How to Do Your Hair in a Side Bun

Co-authored by Courtney Foster

Last Updated: February 10, 2024 References

The side bun is quick, cute hairstyle for hair of any kind. With several variations, you can adjust it for anything from a casual beach visit to a special occasion. Most side buns come in the “messy” variety, with loosely pinned hair and free-hanging wisps. Wear a casual side bun for a casual day or evening out. Polish up your side bun for a business meeting, a wedding, or other formal event.

Method 1

Method 1 of 4:

Preparing Your Hair

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1
Start with unwashed hair. Whenever possible, do not style freshly washed hair. Hair styling is easier and longer-lasting when the hair is one day unwashed.^{[1]
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- If your hair gets oily after one day, wash and use a sea salt spray.^{[2]
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Start brushing or combing the ends of your hair first. Gradually work your way up until your hair is completely smooth. For thick hair or especially stubborn knots, use a spray-on detangler.

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3
Add (or decrease) volume. Side buns need the right amount of volume to look good. Thin buns will fall out quickly. Thick buns could end up protruding too much. To manage these issues you could:
- Treat fine, limp hair, by curling it before you begin. Then, scrunch it with a small amount of mousse or gel. Just don’t let it get "crunchy."
- Treat thick, curly hair by applying an anti-frizz serum from the ears down to the ends.
Comb most of your hair on the side where you want your bun. Using the comb, draw a line through your hair. You can use hairspray sparingly to hold the part in place. Move the hair that pops up on to the appropriate side.
5
Back comb your hair. Do this only to the roots at the back of your head. It will give your hair a bit more lift. Be careful not to create tangles.
- When done properly, back-combing can give you ample lift.
- This step is optional, especially if your hair is thick or frizzy.
As you do this, brush out your hair to smooth out any bumps that might form. Tie your hair in place with an elastic hair band. This will help the bun stay in position.
7
Bring down a few wisps. If you'd like to have a few pieces of hair hanging down around the ears, pull those out now. Use the wisps to frame your face in front of your ears. Don't leave too much hair down, or your final look will look sloppy.
- This step is optional, but sometimes wisps fall down by themselves. If you don’t want your hair to hang over your face, pin it to the side of your head with a bobby pin or discreet barrette.^{[3]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 4:

Making a Casual Side Bun

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Hold the hair between your thumb and your forefinger. Don’t gather any more hair than these two fingers can hold at one time.^{[4]
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2
Back comb your hair. Hold the section of your hair outward with one hand. Use a comb to tease your hair toward your head. If you’re concerned about split ends, use the thumb and forefinger of your dominant hand to slide your hair toward your head.
- If back combing isn’t for you, try twisting each section of hair for this step.^{[5]
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Hold this section to your head. Insert a bobby pin to keep it in place. Whenever possible, hook the bobby pin onto the elastic inside the bun.
Continue the above steps until you’re finished. Make sure the bun hangs to one side of your neck.
5
Secure the bun. Add extra bobby pins to secure stray locks. Secure the bun in place with some hairspray.
- If some sections of hair come loose, curl them and re-pin them against the bun for a textured effect.

Method 3

Method 3 of 4:

Making a Formal Side Chignon

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Brush or comb each section to remove any stubborn tangles. Drape the front section over your shoulder. Take the other section in your hand.
Braid each section. Hold the hair at a diagonal angle. Create a traditional, three-part braid. Continue weaving until you reach the end. Secure the end with a thin elastic band.
Position you thumb over the braid. Push each part of outward and upward. This will widen the braid and create texture.
Roll the braid toward the elastic band at the base of your head. Make sure your hair is loose as you do this. Use a bobby pin to hold the braid in place. Place the braids right next to each other so that they look like one woven mass.
Use bobby pins to fasten the chignon to your head. The number of bobby pins needed varies from person to person. Spritz with hairspray for extra hold.
6
Pin any remaining wisps. Gather any strands hanging around your face. Pin them to the base of the chignon. Try to hide the ends in the chignon.^{[6]
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- This step is optional if you would prefer to leave a tress at the side of your face.

Method 4

Method 4 of 4:

Making a Loose Side Bun

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Start at the base your head. Continue in a downward motion. As you twist your hair, let it roll into a spiral. Keep twisting the hair, allowing it to wind around the upper sections of the ponytail.
Use an elastic band. Fasten the bottom portion of the bun to the beginning of the ponytail. Your hair should look like a complex spiral hanging from the side of your head. There will be tufts of hair poking out.
3
Secure the bun. Pin long stands of hair sticking out to the base of your head. Bobby pins work best for this. Use additional bobby pins to fasten the sides of the bun to your head, as well. Spray with hairspray for a long-lasting hold.^{[7]
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- If any loose strands begin to poke out, pin them into the bun.

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Question

Can I still do these with thick hair?

Community Answer

Yes! You may need to use more bobby pins and hairspray, however.

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Can I do it with wet hair, even though it says not to?

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Styling wet hair isn't recommended, because hair is more vulnerable while wet, and will snap faster.

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What do you do to add more volume if you have straight hair on top and curly hair underneath?

Community Answer

You could buy some argan and Moroccan oil and apply it when you wash or comb your hair. Not too much, though.

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Tips

If you’re using hair extensions, brush them out before putting them in your natural hair.

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Use a root spray to add volume to the top of your hair.

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To smooth down fly-away wisps, spray the back of a comb (tooth side up) with hairspray. Gently move the comb down your hair.

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Warnings

Extra-long hair can require up to 30 bobby pins to secure. The result will be very heavy.

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Don't pull your hair really hard when you brush it. This will cause unwanted hair loss.

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