Buns are a classic hairstyle that have been around for centuries. Ever since women learned to put their hair up, they’ve been using buns to keep hair out of their face, elevate their style, and protect their hair.
While buns have traditionally been a more romantic look, often featured in balls and wedding styles, today they have taken on a more trendy look.
Miley Cyrus popularized space buns a few years ago, while Princess Leia gave us her very own version of the bun decades back.
But both of these girls, like most mainstream style icons, have pin-straight hair that does just about whatever it’s told. For us curly-haired girls, the style is not so straightforward.
Let’s review different styles of buns before ultimately learning how to do a sock bun with long curly hair.
Different Bun Styles
There are plenty of extensive blog posts on all the variations of buns you can style your hair in. But again, these are often directed at girls with straight hair, thick or thin, which isn’t very helpful when you’ve got curls like mine! Here are some of my favorite variations of buns that work great with curly hair, though the possibilities are endless!
- Braided Bun – A high bun with accent braids can keep flyaway curls secure and sophisticated on their way to the bun. If you have your hair cornrowed you can also use these braids to great one big top bun, which sits beautifully neat on the top of your head.
- Curly Bangs – Again, a few different meanings. You can pull most of your hair up into a top bun while leaving ringlets as curtain bangs hanging down to frame your face. The other variation would be creating a faux bang look by doing a high bun and pulling the ends of your long hair forward to sit on your forehead and give you a cute bang look without the commitment of a big chop!
- The Sock Bun – This bun uses a sock in the center to hold together your bun and give you a structure that won’t move from day to night. This is my go-to style for days where I know I am moving and need a style I can trust to stay in place.
Products To Use
As with most hairstyles you need a proper foundation. This means giving your hair the ultimate care so that it cooperates with you when styling! To ensure my curly hair has the best bouncy and curl I use the curly girl method. This means washing and conditioning with products that are sulfate and silicone-free. I then use a leave-in conditioner, which helps moisturize your hair and keep it easier to style while wearing the sock bun look.
How To Do A Sock Bun With Long Curly Hair
The basics of a sock bun are the same no matter what hair you have. This bun is called a sock bun because instead of using a bun doughnut we are creating our very own out of a sock! While you can go out and buy a new pair of socks for this, I have to admit that I just used one from my sock drawer that lost its pair a long time ago.
To prepare for your sock bun you are going to take your sock and cut the toe off. The sock then needs to be rolled down over itself from the inside out to create the doughnut that makes up the center of your bun. Once this is prepped, go ahead and put your hair up in a ponytail at your desired bun height. That is another great thing about the sock bun, you can wear it high or low. I’ve tried both and proper the high look. With curly hair, I have more volume and it doesn’t look like a ballerina hairstyle like it can with straight hair.
Next, pull the end of your ponytail through the sock doughnut. Pull the ends of your hair evenly around the doughnut, tucking them under for security before rolling down repeatedly until you have reached your hair. Be sure to check that the hair is spread evenly before you get too far down, it’s easier to manage early on, especially with long hair.
With long hair, you want to use pins to secure this look. Once you’ve rolled all your hair over the sock, use a few Bobby pins around the base to prevent slippage.
The other trick for curly hair is don’t try to do this look too tight. The natural bounce of your curls only enhances the look, as a sock bun is made to add volume, and trying to do it too tight crushes the curls and make them look messy.
What To Wear With A Sock Bun Hair Style
Now that you’ve nailed your sock bun look, here are places to wear it and ways to style it.
- On Campus – I like to be low profile while working on my education, so in this instance, I would go for the low sock bun. Couple this with a jeans and T-shirt look to not overdo it, but maybe throw on a cute pair of earrings to add some flare.
- Date Night – Go high! Show your date how fun you are with curls that wow and are practically cascading off your head. You can never go wrong with a form-flattering dress paired with a structured jacket.
- Formal Event – Radiate elegance with a mid sock bun but add some romantic flair. Twists and braids along the side can be added before you put your ponytail in, then continue with the sock tutorial as usual. You’ve probably already got your formal wear picked for this one, so pair it with the sock bun and be sure to impress.
The sock bun is such a versatile look, and it’s easy to do for everyone. Now that you know how to accomplish this look with long, curly hair, try adding your own variation for a look that’s uniquely you!
