Creating a voluminous and elegant bun is a timeless hairstyle that complements any occasion. While donut buns are a popular choice, achieving this chic look without one is entirely feasible with a few simple techniques. Whether you’re a hairdressing novice or an experienced stylist, this step-by-step guide will empower you to master the art of donutless buns, leaving you with a stunning coiffure that exudes both grace and sophistication.
To embark on this hair styling adventure, you’ll need a few essential tools: a brush or comb, hairspray or mousse for hold, hairpins (bobby pins), and an elastic band that matches your hair color. Begin by detangling your hair and applying mousse or hairspray to create a foundation that will help the bun hold its shape. Brush your hair into a high ponytail, securing it tightly with the elastic band. This step forms the base of your bun.
Now, comes the transformative technique that distinguishes this bun from its donut-aided counterpart. Divide the ponytail into two equal sections, then crisscross them over each other, as if braiding. Continue this crisscrossing process, keeping the sections taut, until you reach the ends of the hair. Once braided, wrap the resulting coil around the base of the ponytail, securing it with hairpins. This wrapping technique creates the illusion of a voluminous bun, mimicking the effect of a donut without the need for any additional accessories. Finish by spraying a generous amount of hairspray to ensure your donutless bun stays firmly in place throughout the day or night.
Gather Your Supplies
To create a flawless hair bun without a donut, you’ll need a few essential supplies:
Bobby pins: Opt for bobby pins that match your hair color for a seamless look. U-shaped pins or hair grips can also provide extra hold.
Brush or comb: Use a brush or wide-toothed comb to detangle your hair and smooth out any knots.
Elastic band: Choose an elastic band that is the same color as your hair or clear to minimize visibility.
Hairspray (optional): If desired, use hairspray to set the bun and prevent flyaways.
Other tools: Depending on your hair type and length, you may also find it helpful to use additional tools, such as:
| Tool | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Rattail comb | Separating and teasing hair |
| Hair clip | Temporarily holding hair sections |
| Round brush | Creating volume |
| Teasing comb | Adding texture and height |
Prepare Your Hair
Preparing your hair is the key to creating a successful bun without a donut. Follow these steps to ensure a smooth and secure foundation:
- Brush your hair thoroughly: Remove any tangles or knots to prevent breakage during styling.
- Create a ponytail: Gather your hair at the desired height and secure it with an elastic band. Avoid placing the ponytail too low, as this can make it difficult to form a bun.
- Divide the ponytail into sections: Divide the ponytail into three equal sections for a more secure and voluminous bun. Twist each section slightly.
- Wrap the sections around the base of the ponytail: Take the first section and wrap it around the base of the ponytail, tucking the ends under the elastic. Repeat this process with the remaining two sections, overlapping them slightly as you go.
- Secure the bun: Once all three sections are wrapped around the ponytail, secure the bun with bobby pins. Insert the pins into the base of the bun, crossing them over to create a tight hold.
- Smooth the bun: Use a small brush or comb to smooth out any flyaways or rough edges on the surface of the bun.
Create a High or Low Bun
1. Prepare Your Hair
Gather your hair into a high or low ponytail, depending on where you want the bun to sit. Secure the ponytail with a hair tie.
2. Twist and Roll
Twist the ponytail tightly, starting from the base and working your way to the ends. Once the ponytail is twisted, roll it into a bun shape. Use bobby pins to secure the bun.
3. Create a Bun Without a Donut
For a traditional bun shape, follow these steps:
- Section Off the Top: Divide the bun into two sections, leaving the top section roughly one-third of the size of the bottom section.
- Create a Loop: With the top section, form a loop by bringing the ends together and crossing them. Secure the loop with a bobby pin.
- Tuck the Ends: Spread out the remaining hair from the top section and tuck it under the loop. Secure it with bobby pins.
- Smooth and Secure: Gently smooth out the bun and use bobby pins to secure any loose hairs.
4. Style Your Bun
You can leave your bun as is or add accessories such as ribbons, hair clips, or flowers to personalize it.
Twist and Secure the Bun
4. Wrap the Twist Around the Base and Secure
Now, take the twisted ponytail and wrap it tightly around the base of the ponytail where the hair tie is located. Ensure each wrap overlaps the previous one to create a secure and even bun shape.
Secure the bun by tucking the ends of the twist under the base. You can use bobby pins to reinforce the hold and prevent the bun from unraveling. If desired, you can spread the bun out slightly to achieve a more voluminous look.
For added reinforcement, you can use a hairspray or gel to keep the bun in place, especially if you have fine or slippery hair. This will help maintain the bun’s shape and prevent it from coming undone throughout the day.
| Tip | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Use a small piece of hair to wrap around the hair tie before securing the bun. | This will create a smoother transition between the bun and the ponytail, enhancing the overall look. |
| Add a hair accessory, such as a ribbon, headband, or barrette. | This will elevate the bun’s style and add a touch of personalization. |
| Practice makes perfect. | The more you practice creating a bun without a donut, the better you will become at it. Don’t be discouraged if it doesn’t come out perfect the first few times. |
Conceal the Ends
Now that your hair is gathered, it’s time to conceal the ends. Depending on the length and texture of your hair, there are a few different ways to do this:
Short Hair
- Pin the ends under the bun. Twist or roll the ends of your hair and pin them around the base of the bun.
