The bun needs no introduction. This classic updo has stood the test of time and earned its place as one of the most versatile hairstyles in history. Buns can be sporty or glamorous, and usually require very little effort, which is why we love them so much.
There are so many ways to wear this low maintenance updo, and we see it everywhere from gyms to red carpets. Take any of these buns to the next level by adding in your hair extensions, or try a clip-in bun to achieve any of these styles with ease. If you’re looking to re-invent your day-to-day bun, check out our round up of 21 of our favourite bun looks, from the ultra-flattering supermodel bun to Gwen Stefani’s iconic red carpet moment.
1. Brigette Bardot's bun
Often imitated but never duplicated, Brigette Bardot is the queen of undone, chic hairstyles. The key to achieving this look is tons of volume and texture. Prep your hair with a texturizing spray like OUAI’s Texturizing Hair Spray and use a teasing comb to give your hair some lift. Pile your hair on top of your head for a romantic look inspired by the 60’s icon.
2. Rihanna's relaxed bun
Business mogul and beauty icon, Rhianna, is always providing us with major hair inspo. To achieve this chic, relaxed bun gather your hair at the top of your head, just keep it loose rather than wrapping it super tight, and leave some front pieces out to frame your face. For added texture, spray a texturizing spray (try Verb’s Sea Texture Spray), throughout your hair before creating your bun.
3. Halle Berry's messy 90’s bun
We love when 90’s beauty trends make a comeback, the It girls of the era were serving up enough hair inspiration to carry us into the next two decades. While many of the trends are better left in the past, a messy bun is a hairstyle that remains a classic. Halle Berry manages to make the popular updo look cool, without looking like she’s trying too hard. Add an oversized scrunchie for a 90’s inspired finishing touch.
4. Gwen Stefani’s bantu knots
For a look that’s out of this world, try Gwen Stefani’s funky bantu knots. Inspired by the traditional African hair style, these lovely little buns are a protective style and can also be worn to create heatless curls. To make the look extra funky accessorize with colourful hair bands instead of traditional black ones.
5. Gossip girl messy bun
It’s hard to believe Blake Lively has ever had a bad hair day. Her red carpet beauty looks never disappoint and we are obsessed with this teased messy bun. From the front it looks an elegant updo, but take a look at the back and suddenly it turns into a fun, flirty bun that shows off Blake’s blonde, beachy waves.
6. Cardi B & Megan Thee Stallion in WAP
Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion gave us so many looks in the WAP music video, but this 90’s prom-inspired updo is one of our favourites. Celebrity hairstylist, Tokyo Stylez, is the mastermind behind this hairstyle that requires gallons of hairspray, tons of gel, and A LOT of hair.
7. Amanda Gorman's braided bun
Looking for a fun way to style your braids? Look no further than the braided bun. We loved how Amanda Gorman styled her cornrows into a makeshift bun for the presidential inauguration. She paired the hairdo with a traditional African dress, for a look that’s absolutely regal.
8. Miley's Bangerz buns
When it comes to hair, Miley Cyrus can’t be tamed. We’ve watched the superstar’s beauty evolution from early Hannah Montana days to more recent rockstar looks. One of her most iconic looks is the mini space buns from her Bangers-era. Get the look by parting your hair down the middle and putting them into two high pigtails. Twist your hair into mini buns and secure with bobby pins. The Chucky Cheese unitard is optional.
9. Zendaya's curly bun
There’s so much to love about Zendaya’s Critic’s Choice Awards look- the flawless makeup, the backless sparkly dress, but her messy top knot steals the show. She embraces her natural texture and manages to make frizz look fantastic. For this look, pull your curls into a high bun and leave some curls hanging down to get the lived-in look. If your curls are looking a little too frizzy you can use a super skinny curling iron to define the front pieces.
10. The supermodel bun
Nothing says “model” like a slicked back low bun. They’ve graced the heads of all the effortlessly chic runway stars, from Bella Hadid to Kendall Jenner, and seem to be the go-to hairdo for off-duty looks. Pair the chic updo with a leather jacket and jeans and turn the streets into your runway.
