The braided bun is a timeless and versatile hairstyle that can take you from a casual day out to a formal evening event. It's a look that combines the intricate beauty of a braid with the classic sophistication of a bun. While it may look complex, creating a braided bun is surprisingly simple and requires only a few basic tools.
Whether you're looking for a quick and chic updo for a busy day or a stunning hairstyle for a special occasion, this step-by-step guide will walk you through everything you need to know.
What You'll Need:
Hairbrush or comb
Hair ties (at least 2)
Bobby pins
Hair spray (optional, for hold)
Texturizing spray or dry shampoo (optional, for grip)
Step 1: Prep Your Hair
For this hairstyle, it's often easier to work with hair that isn't freshly washed. The natural oils provide a bit of grip and texture, making the braids and bun more secure. If your hair is too soft, you can use a texturizing spray or a little dry shampoo to add some hold. Gently brush out any tangles to ensure a smooth braiding process.
Step 2: Create a Ponytail
Decide where you want your bun to sit. A high bun is great for a chic, modern look, while a low bun at the nape of your neck offers a more classic and romantic feel. Gather your hair into a ponytail at your desired position and secure it tightly with a hair tie. Make sure the ponytail is smooth and free of bumps.
Step 3: Braid the Ponytail
This is the key step. There are a few different types of braids you can use:
Classic Three-Strand Braid: This is the most common and easiest option. Divide your ponytail into three equal sections. Cross the right section over the middle section, then cross the left section over the new middle section. Continue this pattern all the way to the end of the ponytail and secure it with a small hair tie.
French Braid: If you want a more intricate look, you can do a French braid starting from the top of your head and incorporating hair as you go, then finish the braid in a ponytail.
Fishtail Braid: For a more bohemian and detailed bun, use a fishtail braid. Divide the ponytail into two sections. Take a small piece of hair from the outside of one section and cross it over to the inside of the other section. Repeat on the other side.
Once your braid is complete, you can gently tug on the edges of the braid to "pancake" it. This makes the braid look thicker and fuller, giving your bun more volume.
Step 4: Form the Bun
This is where the magic happens. Take your braided ponytail and start wrapping it around the base of your hair tie.
For a classic bun: Wrap the braid in a circular motion around the hair tie, creating a coil.
For a more relaxed bun: You can wrap the braid a bit more loosely, or even criss-cross it for a less structured look.
Step 5: Secure the Bun
As you wrap, use bobby pins to secure the bun to your head. Insert the bobby pins from the outside of the bun and push them into the base of the ponytail. Use as many bobby pins as you need to ensure the bun feels secure and won't unravel. You can also use a larger hair tie to hold the bun in place before you add the bobby pins for extra security.
Step 6: Final Touches
Once your bun is secure, give your head a gentle shake to make sure it's not going anywhere. You can leave it as is for a sleek look, or you can gently pull out a few face-framing pieces of hair for a softer, more romantic feel. Finish with a light mist of hair spray to tame any flyaways and lock your beautiful braided bun in place.
And there you have it! A beautiful, elegant braided bun that looks polished and put-together. This hairstyle is perfect for any occasion, proving that sometimes, the simplest looks are the most stunning.
Happy styling!
