When a regular low bun gets boring and you want some texture, or you’re attending a formal event and don’t have time to do a chignon bun, the braided low bun is for you!
Because you can leave bangs in front, or on one side, this hairstyle lets you frame your face if you have a round shape making it perfect for literally everyone with medium to long hair. And it works for all hair types.
Because the hair is lifted off of your shoulders, the style is perfect for summer and any strapless dress or ensemble. You could wear it for working out too as it won't interfere during pilates, aerobics, or barre.
If you’re new to styling, the braiding part will take a little practice, but don’t stress, it's easy once you get the hang of it. Best of all you can adorn this look by adding ribbons into the braid, accents like a hair pin with shells, pearls, LED lights for flare, or use the natural beauty of your hair.
You will need:
- Two hair ties (one to secure a bun, one to secure a ponytail)
- A hair brush
- 2 bobby pins
- 2 or 4 alligator clips (optional)
- Finishing spray (optional)
- Adornments (optional)
To do a braided low bun:
- Smooth your hair with the hair brush so you remove all knots or tangles
- Separate out bangs that you want to keep from the front of your hair, and separate two sections of hair off to the sides of your head starting just above your ears.
- Using alligator clips can keep the four sections separated more easily, but is not necessary if you don’t have them. Claw clips can work great for the side sections.
- Now separate your hair into two side sections and separate them.
- This is where the second alligator clip comes in, or you can use the hair tie to secure the second side.
- Begin French braiding the one side by taking three sections of hair in the front and weaving the right over the middle (not under) and then the left over the middle, then adding new sections below.
- Secure this section with the bobby pin, a hair clip, or the hair tie once you reach the back of your head, and begin on the other side.
- Now that you have both braids meeting at the back of your head, secure them together with a hair tie.
- Take the ponytail that is left and form a bun by twisting the hair into a rope, but don’t let it coil, and then wrapping it over the base.
- Secure the bun in place with the other hair tie, and finish it off with the finishing spray to help prevent flyaways.
This style sounds and looks complicated, but it's really easy once you get the hang of it. If you found this guide to upgrading the traditional low bun helpful, subscribe to our blog for more style guides just like it by entering your email below.
