11 Fresh Twists on a Bun That You Need to Try

Buns are an easy, quick way to pull your hair back on-the-go and keep all your strands out of your face. But just because they’re functional for your day-to-day life doesn’t mean they can’t be stylish, too! There are so many fresh takes on your average bun that fit all types of style — they can be romantic, edgy, quirky, or anything you want them to be. Here are 11 fabulous new bun styles that you have to try before the year is over.

1. Crisscross Bun

This elegant bun is a classy choice for a dinner date, a wedding, or even something more casual, like a meeting at work. Best of all, it requires no heat and only takes a few moments to create! So you can be running late and still looked put together with this quick, trendy bun.

2. Updated Messy Bun

The look of the moment, across all hairstyles, is very loose, casual, and even downright messy. If neat, perfect ballerina buns are too uptight for you, but you don’t want to look like you’re sporting a rats nest on your head, this modern messy bun is the perfect compromise.

3. Half-Up Bun


Also known as the “hun” (half-bun), this look is perfect for anyone who loves to rock the latest trend. This tutorial from Luxy Hair is great to follow if you want a flowy, bohemian look. Make sure you spray your bottom layer with sea salt spray or texturizing spray to get those effortless waves.

4. Braided Bun

If you love polished looks that don’t quite jive with that messy trend, you’ll love this simple braided bun. We love the preppy vibe of this hairstyle and, as you can see in the video, it’s the perfect look for all ages!

5. Pencil Bun

Looking for a super smart look for back to school? Then look no further than this clever pencil bun! The hairstyle looks casual and studious with the pencil accent, plus it’s a quick hack for any student or teacher on-the-go.

6. Faux Hawk Buns

If the edge is where you live, then you’re going to be obsessed with this trend: the faux hawk bun. The style uses buns to replicate the funky look of a real mohawk…without the commitment to the hairstyle. This tutorial from Jane Nashe is especially awesome because she shows how short-haired girls can pull it off, but there are also great tutorials for ladies with longer locks, too.

7. The One Minute Bun

You might think the most appealing thing about this bun is that you can pull it together in one minute, and while that’s amazing, the bun itself looks incredible, too. This style again plays into that messy chic look, but you can actually do it on any part of your head!

We love it on the side, where you can dress it up for an event or wear it out to run a few errands.

8. Space Buns


Dig all things retro? In that case, you’ve probably already mastered the “space buns,” the popular look from the ’90s that’s made a huge comeback in the last year. As a fan of this look for myself, I can attest that it’s a great way to style your locks on bad hair days!

Here’s an adorable tutorial for girls who are rocking natural curls, too.

9. Fake Bangs Bun


The idea of bangs is such a tantalizing idea for any of us who are looking to shake things up, but actually going to the salon to have them done is a HUGE commitment. Instead of blindly taking the leap, try this clever hair hack: the faux bang bun.

Not only does this bun get your hair out of your face is a stylish way, but it helps you see what you would look like with fringe! You can try this out as a bang test run or just incorporate it into your day-to-day looks for something different.

10. Sporty Bun

For that girl who’s always running from the office to the gym or the student who needs a look that will take her through the school day into basketball practice, this athletic bun is your new go-to. With this sporty bun you can break a sweat knowing your hair isn’t moving an inch — and that it looks amazing.

Check out the tutorial from Fancy Hair here, the tutorial for this bun starts at 30 seconds.

11. Fan Bun

This clever hair hack turns your regular ponytail into a fashionable fanned-out bun. We love the volume of this top knot and how this easy-breezy style is great for a casual day at the office or a formal event.