Hair How-To: The Perfect Ballerina Bun
You don't need to be a prima ballerina to rock a pretty bun on the top of your head. Follow these simple steps and you'll have a polished 'do every time. Compliments guaranteed.

What You'll Need:
A paddle hairbrush
Two hair elastics
A foam hair donut
Bobby pins
Hairspray
1. Brush hair into a high ponytail right at the top of your head. Make sure to include any bangs.
2. Put ponytail through the hole in the hair donut.
3-4. Lift ponytail up high and spread into two fairly equal sections – one at the top and one at the bottom.
5. Spread the hair. Place top section of hair over the top portion of the donut and spread the bottom section of hair over the bottom portion of the donut, making sure the whole donut is covered.
6. Let the bun take shape. Hold the donut so you can see a bun take shape and let the ends of the hair remain loose.
7. Take the top section of loose ends and twist it around the base of the bun (moving clockwise) and secure with a bobby pin.
Stay In The Know
Get exclusive access to fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more.
8. Take a hair elastic and put it around the bun (only wrap it once).
9. Twist the loose hair from the bottom section clockwise.
10. Secure the loose hair in front of the bun with a bobby pin so it hides the hair elastic.
11. Spray with hairspray for all-day hold and…tada!
*Add bobby pins when needed.
More Ballet Inspiration
10 Ballet Inspired Beauty Looks
-
Selena Gomez Is the Cropped Blazer Trend's Final Boss
This style simply works on her.
By Halie LeSavage Published
-
The Most Striking Beauty Moments in Met Gala History
Elaborate and extraordinary.
By Katherine J. Igoe Published
-
Princess Madeleine Can't Use Royal Title to Promote Skincare Line
"I will use my name Madeleine Bernadotte in my work with MinLen."
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
The 11 Best Spring Makeup Trends Are Sexy, Sensual, and Perfectly Luminous
It's dew or die time.
By Jamie Wilson Published
-
Simone Ashley’s Indie Sleaze Glam Is a Cool-Toned Dream
The actor was spotted in New York City looking like the epitome of cool-toned beauty.
By Ariel Baker Published
-
The 10 Best Hair Growth Shampoos of 2025, Tested by Editors
Expensive and healthy-looking hair on lock.
By Marisa Petrarca Published
-
New York Fashion Week’s Fall/Winter 2025 Best Beauty Moments Are a Lesson in Juxtaposition
The week's best beauty looks were a maximalism master class.
By Ariel Baker Published
-
Nécessaire's Extra-Strength Deodorant Outlasts an Editor's Sweatiest Test: Fashion Week
Even with my hectic schedule, I've never smelled better.
By Halie LeSavage Published
-
Lily-Rose Depp’s Cool-Toned Makeup Is So ‘90s Coded
Clean girl meets grunge.
By Ariel Baker Published
-
The 13 Best Foundations for Mature Skin, Tested by Women Over 50
It's perfect for mature complexions.
By Siena Gagliano Published
-
Gray Hair Was the Hottest Accessory at the 2025 Golden Globes
Gray hair is chic, period.
By Hannah Baxter Published