Creating a sleek and elegant low bun with long, thick hair can be challenging due to the volume and weight of the hair. However, with the right techniques and tools, you can achieve a flawless low bun that is both stylish and secure. In this article, we will walk you through a step-by-step process to create the perfect low bun for long, thick hair. Whether you’re preparing for a formal event or looking for a chic everyday hairstyle, this guide has you covered.
Preparing Your Hair for the Low Bun
Before you begin styling, it’s essential to prepare your hair properly. This ensures that the low bun will hold well and look polished throughout the day.
1. Wash and Condition Your Hair
Start by washing your hair with a shampoo and conditioner that adds moisture and shine.
Use a deep conditioner or a hair mask if your hair is particularly dry or frizzy. This will make your hair more manageable and easier to work with.
Rinse thoroughly and gently squeeze out excess water.
2. Dry Your Hair
Towel-dry your hair to remove most of the moisture, but leave it slightly damp for easier styling.
Apply a heat protectant spray to shield your hair from damage if you plan to use heat tools.
Blow-dry your hair using a round brush for a smooth finish. If you prefer a more textured look, use a diffuser to enhance your hair’s natural waves or curls.
3. Detangle and Section Your Hair
Brush through your hair with a wide-tooth comb or detangling brush to remove any knots or tangles.
Section your hair into manageable parts: top, middle, and bottom. Use hair clips to keep each section separate.
Step-by-Step Guide to Creating a Low Bun
Step 1: Gather Your Tools and Products
Having the right tools and products on hand is crucial for creating a secure and elegant low bun. Here’s what you’ll need:
Hairbrush or comb
Hair elastics
Bobby pins
Hair gel or mousse (optional)
Hairspray
Shine serum or hair oil
Donut bun maker (optional for extra volume)
Step 2: Smooth Your Hair into a Low Ponytail
Brush Your Hair Smoothly: Begin by brushing your hair back smoothly, ensuring there are no bumps or uneven sections. You can apply a small amount of hair gel or mousse to tame flyaways and give your hair a sleek finish.
Create a Low Ponytail: Gather all your hair at the nape of your neck and secure it with a hair elastic. For a more polished look, make sure the ponytail is tight and smooth. If you want a softer, more relaxed bun, you can leave it slightly looser.
Step 3: Twist and Wrap Your Hair
Twist Your Hair: Take your ponytail and begin twisting it in one direction. Continue twisting until the entire length of the ponytail is tightly coiled.
Wrap the Twist Around the Base: Once the ponytail is twisted, wrap it around the base of the ponytail, forming a bun. Make sure the twist is wrapped evenly to create a balanced and neat bun.
Secure with Bobby Pins: As you wrap the twist around the base, use bobby pins to secure the bun in place. Insert the bobby pins discreetly into the bun, ensuring they are not visible. For thick hair, you may need several bobby pins to keep the bun secure.
Step 4: Tuck in Loose Ends and Smooth the Bun
Tuck in Any Loose Ends: If you have any loose ends sticking out of the bun, carefully tuck them under the bun and secure them with additional bobby pins.
Smooth the Bun: Gently smooth the surface of the bun with your hands or a brush to ensure it looks sleek and polished. If necessary, apply a small amount of hair gel or mousse to keep flyaways in place.
Adding Volume and Texture to the Low Bun
Using a Donut Bun Maker
If you want to add extra volume to your low bun, consider using a donut bun maker. This is especially helpful for long, thick hair, as it provides a solid base for the bun and adds fullness.
1. Place the Donut Bun Maker
After securing your hair in a low ponytail, slide the donut bun maker over the ponytail until it sits at the base.
2. Spread Your Hair Over the Donut
Spread your hair evenly over the donut bun maker, ensuring it is completely covered. Your hair should fan out around the donut, concealing it entirely.
3. Secure the Hair
Tuck the ends of your hair under the donut and secure them with bobby pins. You can also wrap the remaining hair around the base of the bun for a more polished look.
4. Finish the Look
Smooth the surface of the bun and secure any loose strands with additional bobby pins. Spray your hair with a strong-hold hairspray to keep the bun in place all day.
