Audrey Hepburn’s look in Breakfast at Tiffany’s shaped how people imagine elegant 1960s style, with her hair playing a starring role.
Below is a detailed guide to recreating and understanding that iconic hairstyle, placed in the context of the film, styling methods, and ongoing influence.
| Feature | Description in Film | Typical Technique | Modern Equivalent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Silhouette | Slicked back, low chignon with volume at the front | Pin curls, set hair, rolled chignon | Polished low bun with soft fringe |
| Parting | Deep side part, emphasizing the curve of the head | Center or side part with firm hold | Side part with light gel or mousse |
| Texture | Glossy, controlled, refined | Setting lotion, pins, brush, blow-dryer | Flexible hold spray, straightening brush |
| Length Reference | Shoulder-length to collarbone hair | Suitable for medium-long hair | Adaptable with extensions or shorter versions |
The Charm of 1960s Hollywood Elegance
Breakfast at Tiffany’s captures a moment of poised sophistication, largely thanks to Hepburn’s restrained yet striking hairstyle.
Designers and hairstylists of the era treated hair as architecture, using sets and pins to create shapes that lasted through long takes and close-ups.
How to Create an Audrey-Inspired Chignon
Recreating the classic chignon requires preparation, technique, and the right products to achieve a weightless yet firm finish.
- Start with clean, towel-dried hair and a heat protectant or setting lotion.
- Use a fine-tooth comb to create a precise side part.
- Blow-dry hair fully smooth, then pin small sections into loose curls for structure.
- Gather hair into a low bun at the nape, securing with bobby pins.
- Finish with a light mist of flexible hold spray to keep shine without stiffness.
Product Choices and Tools That Deliver the Look
The right combination of tools and products makes the difference between a messy bun and a couture chignon.
| Tool or Product | Purpose | Recommended Type | Effect on Style |
|---|---|---|---|
| Round Bristle Brush | Smooth sections while blow-drying | Boar bristle or mixed | Adds shine and directional control |
| Setting Lotion | Hold curls and shape | Non-sticky, medium hold | Defines curls without crunch |
| Bobby Pins | Secure the chignon | Smooth, coated metal or plastic | Keeps style invisible and secure |
| Fine-Tooth Comb | Parting and sectioning | Metal or polished plastic | Ensures clean, precise lines |
| Flexible Hold Spray | Finish and hold | Medium-shine, humidity resistant | Locks style while allowing movement |
Styling Tips for Different Hair Types
Hair texture influences how easily the look sets and how it appears in photos and on screen.
For Fine Hair
Add volume at the crown with a velcro roller before setting, and use lightweight mousse to avoid a flat appearance.
For Thick Hair
Layer long layers and consider a subtle perm or wrap to create natural movement that holds the chignon shape.
For Naturally Wavy Hair
Apply a smoothing serum, then use pin curls to align waves into a controlled pattern before rolling into the bun.
For Short or Layered Cuts
Use a discreet extension or a curled hairpiece at the back to provide enough length and density for an authentic chignon.
Cultural Impact and Lasting Influence
Audrey Hepburn’s Breakfast at Tiffany’s hairstyle continues to echo through editorial shoots, red carpets, and everyday styling choices.
Designers and filmmakers reference the image of her composed profile to evoke timelessness, class, and cinematic romance.
Key Takeaways for a Lasting Audrey-Inspired Style
- Preparation and the right products matter more than hair length.
- A precise side part and smooth blow-out create the foundation for the chignon.
- Pins and setting lotion provide invisible, long-lasting hold.
- Adaptations for different hair types ensure the look is inclusive.
- The style’s cultural resonance keeps it relevant for formal and editorial moments.
FAQ
Reader questions
Can I achieve this hairstyle with short hair?
Yes, by using a discreet hair extension or a curled clip-in piece at the back, you can gather enough length for a low chignon while keeping the classic silhouette.
How long will the style last on busy days?
With firm setting lotion, quality pins, and a flexible hold spray, the chignon typically stays intact for twelve to fourteen hours, even with movement and changing conditions.
Is a perm necessary to get the look right?
Not necessarily; pin curls, quality setting products, and precise blow-drying can create the necessary structure and wave without chemical treatments.
How do I keep frizz under control in humid weather?
Use an anti-humidity serum or cream before setting, choose a stronger-hold spray, and avoid touching the hair once the style is set.