4 Ways To Make A Braided Bun - WikiHow

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Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow How to Make a Braided Bun PDF download Download Article Co-authored by Ndeye Anta Niang

Last Updated: April 21, 2025 Approved

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  • Making The Fold Through Braided Bun
    • |
  • Making The Braided Top Knot
    • |
  • Making The Pulled Braided Bun
    • |
  • Making The Three Braid Bun
    • |
  • Video
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  • Expert Interview
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  • Expert Q&A
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This article was co-authored by Ndeye Anta Niang. Ndeye Anta Niang is a Hair Stylist, Master Braider, and Founder of AntaBraids, a traveling braiding service based in New York City. Ndeye has over 20 years of experience in African hair including braiding box braids, Senegalese twists, crochet braids, faux dread locs, goddess locs, kinky twists, and lakhass braids. Ndeye was the first female of her tribe in Africa to move to America and is now sharing her knowledge of African braids passed on from generation to generation. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. In this case, 82% of readers who voted found the article helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. This article has been viewed 267,606 times.

Buns are a great way to pull your hair out of your face. However simply buns can be, you can always incorporate a braid to add a bit of flair to your hair. There are many ways to make a braided bun, and most of them only take minutes to assemble!

Steps

Method 1 Method 1 of 4:

Making The Fold Through Braided Bun

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  1. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Braided Bun 1 Tie your hair in a ponytail. Your hair doesn’t need to be brushed and smoothed out for this braided bun. Tie your hair in a loose ponytail at the nape of your neck.[1] Texturize your ponytail by pinching your hair at your crown to get some added volume.
    • Brushing and smoothing your hair before you put it into the ponytail will give your bun a sleek look.
    • For a high bun, tie a loose ponytail at the crown of your head.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Braided Bun 2 Braid your ponytail. Braid your ponytail in a classic three-strand braid. Braid your hair all the way down to the bottom of your hair.[2]
    • It’s okay if some pieces of hair pop out while you continue the braid.
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  3. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Braided Bun 3 Make a hole in your hair. Use your fingers to create a hole in the area of your hair above the ponytail holder. Reach your thumb and pointer finger up and underneath your ponytail holder so they poke up vertically through the hole you just created.[3]
    • Keep your fingers poking through; they are going to grab onto your braid.
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Braided Bun 4 Fold your hair through the hole. Lift your braid up with your free hand and bring it to your two fingers poking out through the hole. Hold onto the braid with your two fingers and pull the braid down through the hole.[4]
    • The sides of your hair should be twisted since the braid was pulled through the hole.
  5. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Braided Bun 5 Fold your braid though again. Fold your braid once more through the hole. This time, don’t pull your braid all the way down through the hole. Flip the braid to pull the bulkiest part to the hole, and let the bottom portion of the braid (the tail) fold over on itself within the hole.[5]
    • The idea is to have the bulkiest part of the braid be the majority of the braid seen in the bun.
  6. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Braided Bun 6 Secure the braid. Hold your braid with one hand and use your other hand to insert bobby pins into the sides of your bun. Once the braid is secured into place, use your fingers to pull the braided pieces apart a little bit to make the bun look fluffier and to add texture.[6]
    • It’s okay if the bun looks a little messy and not too perfect.
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Method 2 Method 2 of 4:

Making The Braided Top Knot

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  1. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Braided Bun 1 Put your hair in a ponytail. Pull all of your hair back and tie it up in a high ponytail.[7] You don’t need to brush your hair before putting your hair into the ponytail. This will help create a more relaxed, tousled look.
    • Since you’re making a top knot bun, the ponytail needs to be tied up high on your head.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Braided Bun 2 Tease your ponytail. Separate your ponytail into two sections. Back comb and tease both sections of your hair, focusing on the hair closest to the base of the ponytail.[8]
    • To get the best results always tease your hair before putting it into a ponytail.[9]
    • You'll get best results if you use a teasing brush or rat tail comb to tease your hair.
    • This will help your braids look bigger and fuller.
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Braided Bun 3 Braid each section. Separate each section into three strands. Braid each section in a classic three-strand braid.[10] Secure each braid at the bottom with a small elastic hair tie.[11]
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Braided Bun 4 Add some texture to the braids. This step is optional, but you can add texturizing powder or dry shampoo to your braids and pull apart the braid plaits.[12] Gently pulling the braid plaits apart will create wider, bigger braids.
    • If you don’t have any texturizing powder or dry shampoo, you can simply pull at your braids, loosening and widening the braids.
  5. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Braided Bun 5 Wrap your braids. With one braided section, wrap it around the base of your ponytail until it gets back to the back of your head.[13] Use a bobby pin to secure that first wrapped braid. Wrap the other braided section going in the opposite direction, until it reaches the back of your head. Try to position this braid underneath the first wrapped around braid.
    • If you hair is longer, and your braided sections wrap around further than to the back of your head, simply secure the end of the braid wherever it happens to end.
  6. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Braided Bun 6 Secure your braids. Use hair spray and bobby pins to secure down any stray hairs and pieces falling out of the braids.[14] [15]
    • It always helps blend things together if you use bobby pins that are similar to your hair color.
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Method 3 Method 3 of 4:

