6.05.2012

How To: Lauren Conrad's Big Messy Bun & Big Ballerina Bun

1, 2, 3

Everyone knows how to do the basic bun--but what if you could add more volume to that bun? This even beats the Pinterest-loving "sock bun." The sock bun just never gave me the hold and volume I wanted, so this has always been my go-to method for a big bun. Here's how:



Y O U ' L L   N E E D:

  • Bun Maker (these are available in blonde and brown, too) Try beauty supply stores for the cheapest.
  • Hair elastic
  • Bobby Pins
  • hairspray or gel
  • dry shampoo (optional)


M E T H O D

  • If your hair is on the greasy side, try some dry shampoo to degrease and give some volume/texture to hair. This is completely optional.
  • Put your hair in a ponytail, high on your head.
  • Then decide which big bun you'd like:

Messy Bun with Pins:



  • Slide the bun maker to the beginning of your ponytail. See pic.
  • Swirl hair around and pin. See pic.
  • Set with spray.



Super Big Bun, No Pins (Ballerina)











  • So you want the BIGGEST BUN EVER? No pins?
  • Put your hair in a high pony--see pic.
  • Place the bun maker at the ends of your hair--see pic.
  • Twist & roll your hair through the bun maker, similar to rolling up pantyhose (did I just sound like a granny then?). See pic.
  • Continue this winding/wrapping motion, all the way to the beginning of the ponytail. It takes a few minutes depending on the length/thickness of your hair. See pic.
  • Pin any strays (you shouldn't need any pins to hold the bun as the ends have been wrapped under).
  • Set with spray.
T I P S:
  • Look for "bun maker" or "mesh chignon" when shopping. 
  • The cost is around $3.
  • This method works SO MUCH BETTER than the sock bun. It provides excellent hold and gives the appearance of volume. Try it.
ballerina, messy, ballerina


46 comments:

  1. I really wish I had longer hair so that I could do this! It's also quite amazing how much I remember all your tips and tricks! Love it! Have a great week lovely xoxox

    ReplyDelete
  2. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  3. This is such a fabulous look! Thanks so much for showing us how to easily create it!
    xo
    Sharon

    ReplyDelete
  4. no bun for my short hair, but it looks great on you!

    ReplyDelete
  5. I wish I had enough hair for this! It looks so cute, but I think my hair is so thin, the bun maker would show through. It was interesting to see how all of that volume is created though--I always wondered!

    ReplyDelete
  6. very cool - thanks Elle :) le xox

    ReplyDelete
  7. I wish I knew this trick before I cut all my hair off! Noted for when it grows back!

    ReplyDelete
  8. I absolutely need to get myself one of those bun makers. I wear buns daily but usually just swirl my hair up and clip it...how much better does this look? And this is the first time in my life where I've had long hair!

    ReplyDelete
  9. I haven't had success with the sock bun but this bun holder looks pretty fabulous. I need to pick one up!

    ReplyDelete
  10. I love sock buns! I will have to pick up one of these next time I go to the store! Thanks elle!

    ReplyDelete
  11. I absolutely love the look of a ballerina bun - I need to pick up one of those donuts ASAP! :)

    ReplyDelete
  12. I really love my sock bun, but I may have to try this instead. Thanks!

    http://mandycrandell.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  13. Is your bun edible?

    ReplyDelete
  14. I like this much better then the sock bun. I will have to pick up a bun making the next time I go to sally beauty supplies.

    ReplyDelete
  15. Love these buns!!

    Jayme & Mendi @ Her Late Night Cravings

    ReplyDelete
  16. You seriously make it look so easy...and make me miss having longer hair.

    Courtney ~ http://sartorialsidelines.com

    ReplyDelete
  17. I've always wanted to know how to do this! Thanks for the tutorial. :)

    ReplyDelete
  18. The sock bun is the best invention! I love when my students use it because it makes a perfect bun and I don't have to fix it. ps... your hair is gorgeous!

    ReplyDelete
  19. How have I made it this far through life without knowing that you needed an extra accessory to make a decent bun?

    ReplyDelete
  20. i saw that H&M had those bun things! I'm thinking about trying it! I've done this with a sock but I have so little hair that it never looks as big as I would like! :P

    ReplyDelete
  21. I love the super bun look- definitely need to try this! As always, you come through with a great DIY! ;)

    -Ashley
    http://lerougestylo.blog.com

    ReplyDelete
  22. I love buns, and I love how you make it look so easy:)

    ReplyDelete
  23. That's a great look. My daughter will probably want one of these. She's a dancer, so her hair is always up in a bun.

    ReplyDelete
  24. Omg, I feel so lied to!!! lol

    ReplyDelete
  25. I've been looking for these forever. I knew about them years ago because they're pretty popular in Asia, but I could never find them here in the states!
    ♥ laura
    the blog of worldly delights
    the shop of worldly delights

    ReplyDelete
  26. I think the buns are perfect! You really rocked this tutorial.

    ReplyDelete
  27. I just found your blog! It's great! Love this trick for a great bun. I'll be looking for this.

    ReplyDelete
  28. I just found your blog! It's great! Love this trick for a great bun. I'll be looking for this.

    ReplyDelete
  29. Love this! and so fun to do :)
    http://www.annawithlove.com

    ReplyDelete
  30. hahaha, "bun is larger than it appears!" Such a cute hairstyle on you! :)

    ReplyDelete
  31. Sorry, but the sock bun works exactly the same.

    ReplyDelete
  32. Dear Anonymous,
    Sorry, but if you go back and read the post, the donut bun works for my thick hair and a sock bun never did. I didn't get the volume and had to use pins. Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment!

    ReplyDelete
  33. love your buns!! haha :) they seriously look so pretty - thanks for the tutorials!! xoxo

    ReplyDelete
  34. So easy to do and looks awesome!!

    ReplyDelete
  35. Awesome!! I'm buying one of those today. I've never loved the sock look, so this is quite genius.

    From~
    http://morgan-alexandra.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  36. I love this,was going to bob my hair .Will do this for fall thanks!!!

    ReplyDelete
  37. Everyone say they wish they had longer hair for this but I actually think mine is too long! I can never roll up all the hair with the second technique :(
    it looks so pretty, I wish I could do it!

    ReplyDelete
  38. You are kicking it Elle! Just randomly stumbled on this pinned on Pinterest. World Famous Beauty Blogger in no time! ;)

    ReplyDelete
  39. Wish these things came in red, for us redheads! Hopefully the brown won't be too noticeable under my hair....

    ReplyDelete
  40. Are the premade sock bun donuts easier to use than the homemade ones? I cannot for the life of me get the sock bun to work!

    ReplyDelete
  41. @Kelly altena I certainly think so, as the sock bun would never stay in my hair. It's certainly worth a try. :)

    ReplyDelete
  42. i love this tutorial! i like the messy bun 'do tutorial thanks elle!!!

    ReplyDelete
  43. I love these big buns but the sock never worked that well for me either. My other problem is all the layers in my hair. So many of them fall out or get wonky when I'm trying to roll it. I think the messy bun is the perfect solution until my hair grows out! Thank you.

    ReplyDelete

Disclaimer:

All products mentioned are purchased by me unless stated.
All pics, thoughts, etc, are mine unless otherwise noted. Publishing or redistributing any content from this blog is strictly prohibited. Please seek permission first. Thank you.




Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...