Many women enjoy changing up hairstyles every so often, whether it's a new cut or style or simply wearing their hair up when attending a formal social event. The bun style, so named because of the appearance of a "bun" on the top of the head, is just as common now as it was in centuries past. Achieving a tightly wrapped bun can be frustrating, but with patience it can be a relatively simple task.

Making A Bun

Brush or comb your hair out to remove any small tangles you may have, as this will make your hair manageable and easier to tie into the bun. Stand or sit front of a mirror, either head on or slightly to the side, so you can get a decent view of your work and make any small adjustments as needed. Throw your head back slightly and allow your hair to fall loosely behind your shoulders, then use both hands to gather your hair behind your head as if you were going to tie it into a ponytail. Make sure you grab the base of the ponytail with one hand, close to your head so you'll have ample hair length to work with. Use your other hand to grab the base of the ponytail, replacing your other hand, with your palm facing behind you (your thumb should be making a "thumbs up" sign). Pull your arm up as you twist your wrist around in a clockwise direction, thus twisting the ponytail into a coil. While still holding the coiled hair tightly, bring your hand over your head to the opposite side of your body, then pass off the coil to your opposite hand. Bring the hair underneath the coil on the back of your head and pass it off again to the other hand. Continue this process (you should both feel your hair tightening and see the bun forming if you're looking in the mirror). At the end of the wrapping process, with a few inches of hair remaining, wrap the remainder around the base of the bun to secure the shape. Hold the bun down while you put on an elastic hair tie.

Source:

"Hair: Styling Tips & Tricks for Girls"; Jim Jordan; 2000