A good compliment can really brighten your day and bun hairstyles will definitely bring attention your way. In fact, it can still bring a smile to your face days, weeks, months — years? — after it was given to you. And the more sincere the flattery is, the longer it sticks.
While my ultimate motivation behind dressing up and spending time on my hair, nails or outfit is to feel good for myself, I also love the reward of getting complimented on all of the above. A good updo that makes you feel beautiful and earns you compliments? That’s a double win in my book.
The below elegant buns are all relatively easy to recreate yourself, but have an air of complexity that makes people think you spent hours and hours in front of your mirror perfecting each strand. Let the compliments pour in as you try one of these for the beach, a party, or just everyday wear.
High Bun
Feel tall and proud when you’ve got this simple yet outstanding top knot bun style! Get your strands off your pretty face to show off your glam make-up.
Twisted Low Bun
All the waves and the swirls in this sophisticated low bun hairdo give off a sexy vibe! Gorgeously matches a bridesmaid or a prom queen.
Easy Messy Bun
Gift yourself a low textured knot effortlessly made with the help of a hair donut! This easy messy bun style is one you can wear everyday and even in long gown events.
Simple Bun
Q&A with style creator, Aimee Renner
Freelance Makeup Artist / Hairstylist @ Aimee & Co. in Auckland, New Zealand
How would you describe this look?
I’d call it a loose or ‘undone’ twisted simple bun hairdo. The greatest thing about it is that the twist shows off the different tones in the client’s hair and it looks more elaborate than it is.
Any advice for someone considering it?
It’s a great style when they want something up off their face which is a bit more casual and modern than some styles, but still looks polished and has some interest.
It would look great with any hair color, but one which has some variation of highlights (blondes) looks best I feel as it shows off the twist with different tones.
Also best with a length of at least just past shoulder length to around bra strap length. Otherwise, if it’s too short there’s not enough hair in the bun. If it’s too long there doesn’t tend to be the layers to give it texture, and the bun becomes too heavy and large.
I would recommend a styling product like a volumizing powder to give the hair some texture and to create some volume. I would dust it through the crown and backcomb a little to create some height and then also through the pony before you twist it and piece it apart (before securing with Bobby pins and hair spray).
By pulling pieces out around the front of the face, it furthers the relaxed vibe.
Twisted Bun
Q&A with style creator, Breann Garcia
Hair Artist @ Hair by Breann Garcia in Fort Worth, TX
How would you describe this look?
This twisted bun hair is simple but elegant and perfect for a casual evening or even for your wedding hair dream. Using a rope braid technique gives your hair the illusion of being thick and full.
The classiest thing about this look is how simple it is but how it looks very intricate. At a stylist’s point of view, it’s very easy to achieve. Using minimum Bobby pins eases up the styling technique.
Any advice for someone considering it?
This look is created in a few simple steps that are quick and easy. It’s perfect for all different hair texture when using the correct products.
This particular look is very classic and simple at the front but detailed at the back. It’s perfect for all different occasions.
Bow Bun
Q&A with style creator, Gabrielle
Bridal Hair & Makeup Artist @ Hair & Makeup by Gabrielle in London, UK
How would you describe this look?
Bows and bridal up-dos are two key wedding trends for this year, so this bow bun hairstyle really is the perfect combination. It’s elegant, modern, and effortlessly romantic. Its versatility means you can wear the hairstyle with or without a veil. The choice is yours but both will look equally gorgeous. If you choose not to wear a veil with this hairstyle, instead opt for some statement bridal accessories to turn heads as you walk down the aisle. A pair of chandelier earrings are all you need to add a fabulous finishing touch to this look.
Any advice for someone considering it?
This wedding hairstyle is designed for the bride who isn’t afraid to stand out from the crowd and wants to make a statement with her bridal look. Does this sound like you? Then you’ll need hair that is shoulder-length or longer to achieve this detailed look. Ensure you establish a decent haircare routine ahead of the big day so that it is conditioned, glossy, and wedding-ready. If you have wild hair that cannot be tamed, you’ll be using a lot of hair spray and hairpins to secure the look in place. However, this beautiful bridal hairstyle also means you will keep any pesky flyaways at bay. What’s not to love?!
The Beach Side Braided Bun
You’ll have the prettiest hair in the office in four easy steps thanks to this fab tutorial at Makeup.com. This is also a great summer bun hairstyle that will make you gorgeous for beach outings. To recreate the look, you’ll want to give your hair a little dusting of texturizing spray or powder, then gather your hair into a low pony. From there, braid your ponytail, secure the end, then wrap it around itself around the base of your ponytail. Pin it town, finish with hairspray and you’re good to go.
The Simple Donut Bun
It was all the rage in its heyday, and now we’re seeing a revival of the donut bun. This time around, though, it’s taking a softer and more romantic approach, and less sleek and very “done up.” If you want to give the ol’ donut a go again, we suggest following this tutorial on the Confetti Day Dreams blog. It’s super airy, almost taking on a cotton candy texture, and finished with wispy hair wrapped around the base of the bun.
Romantic, Layered Bun
This elegant bun is sweet and simple. “When it comes to hair, my attempts at anything more than a ponytail or top knot leave me feeling frustrated and looking ridiculous,” writes Anne of the Anne Sage blog. “But as elaborate braids and buns have gained popularity, I’ve longed to go beyond the basic. So I asked Heidi Marie Garrett of 1011 Makeup to help me create a tutorial for this simple yet stunning updo.” This layered, romantic bun has a floral quality to it that makes me want to read books in a secret garden lush with tangled ivy.
Waterfall French Braid Bun
This French braid hairstyle is so rich it hurts my teeth (in a good way). To achieve the super glossy and refined finish of this bun, you’ll want to prepare your hair by brushing it out and applying some hair serum to keep frizzies away. According to the tutorial, day old hair works best for this elegant bun hairstyle since the braid will hold better.
Elegant, Low Hanging Side Bun
If you are looking for a prom, wedding, or any party bun, this one takes the cake. The bun is to the lower side and not near the crown of the head which provides a different look from the back. This hairstyle from blogger Negin Mirsalehi is of the most sophisticated, yet unexpected, hairstyles I’ve come across in a while (and I look at hair blogs a lot). Like the other hairstyles listed here, it’s one you can recreate at home without much hassle or frustration, but it will definitely earn you oohs, ahhs and questions like, “How’d you do that?” This one’s best for those with super long locks, but medium length hair will yield a similar version by following the same steps.
Easy Knotted Updo Bun
Emily of the The Freckled Fox included this easy, knotted updo/bun in her “Summers End Hair Week” series, so I deem it wearable for end of summer and through the fall. She says, “This is one of those [hairstyles] that can be worn with sunglasses and a pair of jeans during the day, or with a little sequined dress and some heels for the evening.” Versatile is always good. Emily thoroughly details the how-to on her blog with loads of pictures, a supply list and text instructions, so head over there ASAP.
