Keke Palmer’s Chignon Gets a Pamela Anderson Makeover

Keke Palmer has stepped into full ’90s-bombshell mode with a Pamela Anderson-inspired chignon—an instantly recognisable, soft-focus updo that’s been drifting back onto red carpets and moodboards. The look, spotlighted by Marie Claire, puts the nostalgic, wispy-ends chignon squarely in the 2025 conversation about glamour: less sculpted, more undone, and brimming with attitude. Beyond a single celebrity moment, it signals how Y2K-adjacent styling continues evolving—bridging Old Hollywood polish with the playful ease of modern texture.

The Pamela Anderson chignon: why the ’90s updo still captivates

At the height of ’90s pop culture, Pamela Anderson’s signature updo became shorthand for bombshell beauty: a slightly chaotic chignon with airy volume at the crown, face-framing tendrils, and ends that weren’t tucked too neatly away. It’s the anti-helmet hairstyle—strategically imperfect and purposefully touchable.

• Volume at the crown or mid-head, often teased or back-brushed for lift.
• Soft, face-framing strands and tendrils that loosen around the hairline.
• Visible ends or a loosely wrapped bun/chignon that feels lived-in, not lacquered.
• A satin or piecey finish—glossy but never rigid.

Today’s revival keeps that DNA but updates the silhouette: less crunchy hairspray, more flexible hold; less contrived symmetry, more personality. The enduring appeal rests in its duality: the style reads glamorous from across the room, yet up close it’s relaxed and human—perfect for a generation that values polished authenticity.

Keke Palmer’s take: modernising a vintage bombshell moment

Palmer’s iteration, as covered by Marie Claire, leans into the chignon’s playful energy—elevated volume softened by tendrils and ease. It’s a reminder that nostalgia is most interesting when it’s filtered through a contemporary lens: think brushed-out texture rather than high-shine stiffness, and a silhouette that balances lift with softness around the face.

What makes Palmer’s interpretation noteworthy isn’t only the reference point; it’s the timing. As fashion swings between minimalism and maximalism, hair trends are carving a similar middle path—one where drama is delivered through structure and silhouette rather than heavy product or overwork. The result is a look that photographs beautifully while still moving in real life—ideal for events, editorial shoots, and nightlife.

Why the nostalgic updo trend is resurging now

Beauty trends are cyclic, but their returns are informed by the present. The reappearance of this chignon speaks to wider shifts:

• Image culture thrives on recognisable shapes. From grid posts to short video, silhouettes that read instantly—like the sky-high crown and loose ends—perform well visually.
• Undone luxury is winning. The fashion mood has softened; even sharp tailoring is being paired with hair that has movement and breathes.
• It pairs with multiple aesthetics. Whether a slip dress, a suiting moment, or a leather jacket, the chignon flexes between refined and rebellious.
• Adaptable for different textures. With prep tweaks—foam for fine hair, smoothing creams for coily textures—this updo can celebrate varied hair types while retaining its attitude.

Another factor: the rise of “high-low” styling. We want hair that feels editorial without a four-hour call time. The Pamela-esque chignon promises impact with manageable effort—and forgives a flyaway or two.

How salons are interpreting the revival

Across fashion weeks and red-carpet recaps, stylists are revisiting the chignon in several guises. While approaches vary, a few consistent techniques are emerging:

• Root lift over shellac. Stylists are prioritising root direction and internal scaffolding (backcombing or volumising powders) to achieve height that lasts without crunch.
• Soft perimeter pieces. Rather than razor-thin tendrils, many are loosening a few face-framing strands and lightly bending them with a tong for a soft swoop.
• Flexible, touchable hold. Modern finishing favours workable hairsprays, creams, and shine mists—products that support separation and light reflection without freeze.
• Texture-friendly prep. Curly and coily hair is prepped to retain curl identity at the perimeter, letting the chignon feel authentic to the wearer’s texture.

The takeaway: stylists are choosing techniques that emphasise movement and longevity while maintaining the chignon’s flirty, undone charm. It’s about the blueprint, not duplication—honouring the reference while customising for hair type, face shape, and outfit.

Red carpet versus real life: what to expect

On set, stylists work with lighting, wind, and wardrobe—all of which inform how an updo is built. Off the carpet, perfection is less the goal than confidence and comfort. A few realities help translate the look for day-to-night wear:

• Longevity lives in the prep. Clean hair may need light grit from a texture spray; coarser or coily hair might benefit from a smoothing leave-in and stretch for a sleek base.
• Placement changes the mood. A high chignon reads playful and editorial; a mid or low placement leans classic and wearable.
• Face-framing strands are adjustable. A wisp or two flatters; too many can feel costume. Start minimal and adjust after dressing.
• Hair health matters. Backcombing should be gentle and brushed out carefully. Balance heat with protection, and avoid daily teasing to protect the cuticle.

Ultimately, the charm of this revival is that it welcomes imperfection. A few flyaways look intentional, and a slightly loosened bun after a night out reads as part of the aesthetic rather than a fail.

What the trend signals for 2025 hair

Palmer’s Pamela-coded chignon underscores a wider 2025 arc: statement silhouettes with softer finishes. Expect to see more updos that emphasise volume and direction over precision—think French twists with air in them, ponytails with cloud-like crowns, and buns that flaunt instead of hide the ends.

We’re also likely to see increasing texture inclusivity within these references. The most current versions celebrate the wearer’s hair identity—whether that means fluffing coils at the hairline, embracing natural wave, or keeping a glossy blowout as the base. The goal is not to imitate one era verbatim, but to let its spirit inform a look that feels personal now.

Key Takeaways

• Keke Palmer’s Pamela Anderson-inspired chignon spotlights a ’90s updo that’s trending again for 2025.
• The look blends lift at the crown, soft tendrils, and a loosely wrapped bun for undone glamour.
• Modern versions prioritise flexible hold and movement over stiff, high-shine finishes.
• Placement and prep make the style adaptable for diverse hair types and dress codes.
• Expect more statement silhouettes with softer finishes across updos throughout the year.

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly is a Pamela Anderson chignon?
It’s a voluminous, face-framing updo popularised in the ’90s, featuring lift at the crown, soft tendrils, and a loosely wrapped bun that looks intentionally undone.

Does it work on curly or coily hair?
Yes—with tailored prep. Many stylists preserve curl or coil definition at the perimeter while smoothing or stretching the base for secure pinning, so the result feels authentic to your texture.

How is today’s version different from the original?
Modern takes use flexible styling products and lighter separation for touchable movement, rather than the stiff, high-lacquer finishes often seen in the late ’90s and early 2000s.

Is the chignon suitable for everyday wear?
It can be. A lower placement with fewer tendrils reads office-appropriate; a higher, more textured version suits evenings or events. The silhouette is easily dialled up or down.

How do I maintain hair health with teased volume?
Tease gently, use a protective spray before heat, and detangle patiently post-event with a soft brush and conditioner. Reserve heavy backcombing for occasional wear to minimise cuticle stress.