Bun hairstyles have been a go-to for women across generations, and for good reason. They are incredibly versatile, offering everything from a polished and professional look to a carefree, messy vibe that exudes effortless charm. Whether you’re heading to a wedding, a casual brunch, or just looking for an everyday hairstyle that keeps your hair stylishly tucked away, there’s a bun to suit every occasion. This season, we’re diving into 19 stunning bun hairstyles that will help you elevate your hair game. From sleek and sophisticated styles to playful and trendy updos, you’ll find the perfect bun for every mood and event. Plus, we’ll be recommending essential styling products and accessories to ensure you achieve the best results, whether you need a strong hold, extra volume, or a touch of glam.
1. Sleek High Bun – The Timeless Classic
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The sleek high bun is the epitome of elegance, often seen gracing red carpets, high-fashion runways, and corporate boardrooms alike. This polished style elongates the neck and highlights your facial features, making it perfect for formal events or professional settings. Achieving a sleek high bun requires a smoothing serum to tame flyaways, a fine-tooth comb for precision, and a strong-hold hairspray to ensure it stays in place all day. To create the perfect sleek high bun, start by brushing your hair up into a tight ponytail at the crown of your head. Use a bit of hair gel or serum to smooth any bumps, then twist the ponytail and wrap it around its base, securing it with bobby pins. Finish with a mist of hairspray for a long-lasting, frizz-free hold.
2. Messy Bun – The Effortlessly Chic Look
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Few hairstyles capture effortless beauty quite like the messy bun. This laid-back style is perfect for casual outings, gym sessions, or even a relaxed day at home while still looking stylish. The beauty of a messy bun lies in its imperfections—loose strands, tousled volume, and a naturally undone look that feels spontaneous yet put-together. To achieve the perfect messy bun, gather your hair into a loose ponytail and twist it into a bun shape, securing it with an elastic. Gently tug on sections of the bun to add volume, and let a few strands frame your face for that relaxed, effortless vibe. Spritz on some texturizing spray or dry shampoo to enhance the volume and hold.
3. Braided Bun – A Fusion of Elegance and Fun
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For those who love intricate hairstyles, the braided bun offers the perfect balance between sophistication and creativity. This style is ideal for weddings, romantic dates, or any occasion where you want to add a touch of charm to your look. The braided bun can be created in several ways—whether you choose to braid sections of your hair before forming a bun or wrap a single braid around the base of a classic bun for added detail. To enhance this look, consider accessorizing with delicate pearl hairpins or floral clips. Not only does the braided bun keep your hair stylishly secured, but it also adds a level of intricacy that makes it look more polished and refined.
4. Low Chignon – Sophisticated and Graceful
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The low chignon is a timeless hairstyle that radiates sophistication and grace, making it an ideal choice for formal events, weddings, or elegant evening outings. This bun sits at the nape of the neck, creating a soft, refined look that pairs beautifully with dresses and statement earrings. To create a low chignon, part your hair in the middle or to the side, then gather it into a low ponytail. Twist the ponytail into a bun and secure it with bobby pins, making sure it sits neatly at the base of your neck. For a more romantic touch, leave a few loose strands to softly frame your face. To ensure your chignon stays in place throughout the day or night, use a lightweight, flexible-hold hairspray.
5. Space Buns – Fun and Youthful
source@organicallyanna
If you’re looking for a playful, youthful hairstyle, space buns are the way to go. This trendy and energetic style has become a festival favorite, often seen at concerts and casual outings where a fun, carefree look is a must. Space buns involve parting your hair into two equal sections and creating two buns on either side of your head. You can make them sleek and polished or keep them messy and voluminous for a more relaxed effect. Add a touch of sparkle with glitter gel or enhance the look with colorful scrunchies to make a bold statement. Space buns are also a great hairstyle for those with short or medium-length hair, as they work well with various textures and hair types.
6. Twisted Bun – A Simple Yet Elegant Look
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The twisted bun is a go-to hairstyle when you want an elegant yet easy updo. This style is all about twisting sections of your hair before pinning them into a bun, creating a beautifully textured look with minimal effort. Whether you opt for a single twist or multiple smaller twists, this hairstyle works for formal events, weddings, or even office wear. To achieve the perfect twisted bun, start by parting your hair into sections, twist each section tightly, and secure them into a low or mid bun with bobby pins. A strong-hold hair gel can help keep flyaways at bay, ensuring your twisted bun stays sleek throughout the day.
7. Sock Bun – The Secret to a Perfectly Round Bun
source@jay_anoka
If you’ve ever admired those picture-perfect, voluminous buns, chances are a sock bun was involved. This classic style uses a sock or a foam bun maker to create a perfectly round, full-bodied bun that looks effortlessly chic. It’s a favorite among brides, ballerinas, and professionals because of its polished appearance. To create a sock bun, start with a high ponytail, slide the sock or bun maker over it, and tuck your hair around it to cover the entire form. Secure the bun with pins and finish with a setting spray for extra hold.
