Welcome to our comprehensive guide to bun hairstyles, showcasing the incredible versatility and timeless elegance of this classic updo option for 2025 and beyond.
The versatility of bun hairstyles is truly remarkable—from effortless messy buns perfect for weekend errands to sophisticated chignons ideal for black-tie events. Whether you’re working with short, medium, or long hair, straight or curly textures, or preparing for casual days or special celebrations, there’s a bun technique that will elevate your look while being surprisingly achievable at home.
Let’s explore these stunning bun hairstyle ideas that work beautifully for all hair lengths, textures, and occasions – with expert styling tips for achieving salon-quality results at home!
I. For Different Hair Lengths & Types
1. Bun Hairstyles for Short Hair
Short hair doesn’t limit your updo options! This messy low bun demonstrates how to create an elegant style with limited length. The key is using bobby pins strategically to secure shorter sections while allowing some texture to show through for an effortlessly chic appearance that works for both casual and semi-formal occasions.
2. Bun Hairstyles for Medium-Length Hair
Medium-length hair offers the perfect sweet spot for bun styling—long enough for secure hold yet short enough for easy management.
Wear it with a hair accessory such as this colorful patterned hair type and leave two face-framing bangs for a lovely look.
3. Bun Hairstyles for Long Hair
Another gorgeous bun hairstyle and hair accessory mix. This time around, the long hair is pulled up in a high and more complex bun. The bangs are held back by a headscarf-style bandana, with just a few wispy strands left free.
4. Curly Bun Hairstyles
Curly hair, oh how we love you! Still, for days when you just don’t feel like letting those curls run wild and free, go for high and full bun hairstyles. The faux bangs are optional (and lovely).
5. Bun Hairstyles for Black Hair
African American ladies find it harder to style their locks, sometimes, because of their different, sometimes harder hair texture.
However, take the hairstyle above as an example of how you can beautifully style your hair in a bun – one fit for a more formal occasion too!
6. African American Hair Bun Hairstyle
Another example of how you can wear African American hair in a bun, this time around while also honoring your heritage. This high bun is made by first pulling the hair into twist braids and then giving them the bun shape.
7. Buns for Straight Hair
Many times, you see messy, wavy hair buns. However, straight hair can look just as good when pulled in any of the many bun hairstyles.
We’d say this high sleek bun with blunt bangs looks very elegant and perfect for a date or a special occasion.
8. Wavy Hair in Buns
This seemingly disheveled low bun is an actually very well put-together hairstyle that makes very good use of the well-defined waves and accentuates both the beautiful dye job and the face-framing bangs.
9. Blonde Curly Bun
We’d just like to once again point out the natural beauty of curly hair – it looks so good even simply caught in a slightly messy high bun. The blonde dye job also helps accentuate the tight and numerous curls.
10. Bun with Hair Accessories
Is there anything some well-placed hair accessories can’t do? Take this low bun, chin level hair bun, for example. The scarf hair tie band helps add the impression of volume and makes for a simple yet gorgeous hairstyle.
II. For Different Special Occasions
11. Prom Bun Hairstyles
Sometimes, an updo can be the best prom hairstyle you could go for as it will help draw attention to your gorgeous dress and makeup, and will also help keep you cool even as you are dancing the night away.
12. Bun Hairstyle For Wedding
Almost the same can be said about going for a bun updo as your wedding hairstyle (bride or bridesmaid alike). Make yours all the more elegant by adding some understated yet very effective hair accessories such as the pearl pins seen above.
13. Fancy Bun Hairstyles
While you can always throw your hair in a messy bun and be done it with, sometimes, the situation might call for a more formal and elegant approach.
In such cases, consider going for a low bun with braided and twisted elements that will be easy to make and yet so stunning.
14. Cute Bun Hairstyles
As far as cute bun hairstyles go, it probably can’t get prettier than this. Still, you’ll have to practice a bit before you get this pull through high bun perfect from the first try.
14. Easy Bun Hairstyles
In contrast, this low bun is as easy as can be, and also fit for all ladies with longer short to medium or low hair.
Gather your hair as if for a ponytail, but instead of pulling the hair through the hair tie, leave it there. Simple yet efficient and pretty!
- Quick Hairstyle Hacks: Easy Professional Styles for Busy Women
- Hair Color Trends: Breathtaking Shades and Styles to Try This Season
- Pastel Pink Hair: 50+ Beautiful Hairstyle Ideas and Color Inspiration
III. All the Buns You’ll Want to See
15. Low Bun Hairstyles
We’ve shown you several examples already, but now we’re also going to come with some explanations as to the different types of bun hairstyles.
