12 Side Bun Hairstyles We’re Obsessed With Right Now

12 Side Bun Hairstyles We’re Obsessed With Right Now

Side buns have quietly become one of the most requested styles in salons right now, and honestly, it makes sense. They’re polished enough for a wedding, relaxed enough for brunch, and they work on almost every hair type once you find the right version for you. Whether you’ve got fine strands that need a little help holding shape or thick waves that practically twist themselves, there’s a side bun on this list that’s going to feel like it was made for you.

I’ve pulled together twelve of my favorite side bun looks, from soft romantic styles to sleek modern ones, so you can find your next go-to.

Trendy High Bun with Soft Bangs

This one’s a favorite for a reason. A high side bun paired with soft, wispy bangs gives you that effortless-cool vibe without much fuss. It works beautifully on round and oval face shapes since the height balances things out, and it suits fine to medium hair especially well. Style the bangs with a round brush for a little lift, then twist the rest into a loose bun off to one side. Low maintenance once it’s set, and it holds up through a full day without much touching up.

Soft Upstyle with Face-Framing Pieces for Mother of the Bride

If you’re attending a wedding and want something elegant but not stiff, this is it. Loose face-framing pieces soften the whole look and flatter square or heart-shaped faces particularly well. It’s a great option for medium to long hair, and it photographs beautifully in natural light. A texturizing spray before pinning helps the pieces curl softly instead of falling flat. Expect this one to need a touch of hairspray to survive a night of dancing.

Intricate Bun Updo

This is the style you pull out when you want people to ask who did your hair. Woven sections and small twists build into a bun with a lot of visual texture, making it ideal for long, thick hair that can hold the detail. It suits pretty much any face shape since the interest sits low and to the side rather than at the crown. It takes more time to create, so I’d save this one for special occasions rather than a Tuesday morning.

Romantic Bun with Pearl Accessories

Sometimes the simplest bun just needs the right accessory to feel finished. Tucking small pearl pins throughout a loose, slightly undone bun gives it a soft, bridal feel without looking overly done. It works well on wavy or curly hair since the texture keeps the bun from looking too tight. This is an easy one for beginners too, since the accessories hide any imperfect sections. A light-hold mousse before styling keeps flyaways in check.

Sleek Top Knot with Curtain Bangs

There’s something about a sleek bun paired with curtain bangs that feels both modern and a little retro at the same time. This version sits closer to the crown but tilts to one side, and it’s especially flattering on oval and long face shapes. Straight or slightly wavy hair takes to this style the easiest, since sleekness is the whole point. A flat iron on the bangs and a good smoothing serum on the bun will get you there. Maintenance is moderate, mostly because keeping it sleek through humidity takes a little product.

Twisted Low Bun

This is the bun I recommend to people who say they “can’t do buns.” Two twisted sections combine into a low, side-swept bun, and the twisting itself hides a lot of styling mistakes. Fine hair benefits from the twists adding visible texture, while thicker hair gets a nice weight to it. It suits nearly every face shape since it sits low and soft near the neckline. Bobby pins and a little dry texture spray are really all you need.

Inverted Braids with Space Buns

This one leans younger and edgier, and it’s a lot of fun if you’re bored of the usual updo options. Two inverted braids feed into small buns positioned to one side rather than symmetrically, which keeps it from looking too costume-y. Curly and coily hair textures genuinely shine in this style since the braids hold beautifully. It’s best for medium to long hair with enough length to braid comfortably. This is more of a statement look, so it’s great for festivals or a night out rather than the office.

Romantic Blonde Low Bun

Blonde balayage or soft highlights add so much dimension to a low side bun, especially when a few pieces are left loose around the face. This style suits warmer skin tones particularly well, and it works on straight or wavy hair alike. Because the color does a lot of the visual work, the bun itself can stay fairly simple and relaxed. It’s a great option if you’ve recently colored your hair and want a style that shows it off. Touch up with a shine spray to keep the color looking fresh throughout the day.

Formal Bun Updo with Hair Accessories

When you need something that reads as formal without looking fussy, this is a solid choice. A structured side bun gets dressed up with jeweled clips or a decorative comb, instantly elevating it for events like galas or formal dinners. It works particularly well on thick or coarse hair, which holds the shape without much extra product. Oval and heart-shaped faces tend to suit this one best since the accessories draw the eye upward and to the side. It’s higher maintenance to create but holds its shape for hours once it’s pinned.

Loose and Curly Bun

Curly hair deserves a bun that doesn’t fight its natural texture, and this is exactly that. Instead of smoothing everything down, you let the curls stay curly and simply gather them loosely to one side. This suits curly and coily hair types best, obviously, though it can be recreated on wavy hair with a curling wand. It’s flattering on most face shapes since the volume balances out narrower features. Low maintenance and honestly a great second or third day hair option.

Waves and Side Updo for Mother of the Groom

Soft waves cascading into a side updo strike that balance between elegant and comfortable, which is exactly what you want for a long event day. This style flatters longer face shapes especially well, and it works on medium to long hair with natural or added wave. It’s a forgiving style too, since the waves hide small styling inconsistencies. A medium-hold hairspray keeps the waves intact through hours of standing and hugging relatives. This one’s a reliable pick when you want to look put-together without looking overly styled.

Braided Crown and Curly Bun

This is probably the most romantic option on the list, and it’s a favorite for outdoor weddings and garden parties. A thin braid wraps across the crown like a halo before leading into a curly, textured bun to one side. It suits wavy and curly hair the best, since the bun needs that natural texture to look full. Heart and oval face shapes tend to look especially soft and flattering with this one. It does take some practice to braid smoothly, but once you’ve got the technique down, it’s a style you’ll keep coming back to.

However you decide to wear it, a side bun is one of those styles that adapts to whatever your day calls for. Try a few of these out, see what feels most like you, and don’t be afraid to mix elements from different ones on this list. That’s usually how the best personal signature styles come together anyway.