Ditch the Ponytail! Here Are 17 Pretty Bun Hairstyles to Try Now

By Kaitlyn Yarborough
May 13, 2019
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@kristin_ess
To put it simply, a bun is the hair salve that soothes all troubles. When you’re running late, a low bun will have you looking polished and put-together in mere seconds. When you’re leaning on third-day hair filled with dry shampoo, a messy topknot will hold up like a dream all day. And when you’re grasping for an occasion-worthy look that doesn’t require heat tools or two hours of prep time, a classic chignon or braided bun will see you through, even when attending a sweaty June wedding in the South. No matter your hair emergency, feel free to let these 17 pretty bun hairstyles (with easy tutorials and fun accessories!) do the work. We’ve got the inspiration, all you need is the hair tie.
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Ballerina Bun

@xenia_stylist

We might have given up the tulle tutus and silk slippers long ago, but the classic ballerina bun is here to stay. It makes any outfit look extra put-together, especially when accented with a pretty pearl barrette.

Shop an affordable set of pearl barrettes here.

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Half-Up Bun

@ashleyantoinebeauty

A half-up bun adds a pop of personality to your loose mane any day, especially when paired with a trendy hair tie.

Shop the snakeprint hair tie here.

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Sleek Braided Topknot

@kayleymelissa

Your beach hair game just got a whole lot stronger. It's as easy as 1, 2, 3. Start with a ponytail, braid the length, then twist it all into a bun. Scarf optional! (But way cuter.)

Find the tutorial by Kayley Melissa here.

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French Braid Bun

@kristin_ess

Once we learn how to French braid, life gets so much better. Start by tying a cheetah print scarf at the base near your crown, and you're set with a statement-making style. Make the most of the braid with Kristen Ess' Working Texture Loose Styling Powder. 

Shop a similar cheetah print scarf here.

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Easy Low Bun

@thisislaurendavis

Give yourself two extra minutes in the morning to throw this low bun together. Pick a pretty headband to cap off the look. 

Shop the braided velvet headband here, and find the tutorial by Lauren Davis here. 

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Space Buns

@kayleymelissa

A bun so nice we just had to have it twice! This weekend-ready style is perfect when you feel like trying something playful.

Find the tutorial by Kayley Melissa here.

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Cuffed Bun

@brittsully

Nothing jazzes up a messy topknot—which, to our utter happiness, takes only seconds to style—like a cool bun cuff. 

Find a similar bun accessory here.

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Curly Twist Bun

@hairromance

Curly girls, listen up! This bun is just for you and feels so much more special than your basic bun.

Find the tutorial by Hair Romance here.

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Braided Bun

@kayleymelissa

Say hello to your second-day hair savior. This bun is quick, easy, and heatless—making it a no-brainer for a mid-week refresh.

Find the tutorial by Kayley Melissa here.

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Curly Topknot

@scunci

Let those curls do all of the talking. Pull your ringlets up high and finish into an easy bun. Accessorize with these affordable barrettes and bobby slides to make it even more occasion-worthy. 

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Classic Chignon

@hairandmakeupbysteph

This bun fits in at every occasion, no matter how casual or formal. For a wedding or party look, tease up the crown and add a pretty accessory to dress it up.

Find the tutorial from Hair and Makeup by Steph here.

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Half-Up Topknot

@brittsully

A half-up topknot takes two seconds—so why not? A metal bun cuff finishes the look. 

Find a similar bun accessory here.

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Wrapped Braid Bun

@hairromance

She's the Greek goddess of braid buns: the S-curve braided updo. It'll have the compliments flooding in all day.

Find the tutorial by Hair Romance here.

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Triple Dutch Braid Bun

@brittsully

Embrace your inner bun queen with this topknot accented with three upside-down Dutch braids. We're filing this style under #goals.

Find a similar tutorial by Missy Sue here.

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Classic Topknot Bun

@kayleymelissa

When it doubt, topknot it out. Give your bun a dose of polish with a pretty bow.

Find the tutorial by Kayley Melissa here.

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Messy Low Bun

@veronica_nunez

It doesn't get any more relatable than a second-day hair messy bun, does it? Say what you want, but it's a classic.

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Triple Low Buns

@hairromance

Why settle for one bun, when you can have three? Start with three ponytails before twisting your hair into buns. It's a fun take on a signature low bun.

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By Kaitlyn Yarborough