A Classic Chignon in 4 Easy Steps

Yet another reason to break out the bubbly: This year marks the 200th anniversary of Savannah's Cotillion Club. At its annual Christmas Cotillion, a fancy December affair, some of the city's most well-heeled young women are presented for society. As the girls promenade around the dance floor, escorted by their fathers, everyone gets a good look as their white dresses from all angles, so the hairstyles must be on point. Stylist Lucy Shores from Towne Salon, a veteran of debutante-ball hairstyles, creates this classic ladylike updo that you can count on for any special occasion. After a waltz with their fathers, the party begins.

Step 1

Prep hair with Living Proof Full Dry Volume Blast, and blow-dry roots using back-and-forth motions to create body and volume. End with a round brush, starting at roots for extra lift and smoothing out the rest of hair.

Step 2

Apply Fekkai Blowout Primer. Tease hair at the crown by combing backward at the roots. Curl bottom half of hair using a curling iron.

WATCH: How to Perfectly Tease Your Hair

Step 3

Smooth out crown by lightly combing the top portion of the teased section. Leave some hair free around the face, and gather the rest into a low ponytail, securing it with a hair tie. Pull the tie down ½ to 1 inch, divide hair above the tie into two sections, and flip ponytail toward head and through the hole. Tug to tighten the ponytail, and then loosen pieces for softness. Tease ponytail, and tuck ends into the hole above tie to create the bun; secure with bobby pins.

Step 4

Twist remaining loose section of hair around bun, and secure with bobby pins. Or braid strands for a more modern look. Complete classic chignon style with Nexxus Maxximum Finishing Spray. You want to make sure your hairstyle will last through all the turns on the dance floor.