The bun is a timeless hairstyle, celebrated for its versatility and inherent elegance. From a polished, refined updo perfect for formal occasions to a relaxed, casual style for everyday wear, the bun can be adapted to suit any look. Its ability to create a clean, modern aesthetic while keeping hair neatly away from the face makes it a practical and stylish choice. Mastering a few key variations can elevate your hairstyling repertoire, allowing you to create beautiful looks with minimal effort. This guide will explore three popular styles: the classic low bun, the chic banana bun, and the ever-popular messy bun.
The Classic Low Bun: Understated Elegance
The low bun, positioned at the nape of the neck, is the epitome of sophisticated simplicity. It’s a go-to style for achieving a polished and put-together appearance without looking overly styled. This sleek updo is perfect for professional settings, evening events, or any time you desire a touch of grace. Creating a flawless low bun is straightforward and requires just a few basic tools.
How to Create a Sleek Low Bun:
- Start with smooth, brushed hair. For extra sleekness, you can run a straightener through your hair first.
- Gather your hair into a low ponytail at the nape of your neck and secure it with a hair tie.
- Twist the ponytail tightly from the base to the ends.
- Wrap the twisted hair around the base of the ponytail, forming a neat coil.
- Secure the bun in place using bobby pins. Insert them around the edges of the bun, pushing them towards the centre.
- For a clean finish, smooth any flyaways with a light-hold hairspray or a touch of hair wax applied with a spoolie brush.
The Banana Bun: A Touch of French Chic
The banana bun, or chignon banane, is a classic French hairstyle known for its elegant, elongated shape. It’s a vertical twist that looks intricate and sophisticated, making it a wonderful choice for weddings, formal dinners, or when you want to add a Parisian flair to your look. While it may appear complex, it's quite achievable with a bit of practice. It works best on medium to long hair.
How to Create a Banana Bun:
- Brush your hair to one side, over your shoulder.
- Starting at the nape of your neck on the opposite side, begin inserting bobby pins vertically up the centre of the back of your head. This creates an anchor for the twist.
- Gather your hair as if making a low side ponytail, then begin twisting it upwards, rolling it in towards the line of bobby pins you created.
- Continue twisting and tucking the hair until you form a vertical roll.
- Secure the roll firmly against your head by inserting more bobby pins along the seam of the twist.
- Tuck the ends of the hair into the top or bottom of the roll and secure them with pins. Gently pull at the sides for a little more volume if desired.
The Messy Bun: Effortlessly Stylish
The messy bun is the ultimate 'I woke up like this' hairstyle. It's designed to look undone and relaxed, yet it still conveys a sense of intentional style. This versatile updo is perfect for casual outings, working from home, or even a relaxed evening out. The key to a great messy bun is texture and a not-too-perfect placement. It’s about achieving a look that is both carefree and chic.
How to Achieve the Perfect Messy Bun:
- This style works best on hair that isn't freshly washed, as it will have more texture and grip. You can add a texturising spray or dry shampoo to clean hair to mimic this effect.
- Gather your hair into a high ponytail, but don't pull it too tight.
- On the last pull-through of the hair tie, only pull the hair halfway through to create a loop.
- Wrap the remaining ends of the hair around the base of the loop and secure them with bobby pins.
- Gently pull on the looped bun to loosen it and make it bigger. Don't be afraid to make it uneven.
- Pull out a few fine strands of hair around your face and at the nape of your neck to frame your face and complete the effortless look.
