20 braids bun hairstyles ideas

Braids and buns are two timeless hairstyles that never go out of fashion — but when you combine them, the result is effortlessly chic, practical, and Pinterest-perfect. Braided bun hairstyles are loved because they blend structure with softness. They keep hair secure while still looking elegant, romantic, edgy, or trendy depending on how you style them. Whether you’re heading to work, school, a wedding, the gym, or a formal event, there’s a braided bun style that fits the moment.

One of the biggest reasons braided buns are trending is versatility. They work for short, medium, and long hair (with a few adjustments). They suit straight, wavy, curly, and coily textures. You can create sleek and polished looks, messy boho buns, intricate crown braids leading into buns, or simple everyday styles done in under ten minutes.

Another reason braided buns are so popular on Pinterest is that they photograph beautifully. The texture of braids wrapped into buns creates dimension, making even simple styles look intentional and detailed. They’re also protective and long-lasting, making them ideal for busy days.

This guide includes 20 detailed braided bun hairstyle ideas designed to be beginner-friendly yet stylish. Each idea includes a clear explanation, tools you’ll need, and step-by-step instructions so you can confidently recreate the look at home.

Let’s start with the first 10 braided bun hairstyles you can try today.

1. Classic Three-Strand Braided Low Bun

Introduction

The classic three-strand braided low bun is elegant, timeless, and incredibly easy to achieve. It’s perfect for beginners because it uses the most basic braid technique while still delivering a polished result. This style works beautifully for office days, weddings, formal dinners, or even casual outings when you want to look put together without spending too much time.

What makes this hairstyle special is its simplicity. The braid adds texture and interest, while the low bun keeps everything neat and sophisticated. It suits medium to long hair and works especially well on slightly textured or second-day hair, which helps hold the shape better.

If you’re new to braided buns, this is the perfect place to start.

What This Style Is

A basic three-strand braid twisted into a low bun at the nape of the neck.

Tools / Materials Needed

Brush or comb
Hair elastic
Bobby pins
Light hairspray

Step-by-Step How-To

Brush your hair thoroughly to remove tangles.
Gather your hair into a low ponytail at the nape of your neck.
Secure with an elastic.
Braid the ponytail using a simple three-strand braid.
Secure the braid with a second elastic.
Twist the braid around the base to form a bun.
Secure with bobby pins.
Lightly pull edges of the braid for volume if desired.
Finish with a light mist of hairspray.

Simple, elegant, and timeless.

2. Dutch Braid High Bun

Introduction

The Dutch braid high bun is bold, structured, and modern. A Dutch braid (also known as an inside-out braid) creates a raised effect that stands out beautifully. When this braid feeds into a high bun, the result is sporty yet stylish.

This hairstyle works well for workouts, casual outings, or street-style fashion looks. It keeps hair completely off the neck and face, making it practical for active days.

If you want something eye-catching yet functional, this style is perfect.

What This Style Is

A Dutch braid running up the back of the head into a high bun.

Tools Needed

Comb
Elastic
Bobby pins

Steps

Flip your head upside down.
Start Dutch braiding from the nape upward.
Continue until you reach the crown.
Gather remaining hair into high ponytail.
Twist ponytail into bun.
Secure with pins.

Edgy and athletic.

3. Fishtail Braided Side Bun

Introduction

The fishtail braid adds intricate texture, making even simple buns look detailed and romantic. A fishtail braided side bun is perfect for weddings, date nights, or formal events.

The asymmetry of the side placement adds softness and femininity. This style looks especially beautiful on long hair with soft waves.

What This Style Is

A fishtail braid gathered into a bun on one side of the head.

Tools

Brush
Elastic
Bobby pins

Steps

Pull hair to one side.
Create a fishtail braid.
Secure with elastic.
Twist into side bun.
Pin securely.

Romantic and elegant.

4. Crown Braid into Low Bun

Introduction

This style combines a crown braid with a low bun for a regal and polished finish. It’s ideal for special occasions.

What This Style Is

A braid wrapped around the head leading into a bun.

