Buns are a timeless, versatile hairstyle that can be styled to suit any occasion, from casual outings to formal events. Whether you’re looking for something sleek and sophisticated or playful and messy, there’s a bun for every mood and style. In this article, we’ll explore 33 creative bun hairstyles, each designed to elevate your look. From wedding-ready styles to quick and easy options for everyday wear, you’ll find a bun that suits your personality and hair type.
Sleek Low Bun for Weddings
The sleek low bun is an elegant choice, especially for wedding events or formal gatherings. This bun sits neatly at the nape of the neck, exuding sophistication while drawing attention to the wearer’s graceful neckline. It works well for those with long hair but can also be adapted for short hair with extensions. A classic option, this hairstyle pairs beautifully with off-the-shoulder dresses and sparkling jewelry. It’s best suited for heart-shaped faces and enhances green or hazel eyes.
To achieve this look, start by smoothing your hair with a straightening serum and pulling it into a low ponytail. Twist the ponytail into a bun and secure it with bobby pins. A strong-hold hairspray like L’Oréal Elnett Satin is perfect for keeping the style in place all day. Maintenance involves using a shine-enhancing conditioner to keep your locks smooth and frizz-free.
Messy Top Bun for Casual Days
For a more relaxed and trendy look, the messy top bun is perfect. This carefree style gives off a cool, effortless vibe, making it ideal for casual brunches, errands, or hanging out with friends. The bun sits high on the crown of the head, with loose strands framing the face, making it great for oval and round faces. It’s an excellent choice for those with curly hair, as the natural texture adds volume and dimension to the look.
To style, gather your hair into a loose ponytail and twist it into a bun, leaving some pieces out for that lived-in effect. If you’re dealing with long hair, use texturizing spray to give the style more volume. Bumble and Bumble’s Dryspun Finish is a great option for adding texture without weighing down the hair. For upkeep, use a lightweight conditioner to maintain the natural movement of your hair.
Double Bun for Kids
Double buns are a fun and cute hairstyle, especially popular for kids or playful occasions like costume parties. This style involves creating two buns, one on each side of the head, giving a whimsical, youthful look. For black women with natural hair, this style can also be adapted by adding braided details for more texture. It suits round and oval face shapes and pairs wonderfully with casual, colorful outfits.
To achieve this look, part your hair down the middle and gather each side into a high ponytail. Twist each ponytail into a bun and secure with elastics. You can add colorful hair ties or bows for a playful touch. Maintenance is simple—use a hydrating leave-in conditioner like Cantu’s Shea Butter Leave-In to keep curls soft and defined.
Braided Bun for Formal Events
The braided bun combines the elegance of a bun with the intricate beauty of braids, making it a fantastic option for formal events. This style works best for medium to long hair and suits diamond or square face shapes. The addition of braids adds texture, giving it a romantic, classic vibe—ideal for attending a wedding or upscale dinner party.
Start by braiding two sections of your hair on either side of your head, then pull the rest of your hair into a low ponytail. Wrap the ponytail into a bun and secure the braids around the base of the bun for a seamless, elegant finish. Use a lightweight gel to keep flyaways in place and finish with a gloss spray for shine. To maintain, use a smoothing shampoo and conditioner to prevent frizz and keep braids intact.
Easy Low Bun for Busy Days
When you need a quick hairstyle that still looks chic, the easy low bun is a go-to option. Perfect for running errands or heading to a last-minute meeting, this style keeps your hair out of your face while still looking polished. The low placement of the bun works well for all hair lengths, especially short hair, and complements rectangular or heart-shaped faces.
To style, brush your hair into a low ponytail, twist it into a bun, and secure it with an elastic. For a sleek finish, use a smoothing cream like Moroccanoil’s Hydrating Styling Cream. To maintain, keep your hair moisturized with a light conditioner, especially if your hair tends to frizz easily in humid weather.
Half-Up Bun for Trendy Vibes
The half-up bun is a versatile and trendy hairstyle that works for almost any occasion. It combines the fun of a bun with the ease of leaving some hair down, offering a relaxed yet stylish look. Ideal for curly hair, this style adds volume and showcases your natural texture while keeping some of your hair out of your face. It’s perfect for long, heart-shaped faces and can be worn for anything from casual lunches to outdoor events.
To achieve the half-up bun, gather the top section of your hair into a high ponytail and twist it into a small bun. Leave the rest of your hair down. For extra volume, use a volumizing mousse on the loose hair. To maintain this look, use a curl-enhancing shampoo to keep your hair bouncy and lively throughout the day.
