Soft Bun.

Byline: J. Courtney Sullivan

Hairstylist Serge Normant's simple tricks for an elegant updo.

Tight buns are sexy in a bikini, but when it comes to hair, the most flattering buns have a certain amount of softness. We asked hairstylist Serge Normantthe man behind some of the prettiest celebrity updoshow to create a chignon that's naturally elegant. "No bun you create on yourself is going to be perfect, so you might as well play that up," he says, noting that the key to a romantic-looking style is teasing. "But go easy," he says. "Tease the hair just enough to create texturenot a big, stiff shape." Once hair is prepped, Normant recommends placing the chignon at the nape of the neck. "A low bun is easier to do and universally flattering," he says. To help hold it in place, Normant bends one prong of each hairpin to create a hook. "When you slide the pin into the bun, the hook anchors around the hair and won't slide out," he says. If only getting our backsides in shape were this easy.

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