First up, we have the low bun, which is basically a bun created anywhere between chin to neck level, and even lower.
16. High Bun Hairstyles
Next up we have the very famous and quite common but still lovely high bun. As opposed to the low one, you can call a high bun any such hairstyle situated above chin level and up to the top of your head.
17. Side Bun Hairstyles
You’ll recognize a side bun thanks to the fact that it is, of course, made somewhat more or less to the side of the head and is not perfectly centered. Usually, the more intricate and elegant, the more to the side the bun will be.
18. Half Bun Hairstyle
The half bun might look like the easiest thing in the world, but there’s actually a little secret to it: start with a high (or low) ponytail base and only then twist it into a half bun.
Half bun hairstyles are a good solution for those bad hair days or third no-wash periods when you don’t know what to do with your tresses.
19. Half Up Half Down Bun Hairstyles
Make way for half up half down hairstyles, ones made all the prettier by the addition of a bun as the half up element. Any such style will be great to accentuate your hair color and to keep your hair off your face.
20. Double Bun Hairstyles
Double buns or space buns went from being a festival favorite to becoming an everyday look, one that any gal can sport, not just very young ladies. And we must say, we are very glad this happened!
21. Braided Bun Hairstyles
This is far from being the first (or likely the last) we talk about the beauty of braided updos. Twisting or braiding your hair will bring a touch of femininity and boho charm to any bun, but especially a low one.
22. Messy Bun Hairstyles
We just could not skip or pass over the messy bun. No list of bun hairstyles would be complete without the go-to style for those moments when you’re in a hurry, lacking inspiration, or when you’re channeling a relaxed ‘do.
23. Sleek Messy Bun Hairstyles
However, take note: a messy bun doesn’t have to be all over the place with strands flying out and what-not.
Instead, it can also look as the one above where a chunkier strand of hair was pulled over the low bun to create this messier effect. We’re loving the platinum blonde too!
24. Donut Bun Hairstyles
You’ll need a bit of help to create this perfectly-shaped bun. Usually, most go for a special store-bought donut hair bun, but you can also improvise a bit. Either way, it’s worth the effort.
25. Twist Bun Hairstyles
We’ve talked about twist buns, now we’re here with an example. Follow these simple steps and get the very pretty and actually quite fast hairstyle from the first picture. Are you up for it?
26. Cornrow Bun Hairstyles
Cornrows are a beauty to behold all on their own and also one of the best ways to protect your natural hair. Still, don’t hesitate to go for a cornrows bun in those days when you’re looking for a quick and effortless way to style your braids.
27. Messy Bun Hairstyle
Can you tell we love us a messy bun? No regrets though, as this might be the messy bun – that effortless and almost unconscious hairdo that you’ll go for when you’re more preoccupied with other things.
28. Buns With Bangs Hairstyles
While not the first bun hairstyle to feature bangs, this time around, the accent is put more specifically on them. The high bun is caught with a colorful and cute scrunchie, but the really defining element are the long frontal bangs.
29. Different Types Of Bun Hairstyles
There have been many gorgeous hair colors on this list of bun hairstyles, but this cool shade of gray pretty much tops them all. The fact that it is all caught in a beautiful mid-level bun and paired with statement earring makes it all the more stunning.
30. Bun And Braid Hairstyles
Last but definitely not least, we have another creative example of how you can integrate a braid into your bun.
Before making your bun, be sure to leave a section of hair free. Then, braid it with your technique of choice and circle it around the base of the bun for a unique look.
Ready to Change Your Look?
There you have it, some of the prettiest ways to wear a bun and make the most of this simple yet so versatile updo hairstyle. After all, the picks above fit all hair lengths and hopefully offer something for all tastest too.
So, what do you say, which of these bun hairstyles is your favorite or which one will you go for next?
- Quick Hairstyle Hacks: Easy Professional Styles for Busy Women
- Hair Color Trends: Breathtaking Shades and Styles to Try This Season
- Pastel Pink Hair: 50+ Beautiful Hairstyle Ideas and Color Inspiration
- Angled Bob Haircuts: Stylish Ideas and Trending Cuts for Modern Women
- Asymmetrical Haircuts: 50+ Stylish Ideas and Trending Cuts for Modern Women
- Stunning Pastel Hair Color Ideas for Women: 50 Dreamy Shades and Styles
Reader Success Stories
Our community has created these stunning curly hairstyles using our tutorials! Submit your photo for a chance to be featured.
