How to create a perfect ballerina bun: Our easy step-by-step video tutorial

You Will Need

Just because we’re not all destined to star in The Nutcracker or Swan Lake, it doesn’t mean we can’t at least look the part, right? Designed to withstand intense dancing routines and long working hours, the ballerina bun is an elegant hairstyle that will stay put all day long.

Styled with a clean, minimalist finish, ballerina buns offer a host of fresh styling ideas for every hair type and texture. Paired with oversized earrings and a strong red lip, they add an elegant touch to your evening look. Or, can just as easily be a great option to pair with your everyday office attire.

While the final look may seem like you need some pro styling skills, we promise that it’s super simple to achieve! So, follow our step-by-step tutorial below to learn how to create an elegant, polished ballerina bun in 8 easy steps.

How to create a ballerina bun

1

Protect your locks

Want to make sure your ballerina bun looks perfectly polished? Start with freshly washed tresses.

Apply a small amount of TRESemmé Get Sleek Smooth & Tame Cream to the mid-lengths and ends of your hair before you blow dry. This will help with styling and also keep the hair safe from heat damage.

2

Pull your hair into a ponytail.

Once your hair is blow dried, use a brush to pull all your hair back off your face and into a ponytail.

Use your free hand to hold the ponytail and double check in a mirror that you haven’t missed any strands, especially at the back of your head.

3

Twist it up.

Once you’ve gathered all your hair into a ponytail, making sure there are no flyaways, it’s time to twist the hair into the start of your bun.

Use your free hand to securely twist the hair either clockwise or anti-clockwise (depending on what is most comfortable).

Editor’s Tip: Don’t twist the hair so tight that it starts to bend inwards but do make sure it’s not loose enough to lose its shape.

4

Begin creating a bun.

Slowly wrap your twisted ponytail around your hairband until you’ve created your ideal bun size and shape.

Unwrap and re-twist if needed, the goal here is to make sure there are no loose hairs and the bun looks as perfect as possible.

5

Pin into place.

Holding onto the tail end of your bun with one hand, use your other hand to pin it under the hair, giving your bun a seamless finish.

Use extra bobby pins around the bun to secure it to your head and stop it unravelling, especially if you plan on indulging in a little ballet after all…

6

Seal the final look!

Happy with your bun? Seal the style in place all day by misting the VO5 Ultimate Hold Hairspray all over your locks.

Use your hand to smooth down the surface of the hair as you go for an ultra-precise finish.

Classic beauty: Margot Robbie. Credit: Rex by Shutterstock

Margot Robbie

Does Margot ever put a foot wrong when it comes to her red carpet look? We think not. Case in point: elevating her ballerina bun with an on-trend velvet ribbon.

We heart Dakota’s elegant ballerina bun. Credit: Rex by Shutterstock

Dakota Fanning

Sometimes the most impactful results are the simplest. Sweeping her hair back into an undersated high bun, Dakota keeps it classy with a no-fuss finish.

Sleek, stylish and eternally chic. Credit: Rex by Shutterstock

Eiza Gonzalez

Playing with the architecture of her ballerina bun, Mexican actress Eiza leaves the ends of her hair free to give an added dimension to the look. A wet-look finish completes her sleek aesthetic.

Want To Upgrade your bun? Try One of these seven styles!