Hair texture decides which of these 4 you should pick: straight, dark hair shows the wrap of the double braided bun best, while curls suit the Dutch braids with a curly bun, and cornrows lead straight into the double bun version.
The span runs from the Dutch braids into a low bun, polished enough for work, to the cornrows with double buns, which need a skilled braider for the back.
If you can braid and pin a bun, the rest is within reach, and 2 buns, if you choose them, should match in size and height.
1. Double Braided Bun Hairstyle
2 braids, each coiled into its own bun, make a tidy updo that stays put without much fuss, and it works well on dark, straight hair where the pattern of the braids shows clearly.
Part the hair down the middle, braid each side, then coil each braid into its own bun. Pin the end of every braid under the coil so nothing pokes out.
Keep both buns the same size and height. Uneven buns are the one thing that makes this style look accidental, so check the back in a second mirror before you leave.
2. Cornrows with Double Buns
Cornrows that lead straight up into 2 high buns do the hard work in the braiding itself, so the style looks finished with almost no styling afterward.
Plan the cornrows to run toward 2 points on top of the head, then gather each set and wrap it into a bun. Secure each one with an elastic first and pins second.
The buns are the statement, so I keep jewelry small.
Cornrows take a skilled braider, so book that time rather than attempting the back yourself.
3. Dutch Braids Into Low Bun
Low at the nape, a bun made from two thick Dutch braids reads polished rather than playful, and I would pick it first for work or a dinner out.
Dutch braids cross strands under instead of over, which makes each braid sit raised on the head. Start at the hairline and braid along the sides, keeping the strands tight at the top so the braids stay thick.
Join both braids at the nape, coil them together, and pin. A little shine serum on the finished bun gives that glossy look.
4. Dutch Braids with Curly Bun
Curly texture is what makes this one: two Dutch braids sweep back and end in a full, voluminous bun that looks soft against the neat braided sides.
Braid the front sections only, then gather the braid ends with the loose curls into one ponytail. Twist it loosely and pin it, rather than wrapping it tight, so the curls keep their volume.
Pull the braids slightly wider with your fingertips if you want a fuller look. Curls hold the shape better when the hair is dry and moisturized.
Occasions for Hairstyle
Two braids with a bun is easy to dress up or down, so one hairstyle can cover a lot of calendar.
For a beach wedding, wind is the real test, so use extra pins and pull a few strands loose at the temples. A breeze will loosen the front anyway, and it looks better when you planned it.
For a cocktail party, keep everything smooth and tuck in the ends. Pair the bun with a bare neckline or a dress with a back detail, since an updo shows off the neck and shoulders.
Pick the same hairstyle for both and change only the finish: soft and loose by day, sleek and tight by night.
Skill Level
This is a beginner-friendly style. If you can make a basic braid and put hair in a bun, you already have the skills for it.
Practice once on a day with nowhere to be. Braiding is mostly muscle memory, and the second attempt usually goes much faster than the first.
Work with the hair slightly textured rather than freshly washed. Clean, slippery hair slides out of braids and pins, while day-old hair grips.
Keep a small kit nearby: elastics, bobby pins and a hand mirror. Checking the back as you go saves more time than redoing the whole style at the end.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a ballerina bun?
A ballerina bun is a sleek, tight bun, the kind dancers wear.
A braided ballerina bun stays neat when the hair is smoothed first, so brush the braids flat, wrap them into a coil, and slide each braid end under the coil with a bobby pin so no tips poke out.
What is the hairstyle called with two buns?
2 buns on the head are often called space buns. Cornrows that run up into two high buns are one version, and I like that one because the braiding does most of the styling work.
How do you braid hair into two ponytails?
Start with a clean center part, then gather the hair on each side into a low ponytail and fasten each one with a snag-free elastic.
Braid each ponytail down to the ends, then wrap an elastic around the tip and pull it snug so the braid holds.
From there you can coil each braid into a bun and pin it flat against the head, tucking in any ends that show.