Sleek Bun with Bangs
A sleek bun with bangs is a fashionable twist on the classic bun. This style is perfect for those who love the polished look of a bun but want to add a little extra flair with bangs. It works well for long hair and creates a beautiful contrast for round or oval face shapes. The bangs draw attention to the eyes, making it an excellent choice for formal or semi-formal events.
To style, smooth your hair back into a sleek, tight bun, using a flat iron to straighten the bangs for a sharp finish. A gel like Eco Styler Olive Oil Gel helps keep the hair in place without making it too stiff. For maintenance, use a moisturizing conditioner to keep your bangs smooth and prevent frizz.
Messy Bun with Braids
The messy bun with braids is a unique fusion of messy charm and structured braids. This style is excellent for a curly hair texture or for black women with natural hair, as the braids add dimension to the bun. It’s ideal for informal settings or outdoor gatherings. This look suits square or oval face shapes, adding softness to angular features.
To create this look, section off a portion of your hair to braid, then gather the rest into a high messy bun. Wrap the braid around the bun for a textured, casual-chic look. Use a curl cream like SheaMoisture’s Curl Enhancing Smoothie to keep curls defined. For maintenance, make sure to sleep with a satin scarf or pillowcase to prevent frizz and preserve the style.
Donut Bun for a Polished Look
The donut bun is an easy way to achieve a perfectly round bun with minimal effort. This style is often used for more formal or professional settings, as it delivers a sleek and polished appearance. It works well for long hair, and it’s particularly flattering on square or rectangular face shapes. The donut bun can be paired with formal attire for work or fancy occasions.
To style, use a donut hair accessory to shape the bun. Simply pull your hair into a ponytail, slide the donut to the base of the ponytail, and wrap your hair around it. Use hairspray to keep the style smooth and in place. To maintain, use a light mousse to add shine and keep flyaways at bay.
Afro Bun for Natural Hair
For those with natural hair, the afro bun is a bold and stunning option. This style highlights the beauty of coily textures, while still keeping the hair neatly tucked away in a bun. It’s perfect for black women who want to embrace their natural texture while still achieving a structured look. The afro bun works beautifully for round and oval faces, and is ideal for everything from casual hangouts to formal events.
To style, moisturize your curls with a leave-in conditioner, then pull your hair into a high bun. For added definition, you can use a curl-defining cream like Aunt Jackie’s Curl La La. Keep the look fresh by wrapping your hair in a silk scarf at night to prevent frizz.
Braided Crown Bun for Special Occasions
The braided crown bun is an elegant choice for weddings or other formal events. With intricate braids that wrap around the head like a crown, this style looks regal and sophisticated. It’s perfect for black women or those with curly hair, as the braids add structure and allow natural curls to shine. Suited to all face shapes, this hairstyle highlights the cheekbones and gives a graceful, feminine look.
To achieve this style, section off the hair at the front and braid each side towards the back. Gather the rest of the hair into a bun at the back of your head and secure the braids around the bun. A firm-hold hairspray will keep this intricate style in place throughout the day. For upkeep, use a hydrating gel to maintain curl definition and avoid frizz.
High Messy Bun with Loose Waves
The high messy bun with loose waves offers a chic and effortless vibe, perfect for casual outings or even a relaxed date night. The bun is styled high on the crown, while the loose waves add a playful touch. This style works beautifully on long hair and is especially flattering for heart-shaped and oval faces. It’s ideal for warm, sunny days when you want your hair out of your face but still want a hint of glamour.
To create this look, loosely gather your hair into a high bun, leaving a few strands out to frame your face. Use a curling iron to create soft waves on the loose pieces. A sea salt spray, like Bumble and Bumble’s Surf Spray, can enhance the waves for a more textured, beachy finish. Maintenance is minimal—just spritz your hair with a bit of leave-in conditioner to keep waves hydrated.
Sleek Side Bun with a Flower Accessory
A sleek side bun with a flower accessory is ideal for those who want a touch of romance in their hairstyle. The bun rests just below the ear, giving a soft, feminine silhouette that’s great for wedding events, garden parties, or beach outings. This style works well with medium to long hair and looks stunning on square and oval face shapes.
To style, smooth your hair to one side and create a low bun just behind the ear. Add a flower or small floral clip for a touch of color. Use a light mousse like John Frieda Frizz Ease to keep hair smooth and shiny. Maintenance involves using a gentle conditioner to keep hair sleek and soft, allowing the style to last all day.
