20+ Stylish Bun Hairstyle Ideas You Can Wear Anywhere

Buns are the ultimate hairstyle MVP—they’re quick, cute, and work for literally any occasion.

Whether you’re running errands, heading to work, or dressing up for a night out, there’s a bun for that. I’ve rounded up my favorite bun hairstyles that go way beyond the basic top knot.

Get ready to twist, pin, and slay.

Bun Hairstyle Inspo

1. The Classic High Bun

The classic high bun is a timeless staple that never goes out of style. This look is perfect for any occasion, whether you’re heading to work or going out for a night on the town.

Simply gather your hair at the crown of your head and secure it with an elastic band. Twist the hair around the base and pin it into place. For a sleek finish, use a little hairspray or gel. If you prefer a more relaxed feel, leave a few strands down to frame your face.

Pair it with bold earrings for a more dramatic look or keep it simple with a headband. This hairstyle is not only easy but also versatile enough to suit any outfit.

2. The Messy Bun

The messy bun is all about effortless style. This relaxed and carefree look is great for casual outings or busy days when you want to look stylish without too much fuss.

To create a messy bun, gather your hair loosely at the back of your head and secure it with a hair tie. Don’t worry about it being perfect! Pull out some strands for that intentionally disheveled look.

Add a few decorative hairpins or flowers for a playful touch. This style is perfect for adding a bit of personality to your look and is very forgiving if you’re in a rush.

3. The Low Chignon

Elegance defines the low chignon hairstyle. Perfect for formal events or a sophisticated office look, the low chignon is all about refinement.

Start by gathering your hair at the nape of your neck, twist it into a bun, and secure it with hairpins. This style works best with straight or slightly wavy hair.

Add a ribbon or decorative pin to elevate the look. This hairstyle pairs beautifully with a classy dress or tailored suit, making it an ideal choice for weddings or corporate events.

4. The Braided Bun

Looking to add a little flair to your classic bun? The braided bun is the way to go! This style combines the elegance of a bun with the intricate beauty of braids.

Begin by braiding a section of hair before wrapping it into a bun at the back of your head. Secure with pins, allowing the braid to hang loosely for that stylish edge.

This look is perfect for festivals or summer outings, as it keeps your hair off your neck while showcasing your creative side. You can also play with different braid styles to match your personality.

5. The Top Knot

The top knot is not just for lazy days; it’s a trendy statement! This high-bun style can be as sleek or messy as you like and works wonders for showcasing your facial features.

Gather your hair into a high ponytail and twist it into a bun on top of your head, securing it with a hair tie. For a chic finish, pull out a few strands around your face or leave it sleek for a polished look.

This style is especially great for those with long hair, allowing you to keep it off your neck while still looking fabulous. Pair it with a bold lip color for a standout look.

6. The Twisted Bun

Twists add a delightful twist (pun intended!) to the traditional bun. The twisted bun brings an air of sophistication while being simple to achieve.

Divide your hair into sections, twist each section, and then wrap them around each other to form a bun at the desired height. Secure with bobby pins and you’re ready to go!

This style works best on medium to long hair and can be dressed up with accessories. It’s also perfect for creating a romantic look for date night or an elegant evening out.

7. The Side Bun

The side bun adds a unique flair to the traditional styles, offering a chic alternative that’s perfect for both casual and formal events.

Gather your hair to one side of your neck and twist it into a bun, securing it with pins. This asymmetrical style can be made messy or sleek, depending on your preference.

Enhance the look with curls or waves for a more romantic vibe. The side bun also works wonderfully with statement earrings, drawing attention to your features.

8. The Knotty Bun

For those who love a bit of edge, the knotty bun is a fun, sporty take on the traditional bun hairstyle.

Start by tying your hair into a high ponytail and create a knot with the ponytail, wrapping it around itself to form a bun. Secure with pins or a hair tie. This look is casual yet trendy, making it perfect for weekend outings or gym sessions.

You can leave the ends loose for a playful touch or tuck them for a sleek finish. Pair this style with a band tee and jeans for a laid-back vibe.

9. The Floral Bun

Nothing says ‘feminine charm’ like a floral bun! This style is perfect for special occasions or summer outings, adding a touch of whimsy to your look.

Start with a basic bun and add fresh flowers or floral accessories around the base. This style not only looks beautiful but also smells amazing!

You can mix and match flower colors to match your outfit, creating a coordinated and cohesive look. This hairstyle pairs wonderfully with sundresses or romantic outfits.

10. The Sleek Low Bun

For a polished and professional look, the sleek low bun is unbeatable. This style is perfect for work or formal gatherings, adding a touch of sophistication.

Comb your hair back smoothly and gather it into a low bun at the nape of your neck, securing with pins and a bit of hairspray for hold. The key to this look is in the smooth finish, so take your time with the comb.

Pair it with a formal outfit for a complete polished look. Adding a statement necklace brings attention to the neckline, making the hairstyle pop even more.

11. The Double Bun

Feeling playful? The double bun hairstyle is your go-to! This fun and flirty style is perfect for festival season or a cute day out with friends.

