Let’s face it: long curly hair is like that one friend who’s extra at parties—wild, unpredictable, and impossible to ignore. But when it comes to taming those spirals into a sleek (or messy-chic) bun? Suddenly, you’re fighting a tiny hurricane on your head. Fear not! As a stylist who’s wrestled more curls than a poodle at a dog show, I’ll teach you how to turn that chaos into a masterpiece. No magic wands required—just bobby pins and a sense of humor.
Prepping Your Curls
Curly hair has moods. To make it cooperate, treat it like a VIP guest:
Wash Day Wisdom:Skip shampoos that strip moisture like a toddler with a juice box. Use sulfate-free formulas and condition like your hair’s life depends on it (because it kinda does).
Detangle Drama: Comb dry curls? That’s like trying to unscramble an egg. Do it in the shower with conditioner, using your fingers or a wide-tooth comb. Start at the ends and work up—unless you enjoy the sound of hair snapping.
Product Party: A curl cream or mousse is your BFF. Think of it as hair yoga—it stretches curls without crushing their spirit. Avoid gels thicker than peanut butter; we’re not building a sculpture here.
Dry Strategically: Air-dry for volume, or use a diffuser on low heat. High heat turns curls into frizz confetti. You’re not a birthday piñata.
Tools You’ll Need (AKA “The Curly Hair Survival Kit”)
Forget fancy gadgets. You need:
Coiled Hair Ties: Regular ties snag curls like velcro. Coiled ones grip without the drama.
Bobby Pins: The more, the merrier. Hide them like a squirrel hides nuts.
Silk Scrunchies: For when you want to look like you “effortlessly” threw your hair up (we see you, Instagram influencers).
Texturizing Spray: Because sometimes hair needs a pep talk.
A Rattail Comb: Not for rats. Promise.
The “I Woke Up Like This” High Bun
Let’s start simple. Channel your inner ballet dancer (or that one aunt who wears scarves everywhere):
Flip & Tease: Flip your head upside down. Brush the crown area with a boar bristle brush—gentle strokes, not like you’re scrubbing a pan.
Ponytail Time: Gather hair into a high ponytail. If curls rebel, say, “Not today, Satan,” and secure with a coiled tie.
Twist & Shout: Split the ponytail into two sections. Twist each clockwise, then wrap them around the base like a cinnamon roll. Secure with pins.
Messy Magic: Pull out a few face-framing curls. Voilà! You’re “casually elegant” (translation: you tried, but make it fashion).
Pro Tip: If your bun resembles a beehive, own it. Tell people it’s vintage chic.
The “Braided Bun” for Overachievers
For curls thicker than a mystery novel:
Braiding 101: Divide your ponytail into three sections. Braid loosely—tight braids on curly hair look like overcooked ramen.
Coil & Conquer: Wrap the braid into a bun, tucking the end under. Pin every 2 inches (curls have trust issues).
Fluff It Up: Gently tug the braid loops for volume. Now you’re giving “Renaissance fair meets red carpet.”
The “Low Bun”
Ideal for days when your hair’s mood is “I give up”:
Low Ponytail: Gather hair at your nape. Use a silk scrunchie—it’s like a hug for your curls.
Twist & Tuck: Twist the ponytail into a rope, then coil it into a loose bun. Secure with pins.
Accessorize: Slide in a sparkly clip or wrap a scarf around the base. Distract from the fact that you spent 3 minutes on this.
Fixing Disasters
“Help! My Bun Looks Like a Bird’s Nest”: Smooth the surface with a tiny bit of conditioner on your palms. Pat, don’t rub—you’re not buffing a car.
“Pins Are Falling Out Like Bad Tinder Dates”: Slide pins in vertically, pointing toward the scalp. Crisscross them for a grip stronger than your grandma’s handshake.
“My Curls Went Flat”: Spritz roots with texturizing spray and fluff with your fingers. Pretend you meant to do that.
Accessories: The Cherry on Top
Scarves: Tie one around the bun to hide pins (and your questionable wrapping skills).
Fresh Flowers: Weave small blooms into the bun. Curls hold them better than straight hair—nature’s bobby pins!
Headbands: Push one into place and call it a day. You’re basically a Greek goddess now.
How to Sleep Without Ruining Your Masterpiece
Silk Pillowcase: It’s like a spa day for your hair. Cotton pillowcases? Straight-up bullies.
Loose Pineapple: Gather hair into a loose top knot. Think “carefree,” not “I’m hiding a small animal.”
Morning Refresh: Spritz with water + conditioner mix. Scrunch. Admire your genius.
Conclusion
A perfect bun isn’t about control—it’s about collaboration. Curls have minds of their own; sometimes you gotta roll with the chaos. Embrace the frizz halo, the rogue tendril, the “Oops, I made a donut.” Remember: Beyoncé has bad hair days too. Probably. Now go forth, and may your buns be bouncy, your pins stay put, and your curls forever defy gravity.
Related topics:
How to Do a Bun with Thick Hair
How to Do a Cute Messy Bun with Long Hair
