Braided buns have been a go-to protective style for celebrities like Rihanna and Brandy, who have showcased their versatility numerous times.
Rihanna’s Fulani braids, often combined with sleek bun styles, have redefined sophistication.
In contrast, Brandy’s iconic box-braid buns have set the trend for chic, relaxed updos that are both stylish and practical.
However, achieving that glamorous look can be tricky without proper guidance.
Tough braiding patterns like Dutch, cornrows, and French braids can be challenging to master, especially for those new to braiding.
Additionally, different hair textures require specific approaches to create secure braided buns that last.
Maintaining style longevity and preventing frizz are common concerns when attempting to recreate these celebrity-inspired looks at home.
In this blog post, we’ll provide a step-by-step guide to creating a basic braided bun, share some exciting variations, and provide tips on maintaining your gorgeous new look.
So, grab your hairbrush, and let’s start on your journey to mastering the art of the braided bun!
Black Braided Buns Styles Inspired by Celebrities
1. Dutch Braids
Inspired by: Heather Rae Young
Known as reverse French braids, they are an excellent choice for adding volume to your braided bun.
They create a raised, voluminous look that is a secure foundation for your bun.
To Create Dutch Braids
- Start by dividing your hair into three equal sections.
- Cross the right section under the middle section, followed by the left section under the middle section.
- Continue this pattern, adding hair to each section as you braid until you reach the end of your hair.
- Secure with an elastic band and repeat on the other side.
2. Cornrows
Inspired by: Zendaya
A traditional African braiding technique offers a neat and firm hold, making them ideal for more intricate and long-lasting styles.
To create cornrows
- Begin with a small section of hair at the front of your head and divide it into three equal parts.
- Cross the right section under the middle section, then the left section under the middle section.
- As you braid, gradually add small sections of hair to the right and left sections, keeping the braid close to the scalp.
- Continue braiding until you reach the nape of your neck, then secure with an elastic band.
3. French Braid
Inspired by: Hailey Bieber
They are perfect for creating softer, more romantic braided bun styles. They are less bulky than Dutch braids and work well with finer hair textures.
To Create French Braid
- Start by dividing a section of hair at the crown of your head into three equal parts.
- Cross the right section over the middle section, followed by the left section over the middle section.
- As you braid, incorporate small sections of hair from each side into the corresponding sections of the braid.
- Continue this pattern until you reach the end of your hair, then secure with an elastic band.
4. Classic Braided Bun
Inspired by: Jennifer Lawrence
The braid bun is a timeless and elegant hairstyle that can be dressed up or down for any occasion.
It’s a great way to keep your hair out of your face while still looking polished and put together.
To Create a Classic Braided Bun
- Start by Dutch braiding your hair from the scalp down to the ends.
- Once you’ve secured the braid with an elastic band, wrap it around itself at either the crown or the nape of your neck, depending on your preference.
- Use bobby pins to secure the braid in place, ensuring that the wrapping is smooth and polished for a sleek appearance.
- This timeless style is perfect for formal events or when you want to exude sophistication.
5. Low Knot Bun
Inspired by: Emma Watson
A low-knot bun is a chic and effortless updo that works for both casual and formal occasions. It’s a great way to keep hair off your face and neck while still looking polished.
To Create Low Knot Bun
- Begin by creating cornrows from your forehead towards the back of your head.
- Gather the braids at the nape of your neck and twist them into a tight, sleek knot.
- Secure the knot with bobby pins and add embellishments like ribbons or decorative pins for a touch of elegance.
- This style is ideal for work settings or occasions that require a neat, put-together appearance.
6. Top Knot
Inspired by: Normani
The top knot is a go-to updo that combines style and simplicity.
It’s perfect when you want your hair up and out of your face without much fuss.
This modern look can be dressed up or down and suits all hair lengths and textures.
To Create Top Knot
- Create French braids starting from the front of your head and working towards the crown.
- Once you reach the crown, twist the braids tightly to form a high bun, securing it with bobby pins.
- For added volume and hold, consider spraying the braids with a texturizing spray before twisting them into the knot.
- This style is perfect for casual outings or to showcase a fun, playful side of your personality.
Keep a few essential tools on hand to maintain your braided bun throughout the day or evening.
A light hairspray can help tame flyaways and ensure your style stays put, while a few extra bobby pins can be used for touch-ups or adjustments.
Don’t be afraid to get creative with your braided bun by mixing different braiding styles or incorporating accessories like flowers or jeweled clips for a personalized touch.
Remember, the key to achieving a stunning braided bun is to choose a style that complements your hair texture, face shape, and the occasion.
With practice and experimentation, you can create a variety of braided buns that will make you feel confident and beautiful no matter where the day takes you.