- Tuck the ends into the bun. Divide the bun into two sections, create a small hole in the middle, and tuck the ends inside.
- Braid the ends and wrap them around the bun. Braid the ends of your hair and then wrap the braid around the base of the bun, securing it with bobby pins.
Long or Thick Hair
- Twist and wrap the ends. Divide the hair into two sections, twist them together, and wrap them around the bun, securing them with bobby pins.
- Roll the ends and tuck them under. Similar to twisting, roll the ends of your hair up and tuck them under the bun, pinning them in place.
- Use a hair elastic. Pull the hair through a hair elastic and wrap it around the base of the bun, securing the ends.
| Hair Texture | Recommended Method |
|---|---|
| Straight or fine | Pinning, tucking, or braiding |
| Thick or curly | Twisting, rolling, or using a hair elastic |
Create a Loose Bun
Pull your hair into a loose ponytail at the desired height on your head. Use a hair elastic to secure it, but don’t make it too tight.
Twist the Hair
Starting at the base of the ponytail, twist the hair clockwise or counterclockwise. Keep twisting until you reach the ends of the hair.
Wrap the Twisted Hair around the Elastic
Take the twisted hair and wrap it around the base of the ponytail, securing it with hairpins or bobby pins. You can overlap the hair slightly to create a fuller bun.
Create a Messy Bun (Optional)
If you want a more relaxed look, gently pull and loosen the edges of the bun. You can also leave some strands loose around your face to frame it.
Create a Braided Bun (Optional)
Divide the ponytail into three sections and braid each section. Join the three braids at the base of the ponytail and secure them with an elastic. Then, wrap the braided ponytail around the elastic to create a bun.
Add Accessories (Optional)
To embellish your bun, you can add various accessories. Here are some ideas:
| Accessory | How to Use |
|---|---|
| Hairpins | Decorative pins that can be used to secure the bun or add a touch of sparkle. |
| Bobby pins | Smaller, functional pins that can be used to hold the bun in place discreetly. |
| Headbands | Can be worn around the bun or on your forehead to add color or pattern. |
| Ribbons | Tie a ribbon around the base of the bun or wrap it around the entire bun for a feminine touch. |
| Hair jewels | Self-adhesive or clip-on jewels that can add a touch of glamour to your bun. |
Smooth Out Flyaways
To eliminate flyaways and create a sleek bun, apply a small amount of hairspray to a toothbrush and gently brush over the surface of the hair. Alternatively, you can use a smoothing serum or hairspray on a cotton ball and dab it onto the flyaways. For a more permanent solution, use a hairspray with a strong hold and mist it over the bun. Additionally, bobby pins can be used to secure stray hairs and prevent flyaways from appearing.
Option |
How to Apply |
|---|---|
| Toothbrush | Apply a small amount of hairspray to the bristles of a toothbrush. Gently brush over the surface of the hair in a downward motion. |
| Cotton ball | Apply a small amount of smoothing serum or hairspray to a cotton ball. Dab it onto the flyaways. |
| Bobby pins | Secure stray hairs with bobby pins. Use small, invisible pins for a more discreet hold. |
Set Your Bun in Place
Once you’ve gathered your hair into a ponytail at the desired height, it’s time to set it into a secure bun without a donut.
To achieve this, follow these steps:
1. Create a Hole in the Hair Tie:
Pinch the hair tie together to form a small loop at the base of the ponytail.
2. Loop the Hair Through the Hole:
Using your other hand, bring the length of your hair up and slide it through the hole you created.
3. Tighten the Tie:
Pull the hair tie snugly around the base of the ponytail.
4. Separate the Hair into Two Sections:
Divide the hair into two equal sections.
5. Twist and Roll One Section:
Take one section of hair and twist it tightly in a clockwise direction. Then, roll the twisted section up into a bun.
6. Repeat for the Other Section:
Follow the same steps for the other section of hair.
7. Cross and Tuck the Sections:
Cross the two buns over each other and tuck the ends securely into the hair tie.
8. Adjust and Secure the Bun:
Use bobby pins or hairspray to fix any loose strands and secure the bun in place. You can also fluff up the bun to create a fuller appearance.
9. Finish with a Spritz of Hairspray:
To help keep the bun in place all day long, spray it lightly with hairspray.
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Pinch the hair tie to form a small loop. |
| 2 | Slide the hair through the loop. |
| 3 | Tighten the hair tie snugly. |
| 4 | Separate the hair into two equal sections. |
| 5 | Twist and roll one section into a bun. |
| 6 | Repeat for the other section. |
| 7 | Cross and tuck the buns into the hair tie. |
| 8 | Adjust and secure the bun with bobby pins and hairspray. |
| 9 | Finish with a spritz of hairspray. |
Troubleshooting Common Problems
If you encounter any issues while creating your bun, try the following solutions:
Bun is too loose:
Tighten the hair tie at the base of the bun and secure the edges with bobby pins. Consider using a smaller or thicker hair tie for a snugger hold.
