Different Bun Styles

With so many different bun styles, you'll have plenty to experiment with, depending on whether you need a bun for a casual outing or a formal affair. If you are heading to a wedding, a chignon or French twist will give you a chic look. On the other hand, if you are about to attend a laid-back affair, a messy bun or side bun may work better.

Chignon

Chignon buns are elegant. They can be achieved by gathering your hair back as if you were putting it into a ponytail. Twist the hair around clockwise until you cannot twist it anymore. Loop the twisted hair around and around into a bun. Using hair pins or decorative hair sticks, secure the bun in place.

Messy Bun

A messy bun is a laid-back look that works for casual outings. To style your hair into a messy bun, work with the natural texture of your hair and finger comb your hair back into a low ponytail. Allow pieces to fall out around your face for a casual feel. Twist the bun into place, and secure it with bobby pins or a hair clip of your choice. If your hair is exceptionally frizzy or unruly, use a styling cream or other product throughout your hair prior to styling to help it stay in place.

French Twist

A French twist is classy. French twists can be worn to any formal event. To style your hair into a French twist, pull your hair back and off your face. Smooth any stray hairs with a natural-bristled hairbrush. Twist your hair clockwise, twisting it in on itself. Use a few bobby pins to secure the twist to your head. Tuck the ends of the French twist into the hairstyle for a formal look, or leave the ends out for a more relaxed look.

Simple Bun

A simple bun is a bun that can be styled relatively easily. To style your hair into a simple bun, start out with a ponytail. The ponytail can be low, high or somewhere in between. Twist the ponytail hair around the hairband and secure it with a few bobby pins. You have a simple bun in less than three steps.

Side Bun

Side buns have been seen everywhere from weddings to red carpets. Create a side bun by gathering hair into a loose, side ponytail and wrapping hair around the ponytail hairband, similar to how a simple bun is styled.

To give any of your buns a different look, curl your hair before styling it.