About Hair Buns

Hair buns are beautiful, classic and easy hairstyles that have a long and distinct history. Buns are as beautiful today as they were when it was considered socially correct for only matrons to wear them, and they've lost much of the prim stigma they used to have. A bun can be worn for any occasion.

History

Buns have had a long history in hairstyling. They first appeared in Ancient Greece, worn by men and women. They were typically a hairstyle of the wealthy because they were considered a showcase for the expensive pins used to secure them. In Ancient China, they were worn only by married women. In the Victorian Era, it was considered an older woman's hairstyle and generally considered to be very plain and basic. In the current day and age, it is a popular style with many variations, continuously cropping up at award shows and red carpet events.

Types

Buns appear in many styles, from double buns on the side of the head (a la Princess Leia in "Star Wars"), to braided buns, buns where hair is coiled, or simply swept around the base. They can appear on the top, nape, or side of the head, and are most usually secured with bobby pins but can also be secured with more ornate choices like hair sticks, chopsticks, combs and hair decorations.

Features

A basic bun usually consists of hair drawn to the nape of the neck or back of the head and gathered into a ponytail. The hair is then coiled along the length and allowed to curl back over itself, creating an even circle. The tail is tucked underneath the coil and the whole bun is then secured to the scalp, either by pins or an interweaving hair accessory.

Benefits

This is an easy way to wear your hair when you prefer not to have it down or if your hair isn't washed. It looks put together and somewhat formal, yet can be worn very casually, making it an excellent style to bridge all the aspects of your day.

Theories/Speculation

While this is no longer a "matron's hairstyle," there is still an unconscious association between putting your hair up and being "off the market." It is a desexualization of the female face and figure. If you are going out to a bar, be conscious of this and consider the signal you are sending by having your hair up or down--a bun is great for saying, "I'm off the market."