Bun hairstyles: from sleek to loose

The bun: the hairstyle that saves the day in ten minutes

There are mornings when you grab a hairband without thinking, and a ponytail does the job perfectly — ten seconds, no fuss, it has its charm and no one will judge you. But there are also days when you want something else: to clear your neck, throat and shoulders, and instantly feel more polished without spending all morning on it! Good news: buns are more popular than ever, from sleek to loose, and there's one for every hair length and every style.

One caveat, in all honesty: a harmonious bun still requires a minimum of skill. If you're not a dab hand with hair, take your reference to a hairdresser — for a big occasion, or just to treat yourself. In the meantime, here's a small selection of looks we've spotted, from the most romantic to the most graphic, so you can pick the idea that suits your mood.

The bun teams up with a headband

The big trend right now is a bun wrapped with a headband — thick or thin, sometimes studded, sequinned or beaded when the evening calls for it. The bun itself can be loose or sleek, smooth or curly: it's the band that adds the romantic touch, sometimes downright boho depending on the style you choose.

A perfect example: this sleek-fronted bun, with a fine double band and a lovely backcombed volume at the back. The underside is left unstraightened for a softer feel: in reality, it's the contrast between a neat front and a slightly undone finish that makes it work.

Another, much looser version: a headband serving a boho bun, with curls escaping in a beautifully organised mess around the face. The ochre band warms up the hair, and the cream linen blouse completes the mood — we love it!

More demure, the very princess-like bun: a smoothed section at the front, separated from the rest by a pink silk headband, and a sleek volume at the back. Understated yet incredibly effective — the kind of hairstyle that says nothing and everything at once.

And finally, a small favourite: the ballerina bun worn high on the nape and completely sleek, with an ultra-fine band that smooths the front and gives the back a rounded lift. Precise down to the last detail! If you're looking for a reference to show your hairdresser, this is probably the one.

The braided bun, still going strong

Another trend that isn't fading: the braided bun. Whether the braid is flat against the scalp or simply wrapped around like a crown, it's the braid that elevates the style and completely changes the final result.

We love the version where a thick cornrow braid clears the face in an interweaving of lighter strands, before wrapping into a low bun. A magnificent play of textures.

A long, impeccable variation: the braid starts at the forehead, runs along the scalp and wraps into a low bun, without a single strand escaping. The asymmetric parting is what makes all the charm.

A more romantic version: a fine braid winds around the temple and blends into a soft, undone low bun. The contrast between the neat line of the braid and the softness of the bun is exactly what makes the difference! In the same spirit, two braids on either side of the face with a messy bun play the boho card, while the full-on boho braided bun — a very light crown braid with loose strands escaping — embraces a pretty undone look.

From sleekest to most unruly

A change of register with smooth, glossy hair pulled into a low bun wrapped with a single strand. Very red carpet. Then a great classic: the dancer's bun high on the nape, without frills — chic, never dated, and it holds all day without budging.

Fancy a retro feel? Wear it to one side, slightly loose, to allow maximum volume. In an undone version, dare a side parting and a relaxed curl framing the face. In a curly version, a few little curls escape around the face, a bit of volume at the front, a tangle of curls at the back — a soft, moving hairstyle.

A regal version: the braid wrapped around the bun. At the front, the hair is pulled back and sleek; at the back, the substantial bun is framed by a very light braid. True craftsmanship! More romantic: a side parting, pretty waves framing the face and a loose bun sitting low on the side of the nape keep all their softness. Special mention for those strands that are sometimes curly, sometimes sleek around the face, with volume and an impression of controlled mess. To finish, two very Hollywood versions: waves on top of the head and a low wavy bun to one side; loosely intertwined curls and golden strands on the other. The kind of hairstyle that turns heads!

Budget

In a salon, expect around £25 to £50 for a daytime bun, and £50 to £100 for an evening or wedding bun. The bill rises with hair length, the technique chosen — braided, sleek, boho — the city and the standing of the salon. At an independent hairdresser, the cost is often gentler; at home or for a big event, the range can rise considerably. The safest bet is always to ask for a quote beforehand, especially if you're adding a headband, decorative pins or flowers.

For accessories, a thin headband costs around £4 to £13 in supermarkets, beauty halls or haberdasheries, and up to £25 or £35 for a silk or beaded style. Hair grips and texturising spray cost a few pounds in the supermarket or online. Again, compare: with this kind of small kit, the price difference is mostly about finish, not effectiveness. And if you'd like a more responsible alternative, a local haberdashery or a recycled-silk ribbon brand does the job perfectly — provided you check the origin of the silk, which isn't always stated.

The main thing to remember is that a successful bun doesn't necessarily depend on a professional technique: it often comes down to a single strand left loose, a well-chosen band, or that slight softness you dare to leave instead of pulling every hair into place. So next morning, when your hairband is calling your name, why not try a bun? At worst, you'll lose five minutes; at best, you'll gain a whole new look.