11 Easy Low Bun Hairstyles That’ll Save You Time Getting Ready

Whether you’re rocking day three hair (or four or five), maybe it’s extra hot out or you’re just running late — sometimes you want to wear your hair up, and more often than not, you’re going to go for a low bun. 

It’s really hard not to fall in love with the ease and versatility of a low bun. This classic updo is chic in appearance, quick to achieve, and able to flatter all types of hair for any occasion. Keep reading to see our list of 11 gorgeous low bun hairstyles and tips for how to achieve them.

1. Low Loop Bun

The loop bun proves to be an excellent update for the classic low bun, offering modern style with volume and bounce that takes seconds. When it’s time to create your bun, pull your hair into a low ponytail, next grab another hair tie and pull your hair into a ponytail but don’t pull the loop all the way through. The finished look should resemble a bouncy, half ponytail that loops into a bun. 

Editor’s tip: The loop bun’s bouncy silhouette can complement straight hair and curly strands alike. If you have waves or curls, grab a curl enhancer like the L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle CURVE IT Elastic Curl Mousse. Use this mousse on damp hair, scrunch, and let your hair air dry — now you’re on your way to enjoying your easy loop bun with gorgeous wavy texture and volume.

2. Sleek Low Bun

If you’re craving something minimal or trying to embody the social media trending clean girl aesthetic, you can’t beat the look of a sleek low bun. First, apply a hair serum, like the L’Oréal Paris Elvive Dream Lengths Frizz Killer Serum Leave-In, to help smooth your strands. Then pull your hair into a tight ponytail at the nape of your neck. Follow up by twisting your strands and wrapping them around the base of your ponytail, securing it with bobby pins to create a sleek low bun.

Editor’s tip: Taming flyaways and baby hairs is a must to complement your sleek low bun. For flyaways, use a clean toothbrush and hairspray, like the L’Oréal Paris Elnett Satin Extra Strong Hold, Light Hairspray Unscented to brush them in place. Use an edge brush and hair gel like the L’Oréal Paris Studio Line Mega Gel to lay your edges.

3. Classic Low Bun

From wedding hair to gorgeous prom updos to casual and quick styling — the classic low bun is truly fit for any occasion. To create a classic low bun, pull your hair into a low ponytail and tease your strands with a fine-tooth comb to create volume. Wrap your teased strands around the base of your ponytail and use bobby pins to secure your twisted bun in place. Spray with hairspray like the aforementioned Elnett Strong Hold Light Hairspray to set each strand in place.

4. Messy Low Bun

The aim of the messy low bun is to create an undone look that appears intentional, not unpolished, and the two can trail a thin line. Most of the time, the perfect messy bun happens on the first try — start by pulling your hair into a loose ponytail and leaving the front section of your hair or bangs out to create some face-framing strands. Twist the ponytail up into a bun and secure it with a few bobby pins. Finally, fluff up your bun by lightly pulling on it with your fingers to add some volume.

5. French Braid Low Bun

Whether it's for your weekly yoga session or a casual day outside, the French braid low bun offers sporty-chic styling that’s easy to love. Plus, this low bun style is a great option for securing ultra-short strands. 

To create the look, separate your hair into two even sections with a straight part down the middle. Create a French braid on each side, stopping when you get to the nape of the neck and securing each pigtail with a clear elastic. Once you’ve completed both braids, take the two sections and twist them together to create a bun, securing it with a hair tie. 

6. Braided Bang Low Bun

So you’ve succumbed to the curtain bangs trend and you want to wear a low bun without worrying about your bangs. You’re in luck — the braided bang low bun is the perfect low bun hairstyle for you. 

Create a side part and start by French braiding your bangs across your hairline, securing the plait with a clear elastic. Pull your hair into a low ponytail, then wrap your hair around the base of your ponytail to create a low bun and secure it with bobby pins. The results leave you with a romantic front braid that sweeps across your hairline to conceal your bangs while complementing your chic, low bun.

7. Side Bun

Sometimes intentional and sometimes not, the side low bun is mod, chic and sassy. To get the look, simply add a small amount of hair gel, like the L’Oréal Paris Studio Line Mega Gel to your roots and brush your gelled locks back, favoring one side, to create a ponytail. Wrap your hair around the base of your ponytail to create your chic side bun and seal the deal with a few bobby pins.

8. Side Braid With Low Bun

Braided updos will always have a special place in our hearts, so try this low-maintenance version with a side braid and a low bun. Pull your hair onto one side and create your side braid. Next, take your braid and twist it into a low bun, securing it with bobby pins.  Pull out some strands at the hairline for romantic face-framing and voilà — you're done. The side braid low bun wears like an upgraded side bun and it’s a great, quick hairstyle when you’re in a pinch.

9. Triple Low Bun

The triple low bun proves to be a modern yet playful take on a classic. Start by pulling your hair into a low, sleek ponytail. Then, separate your ponytail into three even sections, the same as if you were starting a braid, and twist each strand up into a mini bun and secure it with bobby pins. 

From the front, this style wears like a classic low bun, while the back is upgraded with a few twists — no pun intended.

10. Low Space Buns

For those who love playful and carefree hairstyles, the low space buns are going to be your new go-to when it's time to wear your hair up. Providing you with two stylish buns as opposed to one, this low updo works for mega-short strands and is perfect for those looking to show off some personality. 

To start, part your hair down the center, separate your hair into two sections and create two ponytails. Take the first section, wrap it around the base of your ponytail and secure it with a bobby pin or hair tie. Repeat this step on the other side and you’re on your way to rocking playful space buns.

Editor’s tip: Upgrade your playful space buns with a zigzag part to complete the look.

11. Rope Bun

This creative updo is extremely beginner-friendly and it looks much more elaborate than it really is because it can be done in seconds. To start, pull your hair into a low ponytail, split your ponytail into two sections and create a rope braid by twisting them around each other. Secure your rope braid with a clear elastic, twist your hair around the base of your ponytail to create a bun, and pin your strands in place. 

Next: 10 Super Stylish Ponytail Upgrades for Curly Hair

Edited by: Reece Andavolgyi, Photo Credit: Chaunte Vaughn