One of the reasons braided bun hairstyles are so popular is because of their versatility. They range between casual coiffures and fabulous formal ‘dos, but you can wear them anywhere, for anything, and you’ll fit in seamlessly wherever you are.
The good news is that if you know how to braid and how to twist a killer bun, you can probably create most of these styles yourself. You can also flash your favorite photo at your stylist, and she or he will work some magic on your hair.
Beautiful Braided Bun Styling Ideas
Cocktail party, birthday party, girls’ night out. Throw your hair into a braided bun hairstyle and head out the door like you just spent hours and a small fortune on your hair.
Braids are funky, buns are classic, and the combination of the two is sheer perfection. Don’t believe it? Check out these hairstyles.
1. Topknot with Box Braids
A high top knot made from box braids keeps everything lifted and off your neck. It is a clean, easy finish for casual days.
How to style: Flip your head upside down and gather your box braids at the crown. Secure with a thick, wide band. Split the ponytail into two sections, twist each section around the base, then tuck the ends under the band.
Who should try it: Anyone with medium to long box braids or twists.
2. Double Dutch Low Buns
Two Dutch braids that end in low buns look playful but still tidy. This one is great when you want your hair secure and off your face.
How to style: Part hair down the center. Dutch braid (underhand) from the hairline to the nape on both sides. Secure the two pigtails, tease the ends for volume, then pin each one into a messy bun at the nape.
Who should try it: Round and heart face shapes.
3. Low Braided Chignon with Side Cornrows
A low chignon with cornrow detail reads elegant and event-ready. It is a strong choice when you want a protective style that looks formal.
How to style: Section ear to ear. Cornrow the sides back toward the nape. Gather the remaining hair into a low ponytail, braid the ponytail, then coil it into a flat chignon at the nape.
Who should try it: Natural textures (Type 3 and Type 4).
4. Stitch Braids into High Bun
Stitch braids into a high bun look sharp and graphic from every angle. The height adds lift and keeps the finish sleek.
How to style: Create clean, precise parts with a rat-tail comb. Feed in extensions as you braid to form the stitch lines. Wrap the ends into a high donut bun.
Who should try it: Oval and round faces. The height adds lift.
5. Fulani Braids Top Knot
This top knot turns Fulani braids into a bold, statement updo. It is a protective style with built-in detail, especially with cuffs or beads.
How to style: Cornrow the hair toward the center crown. Add gold cuffs or beads as you braid if you want accessories. Wrap the loose ends into a tight top knot.
Who should try it: Anyone who wants a protective style with cultural flair.
6. Asymmetrical Side-Swept Bun
A side-swept braided bun sits low and romantic. The diagonal braid gives the look movement without feeling fussy.
How to style: Create a deep side part. Braid diagonally across the back of the head toward the opposite ear. Coil the ends into a soft low side bun near the nape.
Who should try it: Square faces. The side sweep softens the jawline.
7. Classic Straight-Back Cornrows Bun
Curved cornrows that sweep up into a tall high bun look sporty and polished. This is a practical choice for work, the gym, and busy weeks.
How to style: Section hair into slim curved rows that lead up toward the crown. Cornrow each row upward from the hairline and nape. Gather the ends and wrap them into a tall high bun.
Who should try it: Anyone who wants low maintenance hair for an active routine.
8. Side Dutch Braid into a Low Bun
A side Dutch braid into a low bun adds width and softness around the hairline. It is a pretty option for dressy events and wedding season.
How to style: Create a deep side part. Dutch braid along the hairline. Gently pull the braid edges for volume before pinning the ends into a low bun.
Who should try it: Long and oblong faces. This adds width.
9. Sleek High Bun with Braided Extension
This sleek high bun uses a braided extension for instant structure and length. It is a fast way to get a glam finish, even on shorter hair.
How to style: Apply strong-hold gel and brush hair into a sleek high ponytail. Attach a braided hairpiece or extension. Wrap it around the base and pin it securely.
Who should try it: All hair types, including short hair that cannot form a full bun on its own.
10. Double Dutch Pigtail Buns
Two Dutch braids twisted into low buns look sweet and secure. It is perfect for kids and it also works for playful adult days.
How to style: Part hair down the center. Dutch braid both sides to the nape. Secure with snag-free elastics, then twist and pin the ends into two low buns.
Who should try it: Kids, or adults who want a playful look.
11. Halo Braid (Milkmaid Braid)
A halo braid wraps around the head like a crown. It keeps hair off your neck and photographs beautifully.
How to style: Create two pigtail braids. Lift them up and cross them over the top of the head. Pin behind the ears and at the back so the ends stay hidden.
Who should try it: Oval faces.
12. Snake Braid Updo
A wide braid wraps across the top of a soft low bun.
How to style: Braid a wide section from one side, gather the rest of the hair into a soft low bun, and lay the braid across the top of the bun before tucking in the ends.
Who should try it: Readers who prefer a low bun with a decorative braid.
13. Boho Braided Top Knot
A messy low bun with a braid along each side feels relaxed and beachy. It suits wavy or curly hair and works for casual plans.