Challenges Faced While Making a Braided Bun
Creating celebrity-inspired braided buns at home can come with its fair share of challenges.
1. Right Style for You
Many readers struggle with finding the right styles to suit their unique hair texture, managing intricate braiding techniques without professional help, and maintaining the longevity of their braided buns while avoiding hair damage.
- When it comes to finding styles that suit different hair textures, it’s essential to understand that straight, wavy, curly, and kinky hair can all affect the outcome of a braided bun.
- To overcome this challenge, we recommend selecting the right type of braids for your specific hair texture and adapting your braiding techniques accordingly.
- For example, those with curly hair may find that Dutch braids provide a more secure foundation for their bun, while those with straight hair may prefer French braids for added texture and grip.
2. Maintaining Style Longevity and Avoiding Hair Damage
- Common issues include frizz, loosening of braids, and potential damage from tight styling.
- To combat these problems, we recommend using protective products during hair preparation, such as a leave-in conditioner or a light oil to nourish your strands.
When braiding, be sure to secure your braids gently but effectively to extend the life of your style without causing undue tension on your hair.
Additionally, adopting a nightly routine, such as wearing a silk scarf or using a satin pillowcase, can help minimize friction and prevent frizz while you sleep.
Preparation Before Making Braided Bun
Before diving into creating stunning braided buns, it’s essential to understand the importance of proper preparation.
Using the right products and tools, you can protect your hair, ease the styling process, and enhance the final look of your braided bun.
Preparing your hair correctly will ensure that your braids are even, smooth, and long-lasting.
1. Selecting Products for your Braided Bun
- Moisturizing sprays help keep your hair hydrated and manageable during and after styling, preventing dryness and breakage.
- Leave-in conditioners are excellent for detangling and smoothing your hair, making creating even and tight braids easier.
- Anti-frizz serums are crucial in controlling flyaways and maintaining a sleek, polished appearance throughout the day.
2. Appropriate Tools for Getting the Perfect Braided Bun.
- Detangling brushes can create smoother braids, especially those designed for your specific hair texture.
- Sectioning clips are invaluable for managing hair sections efficiently, ensuring that your braids are neat and even.
- When securing your braids, opt for snag-free elastic bands that won’t damage your hair or cause breakage.
3. Apply these Products Effectively
- Start by evenly distributing a moisturizing spray throughout your hair, focusing on the mid-lengths and ends.
- Follow this with a small amount of leave-in conditioner, concentrating on the ends and any areas prone to tangling.
- Be sure to use a wide-tooth comb or detangling brush, gradually working from the ends of your hair to the roots to minimize breakage and ensure even product distribution.
By dedicating time to proper preparation and using the right products and tools, you’ll create a solid foundation for your braided bun, resulting in a stunning, celebrity-worthy look that lasts.
Braiding Techniques to Use While Making Braided Buns
| Technique | Description | Best for Hair Type | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dutch Braids | Hair is braided underhand, creating a braid that stands out from the scalp. | Medium to long hair | Sporty looks, active lifestyles |
| French Braids | Hair is braided overhand, causing it to lie flat against the scalp. | All hair types | Classic styles, casual or formal wear |
| Cornrows | Hair is braided tightly close to the scalp in straight or geometric rows. | Coarse, curly, or kinky hair | Protective styling, intricate patterns, traditional and cultural wear |
Understanding various braiding techniques is crucial for crafting versatile and lasting braided buns.
From Dutch braids that add volume to sleek cornrows and romantic French braids, mastering these methods will equip you to create diverse and stunning styles suitable for any event.
Styling Tips to Add to your Braided Bun
1. Styling and Finishing
- A crucial step is the application of a high-quality setting spray to ensure your style stays intact.
- These sprays help keep your braids and bun intact, preventing frizz and flyaways from ruining your carefully crafted style.
- When choosing a setting spray, look for formulas that offer strong hold without leaving behind any sticky residue or stiffness.
- Some popular options include Moroccanoil Luminous Hairspray and L’Oréal Paris Elnett Satin Extra Strong Hold Hairspray.
- To apply the spray evenly, hold the can about 6-8 inches away from your head and mist the entire bun, ensuring all parts of the style are covered.
2. Accessories
- Adding visual interest and personality to your look is easy with the right accessories.
- Hair rings, for example, can be woven into different parts of your braid, creating a subtle metallic sheen that catches the light.
- Beads are another great option, particularly if you’re going for a bohemian or festive vibe.
- For a more elegant finish, consider wrapping a silk scarf around the base of your bun, allowing the ends to flow freely for a pop of color.
- For example, gold hair rings can beautifully accent warm blonde or brown tones, while crystal beads can add a touch of glamour to an evening look.
- Don’t be afraid to mix textures and colors to create a unique style that reflects your personality.
