The Courtside Edit: A Polished Presence
Walk the grounds of the All England Club in July 2026, and you’ll notice a quiet but consistent trend among players and distinguished guests alike: impeccably sleek, low-slung buns and chignons. From Amanda Holden's soft, undone low bun to Jessica Ennis-Hill's
elegant, swept-back style, the look is a masterclass in heatwave-proof glamour. This isn’t the messy topknot of years past. This is a deliberate, glossy, and controlled style, secured neatly at the nape of the neck. It’s a hairstyle that says “put-together” without screaming for attention, making it the perfect accessory to Wimbledon’s famously refined dress code. The emphasis is on a high-shine, almost liquid finish, keeping flyaways at bay and reflecting the summer sun. It's a style that has been spotted both on and off the court, signaling a collective shift toward polished, practical updos over loose, fussy waves in the summer heat.
Performance Meets Panache
The chignon's popularity at a world-class sporting event is no coincidence. For an athlete, performance is everything, and a hairstyle must be functional above all else. The low chignon keeps hair securely off the face and neck, ensuring zero distraction during a high-stakes match. Unlike a high ponytail, which can feel too sporty or casual, the low bun strikes a perfect balance between athletic necessity and sophisticated elegance. It aligns with Wimbledon's storied tradition and prestige, projecting an image of calm, collected focus. This blend of function and fashion is key; it’s a style that performs under pressure while looking effortlessly chic, making it ideal for hours spent in the sun, whether you're serving an ace or watching from the royal box.
A Look Back at the 1970s Archive
This modern trend has deep roots in the fashion archives, particularly the 1970s. While the decade is often remembered for its feathered layers and bohemian waves, it also championed a sleeker, more understated aesthetic. Icons of the era embraced simple, polished hairstyles that radiated a quiet confidence. The low bun or chignon was part of this minimalist turn, a chic counterpoint to the decade's more flamboyant trends. It was a hairstyle favored by women who were redefining elegance on their own terms. Today’s resurgence feels like a direct nod to that era’s brand of effortless sophistication, proving that a truly classic look never really goes out of style, but simply waits for the right moment to re-emerge.
Making the Chignon Your Summer Staple
The beauty of the glossy low chignon is its accessibility. It's a 'serious' addition to your summer style edit because it offers maximum polish for minimal effort. To get the look, the key is in the prep. Start by brushing hair back into a smooth, low ponytail. For that signature gloss, apply a smoothing serum or light-hold gel to tame flyaways before securing the ponytail. Then, twist the ponytail and coil it around its base, pinning it securely to create the bun. A final spritz of a strong-hold hairspray will ensure it stays sleek all day. The result is a timeless, elegant style that works for any occasion, from a garden party to a day at the office, making it the most versatile and chic hairstyle of the summer.