11. J Lo's Maid in Manhattan bun
J Lo showcases how elegant a braided high bun looks when paired with a strapless dress and diamond accessories. This style is perfect for a simple bride or outdoor prom because it keeps your hair off your neck, so you can focus on dancing the night away with your besties. This look requires a lot of hair, so add your Luxy Hair extensions for extra volume.
12. Mrs.Bieber's wedding bun
Hailey Bieber is always serving up effortlessly chic looks and her bridal beauty look was no different. Celebrity hairstylist Jen Atkin styled her hair for the big day in a romantic low bun with a few face-framing strands, and pearl accessories. The simple but elegant updo let her custom-made veil shine to its full potential. You can easily achieve this look from home by slicking your hair into a low bun, and pulling some pieces out to frame your face, don’t forget to finish by adding some pretty pearl hair clips.
13. Audrey Hepburn's Breakfast at Tiffany’s bun
Audrey Hepburn’s Breakfast at Tiffany’s updo remains one of the most iconic hairstyles in cinematic history. To achieve this look, back comb your hair at the crown for volume and gather into a high ponytail, be sure to leave out some face framing pieces. Separate the ponytail into two sections, tuck the front section forward and pin into place. Loosely curl the back section with a small curling iron, and place pin curls around the front section of the bun. Tease the face-framing pieces and pin to the side. Finish with hairspray, and voila!
14. Meghan Markle wedding bun
If you’re looking to recreate Megan Markle’s elegant royal wedding hairstyle, tell your hairstylists these three words: controlled, messy bun. Her wedding look is perfect for a chill bride who wants an updo that is unfussy, modern, and elegant. To re-create the simple chignon, pin your hair into a low bun and leave some pieces out to add texture. Add a tiara, and you’ve got a hairstyle fit for a princess.
15. Addison Rae's modern top knot
Tiktok queen Addison Rae pairs her trendy eye makeup with a modern top knot for the Kids’ Choice Awards. It’s almost impossible to achieve this tousled updo without some texture, so start with second day waves or create them using a large barrel curling iron. Gather hair into a top knot and secure with bobby pins, the finishing touch is soft face-framing bangs. The liquid chain comb takes the look to the next level.
16. Kendall Jenner's MET Gala bun
The supermodel and Kardashian Klan member turned heads at the 2019 Met Gala sporting a slicked back bun with gelled, curled edges. Hollywood’s go to hairstylist Jen Atkin is the mastermind behind this look and here’s how you can achieve it: Part hair down the middle and section out a piece of baby hair at the front and side for the curls. Apply a hair gel and use a boar bristle brush to slick your hair back into a low bun. Apply gel to the sectioned out baby hair (be generous so that it sticks) and style it into a curl on your forehead and beside your ear. Finish with hairspray and voila, from basic bun to A-list updo.
17. Cher's Clueless bun
Cher might be known for her flipping her swishy, blonde hair but we can’t get over how cute she looks in this bun. This understated updo is the perfect style for letting her bold outfits shine.
18. Kate Hudson's How To Lose A Guy In 10 Days bun
This romantic low bun will have you feeling like the main character in a rom com. The best part about this hairstyle is that it’s as easy to do as it looks. Simply twist your hair into a low bun and let some pieces hang loose to frame your face. Make a statement on date night by pairing this lowkey hairstyle with a backless dress.
19. Miley’s 2012 messy bun
When your bun has its own Twitter account, you know it's an icon. What’s cooler than platinum blonde Miley in a messy bun? Not much. To achieve Miley’s effortlessly cool look, we suggest embracing your natural texture—no brushes or styling tools needed.
20. Princess Leia's side buns
The most recognizable hair in film history is Princess Leia’s double side buns, aka the original space buns. To get this out of this world hairstyle, start with two pigtails placed right above your ears. Twirl your hair in one direction all the way to the ends, and wrap around to create a bun. You’re going to need a lot of bobby pins to keep these buns in place. Once your buns are in place, you can use a hair net to ensure that not even baby hairs will make it out of this updo.
21. Yara Shahidi's super sleek top knot
For a sleek and polished hairstyle that can be done in a matter of minutes, look no further than the slicked back top knot. This hairstyle is perfect for disguising second day hair, and actually works better with greasy hair. To get the look, saturate your hair with hair mousse or gel, then comb your hair into a high pony, and twist into a tight top knot and secure with bobby pins.
Written by: Phelisha Cassup