Sarah T.
“I never thought I could achieve JLo-inspired waves with my fine hair, but these step-by-step instructions made it possible!”
Used: Olaplex No.6 + Oribe Texturizing Spray
Maya J.
“Following the Zendaya tutorial transformed my unruly curls into these defined spirals that lasted for 3 days!”
Used: DevaCurl SuperCream + Pattern Strong Hold Gel
Tasha W.
“After years of heat damage, I followed your natural curl care routine and finally restored my 3C curl pattern!”
Used: Camille Rose Curl Maker + Mielle Organics Oil
Emma R.
“Used your Blake Lively tutorial for my wedding day hair and received so many compliments!”
Used: Kenra Thermal Styling Spray + Living Proof Full Thickening Cream
Jasmine H.
“Your curly updo tutorial helped me create this elegant style for my sister’s wedding. So much easier than I expected!”
Used: Ouidad Advanced Climate Control Gel + Moroccanoil Luminous Hairspray
Dana L.
“Even with my super short curly pixie, your styling tips gave me this defined look that frames my face perfectly!”
Used: Bumble and Bumble Curl Defining Cream + Innersense I Create Hold
Show Us Your Curls!
Tag us on Instagram with #MyCurlyHairstyle or submit your photo directly for a chance to be featured in our gallery and win a luxury hair care package!
Submit Your PhotoCommon Curly Hair Challenges & Solutions
Challenge: Frizz Control
Humidity and environmental factors causing unwanted frizz in curly styles.
Solutions:
- Use anti-humidity products with hold polymers
- Apply styling products to soaking wet hair
- Avoid touching curls while drying
- Consider a silk pillowcase and bonnet for sleeping
- Try the “gel sandwich” method (leave-in + gel + oil)
Recommended Products: Color Wow Dream Coat, Ouidad Advanced Climate Control Gel
Challenge: Curl Definition
Curls appear undefined or lose their shape quickly throughout the day.
Solutions:
- Use curl-specific products with stronger hold
- Try the “praying hands” application method
- Avoid raking through curls when dry
- Diffuse upside down for better curl formation
- Apply gel or mousse when hair is very wet
Recommended Products: Pattern Strong Hold Gel, DevaCurl SuperCream, Miss Jessie’s Jelly Soft Curls
Challenge: Volume at Roots
Flat roots with volume only at ends, creating a triangular shape.
Solutions:
- Try root clipping while drying
- Use a pick or wide-tooth comb at roots only
- Diffuse upside down or sideways
- Apply lightweight volumizing foam at roots
- Get a haircut with long layers to distribute volume
Recommended Products: Briogeo Blossom & Bloom Volume Spray, Innersense I Create Lift
Challenge: Dry, Damaged Curls
Heat or chemical damage causing breakage and lost curl pattern.
Solutions:
- Implement a protein-moisture balance routine
- Use deep conditioning treatments weekly
- Consider a “curly cut” to remove damaged ends
- Take a break from heat styling completely
- Use leave-in conditioners daily
Recommended Products: Olaplex No. 3, Briogeo Don’t Despair Repair Mask, Kinky-Curly Knot Today
Challenge: Second-Day Hair
Difficulty maintaining curl definition between wash days.
Solutions:
- “Pineapple” hair at night with a loose scrunchie
- Use a satin pillowcase or bonnet
- Make a DIY refresher spray (water + leave-in conditioner)
- Spot-treat frizzy sections with product on wet hands
- Consider “micro-plopping” with a microfiber towel to revive
Recommended Products: Pattern Refresh Spray, Ouidad Botanical Boost, Slipsilk Pillowcase
Recommended Style:
Alicia Keys’ Natural Textured Style
This low-maintenance style celebrates your natural texture while keeping styling time minimal. Use hydrating products and protective styling techniques for a beautiful, easy-to-maintain look.
← Start OverRecommended Style:
This medium-maintenance style enhances your natural coil pattern with more definition. Use the LOC (Leave-in, Oil, Cream) method and finger coiling for beautiful, defined curls that last several days.
← Start OverRecommended Style:
Kerry Washington’s Structured Curls
This high-definition style requires more maintenance but creates stunning, sculptural curls. Use specialized styling techniques like shingling or the Denman brush method for maximum definition and structure.
← Start Over
Leave a Reply