by Linda Ann Nickerson

Created on: December 10, 2008   Last Updated: January 04, 2010

Ballerina Bun Basics

Prima ballerinas sport beautiful buns on their heads, of course. The ballerina bun is the classic hairstyle for a dancer, as it holds the hair tidily in place for a practice or performance. By keeping the hair neatly tucked away, the ballerina ensures the audience will focus on her lovely face and her fanciful fluid movements, rather than on tousled hair.

A ballerina (or anyone with long hair) may choose to wear the hair bun in either of two ways: on top of the head or just above the nape of the neck. Either ballerina bun option creates a neat and tidy hairstyle for a dancer or another active individual.

How does a ballerina achieve a tip-top perfect hair bun? It's simple.

Preparing to Make the Ballerina Bun Hairstyle

The perfect ballerina bun begins with clean, damp long hair. If hair is dry, add a few spritzes of clean water. Grab your favorite leave-in conditioner, and work a small amount through the hair with your fingers. Comb through the hair to remove any tangles.

Making a Ballerina Bun Atop the Head

The top-knot ballerina bun makes a top-notch hair style for a ballet recital or a trip to the gym.

Start with clean, damp hair. Bend at the waist, allowing hair to fall forward and down towards the ground. Brush all hair into a very tight ponytail, and fasten it with a covered hair elastic. Rewrap the elastic band, so that it is fastened as snugly as possible.

Brush through the ponytail until all of the hair is smooth.

Beginning at the base of the ponytail, right near the elastic band, begin twisting the hair. The ponytail will become a tight and curvy rope. Wind the twisted hair rope around the ponytail base. Tuck the hair ends under the coiled hair rope.

Fasten the ballerina bun securely in place with several bobby pins.

Mist the ballerina bun and all hair with extra-holding hair spray.

Making a Ballerina Bun at the Nape of the Neck

Start with clean, damp hair. Lay on your back across a bed or another flat surface, allowing the hair to fall freely toward the ground. Brush all hair into a very tight ponytail, and fasten it with a covered hair elastic. Rewrap the elastic band, so that it is fastened as snugly as possible.

Brush through the ponytail until all of the hair is smooth.

Beginning at the base of the ponytail, right near the elastic band, begin twisting the hair. The ponytail will become a tight and curvy rope. Wind the twisted hair rope around the ponytail base. Tuck the hair ends under the coiled hair rope.

Fasten the ballerina bun securely in place with several bobby pins.

Mist the ballerina bun and all hair with extra-holding hair spray.

Adapting the Ballerina Bun Hairstyle

For more casual occasions, the ballerina bun may be softened somewhat, if you twist the hair more loosely while winding it. Also, you can pull a few wispy strands loose in the front for a more informal look.

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