Bun is too small:
Pull more hair into the bun during the initial ponytail formation. Experiment with different ponytail positions to create a larger bun silhouette.
Bun is not symmetrical:
Divide the hair evenly when forming the ponytail. Use a mirror to check the symmetry of the bun and adjust as needed. Hold the bun in place with bobby pins to maintain its shape.
Bun is not secure:
Use a strong hair tie and multiple bobby pins to anchor the bun firmly. Twist and tuck any loose ends into the bun for added security. Consider using hairspray to provide extra hold.
Bun is not smooth:
Gently run a brush or comb over the surface of the bun to smooth out flyaways and create a polished look. Use a small amount of hairspray or styling cream to tame any unruly strands.
Bun is too high or too low:
Adjust the ponytail position to achieve the desired height. For a higher bun, position the ponytail close to the crown; for a lower bun, lower the ponytail.
Bun is not volumized:
Create a beehive shape by backcombing the ponytail before rolling it into the bun. Use a bobby pin to secure the beehive in place. Add hair extensions or a hairpiece for extra volume.
Bun is uncomfortable:
Use a soft, wide hair tie to avoid pain or headaches. Ensure the bun is not too tightly secured, and adjust the ponytail position for comfort.
Step 1: Gather Your Hair
Brush your hair to remove any tangles. Pull your hair into a high ponytail and secure it with a hair tie.
Step 2: Create a Loop
Take the end of your ponytail and wrap it around the base of the ponytail, creating a loop.
Step 3: Pull the Loop Through
Take the end of the loop and pull it through the center of the ponytail.
Step 4: Secure the Bun
Tighten the bun by pulling on the ends of the loop. Secure the bun with bobby pins.
Step 5: Smooth the Bun
Use a brush or comb to smooth out any flyaways or lumps in the bun.
Tips for a Perfect Hair Bun
1. Choose the right hair tie. A thin elastic hair tie will help keep your bun in place without creating a bulge or bump.
2. Secure the ponytail tightly. A loose ponytail will make it more difficult to create a smooth bun.
3. Use bobby pins to secure your bun. Bobby pins will help keep your bun in place, especially if you have thick or heavy hair.
4. Smooth out the bun. Use a brush or comb to smooth out any flyaways or lumps in the bun.
5. Add hairspray. A light mist of hairspray will help keep your bun in place all day long.
6. Add a hair accessory. A hair accessory, such as a headband or hair clip, can add a touch of style to your hair bun.
7. Use a hair donut if you want a larger bun. A hair donut is a foam ring that you can wrap your hair around to create a larger, fuller bun.
8. Secure the hair donut with bobby pins. Bobby pins will help keep the hair donut in place and prevent your bun from falling apart.
9. Smooth out the bun. Use a brush or comb to smooth out any flyaways or lumps in the bun.
10. Different types of hair buns include:
| Bun Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Classic Bun | A smooth, round bun that is worn on the top of the head. |
| Messy Bun | A loose, undone bun that is worn on the top or back of the head. |
| Half-Up Bun | A bun that is made with only the top half of the hair. |
| Side Bun | A bun that is worn on the side of the head. |
| Braided Bun | A bun that is made with braided hair. |
How to Do a Hair Bun Without a Donut
Creating a stylish and secure hair bun can be done with minimal effort without the use of a donut-shaped hair accessory. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you achieve this look:
1. **Gather Your Hair:** Start by brushing your hair to remove any tangles. Then, gather all your hair high on your head, as if you were about to make a ponytail.
2. **Secure with an Elastic:** Use a small elastic band to secure the hair into a high ponytail. Make sure the band is tight enough to hold the hair in place.
3. **Create a Loop:** With the ponytail in place, pull the end of the ponytail through the elastic band to create a loop. Continue to pull the end of the ponytail through the loop until you reach the base of the ponytail.
4. **Roll the Hair:** Once the loop is tight against the base of the hair, begin rolling the ponytail around itself, towards the head. Keep rolling until you reach the end of the ponytail.
5. **Coil the Hair:** Once the ponytail is rolled, wrap the leftover hair around the base of the bun to create a coil. Secure the coil with a few bobby pins.
6. **Shape and Style:** Gently pull at the edges of the bun to create the desired shape. Use additional bobby pins to secure any loose strands and enhance the overall look of your bun.
People Also Ask
How can I make my hair bun look more voluminous?
To add volume to your bun, tease the hair before creating the ponytail and when you’re coiling the hair. Backcombing the hair near the roots can also create an illusion of fullness.
What if my hair is too short for a bun?
If your hair is too short to gather into a ponytail, you can still create a half-bun or a top knot for a similar effect.
How do I keep my bun in place all day?
To ensure your bun stays in place throughout the day, use a strong elastic band and plenty of bobby pins. You can also apply a small amount of hairspray to the hair before creating the bun for extra hold.
