Who had a hair donut growing up or for ballet class? While many of us have left behind the “princess bride” topknots that donuts were known for creating, by simply lowering the bun a bit, you get a more understated and timeless look which I love. I had retired my donuts over a decade ago, but found myself missing them for my mom who has shoulder length hair, and Nori who has very fine hair. I ended up getting this $6 set (2 color options) which comes with 2 full size and 2 mini ones, and both ladies have been enjoying their new donut do’s!
As an alternative to my messy high bun (see tutorial), I often default to this low bun for a variety of looks. It works with a casual sweater for cozy styling, or with statement earrings or a headband for a more elegant, glam look. To mix it up I also like my bun off to one side, or extra low to wear under a wide brim hat (either straw or wool). See below for some of these examples over the years!
1-minute low hair bun:
Video // Demonstrating it here on my mom, but very easy to do on yourself!
1. Pull hair into a low ponytail and tie with a hair elastic. Thread your ponytail through the donut.
2. Spread the hair over the donut like a waterfall and then secure by pulling another hair elastic around it. For fine hair, this is easier to do if you dampen your ponytail a bit.
3. Your bun might look a little disconnected from your head at this stage. Use one hand to press the bun against your head. Using the other hand, take a bobby pin and pin it through the hair on your head, through part of the hair donut, and secure it back down to the hair on your head. Repeat with a few more bobby pins around the outer edge of your bun.
4. Pull out a few face framing pieces for a softer look, if desired, or go super sleek.
Note, the donut doesn’t work as well for those with very long and thick hair since there’s nowhere to tuck a large amount of hair under.
Low bun looks over the years:
I love this look and your outfit ideas! Thanks for this post, Jean!
This looks so cute! Will this work for long, thick hair?
Hi! I have a note in the post that this doesn’t work as well for long, thick hair (at least not for me, because I find myself having nowhere to tuck the excess hair ends under). For longer hair several ppl recommended the Carlin tool by Mihoko (I had a similar one growing up but never quite figured it out for it to look the way i wanted)
I love this trick! I’ve never been able to get a low bun to hold its shape…I’m going to try your technique.. 😊
I hope this works out for you! It might take just a little practice, but my mom was able to pick it up quickly and wetting the ponytail helps : )
I adore the chignon bun but since I have to wear it every single day at work I’m starting to hate it hahaha
Miki x
Nori is such a cutie! I just love her positive, full of energy vibe haha
Aw thank you, Kate! She definitely keeps our hands as well as hearts full. xx