17 Simple Bun Hairstyles That Are Actually Easy to DIY

17 Simple Bun Hairstyles That Are Actually Easy to DIY

Buns get a bad reputation for being boring, but honestly, they’re one of the most underrated hairstyles out there. They’re fast, they work on almost any hair type, and they can look either polished or perfectly undone depending on your mood. Whether you’re rushing out the door or trying to look put-together for a night out, there’s a bun for that. Here are 17 simple bun hairstyles that are actually easy to DIY, no salon trip required.

Classic Low Bun

This one’s a staple for a reason. A classic low bun sits at the nape of your neck and works beautifully on straight or slightly wavy hair. It suits pretty much every face shape, especially oval and heart-shaped faces, since it keeps the focus on your features without adding bulk up top. Maintenance is minimal, just gather, twist, and pin. For a little extra polish, smooth down flyaways with a bit of gel or a smoothing serum.

Messy Top Bun

The messy top bun is basically the uniform of anyone who’s ever had a chaotic morning. It works on medium to thick hair and looks best a little undone, so don’t stress about perfection here. Textured or second-day hair actually holds this style better than fresh, freshly washed strands. Pull a few face-framing pieces loose for a softer look, and you’re done in under a minute.

Sleek Ballerina Bun

If you want something that reads as elegant and put-together, this is it. The sleek ballerina bun works especially well on fine to medium hair since it relies on a smooth, tight finish rather than volume. It’s a favorite for those with round or square face shapes because the height at the crown adds length. Use a strong-hold gel and a fine-tooth comb to keep every strand in place.

Braided Bun Combo

This one takes a few extra minutes but the payoff is worth it. Start with a simple braid, then coil it into a bun for a look that feels more intentional than a regular twist. It works great on long hair and adds texture without needing curls or waves first. This style holds up well through a full workday and even better through a night out.

Space Buns

Space buns had a major comeback and honestly, they’re just fun. Two buns, symmetrical or slightly uneven, sitting high on the head. They work best on medium-length to long hair and look especially cute with a bit of natural wave. This is a low-maintenance style but it does make a statement, so it’s perfect when you want your hair to do the talking.

Twisted Bun

Instead of the usual gather-and-wrap method, this style uses two twisted sections that meet in a bun. It adds a bit of texture and visual interest without much extra effort. Wavy or curly hair takes especially well to this technique since the twists blend right in. It’s a great option for thick hair that tends to feel heavy in a regular bun.

Half-Up Bun

This is the ultimate in-between hairstyle. Half of your hair stays down, giving you movement and softness, while the top half gets pulled into a small bun. It works well on nearly every hair length past the shoulders and is especially flattering on longer face shapes since it doesn’t pull all the hair back. Curl the ends beforehand for a softer, more romantic finish.

Bubble Bun

Think of this as a twist on the regular bun using small hair ties to create a layered, bubble-like effect. It’s a fun statement style that works particularly well on straight or blown-out hair since the bubbles show up more clearly. This one takes a little practice but once you get the hang of it, it’s quick to repeat. Great for those who want something a little different for a special occasion.

Low Side Bun

Shifting a bun off-center instantly makes it feel more romantic and less structured. This style works beautifully for wavy or curly hair textures, since the side placement plays well with natural texture. It’s flattering on oval and heart-shaped faces and pairs nicely with soft curtain bangs or face-framing layers. Loosen a few pieces around your face for a relaxed, bridal-adjacent look.

Bun with Bangs

If you already have bangs, this one’s basically made for you. Sweeping the rest of your hair into a bun while keeping your bangs down creates instant contrast and keeps things from feeling too severe. It works on straight or slightly wavy hair and suits round or square face shapes especially well, since the bangs soften angular features. Curl your bangs slightly for extra dimension.

Chignon Bun

The chignon is the slightly fancier cousin of the classic bun. It sits low, close to the neck, and has a rounded, tucked-under shape that looks more formal. This one’s ideal for fine to medium hair since too much thickness can make the shape harder to control. It’s a go-to for weddings, interviews, or any time you want to look effortlessly polished.

Curly Bun

Curly hair deserves its own bun style since it behaves so differently from straight hair. This version embraces natural curl pattern rather than fighting it, letting some curls peek out around the bun for texture. It works on all curl types, from loose waves to tight coils, and actually looks better with a bit of definition cream added beforehand. Bonus: this style helps protect curls from frizz and breakage overnight too.

Double-Twist Bun

This one uses two twisted strands wrapped around each other before being pinned into a bun, creating a rope-like texture. It’s a nice option for medium to long hair and adds a bit of extra flair to what would otherwise be a plain bun. Straight hair benefits most here since the twists show up clearly against a smooth surface. It photographs really well too, if that’s a factor for you.

Bun with Wrapped Strand

Instead of using a hair tie you can see, this style hides it by wrapping a small section of hair around the base of the bun. It gives a cleaner, more finished appearance and works on almost any hair length, though it’s easiest with medium to long hair. This trick alone can make a basic bun look noticeably more expensive. Secure the wrapped piece with a small bobby pin underneath.

Textured Undone Bun

This is for anyone who wants the “I didn’t try” look, minus the actual effort of achieving perfectly tousled hair. Loosely gather your hair, twist it just once, and pin it without smoothing anything down. It’s especially suited to thick or coarse hair that naturally holds shape and texture. A texturizing spray beforehand helps if your hair is on the finer or slippery side.

High Bun with Volume

Sometimes you want a bun that adds height rather than sitting flat against your head. This version starts with a bit of backcombing at the crown before pulling hair into a high bun, giving it extra lift and presence. It works particularly well for those with fine hair looking to fake some volume, and it also suits oval or long face shapes nicely. A light-hold hairspray keeps the volume in place without feeling stiff.

Bun with Face-Framing Layers

If you have layers around your face already, this style makes the most of them. Pull the rest of your hair back into a simple bun while letting those shorter face-framing pieces fall loose. It works across hair lengths and adds softness to any face shape, especially more angular ones. Curl the framing pieces slightly or use a flat iron for loose waves to finish the look.

At the end of the day, buns are one of those hairstyles that reward a little experimentation. Once you get comfortable with the basic twist-and-pin motion, you can mix and match textures, placements, and finishing touches to fit whatever mood you’re in. Try a few of these out and see which ones become your everyday go-to’s.