Making The Pulled Braided Bun

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  1. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Braided Bun 1 Tease your hair. Grab a section of hair at your crown (about a 1-2 inch section), nearer to your forehead. Lightly back comb and tease this section of hair, then flip it over to the front of your face. Grab a small section of hair behind the first section (again, about a 1-2 inch section), and repeat the teasing and back combing. Flip this back combed section of hair over the first section.
    • Tease and back comb 3-5 sections of hair for some nice volume at the crown of your head. Flip all of your hair back say it lays naturally.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Braided Bun 2 Braid your hair. Separate your hair into three sections, and loosely braid your hair in a classic three-strand braid. Don’t secure the entire braid with an elastic ponytail holder. Instead, only secure two out of the three strands.
    • It’s okay if some pieces of hair fall out of the braids. This braid is more of a relaxed look.
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Braided Bun 3 Push the braid up. Hold onto the one strand of hair that you didn’t secure into the elastic ponytail holder. Push the other two, secured strands up until they are bunched at the base of the braid.
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Braided Bun 4 Wrap and secure the bun. Wrap the loose strand around the bunched up braided strands and secure the bun with bobby pins. You can insert bobby pins on all sides of the bun to make sure it stays in place.
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Method 4 Method 4 of 4:

Making The Three Braid Bun

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  1. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Braided Bun 1 Back comb your crown. Take a small section of hair near the crown of your head (a 1-2 inch section of hair), and back comb it, pushing the hair down with your comb.[16] Flip the back combed section of hair over to the front of you face. Take the section of hair behind the first section of hair you just back combed, and back comb that section.
    • Tease and back comb about 3-4 sections of hair. Then flip all of your hair back so it lays naturally.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Braided Bun 2 Section your hair.[17] Separate your hair into three vertical sections: one for the right side, one for the left side, and one in the middle of your hair.[18] Tie each section near the nape of your neck with a ponytail holder.
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Braided Bun 3 Braid each section. Loosely braid each section of hair in a classic three-strand braid.[19] Secure each braid at the end of the hair with a small, elastic hair tie.
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Braided Bun 4 Twist and secure each braid. Hold one braided section at the bottom near the hair tie, and use your other hand to twist the middle portion of the braid. The twisting motion is similar to the motion you would do if you were going to knot the braid on itself.[20] Secure the twisted braid with some bobby pins.[21]
    • Continue to twist and secure the other two braided sections of hair, so they line up near each other once secured into place.
  5. Step 5 Finished. 5 Finished.
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question How do I make a bun with my box braids? Ndeye Anta Niang Ndeye Anta Niang Hair Stylist & Master Braider Ndeye Anta Niang is a Hair Stylist, Master Braider, and Founder of AntaBraids, a traveling braiding service based in New York City. Ndeye has over 20 years of experience in African hair including braiding box braids, Senegalese twists, crochet braids, faux dread locs, goddess locs, kinky twists, and lakhass braids. Ndeye was the first female of her tribe in Africa to move to America and is now sharing her knowledge of African braids passed on from generation to generation. Ndeye Anta Niang Ndeye Anta Niang Hair Stylist & Master Braider Expert Answer You would need to part your hair in half and create a central part from one ear to the other, particularly considering the weight of the box braids. If they're lightweight, you can simply gather them in your hands and secure them in the middle with a scrunchie or elastic band as a foundation. Next, take the loose hair on the left and twirl it in a circular motion around the top of the hair, forming a small circle that can be transformed into a bun. Alternatively, you could utilize one of those sponge-like scrunchies typically used for regular hair. Once the hair is allowed to fall naturally, roll it under the sponge bun accessory. You can twirl it around, similar to the motion of a snail or a spiral, securing it in a circular pattern. Finally, tuck in any loose ends for a polished look. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 0 Helpful 3
  • Question I'm really bad at styling my hair, but why is it so hard to do hair behind me? Ashley Adams Ashley Adams Professional Hair Stylist Ashley Adams is a Licensed Cosmetologist and Hair Stylist in Illinois. She completed her Cosmetology education at John Amico School of Hair Design in 2016. Ashley Adams Ashley Adams Professional Hair Stylist Expert Answer If putting your hair into a ponytail is hard for you, try placing a mirror in front of you and a mirror behind you so that you can see both sides of your hair at 1 time. This will allow you to see the back of your hair while you style your bun. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 3 Helpful 19
  • Question My hair is broken off at the nape of my neck. How can I do a top knot? Ashley Adams Ashley Adams Professional Hair Stylist Ashley Adams is a Licensed Cosmetologist and Hair Stylist in Illinois. She completed her Cosmetology education at John Amico School of Hair Design in 2016. Ashley Adams Ashley Adams Professional Hair Stylist Expert Answer Even with broken off hair, you can create a braided top knot. You can choose either a tousled or sleek bun. To create a sleek look where your ends won't stick out, apply hairspray or gel to your hair as you smooth it into a high ponytail. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 3 Helpful 7
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Video

