The ballerina bun has long been a symbol of elegance and sophistication. Its history stretches back to Ancient Greece, where it was worn by women as a symbol of status. In Ancient China, married women wore their hair in buns, while single women wore braids to indicate their marital status. The bun later made its mark in popular culture, especially in movies like Pride and Prejudice. Dancers and ballerinas, such as Misty Copeland, Michaela DePrince, and Janet Collins, embraced this style not just for its beauty, but for its practicality—it keeps hair out of the face while enhancing the graceful, disciplined aesthetic.
Today, the ballerina bun is evolving. Stylists are taking inspiration from clean, sleeked-back hair looks reminiscent of the classic bun, but with a modern twist. The updated style, seen recently at Paris Fashion Week, features a sculpted chignon positioned slightly below the crown, paired with smoothed-down baby hairs to create an ultra-polished look.
British hair expert Guido Palau explains, “The chignon’s position at the crown lengthens the neck.” This style not only boosts your posture but also adds a refined elegance that’s both timeless and easy to achieve.
How to Create the Upgraded Ballerina Bun
- Prep your hair: Start with clean hair and douse it with a moisturizing spray to add hydration and texture.
- Create a ponytail: Use a comb to pull your hair up into a firm ponytail at the desired height.
- Twist into a chignon: Twist the length of the ponytail into a smooth chignon, wrapping it securely at the base.
- Add soft wisps: Gently pull out a few wispy strands of hair around your hairline, smoothing them down for a more relaxed, refined look.
What You’ll Need:
- Tail comb: For precise parting and neat ponytail creation.
- Moisturizing spray: To hydrate and add texture to the hair.
- Edge tamer: To smooth down the hairline and baby hairs.
- Sheen spray: To add a polished, glossy finish.
This upgraded ballerina bun is not only versatile but also effortlessly chic, offering a sophisticated, modern take on a classic style.