How to style: Braid a section along each side of the head, working back toward the nape. Gather the rest of the hair low at the nape, add in the braid ends, and twist it into a messy bun so the braids stay on show.
Who should try it: Wavy and curly textures.
14. Nape Chignon with Accent Braids
Two small accent braids make a simple low chignon feel styled. It is an easy way to upgrade an everyday bun.
How to style: Braid two small sections at the temples. Pull everything back into a low bun at the nape and incorporate those braids into the bun.
Who should try it: Anyone who wants to dress up a simple low bun.
15. Split-Braid Wrapped Bun
This wrapped braid bun pairs two linked side braids, which form an open ladder pattern above the ear before wrapping into a low braided bun at the back. It is great when you want a tidy, performance-ready updo.
How to style: Braid two parallel side braids from the front hairline toward the back, linking them so the strands between them form an open ladder. Wrap the braided ends into a low bun at the back (over a donut sponge if you want extra fullness), then pin and tuck the ends. Who should try it: Thin hair, especially if you use a donut for extra volume.
Who should try it: Thin hair, especially if you use a donut for extra volume.
16. Side-Swept Headband Braid
This headband braid keeps the front neat while the bun stays low and easy. It is ideal when you are growing out bangs.
How to style: Braid the front section from ear to ear like a headband. Pin it behind the ear. Gather the rest of the hair into a side bun.
Who should try it: Anyone growing out bangs.
17. Reverse French Braid Topknot
An upside-down French braid gives a cool detail at the nape. It is a smart workout bun that still looks styled.
How to style: Flip your head upside down. French braid from the nape up to the crown. Secure with an elastic, then wrap the ends into a messy top knot.
Who should try it: Gym-goers who want hair off the neck.
18. Classic French Braid Updo
A single loose braid runs from the hairline into a full high bun.
How to style: For a French-braided version, work from the front hairline back toward the crown, keeping the crossing sections loose. Gather the ends high, form a rounded bun, and pin it securely.
Who should try it: Those who prefer a high bun with a prominent braid.
19. Half-Up French Braid Topknot
This half-up braid and top knot keeps the crown neat while the length stays loose. It works especially well on bobs and lobs.
How to style: Section the top half of your hair. French braid it back to the crown, then twist the ends into a small bun. Leave the bottom half down.
Who should try it: Bob and lob lengths.
20. High Bun with a Lace Braid Crown
A lace braid wrapped around a high bun hides the hair tie and adds detail. It is simple to do but looks very finished.
How to style: Create a high bun first. Leave one section out, braid it, then wrap the braid around the base to cover the hair tie. Pin and tuck the ends.
Who should try it: Long hair.
21. Criss-Cross Dutch Braid Bun
Criss-cross Dutch braids create an X pattern before they meet in a bun. It is a bold look that holds best on thick hair.
How to style: Divide hair into four quadrants. Braid diagonally from top-left to bottom-right, then top-right to bottom-left, so the braids cross in an X. Combine the ends and pin them into a bun.
Who should try it: Thick hair. It holds the structure best.
22. S-Pattern Cornrow Updo
An S-shaped cornrow adds movement and design to a bun updo. This is best saved for a stylist day, especially on natural hair.
How to style: Create a curved part shaped like an “S.” Cornrow close to the scalp, following the curve, then direct the ends into an updo.
Who should try it: Natural hair.
23. Loose Plait Low Bun
A loose braid rolled into a low bun feels soft and undone. It pairs well with garden-party outfits and relaxed events.
How to style: Create a very loose low braid. Roll the braid into a soft bun at the nape and pin it loosely. Pull out a few face-framing pieces.
Who should try it: Anyone who loves a boho finish.
24. Half-Up Space Buns
Half-up space buns keep hair off your face while the rest stays down. The braided sections make the buns look fuller.
How to style: Part the top half of hair down the center. Braid each side back, then twist each section into a small bun on top. Leave the bottom half loose.
Who should try it: Youthful styles, including teens.
25. Retro Side-Swept Dutch Bun
A side-swept braid coiled into a bun gives a vintage finish. It is a strong choice for theme parties and formal looks.
How to style: Create a deep side part and smooth hair to one side. Braid the length, then coil it flat into a bun behind one ear. Pin it in place.
Who should try it: Oval faces.
26. High Braided Donut Bun
A high braided donut bun is clean and classic. The donut adds instant volume and height without teasing.
How to style: Use a hair donut (or a sock bun). Pull the ponytail through the donut, then braid the hair that covers it and tuck the ends under. Pin to secure.
Who should try it: Fine hair. The donut builds volume fast.
27. Spiky Y2K Braided Bun
This messy low bun keeps a narrow braid wrapped across its upper edge and leaves a few loose pointed ends out. It works with party outfits and casual streetwear.
How to style: Gather the hair loosely at the nape and form a looped low bun. Braid a narrow section from one side, wrap it across the top of the bun, and pin the braid and bun securely, leaving a few ends loose.
Who should try it: Fans of deliberately undone updos.
28. Jumbo Halo Braid
Two wide Dutch braids feed into a single low looped bun.