Tools

Comb
Elastics
Bobby pins

Steps

Start braiding near one ear.
Continue around head.
Gather remaining hair.
Form low bun.
Pin securely.

Sophisticated and graceful.

5. Double Braided Space Buns

Introduction

Fun and playful, double braided space buns are trendy and youthful. Perfect for festivals or casual days.

What This Style Is

Two braids twisted into two buns.

Tools

Comb
Two elastics
Bobby pins

Steps

Part hair down middle.
Braid each side.
Twist into buns.
Pin securely.

Cute and trendy.

6. French Braid Low Messy Bun

Introduction

The French braid low messy bun is soft and effortless. It’s perfect for everyday wear.

What This Style Is

French braid leading into loose bun.

Tools

Elastic
Pins

Steps

French braid from crown.
Secure at nape.
Form loose bun.
Pin and gently pull strands.

Casual chic.

7. Pull-Through Braid Bun

Introduction

The pull-through braid creates dramatic volume before forming into a bun.

What This Style Is

Bubble-style braid wrapped into bun.

Tools

Small elastics
Pins

Steps

Create stacked ponytails.
Pull sections through.
Form into bun.
Pin securely.

Bold and voluminous.

8. Side Cornrow Bun

Introduction

A sleek side cornrow feeding into a bun gives modern edge.

What This Style Is

Cornrow on one side with bun.

Tools

Comb
Elastic
Pins

Steps

Create tight cornrow.
Gather hair into bun.
Secure firmly.

Modern and stylish.

9. Rope Braid Twisted Bun

Introduction

Quick and easy, rope braids create beautiful texture.

What This Style Is

Twisted rope braid formed into bun.

Tools

Elastic
Pins

Steps

Create ponytail.
Twist into rope braid.
Wrap into bun.
Pin securely.

Simple yet elegant.

10. Waterfall Braid Bun

Introduction

Waterfall braid feeding into bun creates romantic detail.

What This Style Is

Waterfall braid across head ending in bun.

Tools

Elastic
Pins

Steps

Create waterfall braid.
Gather remaining hair.
Form bun.
Pin securely.

Soft and event-ready.

11. High Braided Ponytail Bun

Introduction

The high braided ponytail bun is bold, confident, and incredibly versatile. It combines the sleekness of a high ponytail with the texture of a braid and the polish of a bun. This hairstyle works beautifully for both casual and dressy settings, depending on how sleek or soft you style it.

What makes this look stand out is height and structure. The lifted placement elongates the face and highlights cheekbones, while the braid adds dimension that makes the bun look more detailed than a standard twist bun. It’s especially flattering for medium to long hair and works well on straight, wavy, or stretched textured hair.

This style is perfect for days when you want something secure, stylish, and slightly dramatic without requiring advanced braiding skills.

What This Style Is

A high ponytail braided fully and wrapped into a voluminous bun at the crown.

Tools / Materials Needed

Brush
Strong hair elastic
Small elastic
Bobby pins
Edge control gel (optional)
Hairspray

Step-by-Step How-To

Brush hair upward and gather into a high ponytail.
Secure tightly with a strong elastic.
Smooth edges with gel if desired.
Braid the ponytail using a three-strand braid.
Secure braid with a small elastic.
Wrap the braid around the base of the ponytail.
Secure with bobby pins.
Finish with light hairspray.

Sleek, powerful, and polished.

12. Halo Braid into Twisted Bun

Introduction

The halo braid is soft, romantic, and ethereal. When combined with a twisted bun at the back, it creates a hairstyle that feels bridal and timeless. This look works beautifully for weddings, formal dinners, or special events.

The braid frames the head like a crown, while the twisted bun keeps the style balanced and structured. It looks intricate but can be achieved with basic braiding techniques and careful pinning.

If you want a hairstyle that looks delicate yet secure, this is a stunning choice.

What This Style Is

A braid wrapping around the head, finished into a twisted bun at the back.

Tools

Comb
Elastics
Bobby pins
Light hairspray

Steps

Part hair slightly to one side.
Begin braiding near one ear and work around the head.
Continue until reaching the nape.
Gather remaining hair.
Twist into bun.
Pin securely and adjust for softness.