8. Top Knot Bun – The Ultimate Chic & Casual Style
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For a trendy, fashion-forward look, the top knot bun is a must-try. This high bun sits at the very top of your head, creating an effortlessly stylish and modern vibe. Whether you go for a sleek top knot or a messy, voluminous one, this style works for both casual and dressy occasions. To create the perfect top knot, pull your hair into a high ponytail, twist it into a bun, and secure it with an elastic or pins. You can also pull out a few face-framing strands for a relaxed look.
9. Half-Up Bun – The Trendy Hybrid Style
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Can’t decide between wearing your hair up or down? The half-up bun is the perfect compromise. This trendy style allows you to keep some of your hair flowing while still rocking a stylish bun. It’s an excellent choice for casual days, music festivals, or quick styling when you’re in a hurry. Simply pull the top half of your hair into a high or mid bun while leaving the rest down. This look pairs beautifully with beachy waves or straight locks for added dimension.
10. Low Bun with Side Part – Understated Elegance
source@shannonle
For a polished and graceful look, a low bun with a side part is an excellent choice. This timeless hairstyle is ideal for professional settings, weddings, or elegant evenings out. The deep side part creates a sophisticated touch, while the low bun ensures a secure and refined finish. To style this look, create a deep side part, brush your hair back into a low ponytail, and twist it into a bun at the nape of your neck. Secure with bobby pins and a light mist of hairspray for a smooth, frizz-free hold.
11. Ballerina Bun – The Ultimate Classic Bun
source@tanni.hairstylist
The ballerina bun is a go-to hairstyle for those who love a clean, sleek, and ultra-polished look. Popular among dancers, this bun is all about creating a tight, smooth updo that stays put all day. The key to achieving a perfect ballerina bun is to use a boar-bristle brush for smoothness, apply a strong-hold gel, and secure the bun with plenty of bobby pins.
12. Curly Bun – Let Your Curls Shine
source@leartof
If you have curly hair, embracing a curly bun can create a voluminous and textured look that’s effortlessly beautiful. Instead of smoothing everything down, let your curls add natural bounce and character to your bun. Gather your hair into a high or low bun, pinning curls loosely for a fuller effect. Use a curl-defining cream to enhance your natural waves.
13. Knotted Bun – A Modern Twist on the Classic Bun
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The knotted bun adds a creative and stylish twist to a simple bun. Instead of just twisting your hair into a bun, you create knots for added texture and detail. This look works beautifully for casual and semi-formal occasions. Start by tying your hair into multiple loose knots, then pin them into place at the back of your head for a stylish updo.
14. French Twist Bun – The Parisian-Inspired Look
source@mybighairday
For a refined, elegant updo, the French twist bun is a perfect choice. This chic hairstyle is a staple for formal events and black-tie affairs. To create it, gather your hair at the back of your head, twist it upward, and tuck the ends inside before pinning it securely. A setting spray ensures a long-lasting hold.
15. Double Bun – Double the Fun
source@jacobmullerhair
Why settle for one bun when you can have two? The double bun hairstyle is a playful, energetic look that’s perfect for concerts, parties, or fun weekend outings. You can position them high like space buns or low for a more subtle effect. This style works well with straight, wavy, or curly hair and adds a youthful vibe.
16. Side Bun – A Romantic and Flowy Look
source@sunil_kumar_hairstylist
The side bun is a gorgeous, soft, and romantic hairstyle that works wonderfully for weddings, date nights, or any elegant occasion. Instead of positioning the bun at the back of your head, sweep your hair to one side and secure it into a bun near your jawline for a more dramatic effect. This look pairs beautifully with loose tendrils framing the face.
17. Bubble Bun – A Playful and Voluminous Style
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If you love adding volume and a touch of fun to your bun, the bubble bun is a must-try. This style combines elements of a bubble ponytail with a traditional bun, creating a unique and trendy look that works well for casual and playful occasions. The bubble effect is created by securing your ponytail in sections with clear elastics before wrapping it into a bun. This method adds dimension and texture, making your bun appear fuller and more stylish. It’s a great choice for those with medium to long hair, as the sections create a voluminous appearance.
18. Boho Bun – Laid-Back and Carefree
source@emi.styles.hair
The boho bun is a relaxed, effortlessly chic hairstyle that embodies free-spirited vibes. This style is perfect for those who love soft, romantic, and slightly messy updos that look effortlessly beautiful. The key to a boho bun is volume, texture, and intentional looseness. Unlike sleek buns, the boho bun thrives on wispy strands, soft waves, and a naturally undone look.
19. Ribbon Bun – A Feminine and Charming Touch
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Adding a ribbon to your bun can transform a simple hairstyle into something whimsical, elegant, or even vintage-inspired, depending on how you style it. This is a versatile look that can be adapted for different occasions—whether you want a ballerina-like grace, a retro Hollywood flair, or a casual yet charming everyday style.
