Preparation
Getting your hair ready for a beautiful bun can be an important part of the process. Here are a few tips to ensure your bun is as perfect as possible:
- Firstly, you’ll want to make sure your hair is brushed and tangle free. You can use a boar bristle brush or wide-toothed comb to ensure maximum detangling.
- If your hair is naturally wavy, you’ll also want to straighten out your hair beforehand to make sure it stays in place when you tie it up.
With these preparation tips, you’re one step closer to that perfect bun.
Gather the necessary materials
Before getting started, you’ll need a few materials to ensure success in creating your perfect bun. Gather a brush, comb, one or two elastic bands, hair pins, bobby pins and hairspray to have everything ready and within easy reach. If your hair tends to be slick or fine, you may also want to invest in a texture powder such as Bumble and bumble’s Does It All Styling Powder or Living Proof’s Instant Texture Mist.
If possible, it’s best to start with day-old hair that has been lightly washed; your style won’t come out as well if you begin with oiled down or freshly washed locks. Once you have all of your ingredients close at hand, create two even sections at the top of head – either straight back or slightly off-center depending on desired effect – holding each section above the ears and clipping one temporarily if needed.
Brush and detangle your hair
The very first step to achieving a beautiful bun is to make sure your hair is in optimal condition. First, start by brushing and detangling your hair with a wide toothcomb so that it’s free of knots and tangles. Make sure to keep the brush strokes smooth and gentle so that you don’t damage your hair.
After brushing, untangle any remaining knots with your fingers and then gather all of your hair into a ponytail high on the back of your head. Use a comb or brush to ensure there are no uneven bumps, which can cause bumps in the bun. Pull half of the ponytail back over itself or use an elastic band just below where you would like the bun to be positioned, leaving the remaining half away from your face.
Creating the Bun
Whether you’re looking for an elegant updo for a formal occasion, or just a quick and easy hairstyle, creating a bun is the perfect option. With a few simple steps and the right tools, you can create the perfect bun in no time.
In this section, we’ll talk about the steps you need to take to create a bun that looks beautiful and stays put all day:
Create a ponytail
Creating your perfect bun starts by gathering all of your hair and fastening it into a neat ponytail. You can use a brush or simply your fingers to make sure all of the hair is pulled back and lies smooth before you secure it with a band or elastic. It’s important that the ponytail is not too high or tight, as this will make it difficult to wrap the bun later. The placement should be comfortable but secure.
Depending on if you’re making a top knot, chignon, or regular bun, you may need to secure it at different heights on the head.
Secure the ponytail with a hair tie
Once you have gathered all your hair into a high ponytail, secure it with a hair band that matches your hair color. The elastic should fit snugly but not be so tight that it pulls on the scalp. Be sure to double-check that all of the hair is in the ponytail, including any short hairs at the nape of the neck. A tail comb can help you smooth out any bumps and make sure everything is tucked away.
If you are using a bobbi pin, this is when you will want to insert it: Push it through to make sure all of your hair stays put.
Wrap the hair around the base of the ponytail
Once you have completed the braids, pull all the hair together, creating a ponytail and secure with an elastic. Starting at the base of your ponytail and working upwards, begin wrapping the locks of hair around the base of it. Widen each wrap as you progress around your head and continue until it reaches your forehead. When it reaches this point, secure with bobby pins and tuck any loose strands in by using a comb to keep neat. This will create your basic bun shape.
Secure the bun with bobby pins
Once you have looped and twisted all your hair together to form the bun, you are now ready to secure it in place. Depending on the desired look, there are two ways to fix it in place.
Bobby pins are the perfect solution when creating a high, tight and secure bun. Starting at the center of your bun, place a bobby pin downwards into the loop. Secure each bobby pin into one of your hairs strands to keep every layer in place. You should use as many pins as needed – three across or four downwards should be enough to hold your hairstyle in place all day!
Another option is using an elastic or tie that is suited for the color of your hair. Wrap this tie tightly around the bottom of your bun and use the leftover tail end to wrap around once more for extra security if necessary. This method is best for creating a more messy or natural look.
Finishing Touches
After you have created a basic bun, there are a few easy ways to add a touch of elegance to your look. From adding a few decorative pins to wrapping a few pieces of hair around the bun, there are some simple steps you can take that will give your bun a polished finish.
Let’s look at a few of these finishing touches:
Loosen and fluff sections of the bun
Once you have secured the bun in place, loosen and fluff sections of it with your fingers. You can leave it slightly messy to give a relaxed vibe, or neatly comb over it for a more polished look.
To add extra texture and definition, spritz your fingers with hairspray, then run them lightly over the top of the bun. This will help keep the strands in place and can add volume across the whole style.
To finish off the look and help hold the style securely in place, use a strong-hold hair spray from 15 to 20 centimeters away from your head, being sure to evenly distribute it throughout so that all of your hair is protected. Use a light hand for an all-over natural hold. Finally, give yourself one last misting so that every strand is held firmly in place.
Add accessories to the bun
Adding an accessory such as a flower, ribbon or bow to the bun can provide an extra touch of elegance and sophistication. A popular trend is to place single flowers in the middle of the bun or weave several into a band around the circumference. Small jewelry accessories, such as charms and pendants, are also often wire-wrapped into the bun for a more ornamental look. If you’re using fabric flowers, you can use any type that’s color-coordinated with your ensemble.
The best accessory for the top of the bun is usually something that compliments your hair style without appearing too flashy or ostentatious. If your dress has a beaded belt or other embellishments, these pieces could provide a nice contrast to your updo while still tying in nicely with the overall look of your ensemble. If you’re wearing an elaborate headpiece, it always pays off to have some decorative and aesthetically pleasing items on hand for decoration and embellishment.
Spray with hairspray
Spraying hairspray on your completed craft project will help prevent colors from running. Hairspray creates a barrier between items, not allowing colors and other substances to penetrate it. When you apply it over your crafted item, the hairspray will harden and protect the colors, helping them last longer and ensuring that your piece looks its best even after multiple washes.
For best results, use an aerosol-based hairspray, hold the can approximately 8 inches away from your project when applying, and always use in a well-ventilated area.
