Achieving the ideal bun may seem simple, but the nuances make all the difference. Whether it’s a casual updo or a meticulously crafted style, expert hairstylists, dancers, and actresses share their essential techniques to perfect this versatile hairstyle.
James Pecis, a renowned hairstylist, explains that the key to a lasting bun is ensuring the hair has enough grip. “If the hair is slightly dirty, dry shampoo, like Blu & Green’s Dry Shampoo, works wonders to absorb oils and provide texture,” he says. “For freshly washed hair, using a texture dust, such as Oribe’s Swept Up, will add the necessary hold.” When preparing the hair for a bun, Pecis recommends brushing it back to the scalp with a detangling or wide-tooth comb to create a smooth surface. A boar-and-nylon-bristle brush and a fine-hold hair spray like Oribe’s Superfine help maintain control and tame flyaways. Before twisting the ponytail into a bun, back-combing provides volume. “Wrap the hair tightly around the ponytail base, and minimize pin use for a cleaner look,” he advises. Pecis also emphasizes using pins with rounded ends, like those designed by Odile Gilbert, to avoid damaging the scalp.
For ballet dancers, perfection is key. Devon Teuscher, a principal dancer at the American Ballet Theatre, emphasizes the importance of clean, aesthetically pleasing lines in ballet buns. “A high, classic Balanchine bun creates a diagonal line from the jaw to the cheekbones, placing the bun at the top.” She recommends using Bumble & Bumble Thickening Dryspun Texture Spray to add volume and grit at the roots, creating a better shape for middle parts. Teuscher also highlights the use of high-quality Nigel hairpins, which hold the bun securely without losing their spring. “We use a teasing brush and Japanese Tancho pomade to smooth down any stray hairs,” she adds. Teuscher wraps up her routine with a scalp massage after every performance, using a Scalpmaster brush for relief after wearing a tight bun.
For actress and Pattern Beauty founder Tracee Ellis Ross, a slicked-back bun is a statement of elegance and confidence. “It allows my face to shine and lets my jewelry — my cheekbones and collarbones — stand out,” she explains. Ross follows a meticulous routine to achieve a polished look. She begins by sectioning her hair and applying Pattern Leave-In Conditioner generously to achieve a sleek, almost wet appearance. Using a paddle brush, she smooths the hair back and secures it with a tight ponytail, ensuring it’s firmly in place. “I use Pattern’s styling cream for extra smoothness and finish with a firm hair tie,” she adds. Ross’ signature look includes variations of the bun, from a topknot for casual days to a ballet-inspired low bun. “I always braid the ponytail before wrapping it into a bun for added volume,” she says. For red carpet events, she secures her bun with Pattern’s signature hairpins, a tribute to her mother’s iconic style.
These expert tips demonstrate that the perfect bun is as much about the technique as it is about the right products. From texture-enhancing sprays to smoothing creams, each step plays a crucial role in creating a hairstyle that suits both the mood and occasion.
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