There used to be two categories when it came to bun hairstyles: the messy bun or the slicked-back bun. Those days are over. Buns have settled into a long, comfortable second life, and the range now stretches from a classic updo or chic chignon to a topknot, a braided bun or a pair of baby buns. The pulled-back look suits almost every hair texture, length and mood.
Buns also solve real problems. They rescue a third-day wash, hide a bad hair day and keep hair off your neck when the weather turns. We reached out to two expert hairstylists for their tips, and you’ll find their advice woven into the ideas below. If you’re searching for easy bun hairstyles you can actually do in a bathroom mirror, scroll through all 35 and pick a few to try.
Before you start, gather a small toolkit. Most of these looks need only clear elastics, bobby pins and a brush. French hairpins, a texturizing spray, dry shampoo and a bun maker or sock make some styles easier. A little grip in your hair is the secret behind most good buns, which is why second-day hair so often works better than freshly washed strands.
Here is a quick guide to help you choose where to begin.
| Style | Hair Length | Best For | Maintenance | Occasion |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Messy Bun | Medium to long | Beginners | Low | Everyday, errands |
| Slicked-Back Topknot | Medium to long | Polished looks | Medium | Office, events |
| Low Chignon | Medium to long | Classic elegance | Medium | Weddings, meetings |
| Braided Bun | Medium to long | Protective styling | Low to medium | Everyday, parties |
| Space Buns | Medium and up | Playful styling | Low | Festivals, casual outings |
| Sock Bun | Long | Smooth volume | Medium | Formal occasions |
1. Natural Voluminous High Bun:
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Janelle Monae’s high pineapple bun spotlights her gorgeous curls. The look packs drama, height and mega volume that works day to night. To recreate it, flip your head upside down, gather your curls at the very top of your head and secure them loosely with a stretchy, snag-free elastic. Pulling tightly flattens curl pattern, so leave the shape airy. Fluff the base with your fingers and add a soft headband or oversized earrings if you want an evening finish.
2. Box Braid Updo:
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Tessa Thompson’s kelly green box braids add an edgy pop to her asymmetrical braided bun. Her cat eye sunglasses and sparkly choker are the perfect accessories. If you already have box braids, this is one of the quickest updos around. Gather the braids to one side, twist them into a coil and pin the coil flat against your head. Colored braids make a bold statement, but the same shape looks lovely in classic black or brown with a few gold cuffs.
3. Slicked-Back Topknot:
A decidedly sophisticated take on the topknot, this high bun is pure class. “Try doing the base ponytail for your topknot in two sections,” Rubenstein says. “Create a high ponytail with the top section of your hair (from the ears up), then add the bottom section. This will make your topknot more secure.”
Use pomade to smooth the flyaways around the face and to ensure little hairs don’t fall out around the nape. “Brush through the ponytail, twist into a bun or knot and secure with French hairpins,” she says. “If you can’t find textured French hairpins, use a bit of texture spray on regular ones.” Finish with a light mist of hairspray and it will hold through a full workday.
4. Messy Fringe:
Jenna Ortega’s face-framing fringe is a glorious addition to her messy low bun. The contrast between undone hair at the back and deliberate pieces at the front is what makes it work. Keep a section of hair loose at your forehead and let it fall naturally. If your fringe is freshly cut, a quick pass of dry shampoo at the roots keeps it from looking flat by late afternoon. It pairs well with casual knits and denim.
5. Big Bun:
This look is perfect for a girls’ night out. But keep in mind: when you’re going for this much fullness, you’ll want second-day dirty hair and a little help from your trusty dry shampoo. Work the dry shampoo through your roots and lengths, then gather a high ponytail and wrap the hair around itself in loose loops. Pin it in several places so the weight stays put. A bun maker can add extra volume if your hair is on the finer side.
