Okay so I’ve been obsessed with braided buns for like the past year and honestly? I don’t think I’ll ever go back to a regular bun again. There’s something about the way braids add texture that makes even a messy morning look feel intentional.
I put together 25 of my favorites below. Some are easy, some take practice, but all of them get compliments. Pinky promise.
Why braided buns hit different
Regular buns are fine. They get the job done. But a braided bun? That’s the one your friend asks about while you’re standing in line for coffee. The braid does something to the back of your head that a plain bun just can’t pull off.
Also they hold better. If you’ve ever had a slick bun slip out by lunchtime, you know what I mean. Braids grip onto themselves.
1. Classic three-strand braided bun
Start with a low ponytail. Braid it. Wrap it around the base. Pin. That’s it. This is the one I do when I’m running out the door and need to look like I tried.
2. Dutch braid into a bun
The Dutch braid sits on top of your hair instead of underneath, so it pops more. Braid from your hairline down to your nape, then gather everything into a bun. Looks way harder than it is.
3. French braid wrapped bun
A French braid going across the back of your head, then twisted into a bun at one side. Good for date night.
4. Fishtail braid bun
The fishtail looks intricate but it’s just two strands crossing over each other. Once you get the rhythm, you can do it half asleep. Wrap it into a bun and you’re done.
5. Messy braided bun
Pull some pieces out. Loosen the braid. Let bits fall around your face. This one is supposed to look like you didn’t try. The trick is you absolutely did try, you just don’t want anyone to know.
6. Crown braid with bun
Braid goes around your head like a crown, ends meet at the back, twist into a bun. Wedding hair without paying a stylist 200 bucks.
7. Double Dutch braids into bun
Two Dutch braids running parallel down your scalp, meeting at the back where you bun them together. Athletic but cute.
8. Side braided bun
Braid starts at one ear, sweeps across the back, ends in a low bun on the opposite side. Asymmetry is your friend here. Find more side styles on my Pinterest board if you want visual inspo.
9. Halo braid bun
Similar to a crown braid but the bun sits high instead of low. Gives you princess energy without trying too hard.
10. Twisted rope braid bun
Two sections twisted around each other, then bunned. Faster than a regular braid and looks fancier.
11. Boho braided bun with face-framing pieces
Braid your hair loosely, bun it, then deliberately pull out two pieces near your temples. Spritz with sea salt spray. Done.
12. Braided bun with ribbon
Weave a thin ribbon through your braid before you bun it. Velvet ribbon in fall, silk in summer. Small thing, big impact.
13. Half-up braided bun
Top half braided into a bun, bottom half loose. Best of both worlds when you can’t commit.
14. Braided sock bun
Use a sock bun donut for volume, then wrap a braid around the outside. This is the bun your grandma did but better.
15. Waterfall braid bun
The waterfall braid leaves strands hanging loose as you go, then you finish it in a bun at the back. Romantic in a way that doesn’t try too hard.
16. Braided top knot
High bun, but with a thick braid wrapped around the base. Edgier than a regular top knot.
17. Two braids meeting in a bun
Part your hair down the middle. Braid each side. Meet in the back, bun together. Schoolgirl vibes if that’s what you’re after.
18. Loose braided low bun
Loose. Low. Slightly undone. This is the one I wore to my cousin’s wedding and three people asked who did my hair. I did. In ten minutes.
19. Braided bun with hair accessory
A pearl clip, a gold pin, a flower, whatever. Pick one statement piece and let it do the talking
20. Curly braided bun
If your hair is curly, work with it. Braid loosely so the curls still show through. The texture is the whole point.
21. Braided chignon
Chignons are buns with attitude. Add a braid and suddenly you’re in a 1940s movie.
22. Voluminous braided bun
Tease your hair before braiding for serious volume. This one’s for nights when you want to take up space.
23. Sleek braided bun
The opposite of voluminous. Gel, edge control, every hair where it belongs. Looks expensive.
24. Braided bun with bangs
If you have bangs, let them stay out. The contrast between the structured braid and soft bangs is chef’s kiss.
25. Milkmaid braided bun
Two braids that wrap up and over your head, ending in a small bun at the back. Looks like you stepped out of a fairytale.
Quick tips before you start
Brush your hair first. I know it sounds obvious but tangled hair makes for ugly braids.
Use a smoothing cream if you have flyaways. Not a ton, just a dab.
Bobby pins are your best friend. Buy more than you think you need because they vanish into the carpet.
Don’t braid sopping wet hair. It’ll be lumpy when it dries. Damp is fine. Dry is best.
Practice on YouTube videos when you have time. Don’t try a new style 20 minutes before you need to leave the house.