Curly hair is full of personality and volume, but when it comes to styling, it can sometimes feel a bit tricky. If you have curly hair, you know that achieving a neat bun can be a challenge. However, with the right technique and a few simple steps, you can create a perfect bun that looks chic and holds up all day. In this article, we’ll walk you through how to tie a bun for curly hair, providing helpful tips and easy-to-follow instructions to create a stylish and lasting look.
Why Curly Hair Needs Special Attention for a Bun
Curly hair is different from straight or wavy hair in that it has more texture, volume, and often a bit of frizz. This can make tying a bun more challenging, as it may not hold its shape as easily. Curly hair tends to shrink, expand, and move differently compared to other hair types, which means that achieving a smooth, sleek bun often requires extra effort.
But don’t worry, the good news is that curly hair can create buns that look fuller and more voluminous compared to straight hair. You can embrace the natural texture while making sure your bun is secure and stylish. With the right approach, you can tie a bun for curly hair that looks effortless, yet polished.
Step-by-Step Guide to Tying a Bun for Curly Hair
Step 1: Prepare Your Hair
Before you start creating your bun, it’s important to prepare your curly hair. Clean, damp hair is ideal for styling a bun. If your hair is dry or has been freshly washed, use a leave-in conditioner or curl cream to add moisture and define your curls.
If you prefer to tie a bun on dry hair, make sure your curls are not too frizzy. You can use a curl-enhancing product to refresh your curls and give them some extra bounce. Also, don’t forget to detangle your hair before you start—this will help prevent any knots or tangles from getting in the way of a neat finish.
Step 2: Choose the Type of Bun You Want
There are many types of buns you can create for curly hair. Whether you want a sleek, smooth bun or a messy, voluminous one, the type of bun you choose will affect how you style it. Some popular options include:
- Classic high bun:A timeless style that sits on top of your head, creating an elegant, polished look.
- Low bun:A more relaxed bun that sits at the nape of your neck for a sophisticated, laid-back vibe.
- Messy bun:A casual, tousled bun that’s easy to achieve and gives you an effortlessly chic appearance.
- Braided bun:This style combines braids and buns to create a textured, intricate look.
Think about what vibe you’re going for. A messy bun is perfect for everyday wear, while a high bun works well for formal occasions or a polished look.
Step 3: Create a High Ponytail (for High Bun)
To start with a high bun, gather your hair into a high ponytail. You can use your fingers or a brush to smooth the hair back and secure it with a hair tie. The ponytail should sit at the top of your head, but feel free to adjust the height depending on the look you want. For a more voluminous bun, try pulling the ponytail slightly higher.
If you’re going for a low bun, you can skip this step and move directly to gathering your hair at the nape of your neck.
Step 4: Twist or Braid Your Hair (Optional)
Once you’ve secured your ponytail, you can add texture by twisting or braiding the hair before creating the bun. Twisting the hair is a simple way to add volume and create a sleek finish. To do this, divide your ponytail into two sections, twist them tightly, and then wrap them around the base of your ponytail to create a coil.
Alternatively, you can braid the hair for a more structured, textured look. A simple three-strand braid works great, but you can also opt for a fishtail or Dutch braid for added interest.
Step 5: Wrap Your Hair Around the Base
Next, take the twisted or braided ponytail and begin wrapping it around the base of the ponytail. For a high bun, wrap the hair around the hair tie, while making sure to leave the ends of the hair tucked in to prevent them from sticking out. If you want a tighter, more structured bun, continue wrapping the hair tightly. For a looser, more voluminous look, leave some of the twists or braids slightly undone.
As you wrap your hair, be mindful of your curls—this step will help enhance their natural texture and give the bun more body.
Step 6: Secure the Bun
To secure the bun, use bobby pins or hairpins. Place the pins around the base of the bun, making sure they’re evenly spaced to hold the hair in place. If you’re creating a messy bun, you can allow some strands to fall loose for a relaxed, carefree look.
For a sleek, polished bun, tuck in any stray hairs and ensure that the bun is tightly secured with pins. Be patient—this step might take a few extra pins depending on the thickness and texture of your curls.
Step 7: Add Volume and Finish the Look
Once your bun is secure, you can add volume and shape by gently pulling at the hair around the bun. Use your fingers to loosen the curls a little bit for a fuller, more textured look. If you want to add more body to the bun, you can also tease the hair slightly at the base before wrapping it around.
If you want to maintain the natural texture of your curls, avoid using too much hairspray. Instead, opt for a light-hold product that will help keep your curls intact while allowing them to breathe.
Step 8: Final Touches
The final step is all about refining your look. Once your bun is in place, take a moment to check for any stray hairs or flyaways. You can either smooth them down with a small amount of gel or hairspray or let them frame your face for a softer, more natural look.
If you’ve created a messy bun, don’t worry too much about perfection—embrace the messiness! A few loose curls around the face or at the nape of the neck can add charm and make the bun look more effortless. If you’re aiming for a more structured look, you can use a fine-tooth comb to smooth down any flyaways.
Tips for Tying a Bun for Curly Hair
Use a good hair tie:Elastic hair ties work best for curly hair as they can hold more hair securely. Avoid using small rubber bands that might snap or break under the weight of your curls.
Choose the right products:Curly hair benefits from moisturizing and defining products that will keep your curls hydrated and bouncy. Use leave-in conditioner, curl cream, or mousse to add hold and shape to your hair before styling.
Be gentle with your curls:Curly hair is more prone to breakage, so handle it gently when pulling it back into a bun. Avoid tight hairstyles that can cause unnecessary stress on the hair.
Experiment with different types of buns:Whether you want a sleek high bun or a relaxed messy bun, try out different styles to see what works best for your curly hair. Don’t be afraid to experiment with braids, twists, and other techniques.
Use bobby pins strategically:Make sure to use enough bobby pins to secure the bun, especially if you have thick or long curly hair. Pinning strategically around the base will help keep the bun in place throughout the day.
Conclusion
Tying a bun for curly hair may seem intimidating at first, but with the right technique, it can be easy and fun to create beautiful and functional styles. Whether you prefer a high bun, low bun, or messy bun, curly hair has the potential to shine with volume, texture, and shape. By following these simple steps and using the right products, you can achieve a gorgeous bun that complements your natural curls. Embrace your texture and create a bun that’s both stylish and practical!