6. Upside-Down Topknot:
This is an easy yet still pulled-together look that translates from the office to a weekend farmers’ market run or date night. Start with a low ponytail, tease the length, and simply twist it into a bun. Teasing gives the knot body so it doesn’t slump. Pin the twist flat against the back of your head, then tug a few pieces loose around the ears. It works especially well on hair with a bit of layering, and it takes about two minutes once you’ve done it a couple of times.
7. Blunt Fringe:
Lily Collin’s blunt fringe adds a mod touch to her textured top knot. The face-framing layers soften the overall look beautifully. Blunt fringe looks sharpest when the bun behind it is slightly rough, so add texture spray to the lengths before you tie it up. Keep the ponytail high and the twist loose. A dark lip or simple gold earrings finish it without competing with the fringe.
8. Messy Bun:
A casual messy bun is cute and easy to replicate. First, add texture to your hair with a texturizing hair spray for body and grit. Then flip your head over, gather your hair into a high ponytail, and tie your strands in a bun, pulling out as many pieces as you please. The messier, the better. If it feels too perfect, run your fingers through the bun and tug the loops outward. This is the best style to practice with, because mistakes simply read as part of the look.
9. Slicked Bun:
Yara Shahidi is a vision in TikTok’s beloved slick back bun. Use a product like Briogeo’s Style + Treat Hair Styling Sleek Stick to keep every hair in place. Rub the stick along your hairline and down the length of the ponytail before securing it. Brush with a boar bristle brush for extra smoothness. The sleek version suits dressier plans, and a deep side or center part changes the mood without much extra effort.
10. Topknot With Bangs:
Those with bangs can still get in on the messy bun fun. The bangs add a little something extra to the standard look.
If your hair is clean, “you can spray IGK First Class Charcoal Detox Dry Shampoo for more grip and texture,” says Izquierdo. “Brush your strands into a ponytail that lands at the highest part of the back of your head. After you have all of your hair up, simply twist it around and fasten with a clear elastic.” Curtain-style bangs tend to blend most smoothly with a loose topknot.
11. Y2K Spiky Bun:
Megan Thee Stallion brings Y2K back to life with this picture-perfect spiky bun and asymmetrical bangs. Her rich, cherry red color only adds to the allure of the look. To get the spiky effect, gather a high ponytail, twist small sections upward and pin them so the ends fan out. Use a strong-hold gel or paste to keep the points defined. This is a statement style, so keep makeup simple and let the hair lead.
12. Tucked-In Chignon:
Meghan Markle’s low bun is as ideal for a Monday meeting as it is for a Friday-night wedding. To recreate the look, brush your hair, and then gather it into a ponytail at the nape of your neck. Wrap the ponytail into a bun, and tuck the tail underneath the chignon (kind of like you’re making a knot). You can also pull a few small pieces of hair out of the bun to achieve that model-off-duty vibe. Smaller pins work best here because they disappear into the hair.
13. Braided Bun:
The best part about this braided low bun (other than how chic it is) is that it works even better on hair that hasn’t been washed in a couple of days. Plus, if you already have cornrows, you can create the look in just a few minutes. Braid your hair into a single plait, coil it at the nape and pin it securely. The braid doubles as protective styling, making it a smart option when you want to keep your ends tucked away.
14. Loosely-Tied Loop:
Boho chic at its finest, the loosely-tied bun is a great daytime style. Start with clean, straight hair. Smooth hair gloss over the ends of your hair, or spritz it with shine spray, and pull it into a loose ponytail at the nape of your neck. Flip the ponytail up once, letting an inch or so hang out at the top, and flip it into a neat little bun. Because there’s no teasing involved, it’s also gentle on fragile hair.
15. Super-Smooth Sock Bun:
Need an inspired (and easy) ‘do for a black-tie affair? Try a trusty sock bun with an XL sock or bun maker for extra dramatics. Pull your hair into a high ponytail, slide the ponytail through the center of the sock and roll the hair down to the base while tucking in the ends. Smooth stray hairs with a brush and a dab of pomade. A sock cut from a soft cotton tube works fine if you don’t own a bun maker.