Reader Videos

Tips

  • Where ever your ponytail is in the beginning is where your bun's going to be. So if you want a high bun do a high ponytail. If you want a low bun do a low ponytail. Thanks Helpful 132 Not Helpful 42
  • If you are going for a classy, clean look, create a tight braid. Thanks Helpful 13 Not Helpful 3
  • You can braid your bangs into the bun or leave them out of the bun. Thanks Helpful 11 Not Helpful 6
Show More Tips Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review! Advertisement

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Expert Interview

Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about hair care, check out our in-depth interview with Ndeye Anta Niang.

References

  1. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9AOVI0OCZqg
  2. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9AOVI0OCZqg
  3. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9AOVI0OCZqg
  4. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9AOVI0OCZqg
  5. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9AOVI0OCZqg
  6. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9AOVI0OCZqg
  7. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=grg0JxbHIfg
  8. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=grg0JxbHIfg
  9. ↑ Ndeye Anta Niang. Hair Stylist & Master Braider. Expert Interview
More References (12)
  1. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=grg0JxbHIfg
  2. ↑ Ndeye Anta Niang. Hair Stylist & Master Braider. Expert Interview
  3. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=grg0JxbHIfg
  4. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=grg0JxbHIfg
  5. ↑ Ndeye Anta Niang. Hair Stylist & Master Braider. Expert Interview
  6. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=grg0JxbHIfg
  7. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kgXwdARH_oM
  8. ↑ Ndeye Anta Niang. Hair Stylist & Master Braider. Expert Interview
  9. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kgXwdARH_oM
  10. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kgXwdARH_oM
  11. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kgXwdARH_oM
  12. ↑ Ndeye Anta Niang. Hair Stylist & Master Braider. Expert Interview

About This Article

Ndeye Anta Niang Co-authored by: Ndeye Anta Niang Hair Stylist & Master Braider This article was co-authored by Ndeye Anta Niang. Ndeye Anta Niang is a Hair Stylist, Master Braider, and Founder of AntaBraids, a traveling braiding service based in New York City. Ndeye has over 20 years of experience in African hair including braiding box braids, Senegalese twists, crochet braids, faux dread locs, goddess locs, kinky twists, and lakhass braids. Ndeye was the first female of her tribe in Africa to move to America and is now sharing her knowledge of African braids passed on from generation to generation. This article has been viewed 267,606 times. 37 votes - 82% Co-authors: 25 Updated: April 21, 2025 Views: 267,606 Categories: Braids Article SummaryX

A braided bun is a unique way to style your hair that will surely earn you a few compliments. To do a simple fold-through braided bun, start by tying your hair back in a ponytail and braiding it like normal. Just separate your ponytail into 3 strands and cross the right side over to become the new middle side. Then, cross the left side over into the middle and keep repeating this until you reach the end. Don’t forget to pull the strands tight after each cross over. Once you’ve finished your braid and tied it off, push your fingers through your hair above the top hair tie to create a hole. Push your braid through the hole from above, then again to create a bun. Finally, secure your braided bun with a few bobby pins and admire your new hairstyle. For more tips from our Beauty co-author, including how to make a braided top knot, read on! Did this summary help you?YesNo

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Reader Success Stories

  • Ava Herlin

    Ava Herlin

    Jan 11, 2020

    "I was looking for a hairstyle for a semi-formal cotillion, but I didn't want my hair to cover up the loose..." more
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Did this article help you?

Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Ndeye Anta Niang Co-authored by: Ndeye Anta Niang Hair Stylist & Master Braider Co-authors: 25 Updated: April 21, 2025 Views: 267,606 82% of readers found this article helpful. 37 votes - 82% Click a star to add your vote Ava Herlin

Ava Herlin

Jan 11, 2020

"I was looking for a hairstyle for a semi-formal cotillion, but I didn't want my hair to cover up the loose..." more Anonymous

Anonymous

Jul 7, 2017

"I loved the simple folding method. I never knew that. I am about to try it and it seems to look really nice! That..." more Ella Andrews

Ella Andrews

Sep 7, 2022

"My daughter does gymnastics, and it is perfect to pull the hair out of her face, and it is the style for her, she..." more Rated this article: Anonymous

Anonymous

Jul 24, 2017

"Really good ideas. I had no idea that it was that simple. Hand to forehead! Thanks." Anonymous

Anonymous

Nov 8, 2016

"The folded braided bun was way easier than the rest in my opinion." Share yours! More success stories Hide success stories

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