 Emmy’s. Maybe the scorching hot weather that afternoon contributed to some of the droopy looking hairstyles. Never-the-less the stars of the show will, once again, set the theme for the hottest looks for you this season.

“simplicity and elegance of the chignon hairstyle”

Katherine Heigl, of Grey’s Anatomy, gets my vote for not only the best hairstyle, but the best overall look as well. Her hairstyle was a classic one, wearing a low chignon and just a bit of lift in the front. The look was stunning with her off the shoulder, form-fitting white gown. The simplicity and elegance of the chignon hairstyle took nothing away from the dress, but complimented it instead.

A chignon (pronounced ” sheen-yon”) hairstyle is easy to create at home. It rarely turns out the same way twice, so don’t get hung up on trivialities. If you can create a bun, you can create a chignon hairstyle. A true chignon is created low, at the nape of the neck. The most important part in making an elegant chignon hairstyle, is in the hair preparation. Go for sleek, shiny, conditioned hair for your most elegant look.

Quick steps to a smooth, classic chignon;

• Blow-dry clean, conditioned hair with a texturizing product of your choice, mousse, gel, spray etc. Blow down the hair shaft, in the direction of the cuticle, with a paddle brush for a smooth finish. Use a shine serum if desired such as Paul Mitchell Super Skinny Serum.

• Pull back into a low ponytail and secure with a hair band.

• Lightly spray and smooth down any flyaway ends.

• Split ponytail into two or three sections.

• Lightly backcomb each section, then smooth out with a bristle brush.

• Roll one section starting around a couple of fingers, then roll it around itself and secure with hair pins. Do the same with the other sections.

• Finish by lightly spraying over all.

If your hair is too short to do this naturally, try one of the many new hair pieces available. We have kiosks at many malls in my area that have nice pieces. They will do some up do’s for you, which will teach you how to attach the piece to your hair. Beware, and make sure they don’t sell you a piece that is darker than your own hair. The ends of your hair are naturally lighter than the roots, if the piece is a little too light it will look much more natural than if it’s a little too dark.

Chignon foundations are available at beauty stores, drug and department stores. They look like a mesh doughnut, which you pull your ponytail through and wrap sections over the top securing with hair pins underneath. These don’t work well on hair that is too long or too thick. Thanks to Nexxus who shows us a video of another technique in creating a chignon hairstyle. For more great looks check out our Pinterest Wedding Hairstyles, Prom Hairstyles and Braid Boards.

Barb Quinn on Google+  

For more great updo hair styles you’ll want to check out these related resources:

• NYFW Hairstyle Tutorial: The Row’s Twisted Updo
• Wedding Updo Hairstyles
• Prom Updo Hairstyles
• Visual Makeover’s Updo Articles
• Updo Hairstyles
• Up Do . . . How To’s
• French Twist Updo How To

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