Meghan Markle’s chignon plaqué, explained fast
One look, high impact. Meghan Markle’s polished, slicked back chignon has become a modern uniform for big moments, from the 19 May 2018 royal wedding to high profile appearances where a clean, glossy finish reads confident and camera ready.
This is the chignon plaqué: hair brushed tight to the head, part sharp, bun low at the nape. Stylist Serge Normant created her low bun for the wedding in about 45 minutes, while George Northwood popularised her pulled back styles through the 2018 tour. A more lacquered version showed up again on 7 February 2019 at the Endeavour Fund Awards in London, proving the look’s staying power on and off red carpets.
Why Meghan Markle’s chignon plaqué keeps winning
The appeal is simple. A sleek bun cleans the face, lifts the features and pairs with everything from a white shirt to evening satin. It looks expensive without shouting.
There is also practicality. A well set chignon resists weather and flash photography, so the finish reads consistent from first step to last shot. That consistency is why it trends each awards season and during royal walkabouts.
Hair science helps. Cosmetic science references note wet hair can stretch up to around 30 percent, which is why pros build the shape on damp or just dried hair, then lock it in as the cuticle settles. Less tension, fewer breakages, smoother surface.
How to recreate Meghan Markle’s slicked back chignon at home
Good news, no couture skills needed. The finish comes from prep, not force, and it works on straight, wavy and curly textures with minor tweaks.
- Prep with a light leave in and heat protectant, then blow dry with a boar bristle brush for surface polish.
- Create a clean middle or soft side part, matching your hairline, not the trend of the week.
- Emulsify a pea sized amount of lightweight gel or styling balm between palms, then brush hair back in sections to the nape.
- Secure a low pony with a snag free elastic, twist into a compact bun and pin in a cross pattern.
- Mist a flexible hold spray, then detail flyaways with a toothbrush spritzed with spray or a tiny touch of pomade.
- Finish with a shine spray from arm’s length, never at the roots, for that glossy veil.
Common mistakes that sabotage a chignon plaqué
Using too much product turns sleek into crunchy. The camera catches buildup, so go light and layer. One pump at a time wins the day.
Skipping a part creates tension lines. Meghan Markle’s bun often sits under a crisp middle part, which lets light reflect evenly across the crown in photos.
Wrong tools cause frizz. A metal bristle brush lifts the cuticle, while a boar bristle brush lays it down and coaxes natural shine. Small swap, big result.
Pulling hair when it is soaking wet leads to snapping. Work on damp or fully dry hair, then set the surface. That is how the shape lasts through events without scalp ache.
Pro facts, dates and the products that make the difference
Timeline matters for inspiration. 19 May 2018, wedding day, Serge Normant’s low bun balanced the cathedral length veil and tiara without competing. 7 February 2019, Endeavour Fund Awards, a tighter, glossier chignon framed a high collar and allowed jewelry to lead.
Products are precise. Pros reach for a lightweight gel, a soft balm, a flexible hold spray and a shine mist. Heavy waxes weigh the bun down, while flexible formulas let hair move yet stay put on set or under stage lights.
Technique beats force. Rather than yanking hair flat, stylists smooth in passes, set the ponytail first, then build the bun. Flyaways are tamed last, not first, so the surface stays mirror like without residue rings. Miss this order and the finish can look patchy or, worse, recieve visible flakes.
The missing element many overlook is proportion. Meghan Markle’s chignon sits low and compact, never too wide for the jawline. Matching bun size to face shape and outfit neckline is the quiet rule that makes the look feel tailored every single time.