Elegant and romantic.

13. Braided Top Knot

Introduction

The braided top knot is trendy, modern, and perfect for busy days. It keeps hair off your face and neck while still looking stylish. This is an ideal everyday hairstyle that can transition from gym to casual outing effortlessly.

The braid adds visual interest, preventing the bun from looking too basic. It works well for all hair types and can be styled sleek or messy depending on preference.

This is a great beginner-friendly braided bun option.

What This Style Is

A simple braid wrapped into a top knot at the crown.

Tools

Brush
Elastic
Bobby pins

Steps

Gather hair into high ponytail.
Secure with elastic.
Braid the ponytail.
Wrap braid into bun shape.
Pin securely.

Quick, easy, and stylish.

14. Side French Braid into Low Bun

Introduction

A side French braid leading into a low bun creates soft asymmetry that flatters most face shapes. This hairstyle is elegant without being overly formal, making it ideal for work events or date nights.

The side braid adds texture and visual interest along the hairline, while the low bun keeps everything controlled.

It works beautifully on medium to long hair with natural texture.

What This Style Is

A French braid starting on one side of the head and finishing in a low bun.

Tools

Comb
Elastic
Bobby pins

Steps

Start French braiding near temple.
Continue toward nape.
Gather remaining hair.
Form low bun.
Pin securely.

Soft and flattering.

15. Double Dutch Braids into One Bun

Introduction

This bold hairstyle combines two Dutch braids merging into a single bun. It’s structured, trendy, and ideal for active days.

The symmetry of the braids adds dimension, while the single bun keeps the style cohesive.

Great for workouts, festivals, or edgy fashion looks.

What This Style Is

Two Dutch braids feeding into one bun at the back.

Tools

Comb
Elastics
Bobby pins

Steps

Part hair down middle.
Dutch braid each side.
Merge both braids into one ponytail.
Twist into bun.
Secure with pins.

Structured and eye-catching.

16. Braided Bun with Loose Face-Framing Strands

Introduction

For a soft, romantic vibe, this braided bun allows a few strands to fall naturally around the face. It creates movement and softness.

Perfect for casual weddings, brunch dates, or soft everyday styling.

What This Style Is

A braided bun with intentionally loose front strands.

Tools

Elastic
Bobby pins
Curling iron (optional)

Steps

Leave small front sections out.
Braid remaining hair.
Wrap into bun.
Pin securely.
Curl loose strands lightly if desired.

Soft and feminine.

17. Zig-Zag Part Braided Bun

Introduction

Adding a zig-zag part modernizes a simple braided bun instantly. This subtle detail adds uniqueness without extra effort.

Great for school, casual days, or trendy looks.

What This Style Is

Braided bun with zig-zag part detail.

Tools

Rat-tail comb
Elastic
Pins

Steps

Create zig-zag part with comb.
Gather hair into ponytail.
Braid and wrap into bun.
Secure with pins.

Simple but distinctive.

18. Braided Low Chignon

Introduction

The braided low chignon is timeless and elegant. It’s perfect for formal events and professional settings.

What This Style Is

A braid wrapped neatly into a chignon at the nape.

Tools

Elastic
Bobby pins

Steps

Create low ponytail.
Braid fully.
Coil into chignon shape.
Pin securely.

Classic sophistication.

19. Accent Braid into Messy Bun

Introduction

An accent braid adds subtle detail to a relaxed messy bun. It’s perfect for everyday styling.

What This Style Is

Small side braid feeding into messy bun.

Tools

Elastic
Pins

Steps

Create small braid on one side.
Gather hair loosely.
Twist into messy bun.
Pin and adjust.

Effortless and cute.

20. Infinity Braid Bun

Introduction

The infinity braid is intricate and eye-catching. Wrapped into a bun, it becomes a statement hairstyle perfect for special occasions.

What This Style Is

An infinity braid formed into a structured bun.

Tools

Elastic
Bobby pins

Steps

Create infinity braid using small center strand.
Secure with elastic.
Wrap braid into bun.
Pin firmly.

Detailed and Pinterest-perfect.