16. Loose, Twisted Chignon:
This romantic updo is about as sophisticated as it gets. Pair it with a statement earring and red lip just like Nicole Kidman does and you’re set for a special occasion. Twist your ponytail gently rather than tightly, wrap it around its base and secure with pins placed at different angles. Pulling a couple of strands near the ears softens the structure. It works with a strapless neckline or a high collar, since your neck is on display.
17. Undone Side Bun:
Another easy but still chic look that manages to remain sophisticated, this side-swept low bun looks stunning, even if a few errant hairs come out of place. Part your hair deeply, sweep it to one side and gather it low behind your ear. Wrap and pin. Leave the finish a little imperfect, since polish isn’t the goal here. It looks good with an asymmetrical neckline or a single statement earring on the exposed side.
18. Low, Middle-Part Bun:
If you’re looking for bun inspo, look no further than Sofia Richie Grainge. She has mastered many variations on the look, even rocking one for her gorgeous wedding in the South of France. The key is a clean middle part and a smooth, centered low bun. Use a comb to draw the part, then brush the hair back and gather it at the nape. It’s a very forgiving, minimalist shape that works for both casual weekends and dressier events.
19. Braided Low Bun:
Zoe Kravitz wears her platinum blonde braids in a low braided bun. Her color is high maintenance but this simple style helps balance out the look, no doubt. If you have bleached or heavily colored hair, a braided bun is also a gentle way to limit tugging and friction. Gather your braids at the nape, twist them into a loop and secure with pins that match your hair color, so the look stays seamless.
20. Messy Topknot:
The sophisticated chignon gets a dose of cool in this classic look. To recreate it, create a ponytail by positioning it high atop your head. Then, take the end of the ponytail and wrap it loosely around the base, pinning into place and teasing as you go. Leave a few pieces out to frame the face for a more lived-in look, just like Karlie Kloss does. Work a little texture spray through the lengths first so the wrap holds its shape.
21. Half-Bun:
The half-bun is a youthful style that’s perfect for everything from a trip to the gym to a night out with the girls. To recreate the look without a hitch, try it on day three hair as the oils will help it hold in place. Take the top section of your hair from temple to temple, tie it into a small bun and leave the rest loose. It’s also a good way to wear a bun if you love the look of your length but want it off your face.
22. Wavy and Loose Bun:
For a loose, perfectly messy topknot, don’t be afraid to turn to stellar products. Starting on naturally wavy hair (or hair that’s been curled with a wide-barrel curling iron), pull hair into a high ponytail, twisting and pinning into a bun with pins. Once the hair is up, muss with your fingertips and finish the look with hair spray. The waves give the bun a soft, rounded shape without much work, and it holds well into the evening.
23. Tail-Out Bun:
This sleek updo has the added funky factor of a tiny tail, created by leaving the end out and unpinned. Follow all the steps of a traditional topknot, putting the hair into a ponytail before wrapping the end around the base, leaving a little bit of the tail out, suggests Izquierdo. “Spray some IGK Please Hold Flexible Finishing Spray to seal the deal,” he adds. A smooth blowout before you start makes the tail look intentional rather than accidental.
24. Curly Top Knot:
A curly top knot with face-framing layers is so gorgeously undone and simple. Yet, it can take you from day to night with the help of your favorite earrings or statement lip. Use a wide, soft scrunchie or fabric-covered elastic so you don’t disturb your curl pattern. Gather the curls loosely at the crown and fluff the base. Refresh with a little water or curl cream the next day instead of starting over.
25. Messy Midi Bun:
Nothing says model off-duty like the messy midi bun. Unfortunately, recreating a messy bun isn’t always so easy because intentionally messy and too messy trail a fine line. Start with day three hair for some extra hold and remain confident, since your first try is almost always your best one. Place the bun at mid-height on the back of your head, and stop fiddling once the shape looks relaxed. Overworking it is the most common reason it falls apart.