3. Layering Different Styling Products
- Start with a smoothing serum or oil to tame frizz and add luster to your braids.
- Follow this with a light-hold hairspray to set the style in place, then finish with a shine spray for extra radiance.
- Just be careful not to overload your hair with products; this can weigh down your braids and make them appear greasy.
How to Tackle Braided Buns Loosening
- To combat this, carry a mini-setting spray or spare accessories in your purse for quick touch-ups.
- If you notice stray hairs or frizz, spritz a small amount of spray onto your fingertips and gently smooth them back into place.
- In humid or windy weather, you may need to use a bit more product to keep your style looking fresh and polished.
By incorporating these styling tips and tricks into your braided bun routine, you can create stunning, celebrity-inspired looks that last from morning to night.
Remember, the key to success is a combination of the right products, accessories, and techniques, so don’t be afraid to experiment until you find the perfect mix for your hair type and personal style.
Maintenance of your Braided Bun
Maintaining your braided bun is just as important as the initial styling process, as it ensures the longevity and health of your hairstyle and your hair.
Proper maintenance can help prevent common issues associated with braided styles, such as dryness, breakage, and frizz.
1. How to Keep Your Braided Bun Looking Fresh and Fabulous for Days or Even Weeks
- Regular scalp and hair moisturization is one of the most crucial aspects of maintaining braided buns.
- Braided styles can stress your hair, leading to dryness and potential breakage.
- To combat this, nourish your scalp and hair with natural oils like coconut, almond, or argan oil.
- Simply apply a small amount of oil to your fingertips and gently massage it into your scalp, not disturbing your braids.
- You can also use a leave-in conditioner to provide extra hydration to your hair, focusing on the ends of your braids where dryness is most likely.
2. Nighttime Care Essential Component for Braided Bun Maintenance.
- Consider sleeping with a satin bonnet or on a satin pillowcase to prevent friction and minimize frizz.
- These smooth materials help reduce the tension and rubbing your hair experiences as you move during sleep, which can lead to damage and unraveling of your braids.
3. Added Protection
- you can also loosely tie your braids into a high bun or wrap them in a silk scarf before putting on your bonnet.
- Regularly check your braids for loose ends or frizz.
- Smooth any stray hairs with edge control or a light hairspray.
- For significant upkeep, consider re-braiding loose sections and refreshing your roots with a fine-toothed comb and styling product.”
In addition to these maintenance tips, braided buns, like all protective styles, should not be left in for too long.
- Depending on your hair type and the tightness of your braids, you may need to remove your braided bun after 2-4 weeks to prevent damage and give your hair a break.
- When removing your braids, be sure to do so gently to minimize breakage. Always follow up with a deep conditioning treatment to restore moisture and strength to your hair.
By following these essential maintenance tips and adjusting your hair care routine to support your braided bun, you can enjoy a stunning, celebrity-inspired look that lasts while keeping your hair healthy and happy.
Remember, the key to success is consistency and patience, so don’t be discouraged if it takes practice to perfect your braided bun maintenance routine.
Conclusion
In conclusion, creating stunning braided buns at home is achievable with the right techniques, tools, and dedication.
By mastering the art of Dutch, cornrow, and French braids, you can craft a variety of elegant updos that protect your hair while showcasing your style.
Experiment with different braiding patterns, accessorize with meaningful embellishments and maintain your look with regular moisturization and nighttime care.
As you explore the versatility of braided buns, remember to draw inspiration from the rich cultural heritage behind these techniques and approach them with respect and appreciation.
Whether attending a formal event or simply seeking a chic everyday look, a well-executed braided bun will turn heads and boost your confidence.
So, grab your tools, unleash your creativity, and start braiding your way to celebrity-inspired style today!
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I Start Braiding My Hair for a Braided Bun?
Start with clean, detangled hair. Divide it into sections, then braid each section using your preferred technique (Dutch, French, or cornrows).
What Are the Best Products to Use to Keep My Braids Looking Fresh?
To moisturize and keep braids frizz-free, use a lightweight leave-in conditioner, natural oils (like coconut or argan oil), and a light-hold hairspray.
How Can I Prevent My Hair from Getting Damaged While Wearing a Braided Bun?
Keep your hair moisturized, avoid tight braids, and protect your hair at night with a satin bonnet or pillowcase. Remove the braids after 2-4 weeks to prevent damage.
Can I Mix Different Braiding Techniques In One Bun Style?
Yes! Mixing different braiding techniques can add unique texture and visual interest to your braided bun—experiment with combining Dutch, French, and fishtail braids.
What Accessories Work Best For Adding a Personalized Touch To Braided Buns?
Hair rings, beads, flowers, and colorful threads work well for personalizing braided buns. Choose accessories that complement your hair color and the occasion for a cohesive look.
