How to Bun Your Natural Hair the Quick and Easy Way

Few hairstyles are as versatile as a bun and the natural hair bun is no different. Buns are a great multi-purpose hairstyles.

Buns work for every single occasion you can think of, from running errands to attending a wedding or formal event. They can be messy and loose, sleek, high, low and you could even wear them to the side.

A bun, especially a natural hair bun, may also be made more interesting by adding braids and/or twists for visual interest and flair. With buns, the possibilities are quite literally, endless.

How to do a bun on natural hair

Natural hair requires a lot of TLC and bunning, if done incorrectly can result in breakage, especially along the hairline and where the hair tie is placed to secure the hair. When done correctly, however, buns are a great style that can last for days and keep ends protected.

It is therefore very important that you know how to bun your natural hair so that the benefits are maximized and the cons are avoided. Starting your bun on natural hair that is already stretched, will go a long way towards making the process easier and will make the final look a whole lot smoother.

With your hair stretched, you will also have more length to manipulate, which will also make the process a lot easier. Your hair should also be properly moisturized and preferably clean.

Especially if you intend to wear your bun undisturbed for a few days. If hair is unclean, you may experience some itching.

Follow these steps for best results when creating your buns.

High bun

The high bun is a cute and laid back hairstyle that works well for different hair lengths. If your growing out your bangs, a high bun is a great way to tuck them away while they go through the awkward growth stage.

A high bun is typically placed at the crown or a little above the crown of the head and can be sleek or messy, depending on your mood and style preferences.

Low bun

Low buns are generally placed at or very close to the nape. These buns may be sleek or messy and playful and are also often done to either side of the head.

Low buns are very classic and are probably one of the most common bridal hairstyles today.

Natural hair medium length bun

Medium length natural hair is a really great length as it allows your hair to be molded to create many different types of styles. If you have medium length natural hair, then a bun is a great style to wear when you’re pressed for time.

Buns for short hair

Buns for short hair may mean adding extensions or bun pieces. Alternately, they may just mean that you need to think outside the box a little bit.

Its possible to bun even short natural hair as is seen in this video. So, if you were worried that you’d be left out of the bun game just because your natural hair is short, we’ve got you covered.

If you can make a puff or two in your hair, then your hair is long enough for a bun. If you need to make two puff, simply install them one on top of the other so that you can join and then bun, both ponytails.

Bun with weaves or extensions

Creating a bun with weaves or extensions is as simple as 1-2-3. The process is also very quick and simply involves attaching the extension piece to your hair and then wrapping it around and securing it with hair pins.

The weave or extension piece may be left as free hair or may be braided or twisted before being attached to the hair with an elastic band or hair combs depending on the type of extension you are using to creating your bun.

Bun with bangs

The versatility of buns means that you can always get creative and add different elements to your bun game. You may try a bun with a half up, half done hairstyle or you could rock your bun with bangs.

There are so many types of bangs and there’s likely a bun style out there that goes with it. Whether your bangs are wispy, blunt or side swept, you can still rock a bun that goes perfectly with your aesthetic.

Let the pics below show you how.

Natural hair bun as a protective style

Wearing your natural hair in a bun is a protective style and is a popular practice among natural queens. Buns are versatile and easy to do especially when compared to other protective styles such as mini twists, braid outs, or flexi rod sets.

Buns are only protective if you do them right correctly. This means using hair ties that are free of metal, ensuring hair is moisturized and oiled when either installing your bun or create it with your own hair.

Also, it’s important to be gentle on your edges and ensuring no pressure is place on your ends or any other part of your hair.

Sleeping in a bun

As long as you style your bun without causing tension on your scalp or hairline, sleeping in a bun should pose no problem. Having said that, you could also loosen your bun slightly before bed, if it will mean for a more comfortable night’s rest.

Don’t forget to keep your hair all wrapped up and protected in a satin scarf, which will also help keep your hair sleek so that you require minimal touch ups in the morning.

Braided bun

A braided bun can be both cute, elegant and stylish. The braided bun is also one you can have a lot of fun experimenting with.

Sure, you could do one big braid and then create your bun from that, but you could also have a handful of braids interspersed with the loose hair of your bun. How about a braid that you can wrap around the base of your bun?

Try a braided bun and let your creative juices flow.

Blowout bun

Stretched hair is really helpful if you want your bun to be at its sleekest best. In it’s natural state, the curls, kinks and coils of natural hair can make creating a sleek bun quite the challenge.

Especially if you’d prefer to avoid using large amounts of hair gel. A blowout bun or a bun done on hair that has been previously blown out, is sure to be easier to create than a bun done on freshly washed hair that is still wet from the shower.

It’s also great because your blown out hair doesn’t need to be super straight as you only need enough of a stretch to make manipulating the hair easier. Always ensure you use a heat protectant when using your blow dryer to avoid heat damage, or blow dry your hair on cool.

Messy bun

A messy bun is a great way to look carefree and elegant at the same time and it’s one of the best ways to style an old wash and go, twist out or braid out. The remaining curls from these styles add texture to messy buns and loose, face framing pieces and fly-a-ways add a romantic twist and effortless look to your style.

A bun piece is a great way to change the look of your bun. You can get these in different styles and textures.

You can rock a different bun depending on your mood. These add-ons are great if your own hair isn’t long enough or full enough to create the type of bun you want to have.

Just attach and go. It’s that easy.

Whatever your mood, fancy, occasion or personal style, there’s a bun for that. Buns are so fun and are a perfect opportunity to express your creativity.

You could style your hair in a bun everyday for at least a month and probably find a way to make each bun different. Check out the links below for some bun inspirations.

Here are some more interesting buns that will help you find your  inspiration and jump start your own bun making creativity. Add your own twist and flair and make each bun work for your own hair and personal style.

Happy bunning!

Patrina

Hey Curl Friend, I’m Patrina Haupt the creator and author of Natural Hair Queen. I hope you find my healthy hair care tips helpful in your hair journey. Healthy hair care practices are definitely, what helped me to achieve waist length hair.

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