How to Do High Bun Hairstyles ?

So, you’re thinking about trying a high bun? First of all, great choice. Second of all—welcome to the club. Whether you’re running late to a meeting, trying to keep your hair off your neck in 100-degree heat, or just feeling extra chic today, the high bun delivers. It’s one of those styles that screams “effortless,” even if, let’s be real, you spent 20 minutes wrestling your hair into place.

But don’t worry I’ve got your back. I’ve fumbled, twisted, and bobby-pinned my way through more high buns than I care to admit. Today, I’m spilling all the tea on how to do high bun hairstyles like a total pro.

Why the High Bun is Basically Hair Royalty

Let’s get this out of the way: high buns are versatile AF. You can dress them up with accessories or keep it low-key for errands. Either way, you’re going to look put together without trying too hard (which, ironically, sometimes requires trying kinda hard ).

Here’s why I keep going back to the high bun:

• It works for all hair types. Long, medium, curly, straight you name it.
• It flatters most face shapes. Because, yes, cheekbones need a moment.
• It saves you on a bad hair day. Like, literally saves your dignity.

So, now that we’ve acknowledged its greatness, let’s talk about actually doing it.

Prepping Your Hair: Don’t Skip This Step (Seriously)

Ever try to bun dry, brittle hair? Yeah… let’s not. Prepping your hair makes all the difference.

Step 1: Choose Your Texture

• Freshly washed hair? Add some dry shampoo or texturizing spray. Clean hair can be too slippery.
• Second-day hair? Perfect. You’ve got natural grip.
• Curly/wavy hair? Embrace it! High buns with texture are .

Step 2: Gather Your Tools

Keep these handy you don’t want to pause mid-bun and scream, “Where are my bobby pins?!”

• A strong hair tie (not one of those flimsy ones that snap mid-pull)
• Bobby pins (a.k.a. your new best friends)
• Hairbrush or wide-tooth comb
• Hair spray or pomade for flyaways
• Optional: a donut bun or sock (I’ll explain that trick soon)

The Classic High Bun: The One You’ll Wear Everywhere

This is your go-to, everyday bun. Not too fancy, not too messy—just right.

How to Do It:

1. Flip your head upside down and gather all your hair into a high ponytail at the crown of your head.
2. Secure it with a hair tie. Tight, but not “I’m giving myself a headache” tight.
3. Twist your ponytail like a rope. Then coil it around the base to form a bun.
4. Pin it in place with bobby pins stick them in from different angles for better hold.
5. Spray or smooth flyaways with pomade or hairspray. FYI, a toothbrush works great for baby hairs.

Boom. Done. You’ve got a bun that says, “I totally have my life together.”

The Messy High Bun: For When You Want That “I Woke Up Like This” Vibe

Look, we all know the “messy bun” is anything but messy. It’s a calculated mess, and we love it for that.

Tips to Get It Right:

• Don’t brush too much. You want some texture and natural fluff.
• Pull out a few front strands to frame your face.
• Use your fingers to gather your hair for that undone look.

Pro move: After pinning your bun, tug slightly at the crown for volume. Not too much—you want volume, not a birds’ nest.

The Sleek High Bun: For Fancy Vibes or Just Pretending You’re in a Vogue Shoot

IMO, this one slays for events, interviews, or anytime you want to feel expensive. 

Here’s the Game Plan:

1. Brush your hair back super smooth zero bumps allowed.
2. Use a bit of gel or pomade while gathering it into a high ponytail.
3. Twist and wrap the ponytail into a tight bun.
4. Pin it down firmly and finish with high-hold hairspray.
5. Optional: Use a hairnet around the bun to keep it ultra-clean.

It’s giving ballerinas. It’s given to the boss. It’s saying “I didn’t come to play.”

The Sock Bun Trick (a.k.a. Cheat Code)

Ever wonder how some buns look impossibly perfect and round? Yeah, they’re cheating—with a sock bun.

How to Use It:

1. Cut the toe off a clean sock. (No, not your favorite one.)
2. Roll it into a donut shape.
3. Pull your ponytail through the donut.
4. Spread your hair around it evenly, then roll down and tuck under.
5. Pin as needed. Voilà volume for days.
   

This hack saves me on those “my hair is being dramatic” mornings.

High Bun Mistakes I’ve Totally Made (So You Don’t Have To)

Let’s talk real talk for a sec. I’ve made all the bun blunders, and here’s how you can dodge them:

• Too tight? You’ll regret it by lunchtime. Loosen that grip, friend.
• Wrong bobby pins? Use pins that match your hair color. Orange pins on black hair? Nope.
• Forgetting volume? Flat buns look sad. Tug gently at the crown and sides to puff it up.
• Skipping the mirror check? Always check the back. Always.

Fun Ways to Style Your Bun

Because buns don’t have to be boring, okay?

• Wrap a scrunchie or ribbon around the base for a pop of color.
• Add hair clips or pearls for instant glam.
• Braid your ponytail before coiling it into a bun for texture magic.

High buns don’t have to mean high effort, but they sure can look like it.

Final Thoughts: Bun and Done

So there you have it, your full guide to nailing high bun hairstyles without losing your mind (or your patience). Whether you’re feeling sleek and polished or wild and messy, there’s a bun for your mood.

At the end of the day, do what feels good. High buns can be bold, chill, glam, or whatever you want them to be. Don’t stress over perfection, hair grows back, bobby pins are cheap, and YouTube exists if all else fails. 

Now go forth and bun like the glorious hair queen (or king) you are. And hey if your first one flops? Just call it “artsy.”