Coiffures and Chignons

December, 1867

Chignons are again worn higher and more voluminous, spreading nearly over the entire back of the head.  This style of dressing the hair is certainly far more graceful than the small bunch on the crown, formerly worn.  We give several accompanying illustrations of coiffures and chignons as arranged by some of the most celebrated hairdressers of Paris, together with descriptions whereby any lady can dress her own hair, or instruct others how to do so.

Figure 1, Front and Back

Figure 2

Fig. 1.  Front and Back.  Except a large, curly loop behind and at the side, this coiffure is entirely composed of torsades, well crisped in order to give them suppleness.  As for the parting of the hair, that is left to the taste of the hairdresser, who, however, should be careful always to comb up the hair on the temples straight from the roots, and to well conceal the beginning and end of the torsades.  The ornament consists of a cluster of volubilis.

Fig. 2.  This is a half peruke mounted on silk ribbons and springs, without hooks, it being fastened with pins just like a chignon.  It may be dressed at the artist’s residence and placed on the lady’s head in an instant.  The ornaments may also be changed as preferred.

Fig. 3. After parting the hair, make two small reaised bandeaux; the upper one must be tightly crisped. The chignon, of which only one side is seen, is quadrilled with large loops very slightly crisped. A loose torsade is put round the chignon; ad some light curls, an aigrette of wheat-ears, and some daisies.

Figures 3 and 4

Fig. 4.  Separate a lock on the temples, comb it up well after having crisped it to make it look voluminous.  Make the parting very far backward, and then tress a loose plat to be placed on the top of the forehead, taking care to spread the branches.  Behind, a chignon raised from below, accompanied by three or four curls.  Place the ribbons as in the engraving.

Figure 5

Fig. 5.  For Fig. 5 prepare a round shape made of wire or thin steel springs, and cover it with coarse net.  Take a little more than two ounces of frizzed hair, twenty-two inches long, make it into quadrilled tresses, and arrange them as in the engraving; that is, by turning the hair from the point to the end, and making a cluster of irregular loops, completing the whole by a few very light curls.
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