When it comes to bridal hair, there’s something incredibly special about a look that’s not only beautiful but truly reflects the bride’s personality. For Rachael, a fashion-forward, artistically driven bride from New York, her wedding hair was an essential part of her vision for her big day. She didn’t want the usual bridal updo or glam waves that are often seen on wedding days. Instead, she wanted something minimalistic, sleek, and edgy—yet elegant enough to complement her Scottish private estate wedding.
When Rachael and I first connected, I knew that her vision was one I could bring to life. We didn’t even have a trial session before the big day—Rachael trusted me completely with her hair, which was both an honor and a thrilling challenge. Together, we created a wedding hairstyle that was chic, modern, and true to her sense of style: the twisted chignon.
In this post, I’ll walk you through the process of creating Rachael’s stunning bridal look, how we embraced a more minimalist aesthetic, and why this style was the perfect fit for her destination wedding in Scotland.
Why Rachael Chose the Twisted Chignon
From the moment I received Rachael’s inspiration photos, I knew she wasn’t looking for a traditional bridal hairstyle. She didn’t want anything that felt "too bridal"—no big, textured updos, no heavy glam waves. What she wanted was sleek, sophisticated, and minimal—something that felt modern yet timeless.
The twisted chignon was the perfect choice for Rachael’s wedding hair. It’s a look that blends elegance with a bit of edge, which was exactly what Rachael wanted. The beauty of the twisted chignon lies in its simplicity, yet it still feels elevated enough for a wedding. It allowed Rachael to look like herself on her wedding day—effortlessly chic, with just the right amount of polish.
Preparing Rachael's Hair for the Twisted Chignon
Rachael’s hair is naturally curly, dry, and prone to frizz, so creating a sleek, frizz-free style was a top priority. Given that her wedding took place in Scotland, where the weather can be unpredictable, it was important to ensure her hair stayed perfectly in place, no matter what.
Step 1: Prepping the Hair
The key to a smooth and polished twisted chignon is preparation. To keep Rachael’s curls under control and prevent frizz, I started by using Color Wow Dream Coat, a humidity-resistant product that gives hair a glass-like shine. I applied the product generously to her damp hair and blow-dried it with my Ibiza B7 brush, which ensures a smooth blowout while leaving the hair feeling light and supple. This was the perfect base for the sleek style we were about to create.
Step 2: Perfecting the Parting
A clean, precise part is essential for any updo, and for the twisted chignon, it’s even more crucial. A crooked part can throw off the entire look, so I always carry a mirror to double-check the partline from all angles before I continue with the styling process. Once we were satisfied with the parting, I was ready to move forward.
Step 3: Creating the Ponytail Base
The ponytail is the foundation of the twisted chignon. I used a wax stick to smooth down Rachael’s hairline perimeter and keep everything sleek. With the help of my Primp boar bristle brush, I gathered her hair into a ponytail. The height of the ponytail is key to achieving the right balance in the final look. It shouldn’t be too high or too low—just enough to lift the face and enhance the features without looking overdone.
After securing the ponytail, I applied Pop and Lock Serum, a glossy finishing product that locks in shine and seals the hair cuticle. This serum also provides a light reflective glow, perfect for photos and ensuring the hair stays shiny throughout the day.
Step 4: Twisting and Securing the Chignon
Once the ponytail was in place and the serum had been applied, it was time to create the twist. I took the ponytail and began twisting the hair, wrapping it around itself to form the chignon. I used long pins to temporarily hold the shape in place until I found the most flattering positioning for the twist.
Once I was happy with the placement, I used French hairpins to secure the twist firmly. These pins hold the style in place without being visible, which is important for a clean, polished look.
Step 5: Adding the Final Touches
To give Rachael’s twisted chignon a more polished, fashion-forward edge, I intentionally left a few strands of hair out of the twist. Using my Harry Josh ProTools Cordless Ceramic 1” Styling Iron, I added slight flicks to those loose strands, giving them a subtle yet intentional movement. These small details are what really elevated the style, giving it a more editorial, chic feel that complemented Rachael’s fashion-forward taste.
The Final Look: Effortless Yet Elegant
The result was exactly what we had envisioned—sleek, polished, and sophisticated, but with a modern twist. Rachael’s hair looked effortlessly chic, and it complemented her wedding look perfectly. The twisted chignon was a hairstyle that allowed her to shine as the confident, stylish bride she is, without overwhelming her natural beauty.
On the day of the wedding, Rachael was an absolute vision. Her hair looked flawless, and the style held up beautifully throughout the day—despite the unpredictable weather in Scotland. The chic, sleek updo complemented her elegant dress paired with her stunning Jesus Peiro statement coat and custom-designed wedding ring.
The twisted chignon was not only the perfect hairstyle for Rachael but also a representation of her personal style—minimalistic, chic, and effortlessly elegant.
The Importance of Trusting Your Stylist
One of the most rewarding aspects of working with Rachael was the level of trust she had in me as her stylist. She never had a trial session, which is rare for most brides, but she trusted me completely with her hair. This trust made the entire process feel like a true collaboration, and I could feel her confidence throughout our styling session.
Having a stylist who understands your vision and is able to execute it perfectly is key to achieving the bridal look of your dreams. Rachael’s twisted chignon was a perfect example of how trust, communication, and a shared sense of style can result in a wedding look that feels entirely authentic to you.
The Right Hairstyle for Every Bride
Rachael’s wedding hair is a great example of how you can have a chic, modern, and edgy look without straying too far from traditional elegance. Whether you’re considering a twisted chignon for your own wedding or something else entirely, it’s important to choose a hairstyle that makes you feel like the best version of yourself. The right style should enhance your features and reflect your personality, just like Rachael’s did.
If you’re planning a wedding and want something modern yet timeless, don’t be afraid to go for a sleek, minimalist style. The key is to stay true to yourself, trust your stylist, and create a look that feels uniquely yours.
Let’s Chat! What’s Your Dream Wedding Hair Look?
Whether you’re inspired by Rachael’s twisted chignon or have another style in mind for your own wedding, I’d love to hear your thoughts! Leave a comment below and let me know what kind of hairstyle you envision for your big day. Whether you’re looking for something sleek and modern or a bit more traditional, I’m here to help you bring your vision to life.
I look forward to hearing from you and helping you create your perfect wedding hairstyle!
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