How to do a slick ballet bun. Make sure the sound is on to hear Millie and her voiceover #shortvideo, by The Preston Family's Lover on YouTube. 1 min 35 s.
- Video length
- 1 min 35 s
- Time to do it
- 10 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 9
What you need
Steps
Brush all the tangles out of dry hair, then mist it lightly with water so it lies flat. Damp hair smooths much more easily than dry hair.
Comb the hair straight back from your forehead into a ponytail. Put the ponytail where you want the bun to sit, usually level with the top of your ears or slightly higher.
Smooth a small amount of gel over the hairline and sides, then brush the hair flat against your head with the boar bristle brush.
Tie the ponytail with a strong hair tie and pull it tight. Give it a gentle tug to check it is firm and sits straight.
Twist the ponytail into a tight rope and coil it around the base of the ponytail to form a flat round bun.
Slide a second hair tie over the coil to hold it, then push bobby pins into the edges, angled towards the centre of the bun.
Stretch a hair net over the bun and pin it underneath so the net disappears into the hair.
Brush a little gel around the hairline and over any flyaways, then finish with a light spray of hairspray.
Check the bun in a mirror from the front and the side, and pin down any loose ends or wispy pieces.
Tips and common mistakes
Work with hair that is damp but not wet, since soaking hair takes much longer to dry in a bun.
Pin bobby pins with the ridged side facing your head so they grip the hair instead of sliding out.
Do not pull the ponytail so tight that your scalp hurts, as a bun should feel firm but comfortable.
Wrap the coil as flat as you can, because a flat bun sits closer to the head and looks neater on stage.
Questions
How do I stop my ballet bun from falling out?
Use a strong hair tie for the ponytail plus a second tie or plenty of bobby pins around the coil. A hair net over the top holds everything together through jumping and turning.
Can I do a ballet bun on short or thin hair?
Yes, as long as you can gather a small ponytail. Add a hair donut or a scrunchie under the coil to build volume, and use extra pins to keep short layers in place.
Do I have to use gel?
No, but gel or pomade is what gives the slick look along the hairline. Water and hairspray alone work if you want to avoid product.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