Double Low Buns for a Playful Look
The double low buns style is playful and fun, perfect for casual events or music festivals. It’s a trendy choice for kids or those who want a unique look that stands out. This hairstyle can be created on short or long hair and works well with round and heart-shaped faces. The low placement of the buns gives it a laid-back, approachable feel.
To achieve this style, part your hair down the middle and create two low ponytails at the nape of your neck. Twist each ponytail into a bun and secure with elastics. For a softer look, leave a few strands out around the face. A texturizing spray, like Living Proof’s Full Dry Volume Blast, adds volume to the style. Maintenance is simple—just spritz with a light-hold hairspray to keep the style in place.
Loose Low Bun with Side Swept Bangs
A loose low bun with side-swept bangs is a soft, romantic look ideal for date nights or evening events. The bun sits low on the head, with soft bangs framing one side of the face. This style is especially flattering for oval and diamond-shaped faces and can be styled with both short and long hair.
To style, create a loose bun at the nape of your neck and let a few strands fall naturally around your face. Sweep the bangs to one side and secure with a bobby pin if necessary. A light-hold hairspray like TRESemmé Compressed Micro Mist keeps the style in place while maintaining a soft, natural look. For maintenance, use a gentle shampoo and conditioner to keep hair smooth and easy to style.
Afro Puff Bun for Natural Hair
The afro puff bun is a fantastic option for those with natural hair looking to show off their volume and texture. This style combines the sleekness of a bun with the fullness of an afro puff, making it an ideal choice for black women with curly hair. It suits all face shapes and can be worn for casual outings or special occasions.
To create this style, gather your hair into a high ponytail and use a soft-bristle brush to smooth the edges. Secure the ponytail and allow the curls to form a natural puff at the top. A curl cream like SheaMoisture’s Coconut & Hibiscus Curl Enhancing Smoothie can help define curls and add shine. To maintain, keep the edges smooth with a small amount of edge control gel.
Twisted Top Bun with Braids
The twisted top bun with braids is a statement hairstyle perfect for bold, fashionable looks. This style features a high twisted bun with small braids that add texture and interest. It works well with medium to long hair and is especially flattering on oval and heart-shaped faces. This look is ideal for music festivals, parties, or nights out.
To achieve this style, braid small sections of your hair around the head and gather the rest into a high ponytail. Twist the ponytail into a bun and wrap the braids around the base for a layered look. Use a firm-hold gel to keep the braids in place, and finish with a gloss spray for shine. For upkeep, use a curl-defining shampoo and conditioner to keep hair smooth and defined.
Braided Low Bun with Loose Strands
The braided low bun with loose strands is an elegant, timeless choice that works for a variety of occasions, from formal events to casual outings. The bun sits low on the neck, with braids adding detail and texture. This style is great for long hair and flatters all face shapes, especially heart-shaped and diamond faces.
To create this look, braid two small sections from the front and pull the rest of the hair into a low bun. Wrap the braids around the bun for a polished finish. A light mousse like Herbal Essences Totally Twisted Curl Boosting Mousse keeps hair smooth and frizz-free. Maintenance involves using a gentle conditioner to keep hair soft and manageable.
Low Bun with Hair Accessories
The low bun with hair accessories is a beautiful and versatile option for those who want to add a little sparkle to their look. This style involves a simple low bun adorned with decorative pins, clips, or pearls, making it perfect for wedding events or formal gatherings. It works well for short hair and long hair and suits all face shapes.
To style, create a low bun at the nape of your neck and add your chosen accessories for a personalized touch. Secure the style with a flexible hold hairspray like Dove Style+Care. For maintenance, use a shine-enhancing conditioner to keep your hair sleek and ready for any accessories you choose.
Sleek Donut Bun with a Middle Part
A sleek donut bun with a middle part is a modern and sophisticated hairstyle that exudes elegance. This style is ideal for professional settings or formal occasions and works best with medium to long hair. It’s particularly flattering on square and oval face shapes and pairs well with statement earrings.
To create this style, part your hair in the middle and smooth it back into a ponytail. Use a donut accessory to shape the bun and wrap your hair around it. Secure with bobby pins and finish with a strong-hold hairspray for a polished look. To maintain, use a hydrating shampoo and conditioner to keep hair sleek and shiny.
In conclusion, bun hairstyles are a versatile and timeless way to style your hair for any event, mood, or season. Whether you’re opting for a sleek look or something more relaxed, there’s a bun for everyone. Share your favorite bun styles in the comments, and let us know how you style yours!
