How to Do a Ballet Bun

A ballet bun is more than just a hairstyle—it's a tradition that embodies the grace and discipline of ballet. Whether you’re preparing for a class, rehearsal, or performance, a neat and secure bun is essential. Here's Frontier Studios’ step-by-step guide to achieving the perfect ballet bun.

1. Gather Your Supplies

Before you begin, make sure you have all the necessary tools:

• Hairbrush or comb

• Hair elastic

• Hairpins or bobby pins

• Hairnet (optional but recommended)

• Hair spray or gel (for extra hold)

2. Brush and Prepare Your Hair

Start by brushing your hair thoroughly to remove any tangles. If your hair is prone to frizz or flyaways, consider lightly misting it with water or applying a bit of hair gel to smooth it out.

3. Create a Ponytail

Decide where you want your bun to sit—low, mid, or high. Typically, a ballet bun is positioned at the middle or lower part of the back of your head. Gather your hair and secure it into a tight ponytail using a hair elastic. Make sure the ponytail is smooth and free of bumps.

4. Twist the Ponytail

Twist the ponytail into a tight rope. The tighter you twist, the easier it will be to form a neat bun that stays in place.

5. Form the Bun

Wrap the twisted ponytail around the base of the elastic to form a bun. Tuck the ends of your hair under the bun as you go. Keep the bun flat against your head for a classic ballet look.

6. Secure with Hairpins

Use hairpins or bobby pins to secure the bun. Insert the pins around the edges of the bun, pushing them in towards the center. Make sure the pins are holding the bun firmly against your head. Use as many pins as necessary to keep the bun secure.

7. Use a Hairnet (Optional)

For an extra smooth and secure bun, cover it with a hairnet. Choose a hairnet that matches your hair color for a seamless look. Wrap the hairnet around the bun, twisting it and securing the ends underneath with additional pins.

8. Finish with Hair Spray

Finally, apply a light mist of hair spray to keep everything in place and tame any stray hairs. Smooth down any flyaways with your hands or a comb.

9. Check for Security and Neatness

Give your head a gentle shake to ensure the bun is secure. Check the bun in a mirror to make sure it looks neat and tidy from all angles. Adjust any pins or smooth out any bumps as needed.

Tips for a Perfect Ballet Bun

• For Fine Hair: If you have fine or slippery hair, use a bit of dry shampoo or texturizing spray before starting. This adds grip and makes the hair easier to work with.

• For Thick Hair: If your hair is very thick, consider dividing it into two sections and creating two smaller buns, then pinning them together. This can help distribute the weight more evenly.

• Practice Makes Perfect: Don’t worry if your first few attempts aren’t perfect. Like any skill, making a ballet bun takes practice. Keep trying, and you’ll improve each time.

Achieving a perfect ballet bun is a skill that combines technique and practice. With these steps, you'll be able to create a secure and elegant bun that complements your dancing. Stay tuned to Frontier Studios for more ballet tips and tutorials!

Click here to watch how Bloch creates the perfect ballet bun!

Happy dancing!