26. Double Buns:
Know what’s better than one bun? Two buns! This adorable homage to the famous Princess-Leia do, aptly named space buns, can be done as casually or ornately as the mood strikes. Take Tems’ pearl embellished do as inspo. Part your hair down the center, tie two high ponytails and twist each into a bun. Keep them even by checking your reflection from the front. Pearls, small clips or ribbon dress them up for a celebration.
27. Criss-Cross Braided Bun:
This ethereal low bun ups the ante by adding two fishtail braids. Surprisingly, it’s not that difficult to recreate. Just leave two sections of hair in the front out when you create your bun, then braid them and secure them with bobby pins. Cross the braids over the bun, tuck the ends beneath it and pin each one. Slightly looser braids look more romantic, so pancake them gently with your fingers.
28. Braided Topknot:
While it may look complex, a fishtail braided topknot is easier to achieve than you think. Follow all the steps of a traditional topknot, braiding the ponytail down to the ends. Then, wrap the ponytail into a knot and secure with an elastic and hair pins. A regular three-strand braid works just as well if fishtail feels fiddly. The braid adds texture and dimension, which makes it a good option for hair that lacks natural grip.
29. Low Bun with Face-Framing Pieces:
How do you make an undone bun even more so? With romantic face-framing pieces, like Jennifer Lawrance wears, of course. Before tying your bun, pull out a few strands on each side of your face. Curl them lightly with a curling iron or leave them naturally wavy. Keep the pieces thin and let them fall wherever they land. Heavy or blunt sections can look accidental, while delicate wisps look soft and deliberate.
30. Curly Bun:
Mutli-textured hair is both fun and interesting, like this slicked back and curly bun combo on Bella Hadid. Smooth the roots and the top section with gel or pomade, then leave the ponytail curly and wrap it into a bun. The contrast between sleek and soft is the whole point. If you want to try it, add a bit of curl cream or mousse to the length to keep the curls defined while the front stays slick.
31. Accessorized High Bun:
The easiest way to enhance any hairstyle is to add an accessory. Here, Lupita Nyong’o rocks a dramatic bun with a dainty beaded headband that instantly elevates the look. If you’re new to accessorizing, start with one piece: a headband, a claw clip tucked under the bun or a few decorative pins. Choose metals that match your jewelry. A simple bun with a standout accessory often looks more intentional than a complicated style without one.
32. Sicked Back Low Bun:
Sleek hairstyles are perfect for elegant evenings, or when you need to ensure that not a single hair falls out of place. Finish with hair spray and a shine serum to recreate Zoe Saldana’s glossy sheen. Brush the hair back with a bit of gel, gather it at the nape and twist it into a smooth coil. Pin it in an even circle. Wearing it with a clean neckline or a collared jacket keeps the look crisp.
33. Tilted Bun:
Tai Beauchamp’s braided top knot is a work of art. It sits slightly to one side of her crown, and flaunts dramatic volume. To recreate the angle, gather your hair on one side of the crown instead of the center, and braid before wrapping. Check the placement in a mirror before pinning so the tilt looks deliberate. It’s a good choice if you like a high bun but want something less expected for a night out.
34. Vertical Trio Bun:
Short hair don’t care. A trio of buns is a super fun style and a go-to when you want hair off your face. Start by gathering hair into three separate sections at the top, middle, and bottom of your head. Then create three separate ponytails and wrap, twist, or knot each one until a bun has formed and secure with an elastic. Smaller buns suit shorter lengths well, and a bit of pomade helps tame the ends.
35. Bangs + Braided Top Knot:
Nicole Richie proves that a side-swept bang looks très chic with a braided top knot. It frames her face so the style doesn’t feel as intense as a slicked-back style sometimes can. Braid your ponytail, wrap it into a knot and pin it firmly. Sweep the bangs to one side with a light dab of cream or hairspray. It’s a flattering option for anyone who wants a high bun without a severe, pulled-back finish.
