Chignon pins are one of the most elegant ways to style your hair, and with a few simple tips they work beautifully in every hair type.
How to do a chignon on natural hair
The technique for a chignon on natural hair is the same as for all hair types. Whether you are creating a French pleat or a bun, chignon pins can work on natural hair. Our blog on how to use chignon pins goes into more detail.
For a French pleat in natural hair:
Gather the hair at the nape of the neck and twist.
Bring the twist up so it lies flat against your head.
Tuck the ends under and roll them slightly into the pocket of hair that forms beside the twist.
With the pin upside down so it curves away from the head, push the prongs of the chignon pin through the top layers of hair in the middle of the updo. Avoid placing it too low, or the top will be too heavy and will not hold in place.
Then flip the pin and push it into the twist so that it follows the curve of your head.
How to do a chignon on short hair
If you have short hair and would like to use chignon pins, half-up buns are the easiest and most practical. French pleats and updos can be tricky with short hair, so we suggest sticking to half-up buns. Chignon buns are simple and the technique is easy to master.
Gather the top section of hair at the back of the head, at the height where you would like the bun to sit.
Twist the hair round into a bun shape.
With the curve of the pin facing away from the bun, push the prongs of the chignon pin through a few layers of hair on one side of the bun.
Then flip the pin and push it underneath the bun to secure it in place, with the curve of the pin following the curve of your head.
Shop hair accessories for short hair
Are French pins good for thin hair?
French pins can work beautifully in thin and fine hair. If you have long, fine hair, updos and French pleats are the easiest styles to create with chignon pins. Our Medium Hair Pin is a lovely choice for long, fine hair: its waved teeth give a firm grip, and it is ideal for French pleats and updos. Our 6x Small Chignon Pins also work well in fine hair of medium or long length.
Do French pins work on thick hair?
One of the main benefits of French hair pins is their ability to hold hair securely and comfortably, while being gentle on your hair. This makes them a lovely option for women with thick hair who struggle to find accessories that hold without slipping or breaking.
French pins are strong and sturdy, and can hold a lot of hair without slipping. Size is very important, so choose a pin that is long enough to hold all of your hair. Our Long Filigree Hair Pin is a lovely choice for long, thick hair, and our Long Chignon Pin is designed for medium to thick or long hair. The material matters too: some plastic pins struggle to hold thick hair and can snag. Our French Handmade pins are made from flexible, plant-based cellulose acetate, polished to a smooth finish that is kind to your hair.
At a glance
Medium Hair Pin: handmade, with waved teeth for a firm grip.
Long Hair Pin: handmade, for French pleats and buns.
Long Chignon Pin: for medium to thick or long hair.
6x Small Chignon Pins: most suitable for medium and long hair.
