From casual weekends at home to sophisticated events, the bun has been a celebrated and revered hairstyle across various cultures and generations. It’s not just a practical solution for a bad hair day but a mode of self-expression and a reflection of personal style.
Whether you’re aiming for something relaxed or polished, learning how to tie your hair into a bun can add a touch of elegance and is perfect for any occasion, mood, or outfit.
For those looking for quick, easy ways to keep hair up and out of the face, our tutorials cover a variety of buns including top knots, braided buns, sock buns, and regular buns. In just a matter of minutes, you’ll be ready to rock new looks with simple steps.
Evolution of Hairbun
The bun has deep roots that stretch back centuries, with a fascinating story that begins in ancient Egypt, where both men and women wore hairstyles that symbolized more than just beauty. These styles often signify the wearer’s status, profession, and religious beliefs. Moving from Egypt to ancient Greece and Rome, women wore their hair in intricate bun styles, showcasing their social status.
Heading eastward to 6th century China, particularly during the Tang dynasty, both women and men styled their hair in high buns decorated with intricate hairpins as a display of wealth and status. The Geisha of Japan also embraced the bun hairstyle, creating complex arrangements with buns and hairpieces.
In medieval Europe, married women kept their hair tied up, finding the bun a practical and modest solution. As time passed, this style gained more popularity, especially during the Victorian era, when women favored low, braided buns.
By the 20th century, the bun became closely linked to ballet, with dancers opting for tight, high buns during their performances. In recent times, the bun has enjoyed a resurgence in popularity, evolving into various forms such as the top knot, messy bun, and half-up bun, while maintaining its essence as a practical yet chic style that easily transcends trends.
Stylish Ways to Create a Perfect Bun
The Evergreen Classic Bun
The classic bun is a timeless, traditional style that adds a touch of elegance and sophistication to any look. Whether you’re preparing for a professional meeting or just enjoying a casual day out, this versatile updo fits any occasion. It’s also an easy-to-create and reliable hairstyle, perfect for your daily routine.
- To recreate the bun, start by brushing your hair to remove any knots, then gather your hair into a ponytail.
- The placement of the ponytail will determine the position of your bun.
- Next, twist the hair around the base of the ponytail until it’s fully coiled.
- Secure the bun with a hair tie and a few bobby pins, using a crisscross method for a secure hold.
- For a softer look, you can pull out a few strands around your face for a more relaxed vibe.
The Braided Bun
The braided bun is a more enlightened variation of the traditional bun, perfect for adding a touch of intricate elegance to your look. While this style demands a little bit more time, the result is definitely worth the extra effort.
- To recreate this hairstyle, start by choosing the type of braid you want to incorporate into your bun—you can opt for a simple three-strand braid, or get adventurous with a French or Dutch braid.
- Once you’ve braided your hair, secure the end with a hair tie and coil the braid around its base, similar to a classic bun.
- Use bobby pins to secure the bun, making sure the tail is tucked and hidden.
- For a boho-chic look, gently tug at the sections of the braid to give it a fuller, more relaxed appearance.
Messy Bun
The messy bun is the perfect hairstyle for those laid-back days when you want to look effortlessly stylish. It’s a relaxed, yet fashionable, alternative to the classic bun, and it’s just as easy to create.
- Start by using your hands to grab your hair at the front of your face, and pull it all back without brushing it.
- There’s no need to worry about parting; simply pulling back your hair will naturally erase the part.
- Once you’ve collected your hair, hold it in place and choose the location where you want to place your bun—whether high on the top of your head for a mod look, or lower on the nape of your neck for a more carefree style.
- For a more playful look, consider making your bun slightly off-center, either low or high depending on your mood.
- To achieve the perfect messy bun, avoid brushing or running your hands through your hair too much; pick it up and secure it with an elastic or hair tie. On the third wrap, leave a portion of your hair hanging out to create a loose loop.
- Finish by tucking the tail around the base of the bun and securing it with bobby pins. You can pull out a few strands or pieces to frame your face, enhancing that effortless messy look.
The Topknot Bun
The top knot is a fun and fashionable twist as compared to a traditional bun, sitting high on your head and making it the ideal style to keep your hair out of your face.
- To create the topknot style, start by using a comb or brush to remove knots and tangles from your hair. You can choose to brush your hair straight back for a smooth look or use your hands to pull it back for a messier appearance.
- Gather your hair from the front, working towards the back, into a handful at the top of your head. Make sure all loose strands are gathered into the handful.
