The word “chignon” is French and the phrase “chignon du cou” means “nape of the neck.” A chignon hairstyle is “a knot of hair that is worn at the back of the head and especially at the nape of the neck.”

France has a reputation for elegance and chignons are popular because they are the some of the most elegant hairstyles. “Stunning and simple,” says theknot.com, “a chignon is one of the most elegant bridal looks going today.” When styled in formal fashion they are indeed the best classic special bun hairstyles.

Chignon hairstyles are often the most formal updo hairstyles at special Hollywood events, and so it is those fancy celebrity updos which we will use as inspiration to style your hair at your next important social event.

There are several different kinds of chignon updos based on the position of the knot. It can be at the top, in the middle, or at the bottom; and it can be set on the left, right, or in the center.

Low and in the center are probably the most popular kind of chignons or at least that style most typifies the general understanding of the phrase “classic chignon.”

Are you thinking about high buns or low buns? Where will you want to tie the knot?

Many modern chignons you see are tightly bound like Kelly Lynch's updo in the above pictures. Braided updos like hers are quite rare but also very formal and attractive. Beyonce Knowles wore one similar to Kelly's a few years ago at the Grammy's. (At the time some suggested hers was courtesy of hair extensions.)

Occasionally we see a celebrity wearing a half chignon (half updo), as in the first picture of the chignon pictures series here (Abbie Cornish).

Your basic options for chignons include classic neat and tight, or sophisticated and messy, just like with other updos. In the photo gallery here (menu above, top left), there are photos of Kate Bosworth in a neat, tight chignon; whereas Brittany Murphy has a messy chignon.

A few of the ladies like Scarlett Johansson have bangs with their buns. They are less common but she shows they can look very sharp and cute, too.

Chignons are typically cute bun hairstyles by default. You don't have to try very hard to make chignons look cute. That's the natural beauty of pure elegance.