Divide your hair into two sections and create two small buns on either side of your head. You can make them equal or create a more asymmetrical look for a trendier vibe.

Consider adding colorful hair ties or accessories to make the buns stand out. This style is especially lovely on medium to long hair and can be paired with casual outfits or playful dresses.

12. The Retro Bun

Channel your inner vintage diva with the retro bun hairstyle! This glamorous look brings back the charm of bygone eras, ideal for themed parties or elegant events.

Start by teasing the crown of your hair for volume, then gather the length into a bun, securing it with pins. This style often benefits from a bit of hairspray to maintain that classic hold.

Accessorize with a headband or scarf for that retro flair. Pair it with a vintage-inspired dress for a full throwback look that’s simply stunning.

13. The Half-Up Bun

The half-up bun combines the best of both worlds! It’s a fantastic way to keep your hair off your face while still showcasing your gorgeous locks.

Simply section off the top half of your hair and create a bun, leaving the bottom half down. This style is incredibly versatile and works well for both casual and formal occasions.

Experiment with waves or curls in the lower portion to add texture and dimension. This hairstyle is also super easy to switch up with different hair accessories.

14. The Artistic Bun

Get creative with the artistic bun! This style is perfect for the artsy soul who loves to stand out and express themselves through unique hairstyles.

Start by creating a standard bun, then add twists, braids, or even colored hair chalk to make it truly your own. This look can be as bold or subtle as you like, making it an exciting way to showcase your personality.

Pair this hairstyle with fun makeup or colorful outfits for a cohesive look. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different textures and accessories to elevate your creative style!

15. The Low Messy Bun

If you love the carefree vibe of a messy bun but want something a little more subdued, try the low messy bun. This style offers a relaxed look while still keeping things chic.

Gather your hair at the nape of your neck, twist it loosely, and allow some strands to fall naturally. Secure with pins, and voilà – effortless elegance!

This style is great for those with medium to long hair, and it pairs beautifully with casual outfits. Try adding a headband for a cute touch.

16. The Fishtail Bun

The fishtail bun is a unique twist on the classic bun style. It combines the intricate fishtail braid with the elegance of a bun for a stunning look!

Begin by braiding your hair into a fishtail braid, then wrap it into a bun. Secure with pins, and let the ends peek out for a flirty finish. This style is perfect for special occasions or when you want to impress!

The fishtail bun looks fantastic with accessories like jeweled pins. It works well on medium to long hair, giving a whimsical and romantic appearance.

17. The Space Buns

Bring out your inner child with playful space buns! This trendy hairstyle is not only fun but also super easy to pull off.

Create two high ponytails and twist each into a bun, securing with hair ties. The space buns can be messy or sleek, depending on your style preference.

This look is great for festivals, casual outings, or even workout sessions. Consider adding colorful hair ties or clips for an extra pop of fun!

18. The Sleek Braid Bun

Want a polished look that’s still unique? The sleek braid bun is the perfect solution. This style combines the elegance of a bun with a sophisticated braid.

Begin by creating a sleek braid with your hair, then wrap it into a bun and secure it carefully with pins. This hairstyle can be as simple or intricate as you desire, making it great for any occasion.

You can add embellishments like hair pearls for a classy twist. This style looks stunning with an evening gown or at formal parties.

19. The Shell Bun

The shell bun is a unique twist that resembles the elegant shape of a seashell. It’s a sophisticated hairstyle that’s perfect for special occasions.

To create this look, gather your hair into a low bun, twist sections to create a shell-like form, and secure with pins. This hairstyle is ideal for long hair, as it showcases its length beautifully.

Pair this look with delicate earrings or a neckpiece to draw attention to your facial features. The shell bun is particularly beautiful for wedding styles or formal events.

20. The Vintage Twist Bun

Take a trip down memory lane with the vintage twist bun. This hairstyle brings a touch of nostalgia while remaining stylish and modern.

Twist sections of your hair and wrap them around a base bun, securing with pins. The trick is to maintain a soft, romantic feel, letting loose strands frame your face.

This look pairs wonderfully with retro outfits or vintage-inspired accessories. It’s a fantastic choice for a themed party or any event that calls for a touch of class.

21. The Bold Colorful Bun

Want to make a statement? The bold colorful bun is all about vibrancy and fun! This hairstyle allows you to express yourself through color while keeping it stylish.

Dye your hair in bright shades or add colorful extensions, then create a bun. The key is to let the colors shine, so keep the hairstyle simple.

This look is fantastic for festivals, parties, or just when you want to stand out! Pair with colorful outfits or accessories for a complete look.

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Bun hairstyles offer a world of possibilities, each one providing a unique way to express your style. Whether you’re dressing up for a special event or just looking for a quick style, these 21 bun hairstyles are sure to transform your look in seconds.

Experiment with different styles and make them your own! Don’t be shy about mixing and matching accessories, colors, and textures. Embrace the versatility of buns and enjoy the process of finding your perfect style!

Frequently Asked Questions