- Next, twist the entire handful of hair in one direction to create a rope-like piece and wrap it into a knot-like spiral. Use a hair tie to secure the topknot, ensuring the elastic lays flat against your head at the base of the bun.
- You can pull out strands for a more messy appearance, or leave it neat. If you have long hair, you may want to lean the knot to one side and pin it.
- For those with thick hair, a hair bungee might be more effective than a regular hair elastic.
- Finally, use a clip for any stray hairs at the nape of your neck, and finish with a light misting of hairspray or add some hair accessories to complete the look.
The Low Chignon Bun
The low chignon is a bun that rests elegantly at the nape of your neck, embodying classic sophistication with a neat look perfect for formal events. This style is ideal for adding a refined touch to any ensemble.
- To recreate this hairstyle, begin by parting your hair down the middle or on the side, based on your preference.
- Next, gather your hair into a low ponytail at the nape of your neck, or you can make a braid of your choice then twist and wrap it around the base of the ponytail to form the bun.
- Make sure to secure the bun with bobby pins or a hair tie, and tuck the ends under for a neat look.
- For a further enhanced look, you can leave a few strands of hair loose and gently curl them softly for a polished finish.
The Half Bun
The half bun, affectionately known as the ‘hun’, is a playful style that lets you enjoy the best of both worlds—it keeps your hair out of your face while still showcasing the lengths. This style is perfect for those indecisive days when you’re torn between hair up and hair down.
- To recreate this hairstyle, start by using a brush to remove any knots or tangles. Separate the upper section of your hair from the lower section; the upper section will be used to create the bun.
- Twist this part into a bun and secure it with a hair tie or bobby pins, leaving the rest of your hair down, flowing freely around your shoulders.
- You can opt to leave it straight or add waves or curls for extra volume and texture, tailoring the look to fit your style perfectly.
Accessories Can Do Magic for Your Bun
Adding accessories to your bun is a simple way to elevate your look. Whether you’re aiming for elegance or just a fun pop of color, these little additions can transform a plain updo into a fashion statement. I always find that a carefully chosen accessory reflects my individuality and adds a personal touch to my hairstyle. It’s all about how you style it to make it your own.
Products and Tools Make Your Bun Last
Using the right products is a simple way to make your bun last longer. They help your hair stay in place, keeping it strong and healthy throughout the day. It’s key to choose tools that not only style your hair but also ensure it remains in good shape. This is something I’ve personally found to help when I need my bun to hold for hours.
Bobby Pins and Hair Ties
Using the right tools like bobby pins and hair ties is key to making your bun last all day. Bobby pins help secure your bun in place, while hair ties give the initial hold. I prefer ones that are sturdy yet gentle on my hair to avoid any breakage.
Hair Setting Spray
A good hairspray and your hair bun are best friends when it comes to styling. It keeps your bun in place and prevents annoying flyaways. I’ve found that a spray with a strong hold works wonders without making my hair feel stiff or crunchy. Some also offer heat protection and UV filters, adding an extra layer of protection for your hair when you’re out and about.
Dry Shampoo
Dry shampoo is a true lifesaver for busy days when there’s no time to wash your hair. It’s not just a cleaning solution, but also a handy styling product. It absorbs excess oil at the roots, gives extra volume, and adds a matte texture that makes your bun stay in place for a longer time. Especially if you have oily hair, dry shampoo is a game-changer.
Hair Oil
To keep your bun in place and make sure it stays put, it’s also important to keep your hair looking healthy and shiny. A little hair oil goes a long way in nourishing and adding a natural shine. It can help tame frizz and smooth out those annoying flyaways, giving your bun a sleek and polished look.
Heat Protectant
When using heat tools to smooth your hair for a sleek bun or to style loose pieces, a heat protectant is a must. It acts as a shield against the damaging effects of heat, while also preserving your hair’s health and shine. I always rely on it to keep my hair looking its best when heat styling.
Can You Make a Bun Without a Hair Tie?
If you don’t have a hair tie, try using bobby pins to gather your hair into a ponytail. You can twist and wrap the hair to form a bun and secure it in place against your scalp. Another option is using a hair clip or barrette to hold the bun in shape. For a more stylish look, a scarf or fabric strip can be tied into a knot or bow. The sock bun method is also useful—just cut a clean sock into a tube and roll it into a doughnut shape to style your bun. You can finish with a light mist of hairspray to adjust the tightness and position.
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