How to style: Part the hair down the center and braid both sides toward the nape. Gently widen the braid edges, gather the ends together, and fold or coil them into one low bun before pinning.
Who should try it: Anyone who wants a full double-braid updo.
29. 4-Strand Cornrow Puffs
Four cornrows that finish in puffs give shape and lift. It is a cute protective look for casual days.
How to style: Part hair into four sections. Cornrow each section toward the back. Leave the ends out and shape them into two fluffy puffs.
Who should try it: Type 4 natural hair.
30. Double French Braid Topknots
Two French braids ending in top knots show off color dimension. It is a clean weekend style that stays secure.
How to style: Part hair down the center. French braid from the forehead to the crown on both sides. Twist the ends into two tight top knots.
Who should try it: Anyone with colored hair who wants to show dimension through the braid pattern.
31. Half-Up Braided Space Buns (Short Hair)
Half-up braided buns give short hair a fun twist without needing extra length. The loose waves keep it soft and wearable.
How to style: Section only the crown area. Split it into two, braid each side, then twist into two small buns. Use a flat iron to add soft waves to the loose hair.
Who should try it: Bobs and short haircuts.
32. Double Reverse French Braid Buns
Double reverse braids lead into buns at the top for a gym-ready look. It takes more effort to braid and pin behind your head.
How to style: Flip your head forward, part the back down the center, then French braid up the back of the head in two sections. Secure each braid at the top and wrap into buns.
Who should try it: Anyone comfortable styling behind the head. This is hard to reach on your own.
33. Braided Bow Bun
A bow bun turns a top knot into a statement shape. It is playful and photo-ready, but it takes precision to pin.
How to style: Create a high bun, but do not pull the hair all the way through, so you form a loop. Split that loop in half. Pull the tail over the center to create the bow “knot,” then pin everything in place.
Who should try it: Anyone who loves a cute, girly finish.
34. Fishtail Braid Low Bun
A high bun wrapped with a narrow braid around its base looks detailed without feeling heavy, especially with side-swept bangs and a loose curled tendril. It suits long hair, especially if you have highlights.
How to style: Leave the bangs and a face-framing piece loose. Gather the rest into a high ponytail and wrap it into a rounded bun. Braid a narrow section and wrap it around the base of the bun, then pin. Curl the loose piece if you like. Who should try it: Long hair, especially highlighted hair that shows the braid detail.
Who should try it: Long hair, especially highlighted hair that shows the braid detail.
35. Rope Twist High Bun
A sleek low chignon is quick and neat with a smooth finish. It is an easy upgrade from a basic low bun.
How to style: Part the hair to one side and smooth it back. Gather the lengths low behind one ear, twist or braid them, then coil them into a compact chignon and pin. Who should try it: Thick hair.
Who should try it: Thick hair.
36. Braided Faux Hawk
Small braided buns down the center create a faux hawk line. It is edgy and works well for concerts.
How to style: Section hair into three vertical ponytails down the center. Braid each ponytail and wrap each one into a small bun, placing them close together to form a mohawk ridge.
Who should try it: Anyone who likes an edgy finish.
37. Scarf-Braided Bun
A wide side braid leads into a low coiled fishtail bun.
How to style: Keep the side braid loose, then arrange the finely braided length into a rounded spiral at the back and pin it in place.
Who should try it: Fans of low updos with fine braided detail.
38. Micro-Braid Bun
A rose-shaped bun adds a sculpted detail to this half-up hairstyle.
How to style: Arrange broad upper sections into a layered spiral at the back, then braid a center section below the bun while leaving the remaining straight lengths loose.
Who should try it: Anyone who wants a sculpted bun with most of the length left loose.
39. Basket Weave Bun
This basket weave bun has an intricate, woven finish. It is perfect for weddings when you want the updo to be the main feature.
How to style: Weave multiple small ponytails or sections into a basket pattern, then secure the ends into a bun.
Who should try it: Anyone who loves intricate updos.
40. Butterfly Braid Bun
Narrow crown braids lead into a small half-up bun while the lower lengths stay loose. A row of rings along the center braid adds detail to the divided upper section.
How to style: Gather the upper braided section into a compact bun and secure it at the crown.
Who should try it: Anyone who likes braid accessories and a half-up finish.
41. 5-Strand Braid Bun
A waterfall braid runs along the side and joins a small coiled bun at the back.
How to style: Leave the dropped sections and lower lengths loose, then curl the ends for a soft half-up finish.
Who should try it: Fans of loose waves with a small braided detail.
42. Braided Banana Bun
A wide side braid leads into a full bun of pinned curls that covers the back of the head.
How to style: Keep the crown softly waved, loosen the braid edges and arrange the curled ends in overlapping loops at the back for a formal updo.
Who should try it: Anyone who wants a polished updo that still feels soft.
43. Bubble Braid Bun
A side fishtail braid leads into a smooth low chignon at the nape.
How to style: Gather the remaining hair low and arrange it into broad loops, then secure the braided end above the bun. Flowers can be added along the upper edge for a formal finish.
Who should try it: Anyone who prefers a smooth, low updo.
Braided buns range from simple arrangements to more intricate styles. How do you combine braids and buns when you do your hair?
