How to Do Simple Hairstyles for Kimonos

A high knot, or chignon, is the most common hairstyle to wear with a kimono.

The kimono is a Japanese robe that has been traced back as far as the 700s, according to Japanesekimono.com. Wearing a kimono is steeped in tradition, from the way the belt, or obi, is tied to what type of shoes and underwear should be worn. The most common hairstyle to wear with a kimono is a high chignon, or knot on the top of the head, often decorated with combs, tassels or flowers. The traditional hairstyle can be complicated to achieve, but a similar knot is simple to re-create.

Things You'll Need

• Shampoo and conditioner
• Volumizing spray or mousse
• Hair dryer
• Round brush
• Comb
• Straightening serum
• Firm-hold hairspray
• Bobby pins
• Flowers, combs or tassels for decoration

Instructions

1. Wash hair with a volumizing shampoo and conditioner. Brush hair and blow dry completely, using a straightening serum and round brush to make your hair smooth. Skip this step if your hair is very slippery; slightly dirty hair will allow the knot to stay longer.

2. Spray your entire head with hairspray. Tease your hair with the comb by brushing it backwards, toward your scalp. This provides volume and texture in your hair. Spray hair again.

3. Part your hair and pull your bangs to the front, securing them with a bobby pin to separate them from the rest of your hair. Use a brush to smooth the rest of your hair back, and gather it into a high ponytail that isn't too tight against your head. (Pull all of your hair back without separating or parting if you don't have bangs or want the chignon to be tighter.) Secure the ponytail with an elastic that matches your hair color.

4. Twist the ponytail and wrap it around itself until it forms a knot around the elastic band. Wrap the end of your hair under the knot.

5. Pin hair, using bobby pins, to secure the knot in place and flatten against your head. Pin any loose hairs around the nape of your neck into place.

6. Unpin the front section of your bangs, if applicable. Tease them slightly. Pull a section of your bangs back and wrap it around the bun, then secure it with bobby pins. Take the remaining bangs and smooth them to the side, using pins to hold them in place.

7. Spray your head again with hairspray, and decorate your look with flowers, combs, tassels or bows that match your kimono.

Tips & Warnings

• This look works best on medium-length or long hair. If you have short hair, you can fake this look by pinning your hair back and using flowers or combs as decorations.

References

• Japanese Kimono: Kimono History
• Hair Boutique: Easy Updo: Sultry Hair Chignon
• YouTube: Chic Hair Bun Tutorial