Creating a Textured Low Bun
For a more relaxed and textured look, you can create a messy or tousled low bun. Here’s how:
1. Add Texture to Your Hair
Before creating the ponytail, apply a texturizing spray or dry shampoo to your hair. This will add grip and volume, making it easier to create a textured bun.
2. Loosely Gather Your Hair
Instead of creating a sleek ponytail, loosely gather your hair at the nape of your neck. Don’t worry about making it too perfect—some flyaways and loose strands will add to the textured look.
3. Twist and Pin
Twist your hair loosely and wrap it around the base to form a bun. Use bobby pins to secure the bun in place, but leave some sections looser for a more relaxed vibe.
4. Pull Out Strands
Gently pull out a few strands of hair around your face and the bun to create a soft, undone look. Finish with a light-hold hairspray to keep the texture intact.
Final Touches for a Perfect Low Bun
Finishing with Hairspray and Shine Serum
Hairspray: To ensure your low bun stays in place all day, spray it with a strong-hold hairspray. Hold the can about 10 inches away from your head and mist evenly over the bun and surrounding hair.
Shine Serum: For a polished and glossy finish, apply a small amount of shine serum or hair oil to the surface of the bun. This will add a healthy sheen and help control any frizz or flyaways.
Accessorizing Your Low Bun
Accessorizing your low bun can elevate the look and add a touch of elegance or fun, depending on the occasion.
1. Hairpins and Clips
Decorative hairpins or clips can be added to the side or back of the bun for a chic and sophisticated touch. Choose pins with pearls, crystals, or other embellishments to match your outfit or the event.
2. Headbands and Scarves
A headband or scarf can be wrapped around your head, just above the bun, to add a pop of color or texture. This is a great option for casual or bohemian looks.
3. Flowers
Fresh or artificial flowers can be tucked into the bun for a romantic and feminine touch. This is particularly beautiful for weddings, garden parties, or other special events.
SEE ALSO: How to Style Waves in Medium Hair?
Troubleshooting Common Low Bun Issues
Dealing with Slippage
If your bun tends to slip down or unravel, consider the following solutions:
Use a Stronger Elastic: Ensure that the elastic holding your ponytail is tight and secure. Opt for a thicker or doubled-up elastic for added security.
Anchor with More Pins: Don’t be afraid to use extra bobby pins to secure the bun, especially if your hair is thick and heavy. Cross the pins in an “X” pattern for added hold.
Managing Flyaways and Frizz
Flyaways and frizz can detract from the sleekness of your low bun. Here’s how to manage them:
Apply More Product: Use a small amount of hair gel, mousse, or smoothing serum to tame flyaways before and after forming the bun.
Use a Toothbrush: For stubborn flyaways, spray a little hairspray on a clean toothbrush and gently brush them down.
Creating an Even Bun
If your bun looks lopsided or uneven:
Check Your Wrapping Technique: Make sure you’re wrapping the twist evenly around the base of the ponytail. Take your time to adjust and smooth the bun as you go.
Use a Mirror: Use a hand mirror to check the back of your head and make sure the bun is symmetrical. Adjust as needed before securing with pins.
Maintaining Your Low Bun Throughout the Day
Touch-Up Tips
Carry Extra Pins: Keep a few bobby pins in your bag for quick touch-ups if any parts of the bun start to loosen.
Use Hairspray: A travel-sized hairspray can be handy for refreshing the hold and taming flyaways throughout the day.
Recreating the Look
If your bun does come undone or you want to refresh the style, it’s easy to recreate:
Undo the Bun: If necessary, take the bun down and brush through your hair to remove any tangles.
Repeat the Steps: Follow the same steps to twist and wrap your hair into a low bun again. With practice, you’ll be able to recreate the look quickly and effortlessly.
Conclusion
Creating a low bun with long, thick hair doesn’t have to be a daunting task. By following these detailed steps and using the right tools and products, you can achieve a sleek, elegant, or textured low bun that is perfect for any occasion. Whether you prefer a polished look for a formal event or a more relaxed style for everyday wear, this guide provides everything you need to master the low bun. Practice makes perfect, so don’t hesitate to experiment with different techniques and accessories to find the style that works best for you.