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The Bridal Ballerina Bun: Inspiration, Top Tips & DIY Tutorials
Cameron R Neilson via The Cinderella Project
I can’t get enough of ballerina buns at the moment.
Also referred to as the ‘blogger buns’ because savvy fashion bloggers everywhere seem to be sporting big, voluminous buns atop their heads.
Ballerina buns are a stylish, chic and classic up do for brides. They come in various shapes and sizes from sleek donuts to messy knotted styles.
Perfect for destination or summer weddings when you want to have your hair off your neck and shoulders or if you want to show off the detailing at the back of your gorgeous wedding dress.
Let’s have a little look at a few different styles of ballerina buns aka top knots…
via Style Me Pretty | via The Beauty Department
Duke Photography via Lovella Bridal | via The Becker | Dev Photography via One Wed
via PS. Chloe | MLE Photographs | Jasmine Star via Bridal Musings | Lauren Conrad via Fashion Fame
What do these beautiful buns have in common?
They’re all BIG.
Once upon a time it seemed that big ballerina buns were only for those lucky few blessed with super thick, lustrous hair but now, us thin haired gals can get in on the act too…
There are a variety of styling techniques that can help pump up the volume of a basic bun such as backcombing, pulling, wrapping or even knotting hair. Use clip in extensions or a genius little contraption known as the donut ring (available at beauty stores and H&M) or even, a humble sock!*
Real Brides in Ballerina Buns
Bridal buns aren’t just for models, fashion bloggers or celebrities dontcha know. They are a classic, timeless choice for brides too.
Lisa Dawn Photography via Pocketful of Dreams | Moss and Issac via 100 layer cake | Jonas Peterson via Once Wed | James Moes via ruffled | via Style Me Pretty
And we mustn’t forget that the ballerina bridal bun can look just as gorgeous on your bridesmaids…
Danelle Bohane via Pocketful of Dreams
Or that you could rock a bridal bun to any weddings you’re attending this year!
Ballerina Bun DIY Hair Tutorials
Here are some of my favourite ballerina bun tutorials on how to create beautiful ballerina buns.
*Sock bun tutorials have been doing the rounds on the internet for a while now. The premise is, instead of using a traditional donut ring hair accessory (as used by hairstylists) to create fuller, more rounded buns, you simply use a sock.
You cut the toe area off, roll it in on itself to create a donut hole shape, pop your ponytail inside and wrap your hair within the sock by rolling it back on itself. Sounds complicated but trust me, it’s not.
Sock Bun Tutorials
Sock bun video tutorial ~ this is the first tutorial I ever saw on sock buns and it’s very helpful to demonstrate the difference between using a donut ring (the traditional way) and a sock:
Simple sock bun photo tutorial on Wedding Chicks:
Hair Donut vs Sock Bun
I’ve used both a hair donut and a sock to create ballerina buns and I like both effects. With the sock bun, I especially like that I get a little bit of a curl in my hair once I take my bun out (if I put it up while slightly damp). But I prefer the rounded shape I can achieve when using a hair donut to create my bun and that I can make it look more messy. I like hair to look a little disheveled.
More Ballerina Bun Hair Tutorials
Create a pretty, casual ballerina bun by knotting your hair. Tutorial by Sunnie Brook:
The Beauty Department have got buns covered from this super easy ‘fun bun’ tutorial…
To their more polished ballerina bun video tutorial:
Super messy, textured bun tutorial on Rock My Wedding
A Few Top Tips On Creating The Perfect Ballerina Bun
~ Ballerina buns are best suited to mid-length to long hair.
~ If your hair isn’t long enough to get into a high ponytail then consider clip in ponytail extensions.
~ Buns work best on ‘dirty hair’ rather than just washed hair.
~ Use dry shampoo and thickening spray to add a bit more oomph to fine hair.
~ Tip your head upside down when pulling your hair into a pony tail and remember to brush the back (otherwise you can end up with a droopy effect).
~ If you’d like more volume, create texture by curling / crimping sections or backcombing the tail of your ponytail.
~ Use a thick athletic sock to create an ever bigger bun.
~ For extra height layer two donut rings on top of each other.
~ Once you’ve created the desired effect at the top of your bun, spray lightly with hair spray. Don’t over do it, crispy hair is not pretty!
~ If you prefer to have some hair around your face, leave your bangs down or pull wispy bits of hair from around your ears.
One last bun just for fun…
Will you be wearing a ballerina bun on your wedding day? Or perhaps to the next wedding you’re a guest at?
And the big question is are you a sock bun or a hair donut kind of girl?
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28 Responses and Counting...
Gorgeous gorgeous post. Totally wish my hair could look this beautiful.
Thanks for the comment, Josie. I’ve no doubt your hair can and has looked this gorgeous you stylish lady! The sock bun is really easy once you get the hang of it. Honest.
Oh I do love a bun, if I could do it all again this is definitely the look I would go for, timeless elegance and very Princess Grace.
Love the retro look of these buns.
Ballerina buns are the ultimate chic bridal do, some stunning inspiration here! xo
I’ve never been one to ‘do’ my hair or mess with it. I’ve always been an either hair down or hair in a messy regular bun girl. I have long curly hair, and any other style has always been overwhelming…….
…….until I found the sock bun.
Now, it’s my new, casual go-to. And it’s super EASY! Just flip and roll.
A messy sock bun I the perfect compliment to any outfil and it takes just two minutes. Trust me, anything more than that an this girl ain’t doin it!
Thank you for even more ‘ballerina bun’ inspiration!!
[...] worth watching to master the sock bun secret to a gorgeous bun. Check out variations on this look here. Give it a few tries to get the technique just [...]
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I do this every Wednesday. Last June I got an EZ bun, while I can do it with it. I have done it without any thing for so many years I like that better. No back combing or knotting I do it with it damp, hold the pony tail at the base with one hand twist and wrap around with the other. wrapping around until all in and pin in place. Down on Sundays, french braided most days. I do a corn row, dutch braid or inside out braid for verity when the mood strikes me. I have three hair book just for these style and special days.
This post is amazing!! Thankyou. I Googled tutorials for a party tomorrow and you’ve got all the best ones in one blog post. x
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[...] worth watching to master the sock bun secret to a gorgeous bun. Check out variations on this look here. Give it a few tries to get the technique just [...]
I’ve been LOVING the ballerina/sock bun! I have fine hair so it’s super easy to add volume and oomph! Sometimes, however, I do feel a little self conscious wearing it as it definitely seems to be a blogger trend. I’m the only one I’ve seen sporting it in my town. :/ Which is a good thing I suppose :)
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I would wish to have longer hair to be in this elegant,romantic look…Absolutely next summer
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The alternative to using a sock! http://www.BallerinaBuns.com
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This helped alot!
Looks great but appears to be a lot of work – have you ever tried using the Bendy Wand bunmaker? Etsy has them and there is a website for the Bendy Wand. http://bendywand.com
[...] bridalmusings.com via Leah on [...]
I’m definitely doing a ballerina bun for my wedding hair :) Can’t wait. 11/2/13!! This post is really helpful. Thank you!
Awww., good luck.(: your getting married on my birthdayy.:D i wish you the best.!!(:
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