If you've got long hair, you know the struggle of trying to put it up in a bun. It often feels like you need a ton of bobby pins and gel just to keep it in place. But what if we told you there's an easier way and you don't even need to go to a hair stylist to get it done? All you need is the right technique. In this guide, we'll show how to easily tie your long hair into a bun.

The Problem With Long Hair and Buns

Credit: Envato Elements/ YuriArcursPeopleImages

Long hair is beautiful, but let's be honest, it comes with its own set of challenges, especially when it comes to experimenting with hairstyles. The main issue? Managing all that thick hair. It feels like no matter how many bobby pins you use or how much gel you apply, your bun either ends up too loose, too tight, or just plain messy. And let's not even start on the bumps and lumps that seem to appear out of nowhere. It's frustrating when all you want is a sleek, tidy bun for your day.

How to Do a Basic Bun for Long Hair

Credit: Envato Elements/ kiraliffe

Let's break down how to do a basic bun for long hair:

Step 1: Start With a Ponytail

Gather all your hair and pull it back into a high ponytail. If you prefer a low bun, then position your ponytail at the nape of your neck. Use a sturdy hair tie to secure it. Make sure it's tight enough to hold your hair but not so tight that it's uncomfortable.

Step 2: Twist Your Ponytail

Take your ponytail and twist it gently but firmly. The twist shouldn't be too loose; you want it to have some tension to keep the bun in place.

Step 3: Wrap the Twist

Carefully wrap the twisted ponytail around the base where the hair tie is. Wrap it smoothly to avoid any bumps or loose ends sticking out.

Step 4: Secure the Bun

As you wrap, tuck the end of your ponytail under the bun. You can use a few bobby pins to secure the bun in place. If you're avoiding pins, a second hair tie wrapped around the bun can also work. Just make sure it's not too tight, otherwise you might end up getting a headache.

Step 5: Adjust for Comfort and Style

Once secured, gently pull at the bun to adjust its size and shape. If you like a messier look, tug a little more or pull out a few strands around your face. For a sleeker style, smooth out any bumps with your hands or a comb, and apply a light hairspray or serum to tame flyaways.

Bun Variations for Long Hair

Tired of the basic bun? Here are some variations you can try out:

1) Braided Bun

Credit: Envato Elements/ mtyoung

Braided Buns combine a simple braid with a bun. It's a great style that's perfect for both casual and formal occasions. You can try this out with any type of braid (dutch braid, fishtail braid, or a simple three-strand braid)

How to: Start by dividing your hair into three sections and braid each section loosely. Then, pull the braids back and twist them together into a bun at the back of your head. Secure the bun with bobby pins or a hair tie.

2) Ballerina Bun

Credit: Envato Elements/ AboutImages

The ballerina bun is a classic bun that's perfect for those days when you want a more sleek look. It works well for both unwashed and shampooed hair. However, if you have unwashed hair, you may have to use a bit hair gel to get that mess-free look.

How to: Brush your hair into a high ponytail and secure it tightly with a hair tie. Twist the ponytail into a tight coil around the base, and then secure the bun with bobby pins all around. For an extra sleek look, use a fine-tooth comb and hair spray to smooth down any flyaways.

3) Double Messy Buns

Credit: Envato Elements/ vadymvdrobot

For a fun and playful look, the double messy bun is perfect. It adds volume and interest to your hair and is ideal for casual outings.

How to: Divide your hair down the middle into two sections. Create a messy bun on each side at the nape of your neck or higher. Secure with hair ties and pull at the buns gently to add volume. Leave a few loose strands out for a relaxed vibe.

4) Bun With Donut

Credit: Envato Elements/ yuriyzhuravov

Using a hair donut for your bun can give you a perfectly round and voluminous bun. It's a great look for professional settings.

How to: Pull your hair into a ponytail and then slide the ponytail through the hole in the hair donut. Spread your hair around the donut evenly and then wrap the excess hair around the base, tucking the ends under the donut. Secure everything with bobby pins for a polished look. Adjust as needed to cover the donut fully.

How to Make a Bun for Long Curly Hair

Credit: Envato Elements/ AtlasComposer

Styling long curly hair into a bun can be a bit trickier than straight hair due to its texture, but it's definitely doable and can look absolutely stunning. Here's a simple guide to help you out:

Step 1: Start with dry, detangled curls. If your hair is frizzy, apply a curl-defining cream or a light oil to smooth it out.

Step 2: Pull hair into a ponytail where you want the bun to sit. For a high bun, gather it at the top of your head; for a low bun, gather it at the nape of your neck.

Step 3: Once you've decided on the position, secure your hair with a hair tie. For curly hair, consider using a snag-free tie or a spiral hair elastic to minimize breakage and tension.

Step 4: Divide your ponytail into two or three sections, depending on the thickness of your hair. Twist each section loosely.

Step 5: Wrap each twisted section around the base of the ponytail one at a time and secure the ends with bobby pins.

Step 6: Once all sections are pinned, gently pull at the edges of the bun to create volume. If you have very tight curls, you might not need to do much adjusting.

Step 7: If any curls have become too loose or frizzy, apply a small amount of gel or mousse to your fingertips and redefine them.

Step 8: Use bobby pins to secure any stray curls or to shape the bun to your liking. Spritz with a light-hold hairspray to set everything in place.

FAQs

Can you make a bun with wet hair?

It's best to avoid making a bun with wet hair as it can cause breakage and may not hold well. It's recommended to wait until your hair is dry or slightly damp before styling it into a bun for better results.

My hair is very thick. Will these bun styles work for me?

Absolutely! The techniques provided in this guide are suitable for all hair types, including thick hair. You may need to adjust the number of bobby pins or hair ties used to ensure a secure hold.

How can I make my bun look fuller?

To add volume to your bun, gently tug on the edges after securing it in place. You can also tease your hair slightly before creating the bun or use a hair donut for added fullness.

Are there any alternative methods for securing my bun without using bobby pins?

Yes, you can use a second hair tie to secure the bun or try using spin pins, which twist into the hair to hold it in place.

Summary

There you go. Tying up long hair into a bun doesn't have to be a battle with bobby pins and gel. Now that you know how to tie long hair into a bun, go ahead and try it out!

Struggling to keep your thick, luxurious hair in place? Say goodbye to snaps and breaks with Burlybands, the ultimate hair ties designed specifically for thick hair. Our unique design ensures a comfortable hold without tugging or damaging your hair, keeping your style secure and your hair happy all day long. Shop with us today.