How To Do A Sock Bun: 7 Steps (with Pictures) - WikiHow

Home » How To Make Sock Bun » How To Do A Sock Bun: 7 Steps (with Pictures) - 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 Do a Sock Bun PDF download Download Article Explore this Article Steps Steps Other Sections Questions & Answers VideoWATCH NOW Tips and Warnings Related Articles References Article Summary Reviewed by Jasmin Todd

Last Updated: May 13, 2025 Fact Checked

PDF download Download Article ARTICLE VIDEO X

This article was reviewed by Jasmin Todd. Jasmin Todd is a Master Stylist and the Owner of Austin Curls in Austin, TX. With over 20 years of experience, she specializes in cutting and styling naturally curly hair. Jasmin trained at the world-famous Ouidad salon and is Ouidad certified. In 2022, Mane Addicts named Austin Curls as one of the Top U.S. Salons for Curly Hair. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 1,399,064 times.

The “perfect bun” may seem elusive but with this simple solution, it'll cease to elude you. Using a clean sock to act as your guide, you'll be able to design a fashionable, yet functional, classic bun.

Steps

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  1. Step 1 Select a sock. 1 Select a sock. It's best to use the odd sock that isn't useful anymore; avoid using a sock that's still in regular use. The sock should be ankle or mid-shin length; anything longer risks bunching up. Shorter socks tend to cradle your bun and hold it in place.
    • Select a sock that won’t “shed” or create too many loose threads. You'll be cutting this sock, so if it tends to unravel with loose threads, find another or be prepared to darn the edges.
    • Socks close in color to your hair color work best, as it will blend in more should it peek through your strands.[1]
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Do a Sock Bun 2 Cut off the end. Remove the toe-end of the sock using sharp, fabric scissors. Your goal is to create a tube out of the sock, so only cut off as much as is needed to do this. Follow the seam if possible when cutting. That way you will have a cleaner, straighter cut.[2] Advertisement
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Do a Sock Bun 3 Put your hair in a ponytail. Roll up the sock so that it is donut or ring shaped, and slip it over the ponytail. Pull it to the base of the ponytail so that all of the hair is gathered inside of it.[3]
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Do a Sock Bun 4 Pull the sock to the ends of your hair. Once all the hair is gathered inside the sock, pull it as close to the ends as you can. Tuck the hair around the side and into the center of the bun.[4]
  5. Watermark wikiHow to Do a Sock Bun 5 Roll the sock down. Hold the ends of your hair at the center of the sock and roll the fabric down towards the base of the ponytail. The hair will gather in a ring around the sock. Rotate the sock as you roll it down so that it is completely covered by your hair.[5]
  6. Watermark wikiHow to Do a Sock Bun 6 Finish the bun. When the sock has reached the base of the ponytail, tug on the edges and adjust them so that none of the sock can be seen through your hair. Use bobby pins to secure the bun to your scalp if it feels loose or moves around at all. Add a light misting of hairspray, and you're finished.
  7. Step 7 Finished. 7 Finished.
    8. Advertisement

Community Q&A

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  • Question Can I go to sleep with the sock bun to make my hair curly? Community Answer Community Answer Yes, you can, but expect a slight wave. For tighter curls, try putting your hair in braids for the night. 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 24 Helpful 119
  • Question Is it the same when I use a store bought hair donut? Community Answer Community Answer Yes. The sock is just "free", as an odd sock generally has no use anymore. The store bought ones are great for matching your hair colour though, so it is harder to see. 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 31 Helpful 126
  • Question How would I take it out? Community Answer Community Answer Start by pulling out all of the pins. After that, unroll the sock and pull it out. Once you are left with just a ponytail, simply pull off the hair tie and brush your hair out. 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 26 Helpful 87
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Video

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Tips

  • Use wet hair to create a tighter, more professional look. For a messy and casual bun, dry hair works best. Thanks Helpful 42 Not Helpful 11
  • If you like messy buns, try this without brushing your hair first. Thanks Helpful 38 Not Helpful 10
  • To make your bun look softer and prettier, try leaving out your shorter bang pieces of hair from the bun Thanks Helpful 31 Not Helpful 13
Show More Tips

Tips from our Readers

The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.
  • Try putting the sock over the hair tie first, then let your hair fall over it before adding another tie. Be sure to wrap the ends and pin for a clean finish.
  • Use a longer sock if you have shorter hair to make sure it's fully covered. Be sure to pick a sock you're okay cutting up.
  • If your hair is dry, mist it with water first so the bun stays tighter. For curly hair, do this style when damp.
  • Leave a section out of the ponytail, then braid the remainder once the bun is done for a cute look.
  • This style only takes a couple minutes, so it's great for work or school when you're rushed.
  • Instead of a sock, you could use a doughnut bun maker from a store for an easier process.
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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References

  1. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gI953CksQ4w
  2. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gI953CksQ4w
  3. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gI953CksQ4w
  4. ↑ https://www.birchbox.com/magazine/article/how-to-sock-bun-hair-tutorial-in-5-crazy-easy-steps
  5. ↑ https://sayyes.com/2011/09/diy-sock-bun
  6. Videos provided by HeyIt'sEmily
  7. https://sayyes.com/2011/09/diy-sock-bun

About This Article

Jasmin Todd Reviewed by: Jasmin Todd Master Hair Stylist This article was reviewed by Jasmin Todd. Jasmin Todd is a Master Stylist and the Owner of Austin Curls in Austin, TX. With over 20 years of experience, she specializes in cutting and styling naturally curly hair. Jasmin trained at the world-famous Ouidad salon and is Ouidad certified. In 2022, Mane Addicts named Austin Curls as one of the Top U.S. Salons for Curly Hair. This article has been viewed 1,399,064 times. 170 votes - 85% Co-authors: 67 Updated: May 13, 2025 Views: 1,399,064 Categories: Featured Articles | Hair Buns Article SummaryX

To use a sock to make a bun, cut the toe end off and roll the sock into a donut or ring shape. Slide the sock onto your ponytail, then pull it as close to the tip of your hair as you can. Tuck any remaining hair under the center of the donut. Then, roll the sock down slowly, gathering your hair in a ring as you go. Rotate the sock as you roll it down so your hair completely covers it. Spray your bun with hairspray if you’d like, then rock the look! For more helpful advice on what types of socks to choose, scroll down! Did this summary help you?YesNo

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Reader Success Stories

  • Nada Alhajj

    Nada Alhajj

    Oct 9, 2020

    "I didn't know how to do buns, but now that this article helped me I might make a beautiful bun just like the..." more
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Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Jasmin Todd Reviewed by: Jasmin Todd Master Hair Stylist Co-authors: 67 Updated: May 13, 2025 Views: 1,399,064 85% of readers found this article helpful. 170 votes - 85% Click a star to add your vote Nada Alhajj

Nada Alhajj

Oct 9, 2020

"I didn't know how to do buns, but now that this article helped me I might make a beautiful bun just like the..." more Anonymous

Anonymous

Sep 26, 2017

"Excellent graphics making it clear what to do. Explained wonderfully!" Anonymous

Anonymous

Jun 10, 2024

"I didn't know how to do a sock bun, but this article helped me a lot." Jasmine Harper

Jasmine Harper

Dec 2, 2018

"It helped me a lot because I didn't know how to make a perfect bun." Jacinta Cooley

Jacinta Cooley

Apr 4, 2016

"Loved this detailed article. Clearly explained." Share yours! More success stories Hide success stories

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