Japanese Chignon Hairstyles

Japanese Chignon Hairstyles

The Shimada is an elaborate women's hairstyle wore in Japan and is often referred to as Japanese Chignon Hairstyles.  A chignon hairstyle is a type of hair knot or bun.

It is traditionally positioned and secured at the nape of the neck or the back of the head.

There were many different variations of the Japanese chignon hairstyles depending upon hair type, texture, length and individual preference.

The Japanese Chignon Hairstyles In Current Times

The traditional Japanese Chignon Hairstyles are mainly limited to geisha who wear the Shimada as a wig in current times.

During the Edo period in Japan (1603-1868 during Tokugawa rule)  the hairstyle was also worn by ordinary women, and especially by girls in their late teens.

To create the Shimada hair is gathered together at the crown of the head and a small portion of the bun is sectioned off to point outward.

These hairstyles developed in the Edo period, when the preference among women for long, flowing hairstyles gave way to elaborate, up-swept styles with buns at the back of the neck.

The trend started among courtesans and kabuki actors, but soon spread to fashionable merchants' wives and then became a general fashion trend.

To create these coiffures, the hair was usually divided into six sections – the two sides, the front, the back, the nape of the neck, and the center – all of which were eventually brought together in the center.

The center section was secured with string, and frames, pins, and combs were inserted as required to hold the style in place.

Four Major Types Of Japanese Chignon Hairstyles

To create the Shimada Japanese chignon hairstyle, strands are gathered together at the crown of the head.

A small portion of the bun is sectioned off to point outward.

Traditionally there are four major types of the Shimada which include the following:

1. Taka Shimada - a high chignon or knot of hair, usually worn by young, single women.
2. Tsubushi Shimada - a more flattened chignon generally worn by older women.
3. Uiwata - a chignon that is usually bound up with a piece of color cotton crepe.
4. Momoware -  a hairstyle which has the appearance of  a divided peach, typically worn by maiko (An apprentice Geiko.  Not a traditional Geisha)

Tōrōbin Shimada

An elaborate version of the Shimada that became popular in the mid–Edo period (18th century) was called the Tōrōbin Shimada. It featured wide wings at the side and is often seen in ukivo-e  prints by artists such as Utamaro.

The name means "Lantern Shimada", and is said to refer to the way that the background can be seen through the wings on the sides, like scenery seen through a toro lantern.

Japanese Inspired Chignon For 2015

Redken Creative Consultant Guido took inspiration from the traditional Shimada when he  created a chic, Japanese-inspired chignon for Calvin Klein’s Spring/Summer 2015 NYFW show.

His version of the Japanese Shimda added a bit of toughness to the fashion designer’s classic collection.

Using Redken's forceful 23 super strength hairspray and new Diamond Oil High Shine Airy  Mist throughout the hair, Guido achieved the perfect balance of classic and edgy with this style.

Minimal And Classic Meets Hair With a Tough Sexy Edge

The Redken stylist explained “the look at Calvin Klein is always very minimal and classic. This season the girl is still quite classic, but with a tough, sexy edge, which was inspired by the Japanese or chinoiserie kind of look."

Guido used forceful 23 and Diamond Oil High Shine Airy Mist to create a very textured,  shiny high chignon.

He noted "I simply pulled the hair back very tight with my fingers to create a high ponytail, and then twisted the hair into a chignon that’s a bit messy with little wispy hairs popping out of the bun."

Guido finished the look with another spray of Diamond Oil High  Shine Airy Mist and forceful 23" to achieve more of a tough, edgy look that is still effortless and refined.”

Redken Products Used For Japanese Inspired Chignon For 2015

The following Redken Products were used to create the Japanese Inspired Chignon For 2015:

1.  forceful 23 super strength hairspray

2.  Diamond Oil High Shine Airy Mist (available in November)

Create the Look - Japanese Inspired Chignon For 2015

The Japanese Inspired Chignon works best on hair which is long enough to be pulled up into a hair knot or bun at the nape of the neck or back of the head.

Ideally hair is naturally straight and medium thick.

Hair which is naturally textured can be temporarily straightened to achieve the same look as created on the Redken models.

Follow the steps below to create the Japanese Inspired Chignon for 2015:

1.  Liberally spray forceful 23 super strength hairspray and Diamond Oil High Shine Airy Mist throughout 100% dry, pre-straightened hair, using fingers to work into the roots for texture and grip.

2.  Pull hair back into a tight, high ponytail with fingers, securing with a hair friendly elastic.

3.  Twist the length of the ponytail into a tight chignon, fastening with small U-pins and allowing a few wispy strands of hair to stick out from the bun.

4.  Finish with another mist of forceful 23 super strength hairspray and Diamond Oil High Shine Airy Mist all over for added texture and shine.

Optionally you may add your own unique embellishment to your finished chignon by tucking in a decorative hair comb, jeweled hairpins, clips or a beautiful hair stick.

Summary - Japanese Chignon Hairstyles

A variety of Japanese Chignon Hairstyles known officially as Shimada hairstyles have been popular for centuries.

The chignon or hair knot worn at the nape of the neck or the back of the head has always been a popular hairstyle around the world, not just in Japan.

Inspired by the traditional Japanese hairstyle, Redken Creative Consultant Guido created a 2015 Version of the style for the Calvin Klein’s Spring/Summer 2015 NYFW show.

Note:  Photos by Lucas Flores Piran for Redken - BeautyPress.com.