How to Do a French Twist Into a Ballet Bun

Keeping hair up allows for faster turns in ballet dancing.

Ballet dancers move with grace and balance, but can be knocked off balance by long tresses. Not only does long or unrestrained hair create balancing problems, but it can also cause injury if it should slap across another dancer’s face while performing. There are several types of acceptable hairstyles for ballet dancers, but none of them presents the simple and elegant grace of a French twist bun.

Things You'll Need

• Brush
• Comb
• Non-decorative ponytail holder
• Box of bobby pins
• Two styling hair combs
• Hairspray

Instructions

1. Brush hair free from tangles and mats. This allows the twist and bun to have a smooth finish.

2. Gather hair into a ponytail at the base of the neck. This pulls the hair together, so the hair fits flush against the scalp.

3. Twist the ponytail, bringing the twist in an upward motion as you go. This begins the long vertical bun shape associated with this hairstyle.

4. Continue to twist the hair up until the twist lies against the back of the head. This forms the actual bun exterior.

5. Insert a long bobby pin into the bottom of the twist, to anchor it in place.

6. Secure the seam of the folded twist to the back of the head, using three to four bobby pins. This prevents the under part of the bun from falling loose.

7. Fold the tail of the ponytail under the seam of the twist, and secure the fold under the twist with a few bobby pins.

8. Gently tuck any excess hair under the fold of the twist, so you have a smooth finish.

9. Gently insert two hair combs into the seam of the fold, to secure the bun into place.

10. Smooth out any stray hair strands, using a fine toothed comb, and spray hair with styling spray to hold the bun in place.

Tips & Warnings

• Have all of you hair supplies laid out on a towel before styling your hair, to make styling easier and quicker.

• Use ponytail holders that do not damage your hair, for best results.

• Use clean bobby pins, free from dried styling sprays and gels, to ensure the pins hold the hair effectively.

References

• Wild Wood Dance: Ballet Hair